Happy Poetry Day! ~ Springing

Soft fuzz forms on the tips of blooms to come.

They plump with anticipation.

Birds soar the sky for the first time in months.

Pointing their way to their Northern destinations.

The white landscape turns to caramel under the closer heat.

Hills transform into mounds of sugary sweetness.

Sweet water runs from the maples

Sharing their golden splendor with us.

Seeds itch.

Ground softens.

Bodies transform.

Sun shines.

We are springing.

Brain 2 Books Cyber Convention: Fantasy Blog Tour Spring 2016

Welcome, friends to the marvelously wonderful Fantasy Blog Tour! Today we're going to see really terrific authors who know how to bring the fantastic to life!

While you're here, get a good look at these books! You can click the links to take you to the purchase page.

Let's get started!

The Rogue King

by Aldrea Alien

[Sci-fi, High/Epic Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy]

Outside is dangerous.

Such is the warning Koral has heard for twelve years. Born a product of genetic manipulation, he knows little else of the world beyond the steel walls of his home.

When fate gives him the choice between certain death and the unknown, there's no question in what he must choose. But he's about to find out the sands he must brave are full of more than mere monsters.

Providing the desert doesn't kill him first.

This is a world ruled by instinct, where innocence is drowned in blood. Here, men are offered up to the great Serpent God,

Lorric, only to emerge as the most feared killers on the planet: The Rogues.

With the god's sights set on turning Koral into a legend, he must sacrifice himself to survive and be reborn as... The Rogue King.

Along Came a Wolf

Book I of the Yellow Hoods

by Adam Dreece

[Sci-fi, High/Epic Fantasy, YA]

"...intriguing contraptions, appealing characters, snide villains, humor, and an exciting story." Kirkus Reviews 

On a world where rhymes and fairy-tales are real, a secret society's influence is crumbling. The Tub, led for decades by a butcher, a baker, and a candle stick maker, is no longer able to protect its allies like master inventor, Nikolas Klaus.

Rumors of a revolutionary invention has a rival secret society hunting for its plans. When an agent arrives on the doorstep of the long-thought dead Klaus, his granddaughter Tee, and her best friends, Elly and Richy, get caught in the fray. Will Klaus' secrets cost them all dearly?

"Dreece has crafted a tale with elements to delight the child in all of us, and intrigue the most creative adult mind.” J.K. Norry, Author of Fall of the Walker King

"Adventure, hijinks and bravery in the very best traditions of the Famous Five and the books of Roald Dahl.” Dylan Hearn, Author of Second Chance.

Hyperearth

by Marco Marek

[High Epic Fantasy, YA, Thriller]

In the castle of city of Lubena, Mary and Martina found a portal to another dimension called Hyperearth. This will be the beginning of various adventures of this two teenager girls, fighting the evil Sathon but also make new friendship and curious discovers.

The Crown of Stones

Magic Price

by C.L. Schneider

[High/Epic Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy]

Ian Troy is one of the Shinree, a fallen people with an inherent addiction to magic. Scorned and reviled for the deadly side of their spells, the Shinree are bred as slaves. Their magic is suppressed by drugs and used only as it serves the purposes of the other races.

Descended from a long line of soldiers, Ian is conscripted into the Rellan army and made to fight in their longstanding conflict against the ruthless Langorian invaders. The downfall of Rella imminent, Ian goes against orders and turns to the Crown of Stones, an ancient Shinree relic of untold power. Ignorant of its true purpose, Ian uses the crown to end the war, and pays a terrible price.

A decade later, still tortured by the aftermath of that day, Ian lives as a bounty hunter in self-imposed exile. Having renounced his magical heritage, he curbs his obsession with a steady stream of wine and regret. He struggles to put it all behind him, until a fateful encounter with a pretty assassin brings Ian’s past crashing into the present. Targeted by a rogue Shinree, and a ruthless old enemy, Ian is forced to use magic again. His deadly addiction is rekindled and his life of isolation is brought to a swift end.

With the land he gave up everything to protect once more in jeopardy, and his people’s future at stake, Ian becomes embroiled in a violent race for control of the Crown of Stones. To save the realms and those he cares for, Ian must embrace the thing he fears most: his own power.

Magic-Price is the first installment in The Crown of Stones trilogy.

Ruined City

by A.F. Stewart

[Sci-fi, Epic Fantasy]

In the Northern Pass stands the city of Elowen, the glittering guardian between the Empire of Aloquis and the Kingdoms of Immra. It exists proud and prosperous, never dreaming its dark past was coming to call...

On a bright winter’s day a stranger arrives in Elowen, bearing a secret. From this man a dark blight of ruin descends over the great city and henceforth the day becomes known as Winter’s Bane.

The day the world changed for the people of Elowen.

The day their existence turned into a recurring nightmare.Read of the aftermath of revenge through the eyes of a shopkeeper, a child, ghosts, a blacksmith, a guardsman, an innkeeper, and even a King.

Anaerfell

by Joshua Robertson & JC Boyd

[Dark Fantasy, Epic Fantasy]

Drast, cunning but reckless, is on the hunt for admiration. Tyran, calculating but tactless, is in search of affection. Bound by a friendship thicker than blood, the two brothers have been hardened by their father’s ambitions. Drast and Tyran are forced to set aside their own hopes and dreams during their struggle to fulfill their father’s desire for immortality. The two will face skin-switchers and dragons, ultimately leading to a final clash with Wolos, God of the Dead.

Asena Blessed

by Tracy M. Joyce

[Fantasy]

At the whims of Gods and Men…

Isaura has emerged from the spirit realm forever altered. No longer a pariah, she embraces the future offered in Altaica, but learns that her survival has come at a price. Her transformation is the perfect weapon for Elena to use against her.

The mysterious Asena and The Lady vie for Isaura. Caught between two ancient powers, Isaura must try to make her own path.

Master spy Vikram launches a counterinsurgency against Ratilal and Faros, weaving innocents into the plot to bring him down. Ratilal prepares to wage war against Karan and Baldev. Desperately, he seeks clandestine means to wreak revenge on them in the very heart of their territory, with devastating results.

With enemies nearing, Isaura must learn to master her powers. Aid arrives from the most unlikely source—one who knows no rules and respects no one.

Having run from one war she will not run from another…

The battle is joined.

~Coming Soon

The Amber Isle

Book of Never #1

by Ashley Capes

[Sci-fi, Fantasy]

Roguish Never is on a quest to lift a curse on his blood and to learn his true name; but upon joining a group of treasure-hunters he soon finds himself unearthing world-altering secrets that have long lain dormant within the mysterious Amber Isle.


First in a series of epic fantasy novellas to be released in March 2016.

Smoke and Rain

Reforged #1

by V.S. Holmes

[Sci-fi, Epic Fantasy]

I expected a hero to save us all. Turns out, I was thinking of the wrong part of the story. In the beginning, we aren't saved. The world is broken. There are only pieces and grief. Depending on the story, the fruit of grief is vengeance or justice or hardened resolve.

The pieces must be gathered and flames kindled before I'm reforged. I don't know what shape I will take. Those pieces might become a hero...or a monster.

A mad king’s genocide destroyed Alea's home and left her sanity in tatters. The struggle between the gods and their creators fills the world with war. Caught in the crossfire of a conflict she knows little about, Alea only wants a quiet life. Trouble is, the darkness roiling in her mind may be the one thing that could end the bloodshed.

A storm brews within her, and not even the gods will be safe when it breaks upon the world.

Blood Moon Rising

by Riley Amos Westbrook et. al.

[Horror, Sci-fi, Fantasy]

What horror awaits when the Blood Moon Rises? What monsters lurk in the dark? A collection of twelve horror, sci-fi and fantasy tales from the authors taking part in Blood Moon Rising 2.

By S.K. Gregory (Editor), Michael Noe (Author), Riley Amos Westbrook, (Author) M.L. Sparrow (Author), Sharon Higa, (Author) Kat Gracey (Author), David Wind (Author), Ash Hartwell, (Author) Michelle Garza, (Author) Melissa Larson, (Author) Toneye Eyenot (Author), C.L. Hernandez, (Author) Donald Armfield (Author)

The Last Ranger of Sarn

Chronicles of the Huntress: Book One

by Ed Ireland

[Fantasy, Epic Fantasy]

Locked within the fabled Castian city of Tiran sits the Vault of Sarnallus and the Gems of Creation. Powerful orbs that can bring life or total annihilation. The King of Castia has trusted his military under the command of General Salaris Woodward to stop the advance of the undead army that comes for the treasure.

At the front of this unimaginable horror is The Black Prince, Romero Harram. After killing his father the Prince turns his eyes to the rest of his lands, Bardynn. General Merrin Jaslin, now considered a rebel leads the remaining loyal Knights of the Crescent Moon to the Pass of Sarn.
While he sits south of the pass, General Woodward sits north. With her is the Castian Militia led by Vespias Firstlight. She has been called the Hali'Khal by the Junin people...the daughter of the land who will save their people by her noble deeds. As she does this she will also save her own people from genocide.
But the prophecy calls for a terrible price to be paid before she can fulfill it. She must lose her heart. All that she was, all she is and all she can ever be must be lost.
Is the price too high? Can she overcome the heartache to bring hope to the Castian people? In this tale of power and passions, love, lust and survival can Vespias pay the toll to save her world? Ride into battle along with her and see...

Dolor and Shadow Tales of the Drui

by Angela B. Chrysler

[Epic Fantasy, Sci-fi Fantasy]

As the elven city burns, Princess Kallan is taken to Alfheim while a great power begins to awaken within her. Desperate to keep the child hidden, her abilities are suppressed and her memory erased. But the gods have powers as well, and it is only a matter of time before they find the child again.

When Kallan, the elven witch, Queen of Lorlenalin, fails to save her dying father, she inherits her father's war and vows revenge on the one man she believes is responsible: Rune, King of Gunir. But nothing is as it seems, and the gods are relentless.

A twist of fate puts Kallan into the protection of the man she has sworn to kill, and Rune into possession of power he does not understand. From Alfheim, to Jotunheim, and then lost in the world of Men, these two must form an alliance to make their way home, and try to solve the lies of the past and of the Shadow that hunts them all.

Of course, I can't post a blog about books without mentioning my own!

Please visit my website to find out about Sigrun, the Bandamann Saga!

Wow! These are some of the most fantastic stories I've ever heard! I hope you found some you like, love, can't get enough of!

Remember to check out all the places to party here at the convention!

Angela B. Chrysler's Website

Cyber Convention Facebook Event

Live! With Joe Compton

Panel Discussions

HELLDAT presented by ARC Chronicles

Remember to answer the polls!

Ready to move on? Head over to Josh's blog!

The Call to Search Everywhen blog tour and launch party!

We're celebrating the release of Time for the Lost and the box set of the YA time travel series, The Call to Search Everywhen, with a blog tour and a Facebook party! Join the party for bookish games and giveaways. Keep reading for an except from the latest book in the series, Time for the Lost.

Read Calla and Valcas' full story in this collection of the first three books in The Call to Search Everywhen! More than 600 pages of YA time travel adventure inside the following full-length novels:

 In TRAVEL GLASSES, Calla Winston falls into a world of worlds after meeting Valcas, a time traveler who traverses time and space with a pair of altered sunglasses. He offers his further protection in exchange for a promise. After learning that his search for her was no mere coincidence, she tracks down the inventor of the Travel Glasses in hopes of discovering more about Valcas' past and motivations. With Valcas hot on her trail, Calla hopes to find what she's looking for before he catches up.

 In INSIGHT KINDLING, Calla faces charges against her for changing the past. Despite the risk of becoming lost, she accepts a dangerous travel mission that may help her find her father. She teams up with a group of talented travelers and discovers that she has a special travel talent of her own. But will that be enough to protect her and her teammates before they complete their mission?

TIME FOR THE LOST completes the story line of the first three books in the series. 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.

Excerpt from Time for the Lost

Carefully, I climbed the clock, placing my feet on the times of other worlds, in order to see more along the top. Fragile materials supported my weight as if I weighed nothing—were nothing—but a breath of air in time and space. I climbed on, grabbing timepieces with my hands and pulling myself upward along the tower. The skin on the back of my neck prickled when I reached the topmost third of the tower. An hourglass sat perched on the tower’s tapered tip, like a golden star crowning one of Earth’s Christmas trees. The top half of the glass was mostly full. Both halves rested on a crescent moon-shaped base. The hourglass hung balanced, lightly swinging back and forth, ready to flip over when empty. I made my way back down the tower, wondering whether time ever ends, whether it could be eternal—how a system of worlds with World Builders could possibly have an end. My brain ached as I tried to make sense of it all, wondering where to begin searching for Calla. My attention turned to something bright and painful: a miniature White Tower, representing the world my parents created, the timeline of which reset when I was born. The White Tower replica had no clock hands. There were no digital measures of time, no sand trickling from the top of a glass. But I knew how the time was recorded and what time it was at the tower, based on the brightness of its glow. Like the sky which backlit the clock tower, the White Tower was a dazzling white. From what I’d learned as a child, the more brightly it glowed, the later its time and the closer to its end. I tightened my grip and groaned. “Why does every search lead back to the White Tower? Have I traveled here to the Clock Tower only to be faced with it again?” I descended a few more steps toward the base of the tower. “Is there no way to escape the past—to leave it behind me?” “You don’t appear to be biding time, friend.” I nearly fell from the tower. I glanced beneath me to see who’d spoken. The man who looked up at me was thin, with a nose as straight and long as his gangly limbs. He regarded me with eyes of purple ice. His hair, white like snow, was bound in a loose tail. Friend indeed. I exhaled, relieved. Everything about him radiated Aborealiandescent. I jumped the last few feet from the Clock Tower and signaled to him, the way I would have greeted anyone in my mother’s home country, Aboreal. His amethyst eyes met mine as he drew his lip into a thin line. He signaled back, and then frowned. “I disclaimed Aboreal long ago, but I respect the gesture.” “You’re from my mother’s homeland,” I said. “I just wanted to be sure.” The former Aborealian nodded and held out his hand. “Valcas Hall,” I said, clasping it. He grinned. “You can call me Nick.” I squinted. Aborealians had no last names, so I hadn’t expected one. Aborealian citizens were simply individuals of Aboreal. But the man’s first name didn’t fit the metric. Nick didn’t have the same significance to it as Ivory and Sable, shades of white and black. He should have had a name that reflected his wintry hair. Nick meant nothing in Aborealian. I opened my mouth to say something. “I’ve renamed,” he said. “When I denounced Aboreal, I changed my first name and adopted a surname of sorts.” “Which is?” “Time,” he said. “I’m now Nick, no longer of Aboreal, but of Time.” Nick of Time. Was this guy serious? If he noticed my cringe at the horrible pun, he didn’t show it. “What brings you to this part of the worlds, friend?” “A search.” I looked around, disturbed. “How did you get here?” “I’m the keeper of the Clock Tower. Welcome to my home.”

***

Get the series for Kindle, Nook, and iBooks.

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 nonfiction 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.

Connect with her on: Twitter Facebook Tumblr Instagram Goodreads Pinterest

Book Review: Soul Keeper, The Series by L.A. Starkey

Soul Keeper, The Series by L.A. Starkey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This series is simply amazing. An in depth, intimate look into the lives of the Greek gods unlike any other I've read in the past. Oh, they are still up to no good, manipulating the lives of humans and each other. But in this story, L.A. Starkey gives us a much closer look at what makes them do the things they do bringing us closer to the lives of gods than ever before.
Deceived is where we meet Sam, and her friend Julie. Two teenage girls seemingly average. Strangers enter their lives, and the Greek tragedies as we know and love them are swung into motion. Here we see Sam learn of her destiny. How she comes to terms with it is lovely in this first book of the series.
This brings us to Destroyed. Not only the name of the second story in this series, but the continuation of Sam's journey. We are brought right along with her, when she is swept up in a quest, furthering the tragic events. The development of characters, Sam, Julie, Marcus, Nick and Stephanie are remarkable. You feel each one's decisions, heartbreak, excitement and sadness.
Finally, we enter the Descent. "At the core of every evil is pain." By this time we even get an inside look at the feelings and heads of the gods. It's something I wondered whether or not would be done right, and rest assured, it was. These gods became more real to me than ever before, and it was a thrilling ride!
This series brought me through just about every emotion there is. From sadness, fear and heartbreak to lust, deceit, friendship and true love, this series was truly special. The writing is fantastic, and I felt like it was from the depths of my own head and thoughts. I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys stories about relationships, love and adventure!

View all my reviews

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 Rating: Suitable 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!