Rebel Vampire Book Tour and Giveaway

Jamie Marchant Posted on by
Blood Dragons
Rebel Vampires Volume 1
By Rosemary A Johns
Genre: Urban Fantasy
How do you rebel in a family vampires? AWARD-WINNING URBAN FANTASY
“In a precarious world where vampires are both predator and prey,
Blood Dragons deftly blends elements of paranormal thriller and passionate
romance… A character-driven, sizzling-hot saga” –
Midwest Book Review
Escape into a supernatural suspense aflame with love, revenge and
redemption.
There are three people in this affair…and two of them aren’t human.
In a divided paranormal London, Light is the rebel bad boy vampire of
the Blood Lifer world, with a photographic memory. And a Triton
motorbike. Since Victorian times he’s hidden in the shadows with
Ruby – a savage Elizabethan Blood Lifer. She burns with destructive
love for Light. But he’s keeping a secret from her, which breaks
every rule. When she discovers the truth, things take a terrifying
turn.
5* “Compelling” – The Good Writer, Margarita Morris
5* “Completely gripping” – Silver Dagger Scriptorium
For fans of Night Huntress, Immortals After Dark, Anita Blake,
Fever and Blood Dagger Brotherhood take a deep breath and dive into the spellbinding secret world of
Blood Life.

“INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE MEETS TRUE BLOOD”
1960s London. Kathy is a seductive singer but she’s also human. Light is
tempted by his desire and the danger, even though their romance is
forbidden. When the two worlds collide, it could mean the end. For
both species.
When Light discovers his ruthless family’s horrifying experiments, he
questions whether he should be slaying or saving the humans he’s
always feared. What dark revelations will Light reveal at the heart
of the experiments? Will he be able to stop them in time? The
consequences of failure are unimaginable. Unless Light plays the part
of hero, he risks losing everything. Including the two women he
loves.
A rebel, a red-haired devil and a Moon Girl battle to save the world –
or tear it apart.
Blood Shackles
Rebel Vampires Volume 2
Would you sacrifice your freedom to save your family?
AWARD-WINNING URBAN FANTASY… When vampires are the slaves, and humans are the
monsters, it’s a dangerous game to love your Mistress. “Tragic,
triumphant, addictive…this is a novel everyone should read” –
Readers’ Favorite 5*
In a divided paranormal London, Light is the bad boy vampire of the
Blood Lifer world, with a talent for remembering things. And a Triton
motorbike. Since Victorian times he’s been forced to hide in the
shadows. But not now. Not since someone hunted him down. When he’s
bought by his Mistress, Light fights to escape. If he doesn’t,
he’ll never solve the conspiracy behind the Blood Club.
WELCOME TO THE BLOOD CLUB
Who are these ruthless humans? And who betrayed the secret of the Blood
Lifer world?
WHERE THE PREDATORS
London, Primrose Hill. Grayse is the slaver’s daughter. She buys Light,
like he’s a pair of designer shoes. So why does Light feel so drawn
to her? Especially when his family is still in chains. Will he risk
everything – even his new love – to save them?
BECOME THE PREY
Does a chilling conspiracy lie behind it all? A stunning revelation leads
Light to an inconceivable truth. To the dark heart of the Blood Club.
If he can face his worst terrors, he can save his family and whole
species from slavery.
Maybe he can even save himself.
Blood Renegades
Rebel Vampires Volume 3
Light lives for his vampire family. Now he may die for it.
ESCAPE INTO AWARD-WINNING URBAN FANTASY… Light – rebel, lover, anti-hero
– will be burnt at the stake in fourteen days. In a hidden,
paranormal London, he’s been branded a traitor and terrorist
Renegade – a Blood Lifer hunter of human slavers.
Liberty is a relentless interrogator. She’s been trained to hate Renegades.
Yet when her life converges with Light’s, she’s enticed by the
dark and glory of his world.
Light is catapulted into a nightmare of secret research, deadly enemies and
perilous intrigue. Soon he’s in a race against time to transform
into the true leader vital to save his family, home and love. But
will he be able to judge predator from prey?
Light must make the ultimate choice: to hide in the shadows. Or walk into
the light…
Betrayal. Death. Hope. Isn’t that how all truly great stories start?
“Rosemary A Johns is one of fantasy’s greats. She’ll put you in mind of Anne
Rice and leave you wanting more”- Gothic
Mom’s Reviews
“Take what you know about vampire romance and throw it away. Rosemary A
Johns is not only a refreshing new voice in this genre, she excels
it. Her vampires are edgy, titillating and enticing” – Rockchick
Addiction Reviews
.99 cent sale June 13th – 20th!!
WINNER OF SILVER AWARD in the National Wishing Shelf Book Awards.
ROSEMARY A JOHNS is the author of the bestselling Blood
Dragons and Blood Shackles – the compelling Rebel Vampires
series. Blood Renegades is the thrilling third installment.
ROSEMARY A JOHNS is a music fanatic and a paranormal anti-hero addict who creates
spellbinding worlds, thrilling action, gripping suspense and
passionate romances, all uniquely told.
She wrote her first fantasy novel at the age of ten, when she discovered
the weird worlds inside her head were more exciting than double
swimming. Since then she’s studied history at Oxford University,
run a theatre company (her critically acclaimed plays have been
described as “uncomfortable, unsettling and uneasily true to
life”), and worked with disability charities.
When Rosemary’s not falling in love with the rebels fighting their way
onto the page, she heads the Oxford writing group Dreaming Spires.

The bloke was leaning against a humungous gleaming finger up to the sky, which they call the Shard.

He would be – the tosser.

I shoved my hands into my pockets, as I swaggered up behind him.

When I tapped him on the shoulder, he jumped a bleeding mile. He could barely have been authored: no instincts at all.

When he spun round, peepers narrowed, I saw he was a kid. A bloody Emo: skull patterned hoodie, black and white striped socks and matching scarf. Even a t-shirt with cartoon vampire: cute fangs and bat wings.

Perfect – he had a sense of irony too.

Emo flicked his long black fringe, which was sprayed green like a mouldy skunk; his peepers were rimmed with enough eyeliner for one too.

Then Emo crossed his arms and tapped his foot, as if I’d been the one who’d been caught out being a bad boy.

And yeah, I was bloody bad but I’d proved I was no boy.

I frowned. ‘Who the bleeding hell are you?’

Emo just smirked.

That did it. No more Mr Nice Light.

‘Look, you pain in my arse, why were you watching us? Can you talk to me or do you have to go get your daddy first?’

The Emo’s smirk widened. Then he head-butted me.

Crack – there went my nose.

Hand strikes – one, two, three – so rapid I didn’t have time to think more than: Emo kids knocking the stuffing out of you with Kenpo Karate? Now that’s not something you see every day.

I choked on the pain blazing in hot shocks where his small hand sliced.

No more Mr Nice Light? All right then.

I grabbed the end of Emo’s stripy scarf and twisted. His turn to choke.

Gasping, Emo hesitated – my in.

Because here’s the thing: I know karate too. And the moment Emo realised it?

Blinding.

I slammed an elbow strike, followed by swift knife-hands, driving Emo crashing back against the glass Shard. It trembled. He kicked my legs; I gritted my teeth but didn’t lose ground. Close now, I went for a flurry of strikes, until all I could hear was his soft grunts and the hit of flesh on flesh.

I’d missed this: fists and fangs. You can’t tame a predator – and I’ve never pretended to be a hero.

Battering that cartoon vampire with its ironic batwings?

Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.

 

Follow the tour HERE!

 

Rosinanti Series Book Tour and Giveaway

Jamie Marchant Posted on by
Rosinanti
The Rosinanti Series Book 1
by Kevin J Kessler
Genre: Fantasy
The Rosinanti Dragons are no more. Since their extinction nearly one
thousand years ago these primal powerhouses have fallen into the
obscurity of history’s forgotten lore. In that time, humans have
come to dominate the world of Terra, peacefully ignorant to one
horrifying truth: ancient evil stirs around them, waiting to reclaim
its lost world.
For Valentean Burai, animus warrior of the kingdom of Kackritta, the
details surrounding humanity’s victory over the Rosinanti are more
than just a history lesson. The long-buried mysteries of this archaic
conflict may hold the answers that he has so desperately sought
regarding his own past.
As the awful truth of the Rosinanti’s supposed demise comes to light,
Valentean must stand together with Seraphina, a magically gifted
princess, to embark upon a mission to maintain order and light
throughout Terra. Only together can these two lifelong friends face
down the resurgence of the Rosinanti legacy, and combat the greatest
threat their world has ever known.
Rosinanti: The Decimation of Casid
A Rosinanti Novella, Book 1.5
While an entire world away, men turn into dragons and ancient magic ignites
the air, Casid lived on in peaceful ignorance. This tiny village and
its people existed outside of the conflict which threatened to
swallow Terra, until the day chaos itself landed upon its shores.
Now, one lone warrior seeks to protect his family, his friends, and the
woman he loves as demons rise from the flames to burn everything he
has ever loved to ash. This man is no god, no fundamental force of
nature. He is simply a man, alone against the fury of chaos.
Casid will be decimated, consumed by the same blaze which threatens to
overtake all of Terra. But what will rise from the ashes of this once
perfect haven, forged in the fires of tragedy and loss, might become
the most fearsome opponent the darkness has ever known.
Rosinanti: Wrath of the Faithful
The Rosinanti Series Book 2
Valentean Burai and Seraphina Kackritta barely escaped the grip of chaos. Only
by working together were these two life long soul mates able to
combat the greatest threat the world of Terra has ever known.
But when they find themselves separated, with the entire world turned
against them, both princess and animus warrior must battle not only
the forces of chaos and darkness that seek to end their world, but
their own crippling doubts and fears.
Valentean must also face the horrifying truth of himself. He is one of the last
surviving members of the Rosinanti race, and holds within him
world-destroying power, and the unwanted uncontrollable ability to
transform into a fearsome dragon.
The struggle of man vs beast is not limited to the battlefield. Valentean
will wage that war internally, within the confines of his own
conflicted heart.
But, in the end, who is stronger? The man, or the dragon?
Kevin J. Kessler lives in Orlando Florida, where he owns the White Dragon
Podcast Network, which puts out weekly podcasts on a variety of
topics from Walt Disney World, to movies, television, comic books,
video games and more.
A lifelong geek, Kessler can often be found at the many theme parks and
local attractions in Orlando.
He developed the story for Rosinanti as a sophomore in high school,
sixteen years before the book’s release.
Since an early age, Kessler has been an avid reader, often found lost
within the magical worlds found within the pages of fantasy novels.
“It was always my dream to create such a world of my very own,” he
said. “Even as a kid when my friends would want to play Power
Rangers or X-Men, I would always create a new Ranger or Mutant rather
than portray an established character. There is power in creativity!
Creativity breeds creation!”
Follow the tour HERE!

Wonder Woman, My Childhood Hero

Jamie Marchant Posted on by


Because of the release of the new Wonder Woman movie, I wanted to talk about my childhood hero. I was born in 1967 and grew up in the 70s and 80s, so I wasn’t exactly inundated with strong, powerful female role models on Television. On Scooby-Doo there were two female characters. The highly intelligent Velma was also a dork, unattractive, and completely useless without her glasses, which were always falling off. Then you had Daphne who was attractive but a completely brainless ditz. The truly interesting characters on the show were, of course, Shaggy and Scooby-Doo, both males. Other TV programs showed me a powerful 2000-year-old genie who called the man “Master” and bowed to his every wish. Darrin on Bewitched makes his powerful wife promise never to do witchcraft and makes sure she washes the dishes by hand inside of with a twitch of her nose. She is almost always the dutiful housewife. I liked both Samantha and Jeannie, but even as a child, I was uncomfortable with them bowing to masculine control.

Linda Carter as Wonder Woman came on to the scene in 1975. She may hide her identity in that of a secretary, but she’s an Amazonian princess. In the Amazon, the women rule, and they never bow to male authority. Wonder Woman undoes her hair and twirls around, and she is a superhero with a magical golden lasso and bracelets which can deflect bullets. She fights with superhuman strength and ability and never needs to be rescued. As the theme song stated, “All the world is waiting for you, and the power you possess.” She flies an invisible plane and defeats the bad guys. She is honored for her power by men, unlike Darrin whose threatened by his wife’s strength. Wonder Woman taught me that women can be strong, and I absolutely loved her.

Yes, I know that she was sexually objectified by her skimpy outfit while Superman and Batman are always fully clothed, but that didn’t occur to me as a child. Her butt kicking ability, however, did. She wasn’t my only influence, but Wonder Woman helped nurtured my feminist consciousness before I even knew what a feminist was. (In my house, they were called “women libbers” and always referred to with disdain.) Heroes like her helped me to throw off the repressive patriarchal values of the culture I grew up in. I owe Wonder Woman a debt I try to repay through the creation of my own female characters.

Cheer her on!

In the comments, tell me about your childhood hero. On Thursday, I’ll post my review of the new movie.

The Goddess’s Choice, deleted scene

Jamie Marchant Posted on by

The Goddess’s Choice, expanded edition, will be released in a couple of weeks. To get you in the mood, below I’ve included a scene that I deleted from the final version of the novel. I like the scene quite a bit, but it ultimately didn’t add to the book. So it isn’t lost forever, I offer it to you. Please comment and tell me what you think.

One particularly cold day, Robbie emerged from the barn about midmorning intending to head for Brazen’s stable. As he was about to mount Wild Thing, a horse galloped into the farmyard. “Good morning,” the horse’s rider called out.

“Good morning.” Robbie nodded to a man he didn’t know.

“I’m looking for an amihealer by the name of Robbie Angusstamm. I was told he lived here.”

“You’ve found him. What can I do for you?” Robbie wasn’t terribly surprised to find a complete stranger looking for him. As his skill increased under Myst’s tutelage, so had his reputation; more and more farmers trudged to him through the winter snow when an animal of theirs fell ill. He was, however, surprised to hear the man refer to him as an amihealer. Only Myst and Milady had ever called him that.

The farmer got off his horse. He was quite young, no older than Boyden. His face was spotted with more freckles than Robbie had ever seen on human being, and when he smiled his eyes twinkled with amusement, as if he knew a secret that no one else would ever learn. “My name is Perth Quinstamm,” the man said, extending his hand.

Surprised, Robbie put out his own. Even when people came seeking his skill, they always avoided touching him.

As he shook his hand, the man seemed somewhat nervous and extremely upset. “I’ve been riding since before daybreak to get here. I have a new farm on the far side of the Valley. Just bought the place last spring with my wife. She’s expecting our first child. I bought ten milk cows, but something evil has gotten into them. Most of them have stopped giving any milk to speak of. They’re burning up with fever, and they have frightful sores on their mouths, udders, and feet. One of them died last night. I don’t have much in the way of money, but I’m prepared to pay whatever it takes. Will you come with me?”

“Let me get my things.” Robbie went back into the barn and gathered together the materials he would likely need to treat the animals. He didn’t take much; from the farmer’s description, he thought he knew what was wrong, and no herbs he had could cure the problem. It’d take direct healing energy. He gave instructions to Allyn and Darien in case he couldn’t make it back by nightfall.

* * *

The wind had been blowing fiercely, and Robbie was shivering with cold by the time they arrived at Perth Quinstamm’s farm. The closer he got to the farm the more and more the distress of the cattle pressed in about him. He’d been right in what he suspected. When they dismounted in front of the barn, Perth hesitated. “I’m not sure what to do with your horse. Applecreek here seems okay, but the disease is rather bad.”

Robbie shook his head. “It’s okay. Horses can’t sicken in this way.”

“How can you know? You haven’t even looked at the cows yet.”

“An amihealer doesn’t need to see the animal to know what is wrong with it. I can feel their illness. Your cows’ sickness is one only those with cloven hooves can get—cows, pigs, sheep, but not horses.”

A very young woman, no older than Robbie, stuck her head out of the house’s door. She smiled with relief when she saw him. “He came, did he, Perth? I told you he would. When you two get the horses taken care of, come on inside. I have some hot bhat and warm stew waiting for you.” Robbie blinked in surprise. He’d never been invited inside another farmer’s house before.

The man’s expression mingled fear and respect. “If you’re sure your horse is in no danger, she’s welcome to the stable.” He led Robbie inside a warm, comfortable barn. It was solidly built and had been kept scrupulously clean. The sickness of the cows wasn’t caused by any neglect on the farmer’s part. However, the diseased beasts were salivating heavily and had difficulty staying on their painful feet. They called to Robbie for relief. He unsaddled Wild Thing, and the man brought grain and water for both horses. Robbie rubbed his mare down and made her comfortable.

Perth came up to him. “Can you get rid of this evil thing?” Robbie nodded. The man looked both relieved and fearful. “Just what will it cost me? I mean, I’m prepared to pay whatever it’ll take myself. Brietta depends on me, and she’s carrying my child. I’ll lose the cattle before letting anything harm my family, but if it’s just me, whatever it takes.”

Robbie put his hand on one of the cows to better gauge the extent of the illness. “If you can’t afford to pay me now, you can pay when your cattle start producing again. No one need go hungry.”

“I wasn’t taking about money, but about the other thing.” Perth refused to meet his eyes.

“What other thing?” Robbie removed his hand from the animal.

The man leaned forward and whispered. “I heard blood or flesh or possibly a piece of the soul was involved. You know, for the demon inside.”

Robbie thought he might vomit. “You asked me here thinking I meant to drink your blood or worse?”

Quinn’s eyes widened. “Are you saying it isn’t true?”

“I’ve had coin, grain, eggs, freshly made bread, a chicken or two, a particularly delicious apple pie, some strawberry preserves and this belt in payment for my services this winter. What I haven’t had is any blood, human flesh, or souls of any kind. I’m not a demon. What is wrong with you people?”

Perth looked at him for a few seconds, then dropped his head. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have believed the rumors.”

* * *

Robbie spent most of the next three days either in a trance, ridding the cows’ bodies of the vile disease, or sleeping to recover his strength. At the end of it, Perth Quinstamm’s barn was free of disease, and a few of the cows had started giving milk again.

On the morning of the fourth day, both Perth and Brietta stood in the farmyard to see him off. Brietta handed him a large basket. “I don’t know how to thank you, Healer Robbie. This should keep you for the day.”

Perth shook his hand. “You’ve saved my family.” He gestured toward the basket. “Brietta makes a particularly good apple pie, I think you’ll find. I promise when things start looking up in the spring, I’ll bring along a proper payment.”

Guest Author, Rosemary Cole

Jamie Marchant Posted on by
This interview was originally published on February 4 on my old blog. I’m moving it over so more people can enjoy it.
Travel into the future with my guest today, Rosemary Cole. It’s a great place full of zombies.
 
Rosemary Cole was born in a small New England town. She has loved science fiction and fantasy since she was old enough to go to the library and take out a tall stack of books from the children’s section. Since then she’s been in many places around the world and done many things, but still loves working and playing with words. Her other interests are good food, good people, and the great outdoors, separately or together, and she spends whatever time she can indulging her strange obsession with postapocalyptic themes. Her first book, The X-Variant, a sci-fi novel about a girl, a zombie apocalypse, and time travel, is due out in early April. 
 
 
 
 

Interview

  1. Tell us a little about yourself?

 I’ve always loved to read, and I’ve worked with words in one way or another all my life. I’ve been a medical editor, a freelance fiction editor, taught English to foreign language speakers. But writing science fiction and fantasy is my favorite thing in life so far, and I’m so happy I have a chance to do it. I’m also a traveler and enjoy seeing other countries and their cultures.

  1. Tell us something about how you write? i.e. are you a plotter or a pantser? Do you have any weird or necessary writing habits or rituals?
I’ve always been a plotter. I need to know the ending and how the characters get there before I sit down to write, and I start by writing a detailed synopsis, then flesh that out into a book. I’ve heard that people like Stephen King just sit down and let fly on a vague idea. King himself has said that often these attempts never turn into a novel. Personally, I don’t see the point in wasting time on misfires.
  1. Could you tell us a bit about your most recent book?
Absolutely! The X-Variant comes from my dreams of a utopian world where there’s no want or suffering, only “peace, love and understanding,” to quote Elvis Costello. Wouldn’t it be ironic, I thought, to devise such a society from the ashes of man’s own self-destructive tendencies? And so the Unathi were born—a posthuman symbiotic species evolved from humans and the manmade synthetic virus that nearly wiped them out. The virus evolves into a beneficial symbiont in each individual, uniting and connecting everyone. Of  course, then I just had to take that perfect society and plunge it straight into a living hell! *evil cackle* I suppose in some ways, my writing reflects my fears for the human race. It does seem that we are intent on destroying ourselves and our planet; I think everyone is aware of that now, and we need to process it through stories. (Jamie’s note: Unfortunately, I believe Rosemary is right. We will keep denying Climate Change until we are roasted.)
  1. What is your favorite writing tip or quote?
I think it’s the famous Hemingway quote: “There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.” Perhaps because of the Internet and the self-publishing phenomenon, people tend to think anyone can become an author, but to write a decent book is very, very hard work.
  1. Tell us a little about your plans for the future.  Do you have any other books in the works?
Right now I’m working on The D-Revenant, book two in this series, which is called The Guardians. After that, I have some ideas to choose from. The two most likely are a stand-alone modern fantasy about an abused boy who escapes to an alternate magical dimension where he has to battle his own mother, who is an evil queen there; or another sci-fi series about a group of throwaway kids who discover an alien elixir that turns them into superhumans. Readers, which one do you think I should work on? Drop me a comment on my website, www.rosemarycoleauthor.com, and let me know.
Where can we find you online?
Blog: https://www.goodreads.com/RosemaryCole
Website: https://www.rosemarycoleauthor.com
Twitter:  @RosemaryColeSF

THE X-VARIANT

Jamie’s Note: I love this cover.
In 2079, mankind nearly destroys itself when it unleashes a devastating synthetic virus. Over the following centuries, however, the virus evolves into a beneficial symbiont that enhances and interconnects its human hosts, and a new post-human race is born: the Unathi. But in 2616, their peaceful utopia is violently disrupted when the symbiont begins to mutate into something terrible. Twenty-two-year-old Kala is one of those called upon to travel back in time to 2079—the time of the viral pandemic—to change the course of the future.

Excerpt

PROLOGUE

Timeline 1
SanFran, North American Union
June 8, 2079
21:48 hours
Brandon was slowly coming to the realization that they were starving. He watched as Jennie settled their one-month-old baby into a cradle they’d fashioned from a box. The candlelight threw grotesque, shifting shadows on the walls of the room as Jennie moved about, her nightshirt hanging off one bony shoulder. She finally came over and joined him in bed, and Brandon blew out the candle. He held her slight form close, stroking her hair in the dark. “She’s still hungry,” Jennie murmured. “I don’t think I’m making enough milk for her.” Brandon nodded against the top of her head. They had all been steadily losing weight, ever since the virus had gone global. It was called the Synthetic Hemorrhagic Airborne Virus, or SHAV. Basically, you coughed your lungs out. They said it was carried by respiratory droplets, and for a while everyone you saw was wearing one of those surgical masks. That didn’t seem to slow it down at all, though; it marched across the globe relentlessly, leaving a swath of death in its wake. Everything ground to a halt, including food deliveries. Before the virus, the city’s grocery stores had held about three days’ worth of food. Once the shelves were empty, people had begun raiding the commune’s gardens, and now they had been stripped bare. The members of the Green Resistance commune were reduced to living on their emergency stores and whatever they could scavenge. At first, Brandon had thought they would be overrun and have to leave the commune, but as deaths from the virus increased (including some of their own), the gang raids began to decrease. It was decided it would be best if they stayed where they were. The remaining Greeners, as the locals referred to them, had retreated from their converted greenhouses to the top two floors of a large commercial building across the street from their city garden. Their political philosophy didn’t keep them from buying and using firearms, and the place was fairly easy to defend. But food—that was turning into a huge problem. Every day, the rations Sean doled out seemed to be fewer.
“Yeah, something has to be done about it,” Brandon murmured. “But try not to worry about it tonight, babe. I’ll talk to Sean in the morning.”
He felt her nod against his shoulder, and she then drifted off into sleep despite her worries.
Sleep didn’t come so easily to Brandon, however. He was deeply worried about Jennie. After losing her mother—her only real family—to SHAV last month, she’d had to give birth here in somewhat primitive conditions. Thank God, the Greeners had plenty of medical supplies, and Andrea had some experience in attending births. Both baby and mother did just fine. But since giving birth, Jennie had developed deep circles under her dark, almond-shaped eyes, and her hair was dull and lank.
This was all worrisome enough, but Brandon’s biggest nightmare was seeing Jennie and the baby succumb to SHAV and die right before his eyes.
Please, God, no, he prayed, squeezing his eyes shut to ward off that dreadful image.
He had just drifted off to sleep when a sudden loud pop from outside startled him awake. The sound had come from the front of the building, toward the street. He scurried toward the window, half-crouched. There was shouting, followed by more pops of gunfire. The Greeners standing watch on the ground floor were shooting back at whoever it was—probably raiders.
Jennie hastily lifted the baby from her bed, wrapping her in her blanket.
Brandon moved to the side of the window, lifted the rough blanket nailed over it and peered out, but could see nothing in the dark except for a couple of small lights. They flashed and bounced around, moving irregularly toward the building.
Sounds of fighting drifted up the stairs, and he realized with a shock that some of the raiders were already inside. “The fire escape, quick!” he hissed at Jennie.
They fled to the back room, groping their way in the dark. A platform outside the window held a ladder that could be lowered to the ground, giving them a slim chance of escaping between the buildings. A sliver of moon emerged from behind scudding clouds, giving them a bit more light as Jennie scrambled out onto the fire escape.
Brandon had just handed the baby out to her through the window when Sean and Mike burst into the room. The two men spun around and fired out into the dark corridor leading from the stairwell. There was a burst of automatic weapon return fire, and both men fell to the floor.
Brandon looked down. Sean’s eyes were open, staring up at him sightlessly. The Green Resistance leader’s long, dust-colored hair lay in a pool of blood, blacker than ink in the dim light.
Brandon’s heart began to pound, his whole body quivering with each heavy beat. “Go down, go down!” he cried to Jennie, throwing himself in front of the window.
A masked face appeared in the doorway. Light flashed painfully in Brandon’s eyes, and he realized it was mounted on the barrel of a gun. There was a loud bang, and something slammed into him. Suddenly he was looking at the ceiling. There was no pain, but he couldn’t move. He didn’t feel a thing when they dragged Jennie and the baby from the fire escape back into the room, trampling him in the process. The room was fading away, as were the sounds of Jennie’s screams and the raiders’ rough voices as they disappeared down the stairwell.
Brandon lay drowning in helplessness and grief. He dimly heard his daughter crying, as if from a great distance, and somehow knew that she was here in the room with him, left behind. He prayed they hadn’t hurt her. He wanted to soothe her, tell her he was here with her, but nothing came out when he tried to speak. Then the sound of her crying faded away too, and he was in a place that was gray everywhere except for a faint glow of light in the distance. He began to move toward it.

Making a Make Believe World Believable

Jamie Marchant Posted on by
Fantasy literature transports you from the mundane world into the strange and the magical. How does it do this? By making that world believable, in its setting, its use of magic, and in its characters. To transport you, the fantasy world must be as complex and rich as reality. While I don’t like works that give long lectures on the history and geography, a sense of both must be present in the fantasy world—this sense preferably arising naturally from the needs of the plot and unfolding bit by bit. For example, in The Goddess’s Choice the way we learn about the longstanding animosity and history of warfare between Korth and Lundia is through the king’s pressure on the crown princess Samantha to marry. King Solar believes her marriage is necessary to maintain the fragile peace between the joined kingdoms. The history and culture of the joined kingdoms flow from and enhance the story’s central conflict.
 
Magic is an essential element of fantasy; yet to be believable, any system of magic must be both consistent and limited in scope. When the limitations on the wizard or sorcerer are clearly established, tension builds as he or she must work within those limits. The existence of magic doesn’t allow the writer to cheat. My hero’s Robbie’s magic lies in the ability to connect to the mind and body of another. It only works on living things. He can’t suddenly have the ability to warp metal even though that would be convenient. The use of his magic also depletes him physically, so he must be wise in its use. His strength is also his vulnerability.
 
For me, the most important element in creating a believable fantasy world lies in the characters. A believable world must be peopled with believable characters. In reality, few people are without flaws, but few are so bad that they have no redeeming qualities. Fantasy characters must be equally complex. Heroes must not be completely virtuous, and villains at least need sound motives for their villainy. Robbie is burdened with anger, and Samantha is headstrong and somewhat insensitive. On the other hand, Argblutal believes (with some justification) the throne is rightfully his and that he’d be a better king than a eighteen-year-old girl. When I read a novel, if I can believe a writer’s characters, I can forgive other inconsistencies with the work, but if I cannot believe the characters, nothing else the writer does can redeem the story. Depth of character is the key to believability in the make-believe world of fantasy.
 
I’d love to hear your comments on what makes a fantasy world work for you.

Mental Damnation Reality Book Tour and Giveaway

Jamie Marchant Posted on by
Reality
Mental Damnation Part 1
by Konn Lavery
Genre: Epic Dark Fantasy
Having her family murdered by the humans during her people’s banishment
from the surface world, Krista and her only friend, Darkwing,
struggle to remain alive. The pair of reptilian street scum live in
their newfound home, the City of Renasence, dictated by a fascist
military known as the Renasence Guard. The two find themselves at
odds when Krista puts her faith in the Five Guardians’ goal of
unification, while Darkwing chooses to stand with a notorious gang,
the Blood Hounds, who are known for their anarchist views
This divide in their friendship forces Krista to persist on her own as the
Five Guardians become crazed from an unknown disease – Mental
Damnation. After their infection, the Guardians develop a bizarre
interest in her, claiming they must reap her innocence for their
newfound master, the Weaver.

With a military dictatorship, politically-driven gangs and their guardians
infected and on a hunt for her, Krista has limited options for
survival: Does she fend for her life in the City of Renascence,
against menacing forces, or risk leaving everything behind and enter
the uncharted realm of the underworld?
Konn Lavery is a Canadian horror and dark fantasy writer who is known for
his Mental Damnation series. The second book, Dream, reached the
Edmonton Journal’s top five selling fictional books list. He
started writing fantasy stories at a very young age while being home
schooled. It wasn’t until graduating college that he began
professionally pursuing his work with his first release, Reality.
Since then he has continued to write works of fiction ranging from
fantasy to horror.

His literary work is done in the long hours of the night. By day, Konn
runs his own graphic design and website development business under
the title Reveal Design. These skills have been transcribed into the
formatting and artwork found within his publications supporting his
fascination of transmedia storytelling.

The strange male and Krista paused simultaneously, listening to the noise. Once the roar faded, the Corrupt continued to squirm. Krista suddenly realized that he was trying to crawl off of her, but his hands and feet had been cut off. Blood oozed from his limbs and smeared onto Krista. The Corrupt was essentially defenseless, so she calmed down – a little bit – and tried to work with him to get him off her.

Krista managed to roll the Corrupt to the side and he attempted to scurry away, but without hands and feet, he stumbled back to the ground whining, moving like a newborn calf.

A second male leaped from the higher rocks and landed with a heavy thud, raising dust. He threw a spear at the bleeding Corrupt. The weapon soared into the air, piercing through his victim’s skull and pinning the Corrupt to the ground.

Krista looked at the newcomer, mesmerized by his physical appearance. Muscles bulged on his shirtless torso. His skin was peach-toned, something Krista had never seen before.

What is he? she wondered, eyeing the male from his feet to his head.

The male’s five-toed feet were clad in sandals, with leather wrapped around his ankles. He wore a green kilt and several sheathed weapons strapped to his bare chest, which was marred by numerous jagged scars. His right hand had a cloth wrapped around it, and a ring flashed on his left.

He had a tail similar to Krista’s but with no scales. His brown scalp-feathers were plucked on the sides, leaving the remaining long feathers tied into a ponytail running down to his shoulder blades. Like hers, his eyes glowed, but they were bright white, not nearly as vibrant, and had green irises.

The male’s light skin and unusually flat facial structure called up flashbacks to the human raiders of Krista’s childhood.

He’s like a cross of humans and my people. I’ve never seen anything like it before!

The male walked over to the dead Corrupt and pulled his spear free from the body, then kicked it over the rocky edge. He kept his gaze on the rocks, watching the corpse fall into the fog.

Krista could hear the body tumble down the mountain, until the sound faded. Now that his back was facing her, she could see his spine was covered in light grey scales that came up to his neck. Krista was frightened by the peach-skinned male and kept motionless. She was uncertain whether he was a friend or a foe, or what she should do.

He’s going to notice me eventually. She waved nervously. “Hi.”

Follow the tour HERE
for exclusive excerpts, guest posts and a giveaway!

Dragon Songs Saga Book Tour & Giveaway

Jamie Marchant Posted on by
Prelude to Insurrection
A Legends of Tivara Story
by JC Kang
Genre: Epic Fantasy, YA
Only an orphan half-elf spy can avert a rebellion before it starts.

Jie’s superior senses have made her the perfect lookout. Now, as the
adopted daughter of the Black Lotus Clanmaster, she wants to prove
her pointed ears aren’t a liability when she’s tasked to
infiltrate a rebel lord’s castle.
In this prequel to Songs of Insurrection, Jie must decide between her
duty to the emperor and her sense of compassion toward the
downtrodden. No matter her choice, it will have explosive
consequences for her, the realm, and the upcoming war.
**Free May 17th & 18th!!**
Songs of Insurrection
The Dragon Songs Saga Book 1
Only the lost magic of Dragon Songs can save the realm. Only a naïve girl
with the perfect voice can rediscover it.

Blessed with an unrivaled voice, Kaiya dreams of a time when music could
summon typhoons and rout armies. Maybe then, the imperial court would
see the awkward, gangly princess as more than a singing fool.

 

When members of the emperor’s elite spy clan uncover a brewing
insurrection, the court hopes to appease the ringleader by offering
Kaiya as a bride.

 

Obediently wedding the depraved rebel lord means giving up her music.
Confronting him with the growing power of her voice could kill her.
Orchestra of Treacheries
The Dragon Songs Saga Book 2
The mightiest dragon threatens the world, and only the power of a Dragon
Song can vanquish him.

Two years have passed since Kaiya rediscovered the lost magic of Dragon
Songs, yet the power of her voice is untrained. Potential suitors see
her as a stepping stone. One ruthless cousin would rather step on her
gravestone.
Not one to get walked over or buried, Kaiya is holding out for the exiled
foreign prince who inspired her to sing. The only one who appreciates
her abilities more is the world’s last dragon, Avarax, and it’s
not because he enjoys a good song.
Raw and unproven, she finds mentors in unlikely places. An elf courtier.
An ancient healer. A martial arts master. And an evil sorcerer.
She’ll need their guidance to survive the final showdown between a
girl finding her voice, and a dragon who has no intention of being
fooled a second time.
Dances of Deception
The Dragon Songs Saga Book 3
An invincible empire threatens to invade Cathay, and only a Dragon Song
can ensure peace.

After vanquishing the Last Dragon with the power of her voice, all Kaiya
wants is a quiet life of anonymity. Instead, the Emperor sends her to
negotiate peace with the aggressive Teleri Empire.

 

The critical mission reunites her with her childhood friend Tian, now an
assassin-spy who loathes killing. He is no longer the adorable,
gullible boy from her memories, any more than she is the adventurous,
sweet girl from his. Instead of rekindling nostalgia for a youthful
innocence they both yearn for, their reunion ignites a mutual
hatred.
When the Teleri Empire breaks off talks, Tian must help Kaiya escape.
Orcs, Ogres, and enemy soldiers stand between them and home, and
their volatile relationship could get them captured… or killed.
Symphony of Fates
The Dragon Songs Saga Book 4
Kaiya escapes her ordeal at the hands of the Teleri Emperor, only to return
to a homeland beset by enemies on all sides, and crumbling from
within.

As a teenager, she quelled a rebellion with the Dragon Scale Lute. As a
young adult, she vanquished a dragon with the power of her
voice.
Now, robbed of her magic by grief, Kaiya must navigate a web of court
intrigue to save the realm before it falls. Only she can lay claim to
the Dragon Throne on behalf of her unborn sons—whether the father
is the lover who perished rescuing her, or the hated enemy who killed
him.
In the final story in Kaiya’s saga, she must rally a nation, repel
invaders, and prove to the world why her family alone holds the
Mandate of Heaven.
JC Kang’s unhealthy obsession with Fantasy and Sci-Fi began at an early
age when his brother introduced him to The Chronicles of Narnia, The
Hobbit, Star Trek and Star Wars. As an adult, he combines his geek
roots with his professional experiences as a Chinese Medicine doctor,
martial arts instructor and technical writer to pen epic fantasy
stories.
Follow the tour HERE!

The Descendant Prophecies Book Tour & Giveaway

Jamie Marchant Posted on by
From Gods
Descendant Prophecies Book 1
by Mary Ting
Genre: Urban Fantasy
***2013 InD’Tale RONE Award Finalist for YA****
Did you just see a flash of lightning across the sky on a clear sunny
day?
Don’t blame Mother Nature.
Skylar Rome can’t wait to spend her last summer before college with her
cousin, Kayla. Everything changes when they meet the Grand brothers.
Skylar is sure she should stay away from Mason Grand, but their
attraction is undeniable. Then Skylar’s life erupts into turmoil.
She steps into a world where descendants of ancient gods have super
powers, evil beings chase her, and questions arise about her own
identity. She is running out of time and running for her life, while
trying to unravel the mystery of what they want from her.
Forced into a battle set into motion long before she was born, will Skylar
find the answers she seeks, or will she die trying?
**Free on all major platforms!**
From Deities
Descendant Prophecies Book 2
***Ms. Ting seamlessly blends classic mythology with contemporary
college-life, and heightens the stakes against seemingly impossible
odds. Without a doubt, this author rocks at world building! –
InD’tale Magazine
A mysterious stranger enters Skylar’s inner circle, destroying her
precarious peace. She begins college amid new secrets, emerging
powers, fresh dangers, and a potential stepfather.
In New Olympus, a hidden dwelling place for descendants of the gods, she
finally gets answers. But can she trust them? Skylar and the Grand
family must work together with these descendants to discover the key
to their rescue from the evolving, evil vultures of Hades.
As the threat increases, Skylar must learn to control her newfound
powers and decide who to trust before it’s too late.
From Origins
Descendant Prophecies Book 3
Faced with an impossible choice, Skylar and the other descendants embark on
a deadly quest to the underworld to confront Hades, who has been
plotting to kill them all.
They discover the ancient gods are not dead, as once believed, but are
instead held captive in a secret location. In order to save the world
from destruction at the hands of Hephaestus, the descendants must
rescue their ancestors, the gods of Olympus.
Skylar learns more about her bloodline and her powers, but there is a heavy
price to pay. The darkest forces known to man are about to return to
reclaim their stolen kingdom.
From Titans
Descendant Prophecies Book 4
Everyone is searching for Mason.
Zeus sent Hermes, and the Oracles have used their magic, with no success.
A sparkle of hope arises when Eris, the goddess of Chaos, sends an
invitation to her wedding engagement party. She’s holding Mason
hostage, and Skylar and her friends only need permission to enter
Eris’s world to rescue him.
At the party, Eris gives them one condition: In exchange for Mason, they
must travel to the Land of Reverse and bring back the bottle of gold
water King Midas used to wash himself free of his gift. Further chaos
follows when Eris not only sets up a hunt in the Labyrinth of Crete,
but makes a bargain with the Titans she rescued.
The Titans possess power more than anyone anticipated, and Cronus is
hungry for revenge after his own children locked him up in Tartarus.
No one is safe. Not even the humans.
International Bestselling Author Mary Ting/M. Clarke resides in Southern California
with her husband and two children. She enjoys oil painting and making
jewelry. Writing her first novel, Crossroads Saga, happened by
chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother,
and inspired by a dream she once had as a young girl. When she
started reading new adult novels, she fell in love with the genre. It
was the reason she had to write one-Something Great. Why the pen
name, M Clarke? She tours with Magic Johnson Foundation to promote
literacy and her children’s chapter book-No Bullies Allowed.
Follow the tour HERE
for exclusive excerpts, guest posts and a giveaway!

Guest Author, Sandra Hults

Jamie Marchant Posted on by

Meet my guest, fantasy author, Sandra Hults. In the comments below, tell me what you think.

Interview

  1. Tell us a little about yourself:

I am from Toledo, Ohio. [Jamie’s note: When I hear Toledo, my mind immediately jumps to Clinger on MASH. Does that date me?] I enjoy reading, cooking and playing video games in addition to writing. I am a sucker for a good story—regardless of genre. I love music. I sing a little. In addition to writing, I work a 9-5. I’ve been writing since my youth but only seriously considered putting the work in mid 2000s. In 2012, after much encouragement and support from my spouse, I published Birth of Light. From there it’s been a crazy whirlwind of creativity, self-publishing, and a crash course in marketing.

2. What are you reading at the moment? Would you recommend it to readers of this blog? Why?

I am currently reading book one of the Chartile series by Cassandra Morgan. She’s a great friend of mine and, let’s be honest, how often do we in our line of work get to talk to the author? I would recommend it because the concept is unique and the way she addresses her characters and development is subtle but impactful. Go check her out. (https://authorcassandramorgan.com/)

3. Tell us something about how you write? i.e. are you a plotter or a pantser? Do you have any weird or necessary writing habits or tuals?

I am a pantser, tried and true. Some folks tell me I’m somewhere in the middle because I know what major story points need to happen and just pants in between the points. I have never, nor will I ever, do a full outline for my books. I applaud anyone that can outline a full novel’s storyline, but it’s just not my bag.

Weird habits. Well, I don’t know that they’re weird, but they’re part of my writing ritual so to speak. My hair always gets put up in a pony or a clip or something that gets it out of my way. There’s always music or some kind of ambient show in the background that helps me focus. Sometimes, headphones are required for me get into what I’m working on. If I am revising, I have to start with a print copy and go page by page hand editing and rewriting then keying the edits into my laptop. For harder to write scenes, if I don’t feel it, I don’t think my readers do.

4. Could you tell us a bit about your most recent book?

 I am actually in the middle of revisions for my fifth book, Maeseloria: Shadow’s Journey. I have one other project I’m in the middle of titled The Guardian’s Fall. I write it exclusively for my newsletter. For the moment, the story has taken a back seat to the book being written.

5. Of all the characters you have created, which is your favorite and why?

That is a difficult question because my favorite depends on how difficult that particular character is being. For the moment, though, if I were to pick one favorite Maeselorian, I think it would be a toss between Nicholas Taltos and Alexandra Jade. The disparity in their ages amuses me. Nicholas and Alexandra come from what seems like opposite ends of the spectrum at the beginning of the series. I love them both because they are both survivors. Whatever life dishes at them, they work through it. At times, they work together, and at other they work against one another. Their humanity makes me laugh and cry. Their fallacies frustrate me. They both engage and challenge me.

6. What is your favorite writing tip or quote?

It’s not a writing quote, per se, but it sums up me and my approach to life. I came across this quote years ago. For me, there are two messages in her words. Keep pushing. Don’t forget to laugh.

“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style”
― Maya Angelou

As far as writing tips go, keep going. If you struggle, if you get stuck, just keep going. Be relentless about your art. You’ll get there.

7. Tell us a little about your plans for the future. Do you have any other books in the works?

For the future, I am currently wrapping up the first round of revisions for Shadow’s Journey. I’m shooting for an October release date. Stay tuned to my website for more info on the release date and cover reveal.

Where can we find you online?

Blog: https://sandrahults.wordpress.com/
Website: https://sandrahults.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sandra-Hults-461985840493928/
Twitter: @SandraHults
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sandra-Hults/e/B00JQ2GHNW/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1495057051&sr=8-1
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Sandra+Hults?_requestid=1050532

Maeseloria: Birth of Light

Ages old…light forgotten. Journey with Alexandra and Marcus Jade in their quest for the truth of their heritage and restoration of a long-forgotten kingdom. Maeseloria once thrived and blossomed beneath Fate’s watchful eye. Shadows drew the realm into the darkness. Have a care, shadow-spawn, the Light always calls her children home.

 

 

Excerpt

“Come on wench, the master has come to dispose of ye.”

There was an odd complacency to her movements as she stepped out into the hall and even let them bind her hands. Master indeed. Terrorist would perhaps be more appropriate. At any rate they led her away. How could they have known she’d been slowly drawing for nearly the last hour? Flagging weariness tugged at her consciousness. Lack of food and rest dampened her enthusiasm a little.

When the body is weak the mind is strong. How many damned times during the last few days had Tanya drilled that into her? Gods only knew. Up the stairs and through the keep she stumbled, knocking her chin hard on the stone floor since her hands were bound and she could not break her fall. They laughed. The little fledglings laughed. A pity they would never see the next night. At least, not if she had anything to say about it. Thankfully, none had discovered she carried the dagger with her. That would have been interesting though, to see one of them try to touch it. According to Tanya, they couldn’t.

Eventually the little ones tugged and pulled her through the palace, mocking her as the last of the Jade Sorceress’. Giddeon had bred his hate in them. More’s the pity she supposed. Life was so much more than this. With all her heart she knew that now. When they led her into the snow littered clearing roughly half a mile from the keep she saw what she surmised to be a funeral pyre. Oh goody, they were going to try and burn a pyrokinetic Sorceress. So, she let them tie her up like a good little girl. Anything they could throw at her, she could throw right back. A pity none were aware of that but her teachers. And, finally, she did what any sorceress worth her salt would do. She drew.

A voice that would haunt her dreams for years to come whispered into the clearing. “I see the bitchling has been bound…” When one of the fledglings went to gag her, the demon waved them away. “I want to hear her scream.” From the shadows another figure watched as Giddeon ordered his men to light the sticks and wood that lay dried at her feet. The flames would catch fast, Nicholas suspected. Her instincts would remove the threat. This would test her mettle and his teaching. As the fire flickered and spread quickly, he saw as she looked through the flames and growled at Giddeon.

“The knees of Darkness shall bend beneath the will of the Light.” The creature growled as his glorious fire was snuffed like a candle, leaving Alex with nothing more than scorched skirts. Was that Maeselorian she was speaking? When the hell had Tanya taught her that? I didn’t. Her surprised mutter wandered through his mind as he watched.

As the fledglings drew close and attempted to grasp her, that dagger of hers lifted from its hidden sheathe in her boot. Five more seconds and all hell would break loose, he knew. As soon as the spell was whispered he’d get her out of there. Soon enough a blue haze surrounded her, repelling whatever shadow Giddeon may toss in her direction. May hell, the demon was already drawing against her.

Shadowfire, oh goody, Nicholas thought dryly as he stepped into view. He did nothing, no, not yet. In truth he wanted to see if her ward would hold. “Come on Alex, you can do it….” He whispered when her eyes, as though she sensed him, flicked towards him. The only reply he gave was a nod of affirmation. She nodded in return and the ward somehow strengthened. He was amazed that in her current state of mind that it did hold. Okay, Taltos, time to put a stop to this. He moved forward, his voice taunting the creature who stood in the center of the clearing. “Picking on creatures half your size again Giddeon?”