On Tour with Prism Book Tours
Book Tour Launch for
Days of Fantasy for Christmas

We’re excited to be sharing books from 13 fantasy authors with you this holiday season! Each
day different author and book or series will be featured. There is also a fabulous giveaway!
If you love reading fantasy, or are looking for a gift for someone who does, join us on this tour!

Tour Schedule
(Links won’t work until the posts go live.)
December 1st: Launch
December 2nd: Gillian Bronte Adams – The Songkeeper Chronicles
December 3rd: Morgan L. Busse – Mark of the Raven
December 4th: Evangeline Denmark – Curio
December 5th: Kate Avery Ellison – A Gift of Poison
December 6th: J.M. Hackman – Spark
December 7th: Ronie Kendig – Embers
December 8th: C.E. Laureano – Oath of the Brotherhood
December 9th: Belle Malory – The Twelfth Keeper
December 10th: Melissa McShane – Voyager of the Crown
December 11th: J. Ellen Ross – The Remembered Queen
December 12th: Jennifer Silverwood – Silver Hollow
December 13th: Melissa Wright – Blood & Brute & Ginger Root
December 14th: Morgan Wylie – The Age of Alandria Series
December 15th: Grand Finale

Books on Tour



Blogs Participating

Among the Reads
An Indie Adventure
Andi’s Book Reviews
Angela Walker’s Reviews
Book by Book
Bri’s Book Nook
Brooke Blogs
Coffee Books and Cakes
Colorimetry
Cover Lover Book Review
Deal Sharing Aunt
Declarations of a Fangirl
Heidi Reads…
Jorie Loves A Story
Locks, Hooks and Books
Mythical Books
Nicole’s Book Musings
Reading On The Edge
Remembrancy
SilverWoodSketches
Stacking My Book Shelves!
Teatime and Books
We Write Fantasy
Wishful Endings

Tour Giveaway

Grand Prize #1: Winner will receive a FIRE HD 8 TABLET along with the following ebooks (open to those who are eligible for the Fire Tablet in their area can receive Kindle gifted copies of ebooks):
– CURIO, MARK OF BLOOD and ALCHEMY (The Curio Prequel), and THE ICE CHILD (a holiday novelette) by Evangeline Denmark
– A GIFT OF POISON by Kate Avery Ellison
– THE TWELFTH KEEPER by Belle Malory
– SERVANT O THE CROWN or VOYAGER OF THE CROWN (winner’s choice) by Melissa McShane
– THE REMEMBERED QUEEN by J. Ellen Ross
– SILVER HOLLOW by Jennifer Silverwood
– THE FREY SAGA (Books 1-3) ebook box set by Melissa Wright
Grand Prize #2: Winner will receive the following print books (open to continental US residents):
– ORPHAN’S SONG by Gillian Bronte Adams
– MARK OF THE RAVEN by Morgan L. Busse
– SPARK by J.M. Hackman
– ABIASSA’S FIRE 3-book collection by Ronie Kendig
– The complete set of SONG OF SEARE TRILOGY by C.E. Laureano
– SILENT ORCHIDS by Morgan Wylie
Ends December 19, 2018

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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

December 1st: Sarra Cannon – Excerpt

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Participating Blogs:

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: WebsiteGoodreadsFacebookTwitterInstagramAmazon

Participating Blogs:

Teatime and Books
Adventures Thru Wonderland
Rockin’ Book Reviews
La libreria di Beppe
The Books You Read
Min Reads and Reviews
Nicole’s Book Musings
Wishful Endings
poetryhub
TheHufflepuffNerdette
fundinmental
100 Pages A Day

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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: WebsiteGoodreadsFacebookTwitterInstagram

Participating Blogs:

GoodreadsAmazon
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: WebsiteGoodreadsFacebookInstagram

Participating Blogs:

Singing Librarian Books
Teatime and Books
Adventures Thru Wonderland
La libreria di Beppe
The Books You Read
Min Reads and Reviews
Nicole’s Book Musings
Bookworm Lisa
Wishful Endings
poetryhub
TheHufflepuffNerdette
SilverWoodSketches

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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: WebsiteGoodreadsFacebookTwitterInstagramTumblr

Participating Blogs:

Reading for the Stars and Moon
SilverWoodSketches

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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.

December 6th: Belle Malory – Excerpt

Follow the Author: WebsiteGoodreadsFacebookTwitter

Participating Blogs:

Locks, Hooks and Books
SilverWoodSketches
Nicole’s Book Musings

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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.”

December 7th: Melissa McShane – Guest Post

Follow the Author: WebsiteGoodreadsTwitterNewsletter

Participating Blogs:

Singing Librarian Books
Teatime and Books
Adventures Thru Wonderland
La libreria di Beppe
The Books You Read
Min Reads and Reviews
Nicole’s Book Musings
Locks, Hooks and Books
Wishful Endings
poetryhub
TheHufflepuffNerdette
Ms. J Mentions…

GoodreadsAmazonB&NSmashwordsKobo

Partial Guest Post (read the entirety here or on one of the participating blogs):

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: WebsiteGoodreadsFacebook

Participating Blogs:

Daily Waffle
Locks, Hooks and Books
Bookworm Lisa

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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?”


“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: WebsiteGoodreadsFacebookTwitterInstagram

Participating Blogs:

Locks, Hooks and Books
Bookworm Lisa

GoodreadsAmazonB&NKoboiBooks

Partial Excerpt (read the entirety here or on one of the participating blogs):

“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: WebsiteBlogGoodreadsFacebookTwitterTumblr

Participating Blogs:

Brooke Blogs
Becky on Books
Singing Librarian Books
Teatime and Books
Adventures Thru Wonderland
Daily Waffle
La libreria di Beppe
Min Reads and Reviews
Nicole’s Book Musings
Locks, Hooks and Books
Wishful Endings
TheHufflepuffNerdette
The Books You Read

GoodreadsAmazonB&NBook DepositorySmashwordsiBooks

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.

December 11th: Melissa Wright – Excerpt & Chimera Generator

Follow the Author: WebsiteBlogGoodreadsTwitterInstagramBookBub

Participating Blogs:

Becky on Books

SilverWoodSketches


GoodreadsKoboiBooks

Partial Excerpt/Guest Post (read the entirety here or on one of the participating blogs):

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.

December 12th: Morgan Wylie – Guest Post

Follow the Author: WebsiteGoodreadsFacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramAmazon

Participating Blogs:

TheHufflepuffNerdette
Becky on Books

GoodreadsAmazonB&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*
ChelExcuse 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
On Tour with Prism Book Tours
Release Celebration Blitz for

Love’s Promise
By Melissa Storm

99¢ SALE!

Love’s Promise is on SALE for a limited time! Grab a copy for your eReader while you can!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBLm9Im_vsk?rel=0?ecver=2]
Love’s Promsie
(The First Street Church Romances #2)
by Melissa Storm
Christian Contemporary Romance
ebook, 192 pages

March 7th 2017 by Partridge & Pear Press

She’s waiting for her prince to come … but was he right beside her all the time?

Kristina Rose Maher wants to know why fairytales never happen for fat girls. Certain that diner cook Jeff, handsome and fit, will never want her as more than a friend, she stuffs down her attraction to him. But when she finds herself facing a life-altering weight loss surgery, she discovers she’s willing to do whatever it takes to embrace life—and love—to the fullest.

Jeffrey Berkley can’t bear the thought of losing the friend he’s only just beginning to realize matters so much to him… no matter what size she is. But he is also terrified that helping her reach for her dreams will also mean finally reaching for his own—and letting down his family’s legacy in the process.

Both Kristina Rose and Jeffrey must learn to love themselves before they can find a way to make a promise to each other. Will they finally be able to lay their heavy burdens at the Lord’s feet, and trust him to bring the happily-ever-after they both crave?

Don’t miss this sweet tale of faith, love, and gastric bypass–get your copy of Love’s Promise today!

Excerpt
Chapter 1
“Order’s up!” Jeffrey bellowed from the kitchen as he slid a pair of plates into the window that looked out upon Mabel’s Old-Fashioned Diner.
“That was fast,” Kristina Rose said with a smile as she loaded up her round serving tray with condiments and extra napkins, then grabbed the meals he had prepared. Her teeth gleamed white against her dark complexion. The added contrast made Kristina’s smiles seem all the more special. Jeff had never been sure why, but he’d always appreciated the little jolt her happiness sent rushing through him.
“Gotta be fast,” he responded without missing a beat. “Mabel’s got a reputation to uphold, after all. And, besides, I’m starved. Gonna whip something up and take a late lunch. Want to join me? I can just as easily cook for two as I can one.”
The corners of her mouth fell, and Kristina let out a slow sigh. “I wish,” she muttered. “I started my liquid diet this morning. I’m only allowed protein drinks and chicken broth… and water, of course.”
“Sorry, sorry, I forgot!” He shooed her toward the waiting customers. Now that she’d mentioned it, he had noticed her step become a bit slower, her tray droop lower than usual.
She’d be going in for surgery later that week and absent from the diner for at least a month while she recovered. Their boss, Mabel, had insisted on it. Part of him wondered why she had even come into work at all if she’d already started her pre-surgery fast, but the answer seemed obvious enough. She’d already be missing out on a month of income as she recovered, and for a young woman living on her own, well, she needed every dollar she could scrimp and save.
And while they liked many of the same things, lived in the same city, and even came from two of the only non-white families in town, they were also different in a lot of ways, too. For starters, Kristina Rose had grown up in their tiny town of Sweet Grove, Texas, whereas Jeff hadn’t shown up until high school when his parents took over the old pharmacy downtown. He was close with his parents, always had been, but Kristina had never known her father and always seemed to prickle whenever Jeffrey asked after her mother.
But that was none of Jeff’s business, of course.
Read the rest of first three chapters HERE.

Other Books in the Series
 
About the Author
Melissa Storm is a mother first, and everything else second. Her fiction is highly personal and often based on true stories. Writing is Melissa’s way of showing her daughter just how beautiful life can be, when you pay attention to the everyday wonders that surround us.
Melissa loves books so much, she married fellow author Falcon Storm. Between the two of them, there are always plenty of imaginative, awe-inspiring stories to share. When she’s not reading, writing, or child-rearing, Melissa spends time relaxing at home in the company of her four dogs, four parrots, and rescue cat. She never misses an episode of The Bachelor or her nightly lavender-infused soak in the tub. Because priorities.
Release Celebration Blitz Giveaway

1 winner will receive a Kindle Fire and a signed copy of the first book in the series, Love’s Prayer
US only
Ends March 11th

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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. You can even enter a giveaway to win a Kindle Fire or one of three Starbucks gift cards!

Author’s name:

Heather L.L. FitzGerald
Title of book and/or series:
The Tethered World, book 1 of the The Tethered World Chronicles.
Brief summary of the story:
Sixteen year old Sadie Larcen learns that her family is involved with a world of creatures that once lived in the Garden of Eden. When her parents disappear, she has to travel to this world with her siblings to rescue them—much to her dismay.
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:
Before the Great Flood, God moved the creatures in the Garden of Eden to large pockets in the earth, below ground. The largest, most central location is in the Pacific Northwest. Their “sky” is a giant geode that glows and provides light due to the Flaming Sword of Cherubythe—the very sword held by the angel (cherub) in Genesis, preventing humanity from returning to the Garden. 
A variety of creatures from folklore and the Bible live in the Tethered World. Gnomes, Dwarves, Leprechauns, Trolls, Elves, Ogres, and Nephilim are the main denizens in book one. There are legends of such creatures all over the world because they make occasional visits “topside” (as they refer to those that live on top of the earth’s crust, rather than under it). The Gnomes are the creatures endowed with protecting the powerful Sword.
If we were to visit the Tethered World as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there? 
Walking through the Faery Meadow is a good place to start. What looks like large dandelions gone to seed are really thousands of gossamer Faeries. The Faeries are used by the Gnomes and Dwarves as an instantaneous, emergency transport. You might disappear and find yourself in the charming city of Vituvia with the Gnomes, or in the rocky fortress of Berganstroud with the Dwarves. Of course, the real luxury is across the Berganstroud mountains in Calamus, realm of the Nephilim. They are wealthy and proud and have built a sprawling city on the banks of the River Gambrell.
What dangers should we avoid in the Tethered World?
There are several creature groups that won’t be very hospitable. The Ogres of Skellerwad are particularly fond of making sport of humans (when given the rare opportunity). Avoid their island at all costs. Plus…you wouldn’t enjoy crossing the stinking Sulfur Sea to get there anyway. The Trolls are the other major danger. Their creepy castle, the Eldritch, carved into Mount Thrall, holds many mysteries and dangers. And the Trolls often employ the Dark Dwarves to do their dirty work, so stay away from them as well. Oh! And there are Sleeping Serpents that you don’t want to wake . . . 
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in the Tethered World?
Vegetation doesn’t thrive in the imitation sunlight quite like it would in the real sunshine. But through the ages, the creatures have learned to adapt. The Gnomes, in particular, have hearty gardens. Of course, there’s no rain below the earth’s surface, but there is a daily dose of mist which serves to hydrate the plants. This moisture allows mushrooms and moss to become quite prolific! Therefore, you can expect many creative dishes with both of those ingredients. 
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in the Tethered World?
Good old fashioned hand to hand combat is still the means of warfare. Swords, daggers, catapults, and bows and arrows. 
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to the Tethered World?
I mentioned traveling by Faery earlier, but that is more the exception. The Dwarves use horses—many of them smaller and pony-size. The Gnomes have domesticated a creature that’s unique to the Tethered World. Clovenboars (nicknamed “Toboggans” for the way they slink across the countryside), are creepy to behold but only dangerous if you’re a Troll or Leprechaun. They have the ability to see Leprechauns that have made themselves invisible. Built low to the ground, like a panther, they’re just the right size for a Gnome. It would be undignified to put a petite Gnome on top of a huge animal like a horse. Some of the Nephilim can fly, if they were born with wings (like the royal family). Finally, there are legendary Hippogriffs that have been tamed by the Trolls for riding in combat.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in the Tethered World?  If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.
The magic is inherent to the creature in book one. Leprechauns can become invisible, Faeries can transport others in an instant. Gnomes can “interface” with animals, which makes them excellent at training squirrels and rabbits for entertainment purposes. The Elves of Willowmist are also able to become invisible, but they’re friendly—unlike the mischievous Leprechauns.
Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in the Tethered World.
The Dwarves will often travel topside to work, learn a new skill, or dumpster dive (“no one knows how to waste things like Americans!”). The royal Nephilim family will hire Dwarves as a form of entertainment for their parties. The Dwarves will act out shows or movies that they’ve been exposed to topside. As mentioned earlier, Ogres will make sport of humans, if they can get their clammy hands on one. Though all the creatures have their downtime activities, I only mention the two examples here, in the story.
Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in the Tethered World as on Earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there?
Yes, they are fairly connected to the rhythm of life topside. Though the concept isn’t really discussed, it is implied. The night time hours are a bit different, however. The glowing geode “sky” dims for about a six hour period, called “dusktime.” Because the creatures below are hardy folks, they need less recuperation and sleep. 
Is there a particular religion practiced in the Tethered World?  Please describe what it involves.
The creatures are all quite aware of their history and how they came to be in the Tethered World. They see the evidence of God’s provision on their land every day in the form of light given by the Sword. Though there are some creatures that wish to deviate from acknowledging their Creator, overall there is the recognition of God in their purpose and plans.
What is the political or government structure in the Tethered World?  Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?
The Gnomes are the guardians of the Sword, so they are small but powerful. However, they are also humble about their status and also rely on a monarch that is human to help them rule. Currently the ruler is Queen Judith (soon to retire). The queen has a cabinet of Gnomes that help her rule. The Dwarves have a chief but are loosely structured. They are allied with the Gnomes and work together well. 
In the last ten years, the Trolls have had a leader come to power that seems to be part tyrant, part religious icon. The Dwarves and Gnomes are keeping a wary eye on what the Trolls are doing under his leadership.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?
They say to write “what you know” so, yes, there are many things that are personally part of my life. The setting in Orchards, Washington (aka Vancouver) is where I grew up. The landmarks mentioned, including the local fast-food establishment, are places I know and love (and miss! I live in Texas now). 
The main character, Sadie, has an autistic brother, Brock. I have an autistic son. With autism so prevalent, I wanted to make it a normal part of my main character’s life—the way sports or even race might be part of a character’s identity. In fact, it’s Brock’s uniqueness that gives him a special role to play in the Tethered World. 
Beyond that, just about all of my characters or the towns/realms in the Tethered World are names of family and friends that have been tweaked. I love to give a nod to those that I care about. 
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?
My main character is homeschooled. Again, it’s treated in a very matter-of-fact way, like autism. Both things have come across everyone’s radar these days. It merely supplies a backdrop to her character—the same way a character from a divorced family has that life-event that colors their decisions. 
Author Autobiography:
I’m a right-brained individual and have always loved anything creative, especially writing. Writing a book has been on my bucket list since before anyone called it a bucket list! Reading to my kids lead me to stories that I hated to part with. Why did the Chronicles of Narnia have to come to an end, for Pete’s sake? Same with Gregor the Overlander series from Suzanne Collins. Good stuff. I hope to write books that leave people feeling the same way. 
Although I was already writing on my own, I began to blog about seven years ago. Had the privilege of being selected as a blogger/reviewer for The Old Schoolhouse magazine, online. One of the books I reviewed led the author, Susan K. Marlow, to ask if I was a writer too. She became my mentor who has encouraged me and taught me more than I could ever repay. I’ve enjoyed being a contest judge for her fan fiction contests the last three years. I’m also a member of the North Texas Christian Writers group and help to lead the Manet Writer’s group.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book? 
The Tethered World is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble, both in paperback and eBook. I will also offer autographed copies on my website. 
Where can readers connect with you online?
Through my website/blogFacebook, Pintrest: (Belongs to my main character, Sadie!), Character blog: (Sadie’s mom has a blog about legendary creatures, and you can follow it!), Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads.

This post is part of the Books & Beverages Blog Tour hosted by Mountain Brook Ink publishing! We’re so excited that you are joining us for the next two weeks of fun. We look forward to introducing you to some new authors — maybe you’ll even find a new favorite! The tour begins here and goes through March 1, 2016, ending with Anna Weaver Hurrts. Please check below for the complete schedule of the tour.
Each stop will include an opportunity to enter for a FREE KINDLE FIRE as the grand prize, as well as three runner-up opportunities to win a $10 Starbucks gift card! Check the bottom of the post for either a Rafflecopter FORM or a Rafflecopter link for your chance to enter!
TOUR SCHEDULE
2/15 – http://anniedouglasslima.blogspot.com/ Annie Douglass Lima
2/18 – http://www.sandrarobbins.net/ Sandra Robbins
2/19 – http://www.jlmbewe.com/index.php/blog/ Jennette Mbewe
2/20 – http://plentifulpursuits.com Erika Keswick
2/21 – https://mdeshaies.wordpress.com/ Marisa Deshaies
2/23 – https://agreateryes.wordpress.com/ Crystal Scott
2/24 – http://thegatheringfire.wordpress.com Stephanie Florentino
2/25 – http://dianasbookit.blogspot.com/ Diana Montgomery   
2/26 – http://www.liztolsma.comLiz Tolsma
2/27 – http://sarahruut.com/ Sarah Ruut
2/28 – http://notbybread.wordpress.com Ashley Taylor
3/1 – http://www.annaweaverbooks.com/giveaways Anna Weaver Hurrts
Featured Authors:


Heather L.L. FitzGerald – Debut author of young adult fantasy series, The Tethered World Chronicles
Kimberly Rose Johnson – Multi-published author of sweet romance series, The Wildflower B&B Romance
Angela Ruth Strong – Multi-published author of Finding Love in Sun Valley, Idaho, book one in the Resort to Love series


GIVEAWAY – Mountain Brook Ink will be giving away ONE KINDLE FIRE as a grand prize, and three Starbucks gift cards as runner-up prizes. Winners will be chosen at random.


a Rafflecopter giveaway
 
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to the Tethered World.  Questions about the world or the book?  Ask them in the comments and the author will get back to you!  


Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.

Please join us again next Monday for a trip to the planet Lan Darr, in Realm Explorers Part LXXXIV!

-Annie Douglass Lima

We are giving away 2 Kindles!! The first one is available via the rafflecopter below. The 2nd is available only to bloggers who post about this giveaway. You can find info on how to enter in the rafflecopter.

  Kindle Fire HDX March

Win a Kindle Fire HDX, Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash ($229 value)

Bloggers & Authors have joined together and each chipped in a little money towards a Kindle Fire HDX 7″.

All New Kindle Fire HDX 7″ Giveaway

The winner will have the option of receiving a 7″ Kindle Fire HDX (US Only – $229 Value)

  Or $229 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)

  Or $229 in Paypal Cash (International)

    Giveaway Sponsors: I Am A ReaderFeed Your ReaderInspired KathyRipple Effect Romance SeriesAuthor M.A. GeorgeThe (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something year Old GirlMeredith & Jennifer’s MusingsOwl Always Be ReadingAuthor Jennifer LaurensBonnie Blythe’s Pure RomanceBella Street’s Weird RomanceAuthor Jennifer FayeGood Choice ReadingReviews from a BookwormBarbara SilkstoneRae Z. Ryans, AuthorThe Stubby PencilAuthor David PandolfeHallowed Ink PressAuthor Louise CaiolaThe Reporter and The GirlMore Than a ReviewKathryn JonesOnce Upon a TwilightAuthor Jason ParentAuthor Amanda TruAuthor Cidney SwansonPaige W. PendletonClaudia BurgoaP.M. Richter – authorRoAnna SylverTigris EdenThe Bloggers NestJ.L. WeilThe Cheap EbookLuthando CoeurAuthor Mary Ting/M. ClarkeAuthor Alecia StoneKellysLuckyYouRebecca TalleyAuthor Kimber Leigh WheatonSimple WyrdingsTressa’s Wishful EndingsParanormal book Club (PBC)Author Stephanie FarisAuthor Inger IversenAuthor Theresa DaLayneWhere The Broken Lie by Derek RempferBound 4 EscapeAuthor Laura Diamond   Sign up to sponsor the next Kindle Giveaway here: http://www.iamareader.com/category/kindle-giveaway-sign-ups   Giveaway Details 1 winner will receive their choice of an all new Kindle Fire 7″ HDX (US Only – $229 value), $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash (International). There is a second separate giveaway for bloggers who post this giveaway on their blog. See details in the rafflecopter on how to enter to win the 2nd Kindle Fire HDX 7″. Ends 3/31/14 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway