Friday, December 25, 2015

The Eye of Mares Blog Tour

The Eye of Mares Blog Tour

 

To celebrate the release of the second instalment in the Rise of the Elohim chronicles, the Eye of Mares is going to blog hopping like a headlining rockstar, multiple showings for over the course of two weeks, with a new page shared with each appearance, continuing from where the last one went off and today I get to host the latest page:



The Eye of Mares – Part 16

 

“You think that’s funny, Kazza?” Davidos called out in a brutish voice, which also sounded a little dopey as well. 

“Yeah, I do,” Kazza replied, just as Jason kicked Davidos again. 

Kazza always rolled up the sleeves of his tunic to catch as much of the sun he could. On his left arm, he had a circle shaped, black coloured birthmark. A pentacle and a crescent moon sat inside the circle. 

It was the symbol of the Shanzi, a defining mark only found on Children of Tormenta. The mark burned onto their arms once the Shanzi made their return to the world of Oceania. 

Like Zach, Kazza was also a Child of Tormenta. It wasn’t unusual to have more than one present at one time, but never before had there been two such Children present on the same island, at the same time, for their education. However, unlike Zach, Kazza had yet to discover his own special ability. 

Attached to his belt, was a sheath home to Kazza’s very own Falchion, as he like Jason, were the only students besides Zach, who had been promoted to a real sword. However, as Davidos had yet to graduate from wood to steel Jason desired to see it so, hence their little sparring session, just one of many. 

With silent steps, a middle-aged man approached cautiously. Unlike his students, he wore a violet coloured tunic, with white undershirt and tights. The man snuck up behind Kazza. 

“You’re not joining in?” the man asked. His thick, gruff accented voice caused Kazza to flinch and turn round. 

“Master Mako,” Kazza remarked, bowing his head, showing respect. 

“Good morning, Kazza,” Mako greeted warmly, as he moved his brown coloured eyes to Davidos and Jason. 

At a height equal to Zach’s, Mako had greying black

 


 

Darkness didn’t just fill the sky, but ruled the land as well. Clouds thicker than land itself shielded the islands below from the sun above. Not even a single beam was able to penetrate them.  What was once a land full of life had become nothing more than a desolate wasteland, where only a handful of each species were granted to live by their new masters, the Shanzi

The Elohim no longer walked the lands of Sancti, allowing the army of pure darkness to rise up yet again and wage war against life yet again. The Watchers fought to the best of their ability, but already more than half the realms had fallen to darkness, among them, the realm of Mares.

Rough waters surrounded a single island, shaped like an eye, as waves crashed into its cliff face. Two dark beings stood on watch, enjoying the darkened world around them. Every tree and plant had died, only to be brought back to life twisted and filled with darkness.

One of the beings was shorter than the other, whereas the second was a large beast. Both were pitch black, but whereas the shorter one was slender and beautiful to gaze upon, the second was hideous.

It towered above its companion and held a long and deadly double sided axe in its enormous clawed hands. On either side of its forehead were long cruel horns as well as on its body. The beast wore dark grey body armour that…

 

****Here concludes todays Page****

 

 

Be sure to check out the continuing blogs to watch the story continue, or pick up a copy direct from Amazon: The Eye of Mares – Out now!

You could even let the adventure continue and check out its prequel, where the story began and the series was created: The Spirit of Iris – Out now!

 

 

 

****Book specifics****

 

Author: Rocky Rochford

Illustrator: Ashleigh Longman

Title: The Eye of Mares

Series: Book 2 of the Rise of the Elohim Chronicles

Genre: Illustrated YA fantasy adventure

Book Content RatingSuitable for ages 12 and up

Tag-line: Darkness has many forms and Mares is its playground.”

Blurb:

Nearly four years have passed since Zach drew blade against the Shanzi Shimay and now the time has come for him to draw his sword once more. The Realm of Mares has fallen victim to invasion as three terrifying beasts of darkness, seek to destroy the world around them, as they await the inevitable arrival of their King. 

With dark times ahead, the numbers of the Watchers on Iris has grown, as Zach is joined by seven fellow students, all too eager to prove their worth. It's not long before the students are put to the test facing off against the Nein Navy and uncover a dark secret. 

The stage is set and the Battle for Mares is under-way. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rocky Rochford Biography

Rocky Rochford is your standard guy, if your standard guy scuba dives, partakes in underwater photographer and is a wake-boarding, adventure seeking, sword collecting, marine conservation supporter. After living life on the road and the places between, he finally settled down but not without benefiting from all the lessons life had to teach him.

Self-professed “Student of Everything, and Master of Nothing,” Rochford does not choose what he writes, but writes what chooses him, be it fantasy, crime, poetry, philosophy or even adventure. Life is a journey we all get to experience, just like a good book.

Every read into another of his typed works is another trip into the imagination of his mixed up, crazed and deranged mind and this year along those works include the likes of full novels and novellas such as:

London Calling – a Deep Water Novel (Spy Thriller)

Don’t Even Blink – Part of the Don’t Turn Around Trilogy (Horror)

Wait and Bleed – The Don’t Turn Around Collection (Horror collection of the entire Don’t Trilogy)

And now The Eye of Mares – Book 2 of the Rise of the Elohim Chronicles (Illustrated YA fantasy adventure)

 

 

Other works released by him, are a number of short stories pertaining to horror, paranormal and romance, as well as other works released as part of an anthology:

The Devil You Know (Paranormal short)

Salt in the Wound – Part of the Entwined Saga(Paranormal short)

The Food of Love (featuring Him & Her) – An Anthology by Solstice Publishing (Romance filled Anthology)

Him & Her (Romance Standalone release)

Don’t Say A Word (Horror)

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volume II (featuring The Devil Before) – An Anthology by the Solstice Shadows (Paranormal themed Anthology)

Awethology Dark (featuring Ghosts) – An Anthology by the #Awethors (Adult stories pertaining to a darker theme)

The December Awethology Dark Volume (featuring Seven Years Bad Luck) – An Anthology by the #Awethors (Adult stories pertaining to a darker theme, set around December)

 

****Welcome to the World of Rochford****

 

 

Social Media Links:

Rocky Rochford’s website: rockyrochford.wordpress.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IamRockyRochford/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RockyRochford

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7310280.Rocky_Rochford

Amazon page: http://www.amazon.com/Rocky-Rochford/e/B00O3AA3KU/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1449272442&sr=8-1

 

 

 

Rochford writes a little something for everyone, so if Mares isn’t your cup of tea, you can guarantee one of his many other works certainly is!

 

 

Friday, November 13, 2015

Cover Reveal: Time For the Lost by Chess Desalls

TFTL Cover Reveal
Calla's disappearance leads her family and friends to suspect that she’s lost. In a desperate attempt to find her, Valcas seeks help from a man he betrayed. A new search begins, one that sounds promising, even if it forces Valcas to confront his past. The travel team reunites for a mission they never saw coming: a journey to a world caught between life and death, and hidden within the deepest recesses of time. Ivory rediscovers a friend and Ray learns the meaning behind his tattoo. But the connections they make between travelers and the lost may twist the core of the Time and Space Travel Agency inside out. Time for the Lost is the third installment in The Call to Search Everywhen serial series. Catch up with Calla and Valcas' adventure before the third book releases in February 2016!









About the Author
Chess Desalls is the author of the YA time travel series, The Call to Search Everywhen. She's a longtime reader of fantasy and sci-fi novels, particularly classics and young adult fiction. Her non-fiction writing has led to academic and industry publications. She’s also a contributing editor for her local writing club’s monthly newsletter. The California Writers Club, South Bay branch, has awarded two of Chess’ stories first place for best short fiction. When she's not reading or writing, she enjoys traveling and trying to stay in tune on her flute.



chess
Connect with Chess on:

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Redemption Released!

Redemption (Children of the Gods #3)

Nobody promised freedom would be peaceful…

AVAILABLE TODAY!

Lead Council member, Christoph, is dead by Elyse’s hand, and Descendants have begun to emerge, exposing their secret to the world. Some see this as the prophecy come to fruition, but the prophecy caries a heavy consequence. It was never meant to be as peaceful as most had hoped.

Humans and Descendants struggle to live together in a world that isn’t ready for such a change. America is divided. Those who glorify the supernatural race believe Descendants truly are the gods they claim relation to. Others see them as a threat.

When Elyse gives birth to the next generation oracle, she sees one final vision—war. The destruction of the country’s major cities, and the end of America as we know it.

After her daughter is born, Elyse finds herself without the ability she needs to predict the future. Desperate to save the world from such conflict, she puts her faith in the hope that Descendants are the key to survival. After all, they have the power to supply a broken society with the means to survive.

Only from the ashes can a new world be born.





Elyse’s Story…


The Children of the Gods Series



The Descendants have waited long enough for freedom…



About The Author

JESSICA THERRIEN spent most of her life in the small town of Chilcoot, California, high up in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. In this town of nearly 100 residents, with no streetlights or grocery stores, there was little to do but find ways to be creative. Her mother, the local English teacher, inspired her to do all things artistic, and ultimately instilled in her a love for language. Jessica currently lives in Southern California with her husband and their two children.

You can visit her online at
www.jessicatherrien.com




Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Cover Reveal for The Phoenix Project by D.M. Cain

Well, like I said, it's a busy time in the world of authors! This week I get to introduce two of them to you (see my last post here)!

Today, I am thrilled to present a fantastic cover reveal!

Without further ado...


It’s here!


Dark, gritty psychological thriller The Phoenix Project undergoes a makeover in the brand new Booktrope edition. Completely re-edited and re-designed, don’t miss this stunning cover by the talented Amalia Chitulescu. 





The book will be available to buy soon from a wide range of digital and paperback distributors.

Author: D.M. Cain
Title: The Phoenix Project
Genre: Psychological thriller/Dark thriller/Dystopian
Book Content: Occasional adult language, graphic violence, and mild sexual content.
Original Cover Design from the first edition:  



Synopsis

How can you fight to the death, when you’ve given up on life?

A thought provoking and compelling dystopian world that will change the way you view justice...

A man fights for life—and redemption—in D. M. Cain’s riveting re-released novel, The Phoenix Project.

Britain has descended into chaos as violence and terrorist attacks seethe across this once-peaceful country. Outraged by the steady stream of lawlessness, citizens demand a harsher penal system, and the Phoenix Project is born.

In prisons across the country, inmates fight to the death in a weekly bloodbath while the nation cheers them on.

Raven Kennedy, a prisoner who has never forgiven himself for his unspeakable crime, struggles against his own guilt and self-loathing. But even as the real war wages on within himself, Raven is forced to battle some of the prison’s most ruthless killing machines. Can he survive long enough to unravel the anger and regret that shackle him—and one day find the forgiveness he seeks?



‘The Phoenix Project by D.M. Cain is a superbly written debut, soaked in tension and intrigue,’
~ Jack Croxall, author of the ‘Tethers’ trilogy.



Let's get to know D.M. Cain a little better!

D.M. Cain is a dystopian and fantasy author working for US publisher Booktrope. She has released two full length novels: The Phoenix Project - a psychological thriller set in a dystopian future, and A Chronicle of Chaos – the first in a dark fantasy series. She is currently working on the next novel in the series – 'The Shield of Soren' and a novella to accompany it.

D.M. Cain is also a member of the International Thriller Writers and is one of the creators and administrators of the online author group #Awethors.

Cain lives in Leicestershire, UK with her husband and young son, and spends her time reading, writing and reviewing books, playing RPGs and                                                                                  listening to symphonic metal.






Stalk D.M. Cain Here








Author Interview: Samantha Clarke

It's been a busy couple of months in the book world, peeps!

Part of it is getting to meet new authors just about every day! There are indie authors, and traditional authors, and every genre you can imagine! It's a pleasure, every single time I meet one!

Today's blog is an interview with Samantha Clarke: a lovely, young author who has writing coursing through her veins!
So, let's get to it...ladies and gents...Samantha Clarke!





When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I was probably twelve or thirteen, it was my freshman year of high school.


How long does it take you to write a book?
I’ve only published one book so far, but after I sat down and became serious about finishing it I was in the final stages of editing after four months.



What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
On days that I’m able to I will write for an hour or two in the morning, go about my day and then write for another hour or so before going to bed.



What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I write everything down in a notebook, including backstories, world building etc. before I type anything out.



Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
From reading or from the world around me.

When did you write your first book and how old were you?
As I mentioned I recently just published my first book, but the first book I have ever written I was the last part ninth grade, so I was probably thirteen at the time.


What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I like to read a lot but between school, work and writing I don’t get to read very much at all.


What does your family think of your writing?
My partner and their family is a lot more supportive than my own. The only people in my family that are supportive are one of my cousins, my mother and her parents. The rest of my family doesn’t take my writing very seriously at all.




What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
I pay very little attention to grammar when I’m ‘in the zone’. It took me ages to edit my book and finish all of my grammatical errors.


How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
I’ve written three, but only one has been published. I don’t plan on publishing the other two, as they were written when I was much younger.


Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?
Since I’m still learning the tools of the trade, I feel like I need advice more than I would be able to give it.


Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
I’ve heard from a couple. They’ve all asked me when my second book is coming out and have told me that they can’t wait to read it.


Do you like to create books for adults?
Yes, however my target audience is young adults.


What do you think makes a good story?
Good world building and consistency.


As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
When I was very young I wanted to be a teacher and own a farm.


Thank you, Samantha!
If you'd like to find out more about Samantha, visit her here:

Thursday, October 1, 2015

YA Scavenger Hunt Fall 2015



Hey everybody! Welcome to the YASH Fall 2015!

I am Deidre Mapstone, your hostess on this leg of the hunt, representing TEAM PINK!


I am a stay at home mom who likes to bake, sew and write! Old fashioned loves for a new age society!
I invite you to check out the #Awethors & #IndieBooksBeSeen any time over on Twitter for some amazing authors and books! Welcome to my blog, and enjoy the hunt!


This biannual event was created by author Colleen Houck as a way to give readers a chance to gain access to exclusive bonus material from their favorite authors, and a chance to win some amazing prizes! You not only get access to exclusive content from each author, but you also receive a clue to continue the hunt! Add up all the clues and you can be entered to win TEAM PINK's fabulous prize: a signed copy of each book on the team!

Don't delay! This hunt, and all the authors' bonus material will only be available for 72 hours! 

Now, let's get to the rules so you can get on with the hunting!

How to Scavenger Hunt

Directions: Below you'll notice that I've listed my favorite number. Collect the favorite numbers of all the authors on TEAM PINK, and then add them up (don't worry, this isn't a test, you can use a calculator).

Entry Form: Once you've added up all the numbers, be sure to fill out the form here to officially qualify for the grand prize! You must have the correct final number to qualify.

Rules: Open internationally. Anyone under the age of 18 should have a parent or guardian's permission to enter. To be eligible for the grand prize, you must submit the completed entry form by October 4th, noon Pacific Time. Entries sent without the correct number or without contact information will not be considered.

If you have any problems or questions, go to the YA Scavenger Hunt page. There are 8 contests running in total! You can go enter all of them at the Scavenger Hunt page for a chance to win a whole other set of signed books!
With all of the technical jargon out of the way, let's meet one of TEAM PINK's authors!

I am pleased to be hosting Hilary Thompson!


I’m Hilary, and I used to be such a practical girl. Then I let the stories out.



Now I create worlds, people, and problems that are grounded in real life, if you accept that real life has magic around every turn.



I was born to parents who made a habit of taking roads less traveled. But I was also a first child, and an independent, willful child, so I’ve made a habit of taking a few roads on my own.



Now I teach Creative Writing, English, and AP Literature, write whenever and wherever I can, and read as much as my eyes can handle. I play superheroes and dress up games and read books in bed with my own independent, willful children and play at homesteading and world traveling with my wonderful soulmate of a husband. I tend to ignore laundry and dirty dishes.


Deidre here - I too ignore my dirty dishes and laundry...maybe it's a writer thing!


The book Hilary is sharing with us is Balance Broken Starbright, Book Two. Let's take a look!




The world cries for Order, but she’s igniting a revolution.

One hundred years before, the Great Sickness reduced the world to three cities. Now, Asphodel no longer lingers underground, and the Starbright Maiden of Justice has returned.

Everyone has faith in Astrea’s ability to save the world – but only she knows the dark truth about her powers.

Trea teams with Stian, Lexan, and Zarea to enlist the help of Lord Hadeon of Tartarus. They hope Hadeon will aid in attacking Asphodel’s First Leader Keirna, but the Destroyer usually takes lives, not sides.

As Trea discovers life outside of Asphodel, she begins to wonder whether the remaining world is too broken to save – especially since the price of freedom just might be her own life.



Wow! Sorry, Deidre here again - That sounds amazing! I absolutely am in love with all the names! It sounds like a riveting story! And a redhead on the cover...I am loving it all already!

You can find this and all of the Starbright series books at Hilary's Book Store!
!*!*!BONUS CONTENT ALERT!*!*!
A special scene from the Balance Broken story!

The Destroyer Finds Peace

            A man’s face bends closer to mine. I can barely focus my eyes, but I do notice the darkness, and the tickling scent of oranges.
            “What do you remember, Irana?” he asks, his voice kind and calm but oddly distressing.
            I do not want to answer the question, but he leans in closer. I try to clear the scratchiness from my throat. “The first thing I remember is my mother, telling me she would soon be employed by Lord Hadeon, and that there was someone she’d like me to meet.”
            I feel the grin in his mind before it spreads to his lips. I’ve always been able to sense things like that – satisfaction, displeasure. I try to move to adjust my arm, which is beginning to tingle, but I can’t quite figure out how to lift it.
            “The last thing I remember is Pacem. My friend. My everything else. Being dragged away. His beautiful brown eyes were afraid, but not for himself. For me. Afraid of Lord Hadeon, and what he might do to us, now that Mother had fled.”
            The smile dims a bit, leaning more toward displeasure. I wish I could see the man well enough to know who I am speaking to. I close my eyes to rest them, hoping the burning will soon stop.
            “And do you remember how to dance?” he asks when I have been silent for a few moments. My heart stutters, then seems to stop altogether. Only one man has ever seen me dance: Lord Hadeon himself. The smile has returned to his face.
            I squeeze my eyes tighter, but I still see the darkness, lit by that infernal grin. Finally, “Perhaps,” I hear myself whisper, although I’m truly not certain if I could ever dance again.
            There is nobody left for me to dance for.
            A soft flutter wakes me, followed by a light tapping on my stomach. I open my eyes slowly, noticing the light, and the scent of houseplants. Something is glinting, moving on my stomach, and I close my fingers around it tightly, meaning to crush its robotic life from it. But it is not one of Hadeon’s machines, I realize.
            Machine, yes. But I can immediately feel the balance of its parts – peace instead of the hectic grinding and clicking of the Destroyer’s creations. I bring it closer to my face.
            A bird – made of metal? Its head tilts, pin-point black eyes helping to focus and straighten my vision. Its beak opens and a red light blinks on, then off. The belly splits apart and the smallest scrap of paper is discharged. I grasp at it, and my heart leaps in my chest as I see the writing.
            11
            This is the number Pacem and I share – it is ours alone, and insignificant to anyone but us.
            It means he is alive, and he knows where I am.
            Tears wet my still-burning eyes, and it is only then that I begin to see where I am. A pure white blanket covers my legs, and a white tent, supported by golden filigree panels and arches curve above me. But not far above – the top is actually quite near. The space is egg-shaped and barely wider than my outstretched body.
            Unease begins to spread through my limbs as I struggle to move fingers and toes, one by one. I push up, wondering at how weak I’ve grown. I have no idea how long I’ve been here, or where here really is.
            Just then the tent begins to rise around me, leaving the arches and panels. I swiftly tuck the bird under the blanket. Swallowing around the lump in my throat, I can see now that I am in a cage. Lord Hadeon stands before me, sunlight glinting behind him, throwing his face into shadows.
            He sleeks his black hair and smooths his hands over his white tunic, fingering the golden fringe along the edges of his sleeves.
            “Where is my mother?” I ask, because I can’t bear to ask the location of anyone else.
            “She is no longer with us, I’m afraid,” Hadeon answers, his face grave. I lower my eyes and wait for the feelings of sorrow, but instead I feel soothed. Peaceful. My mother was never well – not in her body, and not in her mind. Death may be kinder to her than life.
            “And…and where are we?” I ask, again hesitant to ask the only question I truly need the answer to – where is Pacem?
            “In my throne room, of course. This is an antechamber, but through that lovely screen is the very room where we first met.”
            “What do you want from me?” I ask, my mind spinning with every horrific story I have ever heard about Lord Hadeon of Tartarus, the Destroyer of Lives.
            He steps closer, his eyes shining with blackness. “You, my dear, are the first glorious piece to the puzzle which the whole world is trying to solve. You are the maiden of Peace, are you not?”
            I’d like to tell him I’m not, but he’s right, and there’s really no sense in denial. “I am.”
            “Well, then EirĂȘnĂȘ, welcome to Tartarus.” He smiles and spreads his arms wide, as though to grant me the kingdom. Suddenly I feel very un-maidenly, and decidedly the opposite of peaceful.
            “You may call me Irana, and I already know exactly what Tartarus is. And who you really are.”
            His smile spreads even wider across his beautiful dark face, as self-delighted as a demon who has escaped the fire. “Will you stay with me?”
            I glance around at my golden cage, eyes narrowed in disbelief. “I am not a prisoner?”
            “No. Peace cannot be forced. Only chosen. So sayeth the Prophets.”
            “What is your bargain, then?” For there is one. There is always a bargain, where the Destroyer is concerned.
            He claps his hands lightly three times, and a screen slides apart behind me, opening what I had thought to be a blank wall.
            I breathe in too quickly and nearly choke when I see what the screen has been hiding.
            It is Pacem, but it is not Pacem.
            Not the way I once knew him.
            His beautiful brown eyes are no longer brown, but a glittering, glassine blue. His fine pale skin is covered over with metal sheeting, and his joints creak like those of the bird I still have clutched beneath the blanket. His steps stutter across the floor, uncertain as a newly-made child.
            My Pacem, my everything else, is barely more alive than my little robotic bird. Yet I know without thought that while he is here, I will be as well.
            Hadeon clears his throat gently. “I’ll ask again, then. Do you remember how to dance?”
            I nod without hesitation this time, and a sweet, peaceful music begins to play as I rise shakily to my feet, and Pacem is led away.





Oh, my aching heartstrings! I don't think I could go another 10 days without knowing what will happen! I don't know about you, but I am hooked! Stalking now! Feel free to join me:



Hilary's website
Sign up for her Newsletter




Thank you so much for visiting my blog today! It's been terrific having you! Because I love to give more than I receive, I am having a separate Rafflecopter giveaway below! Show the love and enter! Tell me in the comments when you're done, and how much fun you are having! What books are you looking forward to digging into?



What? You're still here? Oh, you need to head over to the next page to continue the hunt! Good luck, and have fun!

Your next stop is CHASE NIGHT