Welcome to Realm Explorers! In this weekly series, we visit a variety of unique worlds created by talented science fiction and fantasy authors. Enjoy your travels! And don’t forget to read to the bottom of the post to find out more about each author and see how to purchase the featured book. This one is on sale for just 99 cents, for the next two days only!
Author’s name: Jennifer Ellision
Title of book and/or series: Threats of Sky and Sea
Brief summary of the story:
Bree has spent her life as a barmaid, innocent to her father’s past and happily free from the Elemental gifts that would condemn her to a life in the King’s army.
…Until the day soldiers recognize her father as a traitor to the throne.
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:
The world of the Threats of Sky and Sea series begins in the country of Egria, where those who possess abilities over the Elements are conscripted into the King’s armies. As time goes on, our characters are drawn further into the war the King hungers for with the island nation of Nereidium. To say much more would be to spoil you!
If we were to visit Egria as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?
If you find yourself in the capital, do stop by The Soused Turkey for a drink. It’s a bit of a hole-in-the-wall, but locals speak highly of the friendly manner of the barkeep and you can get a good—well, cheap drink there.
If you prefer landmarks and architecture, the winter palace is a sight to behold—some have playfully described the view as reminding them of a beautiful frosted cake.
What dangers should we avoid in Egria?
If you happen to be an Elemental, stay well clear of the palace in the capital. It’s the King’s stronghold and, if Revealed, he’ll not only punish you for avoiding conscription, but… well… you’ll find yourself serving a lifetime in his armed forces.
Unless you’re the sort that prefers fighting for a corrupt king. Then, by all means! Snap those fingers and light a flame.
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Egria?
If you do happen upon The Soused Turkey and meet the barkeep, Clift, you might ask him for a glass of Starter Cider. It’s got a heady cinnamon flavor, but careful! It’s strong stuff.
And, erm… perhaps keep your Starter Cider away from an open flame. Just in case.
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Egria?
Those who don’t possess Elemental abilities favor old-fashioned steel—swords, daggers, and arrows alike. When those are tossed aside, they’ll swing a punch if need be.
But the Elementals among us heavily favor using their Elements against an enemy. Stay clear of a Torcher in a bad mood…
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Egria?
By and large, inhabitants in the world of Threats of Sky and Sea travel by hoof or by foot. That is, unless they’re travelling to or from the island nation of Nereidium, in which case, they’d need a boat.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Egria? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.
The magic at play in the world of the Threats of Sky and Sea series is dependent on the powers over the Elements that certain individuals possess—and the times that the Makers deign to interfere in the affairs of mortals.
Is there a particular religion practiced in Egria? Please describe what it involves.
Many worship the Makers—the Mother and the Father. The Egrians’ creation myth tells that the Makers created the world, after a previous one was destroyed. With this new world, they chose to imbue certain individuals with the power of the elements, in the hopes that tying them more tightly to the earth would give them a greater respect for it.
When possible, Egrians worship in the middle of the week, mid-day—interrupting their day and week to worship.
What is the political or government structure in Egria? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?
Egria is a monarchy, currently ruled by King Langdon, who has one son—Prince Caden.
Langdon is power-hungry. Power-mad, but he rules unchecked.
…For now.
Are there any other unique cultural practices that we should be aware of if we visit Egria?
I’d avoid wearing the colors red or purple, if possible. The King likes to reserve purple for royalty. And, though it is an outdated practice, red was once the color worn by murderers.
Author Autobiography:I spent a great deal of my childhood staying up past my bedtime with a book and a flashlight. When I couldn’t find the stories I wanted to read, I started writing them. I love words, have a soft spot for fanfiction, and am a master of the fangirl flail. I reside in South Florida with my family, where I live in fear of temperatures below 60 Fahrenheit.
I’m the author of the (now complete!) YA fantasy series, Threats of Sky and Sea, as well as the New Adult contemporary romance, Now and Again.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book(s)? Please include links.
You can find my e-books on Amazon (where Threats of Sky and Sea is 99 cents at the moment), Barnes and Noble, iBooks, Kobo, and Smashwords. Threats of Sky and Sea also has the honor of being available as a Booktrack, as well. Booktrack is a unique reading format in which the text is scored—like a movie soundtrack that plays as you read!
My novels are also available as paperbacks and you can find some of my works in audiobook form on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes—and I am working to make sure that they are all available in that format soon!
Where can readers connect with you online?
I’m (almost) everywhere! You can visit me on my website, jenniferellision.com, chat with me on Twitter or Instagram as @JenEllision, or come hang out on my Facebook page!
You can also get updates on my work as well as other fun stuff by signing up for my newsletter—you get a free introductory short story just for signing up!
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Egria. Questions about the world or the book? Ask them in the comments and the author will get back to you!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to another world, in Realm Explorers Part CXII!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to another world, in Realm Explorers Part CXII!
-Annie Douglass Lima
On Tour with Prism Book Tours.
Release Day Blitz for
Fall of Thrones and Thorns
By Jennifer Ellision
We’re celebrating the release of this newest addition in the Threats of Sky and Sea series! If you haven’t started this series yet, you can grab the first book in ebook for only 99¢. If you enjoy fantasy, you do not want to miss it! Make sure you check out the excerpt and giveaway below as well…
Note from the Author
I grew up fascinated with stories of women in fantasy worlds, like Tamora Pierce’s works. I was captivated by tales of magic, like Sailor Moon and Harry Potter. Held spellbound by stories where people wielded the elements like another limb, as in Avatar: The Last Airbender.
These are the stories I love.
And so, I wrote books that I would want to read.
With stories like these, it’s no wonder that my debut series, Threats of Sky and Sea takes place in a fantasy world. With Elemental characters. With a strong female main character.
And with the final book in the series, Fall of Thrones and Thorns, out into the world today, that story is complete. Readers can now inhabit this world, and live with these characters as much as I do.
I hope you enjoy the adventures as much as I have.
— Jennifer
Fall of Thrones and Thorns
(Threats of Sky and Sea #3)
by Jennifer Ellision
by Jennifer Ellision
YA Fantasy
Paperback & ebook, 234 pages
September 27th 2016
War hurtles in, a typhoon over the sea.
After Bree’s life was torn apart, Nereidium had represented a haven to her. A place that—if she could save it—was beyond the King’s reach.
And, at last, she’s arrived upon its shores. But things in Nereidium are not what they should be.
The land is plagued by a rash of mysterious earthquakes, the likes of which it’s never known. The governors are distracted by old traditions, while Bree and her friends grapple with changing identities and the sense that the longer they wait to take action… the greater the danger from Egria grows.
Bree is tired of living under the shadow of King Langdon’s power. And she’s tired of waiting for him to be the first to act.
In this final chapter of the Threats of Sky and Sea series, it all comes down to Nereidium or Egria. To Bree or the King. It’s kill… or be killed.
And not everyone will escape the battle unscathed.
Excerpt from Fall of Thrones and Thorns
My hand lingers on the window frame, thinking. I’ve read book after book about Nereidium. Every spare bit of text on a page that I could get my hands on.
Not one of them mentioned a history of earthquakes in the country.
I try to quell the pit of uneasiness that is my stomach. The instinct that tells me that, somehow, Langdon is responsible for this.
“You’ll want to add sauce to that dough.” Trycia calls my attention back to my abandoned work, nodding at it as she kneads the crust of what she’ll be serving to those who wandering their way in for a bite. “Preferably before you add the cheese and put it on a stone in the oven.”
I leave the window. Worrying over Nereidium is Breena’s chore now. I have food to make.
Still, while my hands stay busy, my mind keeps churning. This is no coincidence. That quake. Geological changes happen, of course, but the timing is too coincidental.
“So, these earthquakes… They’re a relatively recent development, then?” I ask, unable to suppress the question.
Trycia sighs, not giving me an answer as she tosses the dough into the air and catches it deftly.
Maybe she would have answered me. But I don’t find out. The door swings open, soft footsteps pad inside, and I look up as Tregle enters. My stomach flutters at the look in his eyes when he catches sight of me. The hope of a new day’s sunrise is painted on his face. Hesitant and just blooming, but beautiful.
Trycia raises an eyebrow. “Friend of yours, Fancy?” I glare at her, and she lifts her hands in a mocking show of surrender. “Sorry. Mind the fire. I can afford a break. Not as though we’ll have a crowd tonight after another quake. I’ll see myself out.”
Only when the door swings shut behind her do I let myself speak, my heart dancing a slow step in my chest.
“Adept—” I pause, collect myself, and address him, for once, without a title. “Tregle.”
This is the one good thing to come from learning that I’m not who I thought I was. I’m a commoner, just as he is. An Elemental, just as he is. We’re finally on equal footing.
Other Books in the Series
Threats of Sky and Sea
(Threats of Sky and Sea #1)
by Jennifer Ellision
YA Fantasy
Paperback & ebook, 360 pages
May 20th 2014
Sixteen year-old Breena Perdit has spent her life as a barmaid, innocent to her father’s past and happily free from the Elemental gifts that would condemn her to a life in the Egrian King’s army. Until the day that three Elemental soldiers recognize her father as a traitor to the throne and Bree’s father is thrown in jail—along with the secrets from his last mission as the King’s assassin. Secrets that could help the King win a war. Secrets he refuses to share.
Desperate to escape before the King’s capricious whims prove her and her father’s downfall, Bree bargains with him: information for their lives. It’s a good trade. And she has faith she’ll get them both out of the King’s grasp with time.
But that was before the discovery that she’s the weapon the King’s been waiting for in his war.
Now, time is running out. To save her father’s life and understand her own, Bree must unravel the knot of her father’s past before the King takes his life– and uses her to bring a nation to its knees.
Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Book Depository
Riot of Storm and Smoke
(Threats of Sky and Sea #2)
by Jennifer Ellision
YA Fantasy
Paperback & ebook, 350 pages
August 17th 2015
“War draws closer, like a tide to the shore.”
Bree and her friends have escaped the clutches of the Egrian King, but their troubles are far from over. Still reeling from the secrets that drew new breath when her father took his last, Bree sets off for the safety of Nereidium– the kingdom she’s just learned is hers. But with the King’s ire at its peak and war a certainty, Nereidium is no longer safe. As Prince Caden rallies the Egrian people against his tyrant father, Bree, Princess Aleta, and Tregle race to the Nereid shore to warn them of the incoming danger-and to put the Nereid Princess on the throne. The only trouble there: Bree can’t bring herself to reveal that the Princess is her. It’s not a dilemma she can waste time pondering. With a new weapon in his arsenal, the King’s strikes are sure to be bolder than ever before. And Bree may not be ready to wear a crown… but she won’t let her kingdom down without a fight.
Jennifer Ellision spent a great deal of her childhood staying up past her bedtime with a book and a flashlight. When she couldn’t find the stories she wanted to read, she started writing them. She loves words, has a soft spot for fanfiction, and is a master of the fangirl flail. She resides in South Florida with her family, where she lives in fear of temperatures below 60 Fahrenheit.
Jennifer is the author of the YA fantasy series, Threats of Sky and Sea, as well as the New Adult contemporary novel, Now and Again.
Release Blitz Giveaway
$10 Amazon eGift Card & the entire Threats of Sky and Sea series (Sisters of Wind and Flame, Defining Justice, Threats of Sky and Sea, Riot of Storm and Smoke & Fall of Thrones and Thorns)
Open internationally
Ends October 2nd
Ends October 2nd
