Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts

Friday, April 8, 2016

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!


















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

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

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

Soul Keeper, The SeriesSoul 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

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 Eirênê, 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
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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