Having seven sons is a honor above no other. Which is why she is a disappointment. The only girl of seven children, she brought shame to her family. Who knew something like this could be turned into a book, but Rachel Rossano has done just that with her book, Seventh Born. Read on to learn more about the book and enter the giveaway.
About the Book
In a world where seventh born sons are valued for their strength and power, she is born a daughter.
Zezilia Ilar is the disappointment. Born after six brothers, she was supposed to be the son to restore her family’s prestige. She intends to remedy her shortcomings by being a dutiful daughter, marrying well and producing children, preferably a set of seven sons. But when someone offers her an alternative, she begins to dream of more.
In a society that worships a goddess, he follows the Almighty.
Hadrian Aleron, as a seventh son of a seventh son, stands to take up the second highest position in government, Sept Son. His main qualification for office is his birth. Despite preparing for this role from childhood, he does not desire what is to come. As a follower of the Almighty, he knows he will be the target of many, and his faith might eventually lead to death.
Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079Z2PPJL
About the Author
Rachel Rossano lives with her husband and three children in the northeastern part of the United States. Homeschooled through high school, she began writing her early teens. She didn’t become serious about pursuing a career as an author until after she had graduated from college and happily married. Then the children came.
Now she spends her days being a wife, mother, teacher, and household manager. Her evenings and free moments are devoted to her other loves, writing and book cover design. Drawing on a lifelong fascination with reading and history, she spends hours creating historical feeling fantasy worlds and populating them with characters who live and breathe on the page.
Follow Rachel on:
Twitter – https://twitter.com/RachelRossano
Google+ – https://plus.google.com/+RachelRossano
Pinterest – http://www.pinterest.com/rachelrossano/
Amazon Author Page – http://www.amazon.com/Rachel-Rossano/e/B004MV17GE/
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/anavrea
Newsletter Sign Up – http://eepurl.com/4sbsv
Giveaway
Rachel is giving away an eBook of her book. You can enter here. Your odds of winning increase with every person you refer so spread the word! Good luck, and I hope you win!
Excerpt/Guest Post/Review/Character Spotlight
CHARACTER SPOTLIGHT
Name – Zezilia Ilar
Her parents also followed the tradition of giving a child the same number of names as their placement in the family. More names usually meant more prestige. Her names are Zezilia Septima Calypso Aldyne Dulcia Tulliola Olethea Ilar (which means: gray-eyed, seventh born, she who hides, little winged one, sweet, little quiet one, honest, cheerful). Her parents and friends frequently call her Zez.
Physical Appearance – Tall for a young woman, she has a nose a bit too long for beauty according to some, changeable gray eyes, and a thick mane of dark mildly curly hair.
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Although she is the youngest of her siblings, all brothers, she holds her own in keeping up with as many of their activities as she can manage to join. Eager to please, she is acutely aware of the fact her parents, especially her father, are deeply disappointed she wasn’t the seventh born son they had hoped to raise. However, she is strong willed and not too remorseful. Instead she focuses on her interests of spending time outdoors and studying.
Tour Schedule
April 9
Bookish Orchestrations – Introductory post
Just A Glimpse – Guest Post
Faith, Loyalty, Adventure Blog – Book Review
April 10
Rachel John Writes– Book Review
Annie Louise Twitchell – Book Review
Letters from Annie Douglass Lima – Character Spotlight
April 11
God’s Peculiar Treasure Rae – Character Spotlight
Romantic Typewriter Gardens – Guest Post
The World of the Blue Bells Chronicles – Book Review
April 12
Rebekah Lyn Books – Book Spotlight
Frances Hoelsema – Book Spotlight
Hunting for Truth – Book Review and Guest Post
April 13
Reading On The Edge – Book Spotlight
Ember’s Reviews – Book Review
With a Joyful Noise – Character Spotlight
Views from the Window Friend – Book Review
April 14
Bookish Orchestrations – Giveaway winner
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Book Blurb:
War threatens. The game board is set. But the Minstrel is missing…
Advancing his growing power, the Dread Prince breaks free of his prison and brings a faction of dragons under his control, stirring unrest and hatred in the newly united kingdoms of Tellurae Aquaous.
When the dragon wards of Kallayohm are targeted in a ruthless attack, the High King travels there to administer justice. But the trial results in a crippling blow that leaves him reeling.
On the heels of defeat, an unexpected message from the erstwhile Minstrel arrives, pleading with his friends for rescue. Together, the High King and his companions must follow the fragile trail, braving peril and darkness that will test the measure of them all…
Book Links:
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38524538-minstrel-s-call?from_search=true
The other books in Jenelle’s series are on sale for several days. King’s Warrior and Second Son are on sale for 99 cents each and Yorien’s Hand is on sale for $1.99 from Feb. 27 – March 6.
King’s Warrior: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008UCLDV0/
Second Son: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L74XNAM/
Yorien’s Hand: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019E76B4I/
Rafflecopter Giveaway:
I am giving away 1 Dragon Sword, 1 252-piece puzzle of the artwork for Minstrel’s Call, and 1 signed paperback copy of Minstrel’s Call. (Due to standard-postal shipping restrictions of blades outside the continental USA, and the lack of reliable dragons these days, I cannot offer the sword to winners outside the U.S. However, if someone outside the U.S. wins that particular item, I will send them a $35 Amazon Gift Card instead).
Click here to enter the giveaway: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/6c7e337d20/?
Author Bio:
Jenelle Schmidt grew up in the northern-Midwest. She now resides with her husband and their four adorable children in the wilds of Wisconsin. Jenelle fell in love with reading at a young age during family story-times when her father would read out loud to her and her siblings each night before bed. Her imagination was captured by authors such as Madeleine L’Engle, J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Lloyd Alexander. It wasn’t long before she began making up her own stories and sharing them with her family. To this day she enjoys creating exciting adventure tales filled with poignant themes and compelling characters in the fantasy and sci-fi genres.
Author Links:
Website/Blog: http://jenelleschmidt.com
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Jenelle-Leanne-Schmidt/e/B008J4H9ZS/
Schedule:
MONDAY, February 26 = Welcome post from Jenelle
+ interview with Kyle Shultz
+ guest post for E.E Rawls
TUESDAY, February 27 = guest post for DJ Edwardson
+ book spot from Catherine Chant
WEDNESDAY, February 28 = book spot from CL Wells
THURSDAY, March 1 = book spot from Annie Douglas Lima
+ character interview with Kendra E. Ardnek
FRIDAY, March 2 = book spot from Bryn Shutt
+ newsletter release with Sarah Ashwood
MONDAY, March 5 = book spot from Dawn Roberto
+ guest post from Liv. K Fisher
TUESDAY, March 6 = ARC Review from Deborah O’Carroll
WEDNESDAY, March 7 = book spot from Nancy Moors
+ character interview with Kandi J Wyatt
THURSDAY, March 8 = author interview with Kendra E. Ardnek
FRIDAY, March 9 = book spot with Laurie Lucking
+ Tour End/giveaway winner post with Jenelle
On Tour with Prism Book Tours
Welcome to the Cover Reveal for
Bound Beauty
By Jennifer Silverwood
This YA Dark Fantasy is volume three in the Wylder Tale Series
Coming winter 2018, cover designed by Najla Qamber Designs
Beware the bond between blood and beasts…
Vynasha has united the warring human and forgotten clans of Wylderland, claiming her majik and power as curse breaker. Her brother, Ceddrych keeps their nephew safely hidden away while Vynasha and her new allies fight against the feral beasts roaming their borders.
Meanwhile, her friendship with the Iceveins family deepens, unveiling a love she never expected. But her majik is still bound to the cursed prince she left behind and he isn’t done fighting for her soul.
Darker forces walk in the forests, all drawn to Vynasha’s light and the shade of a corrupt Enchantress haunts her waking dreams. A war is about to begin, between the forgotten people of Wylderland and the evil power of Bitterhelm.
Prophecy and Forgotten unite in the epic third chapter of the Wylder Tales Series, a gothic re-telling of Beauty and the Beast.
The Wylder Tales Series
Craving Beauty (Vol. 1)
Wolfsbane’s Daughter (Vol. 1.5)
Scarred Beauty (Vol. 2)
Bound Beauty (Coming 2018)
Grab the first book, Craving Beauty, for FREE! You can find your preferred format here.
Other Books in the Series
About 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 two series—Heaven’s Edge and Wylder Tales—and the stand-alone titles Stay and Silver Hollow.
Cover Reveal Giveaway
– 1 winner will receive signed print copies of Craving Beauty and Scarred Beauty and an ebook of Wolfsbane’s Daughter (US only)
– 1 winner will receive ebooks of Craving Beauty, Wolfsbane’s Daughter and Scarred Beauty, and a $20 Amazon e-gift card (open internationally)
– 1 winner will receive ebooks of Craving Beauty, Wolfsbane’s Daughter and Scarred Beauty, and a $20 Amazon e-gift card (open internationally)
– Ends February 23rd
To Save a Race
Blurb:
When Duke Callon divorces his wife and decides on an uncanny way of choosing his next duchess, Arianna’s left with little choice. Faced with the intricacies of politics, Arianna struggles to find her place. Just as she thinks she has her footing, a decree, issued with the blessing of her husband, calls for the extermination of her entire race.
A young innocent girl, a capricious duke, and a decree that will change everything. What will it take to save a race?
Follow along in this one of a kind Steampunk Biblical retelling of an Old Testament classic by Kandi J Wyatt.
Character Interview with Arianna
What is your name? Do you have a nickname?
Hi, my name is Arianna. I’ve never had a nickname until recently. My husband calls me Thair after the brightest star in the sky.
Since my readers can’t see you, what is your hair color? Eye color?Unlike my uncle and other Anduvians, I have blonde hair and blue eyes.
Who are your friends and family? Who do you surround yourself with? Who are the people you’re closest to? Who do you wish you were closest to?
The All-Seeing One has truly blessed me with friends and family. I barely remember my mother and have no memories of my father, but my uncle has taken good care of me. When he didn’t think he could teach me what I needed to learn, he allowed my best friend’s family to become my foster family. I loved living with Pasha and her family. Her brother, Kenden, has been like a big brother to me.
Recently, I’ve left my foster family’s home to live in the duke’s castle. While here, I’ve made friends with my personal servant, Cara. I’ve also found favor in the eyes of Ayudal. He’s the man who was in charge of the beauty pageant. That’s a whole other story. I guess, the pageant is why I’d like to become closer to the duke.
What is your favorite occupation?
Up until a few weeks ago, I would have said climbing trees and playing with Pasha’s kitten were my favorite pastimes, but now, I guess, reading and needlework have taken their place.
What is your most treasured possession?
I have a necklace that was my mother’s, a bracelet from Uncle Marcos, and a pendant that Kenden gave me for my last birthday. Those are probably my most reassured possessions.
What is it that you most dislike? Oh, now, you’re meddling. Ayudal is trying to teach me to curb my emotions, but really, it irks me to think of the duke making decrees that totally change people’s lives with no thought of the consequences! How dare he! Oh, sorry, but you asked.
What is your motto?
I’m not sure if I really have a motto, but I do believe that the All-Seeing One is in complete control. He’ll work everything out according to His plans. I might not like it, but in the end, it really is the best for me.
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Bio:
Even as a young girl, Kandi J Wyatt, had a knack for words. She loved to read them, even if it was on a shampoo bottle! By high school Kandi had learned to put words together on paper to create stories for those she loved. Nowadays, she writes for her kids, whether that’s her own five or the hundreds of students she’s been lucky to teach. When Kandi’s not spinning words to create stories, she’s using them to teach students about Spanish, life, and leadership.
Where to find me:
Twitter: http://twitter.com/kandijwyatt
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/kandijwyatt
Where to find the book:
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“If you like non-magical fantasy with a strong dash of romance about a girl who fights against incredible odds to find freedom and her place in the world, then this is for you!”
Last month, Livy Lynn contacted me, requesting that I be part of an exciting Blog Tour, for Christian Fantasy Author, Sarah Addison Fox! Sarah is a New Zealand-born home-schooling mother of two who loves action-packed, clean, fantasy with strong heroines. Her debut novel, Disowned, is about a Kyraenean slave name Celeste. She risks her life to reach the free nation of Etraea, a country filled with technology and wealth. Once she arrives in Etraea, she unknowingly sets off a chain of events that will change her life forever. You can check out her book here.
I’m super excited to announce that for my portion of the Tour, Sarah is giving away a $20 Amazon Gift Card! Yay for more money to spend on books! 😀 To enter, simply use the Rafflecopter form below, to follow Sarah Addison, and the Tour Coordinator, Livy Lynn, on their Social Media accounts. The Giveaway begins January 10th and ends January 12th!
*Please note, this giveaway is not in anyway endorsed or funded by Amazon. The Giveaway prize is coming directly from Sarah Addison Fox, author of Disowned.
a Rafflecopter giveaway 
Tour Coordinated By: Livy Lynn Blog! Are you a Christian author? Let me plan your next Blog Tour! Visit www.livylynnblog.com!
On Tour with Prism Book Tours
It’s the Grand Finale for
12 Days of Fantasy for Christmas
We hope you enjoyed getting a glimpse into books from these 12 fantasy authors! If you missed any of the stops, you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below. And don’t forget to enter the awesome Fire Tablet and ebook giveaway, if you haven’t already…
November 30th: Launch
Partial Excerpt (read the entirety here or on one of the participating blogs):
He was real.
And he was gorgeous.
I straightened and walked toward him, but the closer I got, the more I realized that he wasn’t quite the guy from my dreams. I shook my head, unable to make sense of it. He had the same tall, muscular build. The same copper skin and dark eyes. The braid running down his back was exactly the same as the one I’d seen in my dreams.
But his face was slightly different. Younger with higher cheekbones.
Those eyes, though.
December 2nd: W.R. Gingell – Excerpt
Follow the Author: Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Instagram│Amazon
Participating Blogs:
ebook SALE for 99¢ through December 13th
Partial Excerpt (read the entirety here or on one of the participating blogs):
Poly was obliged to dissuade her hair from clasping Luck to her side before he could disentangle his arms, by which time she was feeling hot and bothered and misused.
“Don’t look at me like that,” said Luck, his eyes very green. “I don’t particularly like being co-joined to you, either.”
Poly, who hadn’t thought she was looking in any specific way, blushed.
Taking unfair advantage of her confusion, he added: “I thought princesses were meant to take lessons in charm and deportment.”
December 3rd: Nikki Jefford – Guest Post
Follow the Author: Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Instagram
Follow the Author: Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Instagram
Participating Blogs:
Partial Guest Post (read the entirety here or on one of the participating blogs):
Wolf Hollow – A Holiday Playlist
Civilization might have fallen, but that doesn’t mean the shifters in Wolf Hollow don’t know how to celebrate! Usually it’s all about full moons and claiming ceremonies. While there isn’t electricity, they have their drums for music making and dancing.
Here’s a playlist of their favorite holiday tunes to beat out on the drums…
December 4th: K. D. Jones – Excerpt
Follow the Author: Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Instagram
Participating Blogs:
Goodreads│Amazon│Amazon UK│Amazon CA│Amazon AU
B&N│iBooks│Kobo│Scribd│Smashwords
B&N│iBooks│Kobo│Scribd│Smashwords
ON SALE FOR A LIMITED TIME
Partial Excerpt (read the entirety here or on one of the participating blogs):
A shadow stepped forward; a soft orange glow lit up a handsomely chiseled face with hard eyes.
Her brows steepened as she gazed upon the huntsman. “What are you doing here?”
His eyes were hungry. And very black.
“You are beautiful, even in rags,” he said, taking a step forward and eyeing her up and down. “What a waste.”
December 5th: M. L. LeGette – Excerpt
Follow the Author: Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Instagram│Tumblr
Participating Blogs:
Goodreads│Amazon│Smashwords
Partial Excerpt (read the entirety here or on one of the participating blogs):
Dawn was steadily creeping over the rooftops of the houses as they walked. Toad glanced at her. She was scrawny and her yellow-blonde hair was long and braided, wispy, brittle ends poking out at odd places. She was as plain as a broom with her second-hand clothes. He had been surprised to discover her to be so drab, what with her owning a Spit-Fire (they were common, but still costly) and being such a fluent reader. Then again, Wilson could read so that didn’t say much.
Dawn was steadily creeping over the rooftops of the houses as they walked. Toad glanced at her. She was scrawny and her yellow-blonde hair was long and braided, wispy, brittle ends poking out at odd places. She was as plain as a broom with her second-hand clothes. He had been surprised to discover her to be so drab, what with her owning a Spit-Fire (they were common, but still costly) and being such a fluent reader. Then again, Wilson could read so that didn’t say much.
December 6th: Belle Malory – Excerpt
Follow the Author: Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter
Follow the Author: Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter
Participating Blogs:
Find The Twelfth Keeper Series on Amazon
Partial Excerpt (read the entirety here or on one of the participating blogs):
Maybe their souls really were here together. Somehow, some way—but that couldn’t be possible. She shook herself, trying to shake away the feeling. Believing this was all real would only drive her further down the road to insanity. She was already having trouble getting a grip on reality as it was. She needed to stay grounded. Rational. Outside of here, she had a life to live. Believing in the reality of this Phoenix would make her want to give all that up.
“What are you thinking about?” Phoenix joined her by the edge of the pool and looked up at the skylights.
Telling him the truth would only ruin the moment. “I’m thinking about how we should spend our time here.”
Maybe their souls really were here together. Somehow, some way—but that couldn’t be possible. She shook herself, trying to shake away the feeling. Believing this was all real would only drive her further down the road to insanity. She was already having trouble getting a grip on reality as it was. She needed to stay grounded. Rational. Outside of here, she had a life to live. Believing in the reality of this Phoenix would make her want to give all that up.
“What are you thinking about?” Phoenix joined her by the edge of the pool and looked up at the skylights.
Telling him the truth would only ruin the moment. “I’m thinking about how we should spend our time here.”
December 7th: Melissa McShane – Guest Post
Follow the Author: Website│Goodreads│Twitter│Newsletter
Participating Blogs:
Goodreads│Amazon│B&N│Smashwords│Kobo
Partial Guest Post (read the entirety here or on one of the participating blogs):
The Making of Willow North
The Making of Willow North
Willow North, the main character of Pretender to the Crown, was never meant to be anything but a throwaway line. Background: my series The Crown of Tremontane was written out of order, with the third book, Agent of the Crown, written first. In that book, the main character, a princess and a spy, mentions Willow in passing, saying she always felt sorry for her because it was such a frivolous name. That was it—Willow was just a bud on the North family tree, a passing joke to give my spy princess depth.
December 8th: Sara C. Roethle – Excerpt
Follow the Author: Website│Goodreads│Facebook
Participating Blogs:
Or grab the trilogy on Amazon.
Partial Excerpt (read the entirety here or on one of the participating blogs):
Noticing my distraction, Allison took a break from her monologue to turn and follow my gaze. “Who’s the hunk?”
Noticing my distraction, Allison took a break from her monologue to turn and follow my gaze. “Who’s the hunk?”
“That creep has been staring over here since we sat down,” I grumbled.
Allison smirked. “He’s hot, maybe you should go teach him some manners.”
I raised an eyebrow at her comment. “I will never understand your taste in men. He looks like an overly-primped jerk.”
Allison raised both of her eyebrows in surprise. “My Xoe, you sure are feeling judgy today. That’s supposed to be my job.” She rose from her seat and looked over at Creepy Guy.
Realizing her intent, I reached for her arm and tried to pull her back down. “No way Al,” I chided. “Don’t even think about it.”
December 9th: R.K. Ryals – Excerpt
Follow the Author: Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Instagram
Participating Blogs:
Partial Excerpt (read the entirety here or on one of the participating blogs):
“Light a mage-fire!” the red coated man ordered.
“Light a mage-fire!” the red coated man ordered.
I was screaming now, the sound shrill. The other men looked at their captain with wide eyes.
“And risk the trees?” a young soldier asked. The older man’s gaze moved to the private, and the boy shifted uncomfortably.
“The trees will not burn. Light a fire.” The captain’s voice was low and commanding with a threatening undercurrent no one seemed willing to test.
A hand was over my mouth now, and I looked up wildly only to find myself peering into Jarvis’ youthful face.
“Quiet, miss. They’ll only burn you as well,” the boy whispered against my ear. Even at thirteen, the boy was the same height as me, and he was strong. I fought him desperately, but he didn’t loosen his hold. “You’ve always been nice to me, miss. Please,” he begged.
December 10th: Jennifer Silverwood – Trailer & Excerpt
Follow the Author: Website│Blog│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Tumblr
Participating Blogs:
TheHufflepuffNerdette
The Books You Read
The Books You Read
Goodreads│Amazon│B&N│Book Depository│Smashwords│iBooks
Partial Excerpt (read the entirety here or on one of the participating blogs):
The beast’s life had been forfeit the hour the Prince locked her in the dungeon.
She often dreamed of glittering gems beneath a canopy of starlight and soft silks against satin skin. A perfect wolf moon gleamed in the glass skylight above so silvery beams blended together with the hazy glow of a dozen candelabrum. Joy filled her every step as they danced together, her hand in his, smile lines about his perfect silver eyes. He was like the moonlight and she filled with all the warmth of the sun. His words blurred together in her memory, full of promise and hope until her light died. It was the last moment of her life she could remember and though she could not explain how she knew this, the moment her dreams died.
All dreams die in the damp dim of the dungeon of Castle Bitterhelm.
The beast’s life had been forfeit the hour the Prince locked her in the dungeon.
She often dreamed of glittering gems beneath a canopy of starlight and soft silks against satin skin. A perfect wolf moon gleamed in the glass skylight above so silvery beams blended together with the hazy glow of a dozen candelabrum. Joy filled her every step as they danced together, her hand in his, smile lines about his perfect silver eyes. He was like the moonlight and she filled with all the warmth of the sun. His words blurred together in her memory, full of promise and hope until her light died. It was the last moment of her life she could remember and though she could not explain how she knew this, the moment her dreams died.
All dreams die in the damp dim of the dungeon of Castle Bitterhelm.
December 11th: Melissa Wright – Excerpt & Chimera Generator
Follow the Author: Website│Blog│Goodreads│Twitter│Instagram│BookBub
Participating Blogs:
SilverWoodSketches
Partial Excerpt/Guest Post (read the entirety here or on one of the participating blogs):
What Sort of Monster Are You?
What Sort of Monster Are You?
QUEEN OF IRON AND BLOOD, book two in the Shattered Realms series, takes place in a world of monsters. Check out the exclusive excerpt below, and use the Chimera Generator to create your own!
A figure waited on the ledge above him, silent, dark wings still. Hunter could feel her though, the ancient energy recharged like the rest of his world. “I cannot leave them sleeping,” he told her. “The risk is too great.” If Malkyn killed Hunter, if he were not able to return, these new Iron Bound would never be awakened. It would be an eternal wasting away, a thousand-year massacre.
A figure waited on the ledge above him, silent, dark wings still. Hunter could feel her though, the ancient energy recharged like the rest of his world. “I cannot leave them sleeping,” he told her. “The risk is too great.” If Malkyn killed Hunter, if he were not able to return, these new Iron Bound would never be awakened. It would be an eternal wasting away, a thousand-year massacre.
December 12th: Morgan Wylie – Guest Post
Follow the Author: Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│YouTube│Instagram│Amazon
Participating Blogs:
TheHufflepuffNerdette
Becky on Books
Becky on Books
Goodreads│Amazon│B&N
Partial Guest Post (read the entirety here or on one of the participating blogs):
Character Interview
Hello! Thank you so much for having me today!! I wanted to share some things that you may find interesting about my main character Kaeleigh from The Age of Alandria series.
*Ahem, throat clearing*
Chel: Excuse me, Morgan, but I think if anyone is going to talk about Kaeleigh it should be me! 😉 *Chel bounces behind me.
Me: Well, hi Chel, I didn’t know you would be here, but I should’ve known better. Where’s Finn?
*Chel nods to the back of the room*
*Finn stands at the back of the room, arms crossed, and scowling*
Chel: Oh Finn, relax. I’m not going to share anything Kaeleigh wouldn’t want people to know.
*Finn Slinks over from where he was skulking in the corner with a cheesy grin*
Finn: I know, that’s why Chel and I will take it from here.
Tour Giveaway
1 winner will win a FIRE HD 8 TABLET from Amazon along with the following ebooks:
– TRITON’S CURSE by Sarra Cannon
– MASQUE by W.R. Gingell
– AURORA SKY: VAMPIRE HUNTER by Nikki Jefford
– A WHITE SO RED by K.D. Jones
– THE TALE OF MALLY BIDDLE by M.L. LeGette
– THE TWELFTH KEEPER by Belle Malory
– THE SMOKE-SCENTED GIRL by Melissa McShane
– THE XOE MEYERS TRILOGY by Sara C. Roethle
– TEMPEST by R.K. Ryals
– CRAVING BEAUTY be Jennifer Silverwood
– THE DESCENDANTS SERIES by Melissa Wright
– REAWAKENED by Morgan Wylie
Open to US residents or those who are eligible for the Fire Tablet in their area (those who are not, can receive cash value through PayPal)
Ends December 17th
Today I welcome fantasy author Lorilyn Roberts to my blog for an interview. Make sure you check out her books – the first one is FREE, and the latest one is on sale right now for just 99 cents. They would make great Christmas presents!
Do you only write or do you have another full-time profession?I have a full-time profession providing closed caption for television. I worked as a court reporter for twenty years before I became a broadcast captioner. I have captioned many stations your readers have probably watched—Fox News, CNN, ESPN, Fox Sports, NBA, MLB, NHL, Golf, QVC, and dozens of local news channels in the United States. I’ve also captioned tons of sports, particularly soccer, from all over the world—Australia, Europe, New Zealand, and South America, as well as the Olympics.
Where do you like to write?
I write in my chair with my back to my desk with my legs propped up on my bed. I make that distinction because when I’m captioning, I face my desk. When writing stories, I deliberately turn away from my desk, turn on Pandora, and whisk myself to other worlds.
Is writing everything you thought it would be?
That’s a difficult question to answer. It’s not what I thought it would be, but I think it’s better. I don’t submit my work to publishers. I’m strictly Indy. At first, many years ago, the only way was the traditional route, submitting and being rejected. That didn’t work for me. Now that that’s no longer required, I love it. Instead of submitting articles, I write on my blog. I write books and can market them the way I want. I find that very freeing and challenging.
I love being in the “driver’s seat.” I’ve made mistakes and learned from them. Since I have a full-time job, I don’t have the stress of meeting publisher deadlines. I write when I can and trust God to help me carve out the hours to finish whatever I start. It’s in the process of working out our calling that we are refined and shown to be who we are. I’ve come to realize, this is my passion. I don’t write for money, prestige, or fame. I write because that’s the way God made me. And because I write for an audience of one, my books must be the absolute best that I can make them. So is it everything I thought it would be? It’s more.
Who is/was your favorite character to write about?Shale Snyder, one of the two protagonists in the Seventh Dimension Series. In many ways, she’s like me, although not in every way. But in some ways, her life journey mirrors mine.
Who was your last book boyfriend/girlfriend?
Many years ago I read The Exodus by Leon Uris, and there was a male protagonist in that book that I fell in love with. After all these years, that character is the one that comes to mind.
Do you like warm or cold days?
Warm days. I live in Florida—so I hate cold weather. I also love to swim and have scuba dove all over the world—including Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and the Red Sea in Eilat, Israel.
Tea, coffee or rum?
My favorite is a Starbucks latte, extra hot. I’ve been longing for one all day. Your question has prompted me to get one as soon as I finish your interview.
Do you like scary movies/stories?
If they end well and don’t have blood.
Do you write in one sitting or in bursts?
I tend to write in bursts. Finding the time is always, always difficult.
Thank you for hosting me on your blog. Be sure and let your readers know they can pick up the first ebook in the Seventh Dimension Series, The Door, for free at their favorite book website. My new book The Prescience will be 99c until Christmas, so I am encouraging readers to pick it up now while it’s on sale and read books one through four first. The story builds on each book, so it’s best to read the Seventh Dimension Series in order. To learn more about The Prescience, visit http://bit.ly/LPThuWebPrescience
The first book in the series, The Door, is free. Click here to get your copy! I recommend people read the series in order. Pick up The Prescience while it’s on sale, though!
Announcing the Epic Conclusion to the Keepers of the Wellsprings Series!
Author/illustrator Missy Sheldrake has fairies dancing in her head–but these aren’t like any fairies you know. Her young adult fantasy books will sweep you into a rich, magical world, following the adventures of teen-aged swordswoman Azi, her best friend Rian, the Mage, and her colorful fairy companion, Flit, as they battle to unravel a wicked curse threatening the age-old peace in their world. Sheldrake’s books are written for a broad audience, and rated PG by My Book Cave. Her themes revolve around redemption, trust, and the love of family and friends. Today, she’s so excited to announce the release of Call of Elespen, the fifth and epic conclusion to her Keepers of the Wellsprings series, she’s offering the first four books in the series FREE November 29th only! You read that right, you can essentially get the entire epic series for just $3.99 if you grab all four books today!
In Call of Elespen:
“Four offerings claimed. Two left. One, I can easily get. Ceras’lain. The other, Elespen. I don’t know much about that place. Only what I saw from the ship while I escaped from Sunteri. A jungle on either side of a wide river. A city I was forbidden to enter. Forbidden, even though I didn’t even realize it at the time…” -Tib, Dreamstalker, escaped slave
“They know our victory is nearing. They know we’re the Champions of Light. They’d rather keep us here, trapped in their lair, distracted from our quest to restore Brindelier and claim the Wellsprings.” -Flitt, fairy companion to Sir Azi Hammerfel
A vindictive Sorcerer King with a century-old grudge has spent decades gathering an army obsessed with claiming what their master feels he’s owed. Threatened by his dark dealings and sinister followers, will the Champions of Light succeed in claiming Brindelier’s Wellspring for the Dawn, or will its vast power fall forever into the hands of the unforgiving Dusk?
Make the choice: Dawn, or Dusk, and ally yourself with dragons, fairies, mages, knights, and muses in the epic conclusion to the Keepers of the Wellsprings series.
What reviewers are saying about the Keepers of the Wellsprings series:
“…this book had nice readability and should appeal to a wide range of audiences. Too often fantasy is written far too mature, or too childish. The author does a good job of not talking down to her audience, which leads to this readability range.” Fatho, Amazon Reviewer
“Azaeli is an awesome young lady; one to watch in the role model stakes.” -T.L. Clark, Author
“…an enchanting read from start to finish.” J. Ortiz, Amazon Reviewer
“Epic, Epic, Epic, wow what an incredible book, story and entry to a fantasy realm. This has movie possibilities written all over it. Magnificent writing, adventure with good and evil and some that are in between the two. Dark forces and forces of light. It simply doesn’t get any better.” -Kindle Reviewer
About the Author:
Missy Sheldrake is an author/illustrator who has been conjuring images of fairies in one form or another for as long as she can remember. The wind in the trees and the rich scent of forest earth are her most treasured sources of inspiration, and on most mornings you will find her wandering the wooded paths of her neighborhood, dreaming of the next adventure she hopes to put to the page. She published her first novel, Call of Kythshire, in March of 2015 and intends to keep writing as long as the fairies in her dreams allow it.
Galleries of illustrations and excerpts from the Keepers of the Wellsprings series can be viewed on her website and blog.
Missy can also be found on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, and Pinterest. Her books are available on Amazon.
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: Frigga’s Lost Army
Brief summary of the story:
An Army cook is taken prisoner in the second world war, only to find a divine benefactor he never thought to encounter.
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:
Frigga’s Lost Army takes place mainly in and around a POW camp in Naples, Italy after the Battle of Tunisia that happened in 1942. Though this is an “alternate Italy”, so to speak, tried to create the look and feel of the Naples area as much as I could. Some parts of the story also take place in Frigga’s castle, Fensalir, and that was easier to play with. So Ben (the main character) shifts between the world of WWII to the more Medieval-type world of her castle of Fensalir when she summons him.
If we were to visit Fensalir as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?
I would look for the cats. Frigga’s cats can be very helpful and generous. Also, she has this magical music room you won’t want to miss. J Oh! And if you head down to Ben’s pow camp in Naples, Italy, check out the umbrella trees (a.k.a. stone pines). Weird, fascinating things. They really do resemble umbrellas! Man are they cool.
What dangers should we avoid in Fensalir and Ben’s real world?
In Frigga’s world, the forest leading up to Fensalir can be tricky to navigate. Also, back in the “real world” Ben is under the thumb of the Fascist army so, yeah, with them, you’d want to be careful what you say and do around them. You (or he, rather) wouldn’t want to anger them, when they’re basically holding the power of life and death over him.
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in this world?
Being as Benjamin’s “real life” takes place in Italy, and he’s the platoon cook, he’s become very proficient at all types of Italian food. In Frigga’s world, she shows him how to make big fat cheeseburgers that are to die for. Definitely, we’d want to try those out. J
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common here?
Being in the Army, Benjamin was taught to handle an M1 machine gun, but… throughout his captivity, he’s denied that. Until he meets a guard (who, like him, has ties to Frigga) who teaches him a little more about hand-to-hand and fighting with any available weapon. I have a brother who teaches Self-defense so referred to him when necessary.
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to the area?
Oh, well, in Italy, it’s the usual Jeeps and transport trucks. Ben gets around Fensalir by good old foot power. As for animals, Frigga’s cats are able to help him hide things when necessary, and can fetch and deliver, more than your average cat will. 😉
What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in alternate Italy that we don’t see on Earth?
Oh, let’s see…Even though we’re on Earth, here in Italy, there are Frigga’s cats, which as I’ve said can cross the realms easily enough at her behest. They also pull her chariot in battle. She also has Valkyries and berserkers in her army and a few assorted other mythical creatures.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in alternate Italy? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.
Huge. While Frigga can’t do everything here, like free Ben and his friends, she sends her cats, like I said, to our realm to assist him, and she uses her to ease Ben’s pain, when it’s necessary. She also amasses an army when it’s necessary.
Is there any advanced or unusual technology in alternate Italy? If you haven’t described it already, please give some examples.
Not specifically, but 1942-43 was the first use of Sherman tanks in battle. And Ben and his comrades in the POW camp fashion stoves and working radios out bits and pieces, (that’s actual period; POW’s in WW2, did just that.)
Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in alternate Italy.
One of Ben’s colleagues in the camp builds a radio out of scraps that they listen to to keep informed and pass the time.
Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in alternate Italy as in our world? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there?
The same. M-F, Easter, July 4th, Christmas, etc.
Is there a particular religion practiced in alternate Italy? Please describe what it involves.
For the most part, the usual you’d find in our world. With a touch of paganism.
What is the political or government structure in alternate Italy? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?
Mussolini and the Fascists, oh, boy (Which, though this is an alternate version of Italian/world history, he/they really were in charge during the time period). Whole books have been written about them! They took over after World War I and Mussolini decided he was going to restore the glory of Ancient Rome. Unfortunately, a lot of young men followed his beliefs, right into war. *grumble* Luckily, they ended up coming to their senses, and dispatching Mussolini.
Are there any other unique cultural practices that we should be aware of if we visit Ben’s world?
For the most part, the Italians are Catholic, but… The guard I mentioned above who befriends Ben shows him that one local church is a portal into Valhalla.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?
My family is from Naples, Italy, originally, the same city-state the book takes place in. So when I saw that one of the prison camps was built there, I couldn’t resist setting Frigga’s Lost Army in Naples. I also had two grandfathers and a grandmother (a nurse) involved with the Army and Navy in WWII.
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?
*thinks* Outside maybe the treatment of POW’s at the time, or how the Italians felt about Mussolini, I don’t think there are many.
Author Autobiography:
Juli D. Revezzo loves fantasy and Celtic mythology and 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, historical fantasy Frigga’s Lost Army, as well as the Victorian romances House of Dark Envy and Watchmaker’s Heart, the Gothic fantasy romance, Lady of the Tarot, and more. 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?
Where can readers connect with you online?
My audiobooks (I have a few) are at: http://www.audible.com/search/ref=a_offers_30_tseft__galileo?advsearchKeywords=Juli+D.+Revezzo&x=0&y=0%22
Website: https://www.julidrevezzo.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julidrevezzo
Twitter: https://twitter.com/julidrevezzo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julidrevezzo/
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/julidrevezzo
and they can join my newsletter here: http://bit.ly/SNI5K6
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to alternate Italy. Questions about the world or the book? Ask them in the comments and the author will get back to you!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to another world in next week’s edition of Realm Explorers!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to another world in next week’s edition of Realm Explorers!
-Annie Douglass Lima
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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: Blake Bisciotti
Title of book and/or series: Kingdom Come – (Price of Power, Book 1)
Brief summary of the story: When an unlikely mix of races joins together to create a thriving civilization, the nations of southern Herridon find that the peace they had known for over a hundred years is suddenly in jeopardy. For some, the thralls of war might create opportunity, but for others it could lead to a precipitous fall from power. The winds of change are passing through the lands giving way to heroic acts of valor and honor, but also to plots of deceit and destruction.
The three cities by the South Sea are in the middle of the fray, which leads a bold Captain, Victus Antonel, to take matters into his own hands. He raises an army with the intentions of eradicating the threat posed by the upstart nation. With the help of an unscrupulous ally, the Captain and the cities are immersed into the chaos of war and the enemy may not be quite what, or who, it had seemed to be.
Life for all who reside in southern Herridon will be forever changed; however whether it will be for better or for worse hangs in the balance.
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story: Herridon lies on a large continent surrounded by small islands in some places. The terrain varies depending on location. There are mountain ranges, forests, plains, hills, swamps, and small deserts. There are long plains that stretch across the southern central region of Herridon like a belt on the land. Kingdom Come takes place below the plains.
If we were to visit Herridon as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there? North of the vast plains you would find the expansive Sadic empire which is a civilization of developed cities and societies; however the story of Kingdom Come takes place south of the plains. Here you would want to visit the three cities by the South Sea. Each has an illustrious harbor and commercial zone, which include pubs and markets. North of the cities, you could always visit the home of the industrious dwarves burrowed in the large mountain range called the Singrin Peaks. If you were really adventurous, you could explore Lirrowick forest, home to the uncanny elves of whom little is known.
What dangers should we avoid in Herridon? The primary danger you would encounter would be wandering tribes of orcs or goblins, although human highwaymen can be equally as dangerous. There used to be more small tribes wandering the lands in southern Herridon however, as you find out early in Kingdom Come, they seem to have come together to try and foster a more prosperous life while gaining the benefits and strengths of numbers.
Whatever you do, avoid the mountains in the west by the Salty Sea, its not a safe place, the inhabitants are volatile and dangerous.
Another danger would be getting involved with the Crimson Fox. The Crimson Fox is a shady underground guild that is present in all three cities by the South Sea. They deal in many of the sinful pleasures of southern Herridon including prostitution, dangerous substances and…magic. Getting too involved with this dubious group often ends in peril.
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Herridon? The cuisine is quite diverse. The cities by the South Sea are all coastal so there is quite a bit of seafood; however they do well cultivating the land as well. Hunting is probably best in the planes, but the barbarians that inhabit the area have control there.
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Herridon? In the cities by the South Sea you would mostly see swords, knives and bow and arrow; however there certainly are other weapons such as maces, axes, war hammers, spears etc. Certain religious orders are forbidden to use bladed or sharpened weapons due to ancient edicts. For the dwarves axes and war hammers reign supreme. They also use crossbows. The weapons of orcs and goblins vary as well, however they are often poorly made and crude.
The rare ogres and rarer giants prefer clubs and axes…massive clubs and axes of course.
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Herridon? Typically travel is done on foot or horseback. Horses can draw carriages as well.
What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in Herridon that we don’t see on Earth? As mentioned, there are various races other than humans such as: dwarves, elves, orcs, goblins, ogres, and giants. The animals and plants are rather similar to Earth. There could be, however, more interesting and unique life forms deeper into the mountains or within the expanses of Lirrowick forest.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Herridon? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used. There is indeed magic in Herridon, however far less prevalent and powerful than it was in eras past. There are two types of magic: divine and arcane. Divine magic is granted by various gods by way of their followers. Arcane magic is a mysterious force that has almost gone extinct due to its abuses by men. There does remain a group, an unscrupulous guild called the Crimson Fox, that can still harness its powers.
Is there any advanced or unusual technology in Herridon? If you haven’t described it already, please give some examples. No, but the dwarves are known to use their subterranean furnaces to create very sought after goods. They are also great engineers.
Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in Herridon. There are board games and dice games. Also, there are team activity games played with balls.
Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in Herridon as on Earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there? The weeks are about the same (7 days) as well as months. It is all driven off of seasons. There are various holidays that come from the various gods. Zentiog, The Day of Life, is one that is specifically mentioned in Kingdom Come. It is a holiday of the sun god although it is observed by the followers of many gods in a week long celebration.
Is there a particular religion practiced in Herridon? Please describe what it involves. As mentioned, there are various religions that follow a diverse group of gods. This includes, for example, Phelios god of the sun, Tuemis god of hearth and home, Aya goddess of air, Ramdeen dwarven god of the mountains, Zatelboz orcish god of the moon.
What is the political or government structure in Herridon? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she? The three cities by the South Sea are run by governing councils as has been the way since the cities were founded. It is rather well known that the councils are corrupt and act in their own interest, much to the dismay of the common people, however they have always been often too afraid or complacent to push for change, but perhaps that will change…
The dwarves are run by their clans, who come together in a council.
Faletonia, the collective civilization of orcs, goblins, ogres, giants and some humans, is run by a council with representatives of each race
Are there any other unique cultural practices that we should be aware of if we visit Herridon? Each of the three cities has slightly different culture, but are typically the same. The culture of the dwarves is significantly different though. One can only guess that the elves have a strange culture themselves. The cultures of the mixed races in Faletonia will have to figure out how they will mix together.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book? No, just my love of fantasy.
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book? Although not directly intentional, there could be some underlying geopolitical tones derived in this series.
Author Autobiography: I grew up in New Jersey and live in Brooklyn with my wife and kids.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book? My book is available in soft cover and kindle, both on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1974587886/
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Herridon. Questions about the world or the book? Ask them in the comments and the author will get back to you!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to another world in next week’s edition of Realm Explorers!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to another world in next week’s edition of Realm Explorers!
-Annie Douglass Lima