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 Teen Book Festival As a Hopeful Author

This past weekend I went to our local Teen Book Festival. It was their 10th year at one of our local colleges (one I attended for a semester back in my college days). I had been there before, because of my bookworm daughter. She introduced me to the world of Young Adult books years ago, and this time I was attending as not only a young adult book fan, but also a hopeful, new author. I had spent the week before preparing bookish swag to hand out to every eager teen I came across. My daughter and youngest son volunteered to help me, and we were all set!

I thought I would share the top 10 things I learned while there in a different capacity than just an attendee. So, here we go!

1)    It wasn't as crowded as I thought it would be. I don’t know why I thought there would be more people, there were already plenty.

2)    It was confusing how to tell the volunteers from the festival goers. There were groups of people in the same colored shirts, but there were so many of them. It was hard to tell whether they were volunteers, or just there with a group. I wasn't sure whether to hand them some swag, or ask them directions.

3)    There are so very many Young Adult Authors! It really amazes me every time I see/meet more!

4)    I am better at meeting people online than in real life. I am really quite awful at trying to strike up a conversation with…well…anyone. I should really write questions down ahead of time or something. I gave it thought for weeks before, but I couldn't come up with anything. Quite awful.

5)    It’s always really great to see how many types of “booky” teens there are. They are their own, very unique species, and they should be well cared for.

6)    Always wear my hair up when in a crowd. Dang it was hot! Even if it’s not hot, my stress level rises in crowds, which then makes me hot. I should have remembered this and dressed accordingly.

7)    I definitely over prepared. Not that it’s a bad thing, but I came home with more of my swag than I intended. So, it felt disappointing, even though it went fairly well. I keep telling myself it was better to have too much than run out too early.

8)    Seeing the range of reactions to me walking up and asking someone if they wanted something free was, and is always interesting. We had the full range of reactions. From, “Sure, thanks!” all the way to, “Mmm, no thanks.” I can’t imagine refusing a bookmark at a book festival, but to each their own.

9)    Next festival I really have to find out how to get a table set up. We met a lovely young author with a table set up at the area where you buy the other authors’ books. I wanted to do that, but I wasn't sure how. I really have to get more aggressive when it comes to finding out information.

10)    I was very grateful to my daughter and youngest son for coming with me. Not only did they help, but they kept me company, which was invaluable throughout the day. My oldest son decided he couldn't handle talking to strangers in any capacity, which I thoroughly understood. Apparently it’s a gene.

All in all it was a very good day. My children were so helpful and fun, and even found books to enjoy. My son had his signed by the author, and it made his day, he was so excited! Thank you, Greater Rochester Teen Book Festival! Perhaps one year I will be asked to be a participating author there!

Happy Bloggerversary to Me!

Hey there readers! Today marks one year of blogging for iDDeas! Not sure how we got this far, but I'm so happy to celebrate it with you!

In honor of one year of blogging, I will be giving away one signed copy of my book, Sigrun, The Bandamann Saga, with a Sigrun bookmark to match!
Haven't I mentioned, I wrote a book? Shame on me! But...
I write...
so...
there it is.

This whole writing journey has been an amazing experience, it will be my pleasure to share something in return.

Entering is easy as can be! Follow the copter below!

Happy Bloggerversary

For more information on my book, please follow the link to my website, here.

COMBO! Personal Week and a Few of My Favorite Things

Today is my sister's birthday!

Happy birthday to her!

She's my only sister and I couldn't have asked for a better one (and I did ask for a sister)!

I thought today I would pay tribute to the awesomeness that is her!

I love making slide shows with photos! I found a bunch from the past and put them together into this grand slide show!

Enjoy!

Free photo slideshow personalized with Smilebox

Summer Family Time

Yesterday was spent at the lake. Like so may other days in summer.

We met up with my whole, nuclear family to celebrate two next generation birthdays.

The next generation. They are here, and they are awesome.

I mean awesome in the true meaning of the word. They evoke awe in me and my generation.

Life is an amazing thing. When you can watch it happen, from the beginning, it is a privilege. So many changes, so much chaos. All as time goes consistently by.

Two births celebrated. One on her fifteenth year, the other on her third. A span of twelve years, but celebrating together. Watching my two nieces, my two Godchildren celebrate their lives was awesome.

I am appreciative of celebrations at the lake in the summer. We cram dozens of family into that tiny kitchen to sing happy birthday, and it’s always amazing to me. It’s a magic home of love and life.

There, you can see so much. There are all the stages of growing up, growing old, and many memories of those who have gone. They always come to join us for the celebrations. They are with us in words, stories, jokes, even poking fun at them in a happy, beautiful, funny way, bringing them to life at our parties.

I look at the children around the large, wooden table, whose faces are barely above the table’s horizon.

I smile.

That used to be me. Peering over to see the birthday guest blow out their candles. Having a grown up snap a candid shot. Feeling a little embarrassed by the moment.

I see the same feelings through my lens, but experience now the new feelings of the grown up who snapped the candid shot.

Awesome. Truly full of awe to live such a moment.

This week we will also celebrate my mother’s birthday. So many great people born this month! It will be another great day of celebration. Another great day of life.

It has become a popular phenomenon to write out a beautiful moment in your life here in the world wide web, and hash tag it, “blessed”. It is a wonderful thing that so many people out there are appreciating the little things in their lives. Of course, it gets abused, misused and overused. That’s the nature of us, after all. I still appreciate seeing people being thankful for what they have.

Happy even.

Blessed.

It’s those little things in our age of technology, plastics, fast services, instant gratifications, that make it come together in a way that no technology can do.

It is life.

Happening.

Consistent, but changing.

Always.

Happy Independence Day!

As the week of our Independence Day, I thought I'd ask my 3 kids what they think of when they think of the 4th of July. Here's our top 10 list:

1. Going out in the boat on the lake. We are fortunate to have a family cottage that we spend the 4th of July on every year. These are where the memories happen.

2. Celebrating the hub's and his bro's birthday! Yep, my hub and his twin bro were really born on the 4th of July! How cool is that?

3. It is the celebration of our Independence Day. Even if we don't always know why that is important (which led to a good discussion of why it is).

4. FIREWORKS!!!

5. Cousins, cousins...and more cousins! We have had 1st, 2nd, 3rd and lots removed cousins visit us for the 4th!

6. Getting together and celebrating for all kinds of different reasons! The above mentioned Independence Day and the hub's birthday are just a couple of things we have celebrated over the years on the 4th of July! We've also had graduation parties, marriages, and babies celebrated as well, among others!

7. Spectacular familial intimacy. Seeing people we don't see any other time of year just come together, have some laughs and share stories.

8. Playing in the lake all day and night. It's a true pleasure and privilege to be able to do this!

9. Awesome food! Of course, with all these people, comes incredible food and drink! We have some dishes that we like to have year after year, and others that can be brand new! What are some of your faves?

10. The more the merrier! We have had hundreds of people over the many years of celebrating the 4th of July out at the cottage! We have met some very interesting, fascinating and totally cool people! We're even related to many of them!

Happy Fourth of July week!