Friday, May 15, 2015

May Issue of Bewitching Book Tours Magazine




Check out the free May issue of Bewitching Book Tours Magazine- filled with author interviews, excerpts, author advice and more.



Flip through the pages and discover Interviews with AD A.D. Marrow​, Laila Blake​ and L.C. Spoering​, TW T.w. Kirchner​, MJ M.J. Rose​;  Character Interviews with Desy Smith’s Cast of The Talented; Ghosties, Ghoulies, and Samhain with Ann Gimpel​; What makes Heuer Tick with AB A.b. Funkhauser​; I’ve Got Designs on You with Nelli Rees; Flash Fiction with Kyoko M; Eco Summer Fun with La Mamma Verde Wenona Napolitano​, and you’ll find Roxanne Rhoads​ in the Naughty Nook.






Guest Blog and Giveaway Circle of Sun Series by Kim Luke



The day begins as many others do, a cup of coffee and my laptop for a quick review of the world happenings and social snippets from a world that is as closely connected as the “party lines” of yesteryear. I never had a “party line” but I do know what they were and I can assure you, there was no fun involved with them. If you want others to know about anything, you can post/pin/tweet or put yourself on your own channel. The world can know about everything in seconds and that has changed our lives and the course of history. I find it surprising that in a world so closely connected there can be so many who feel disconnected. 

     We are fortunate to have a family and beyond that some are granted an extra measure through friendships. Those who give us a thumbs up or a share, a virtual pat on the back and words of encouragement. Can you count on one hand the number of others who offer all they can to support you? If you can count on two hands you should sing from the rafters. In our world of social media, supporting others has never been easier. If you are part of Facebook, you know you would never have the slew of birthday wishes you have now. But since a click is all that is required to throw “some love” one’s way, it can never compete with the real thing. What value do you place on those in your “amen” corner? 

     We show our commitment to a relationship with our actions, not our words and not only a click. Today I am grateful for the many who I consider friends who have shown me through their actions they support me. Like a mother who adds the birthstones of her children to a ring she wears on her hand, those of us who are pursuing dreams feel the crowning blessing of our friends and family. As a writer I didn’t realize the lens I would be looking through. A whole new appreciation of that word support. Who knew a budding dream was so fragile anyway? Like testing the waters of a cold world, the toe goes into the water and gradually with the courage you only prayed for, the whole body is immersed. With blue lips and chattering teeth we make our way, holding the hands of those on the shore as they help ease the stage fright and their one word of encouragement takes you through the next week. Those of you know who you are, thank you. Words of encouragement are vital nutrients to feed our soul and the magical fuel helping weary spirits to soar once more. If you encouraged even one person today you did something wonderful. Everyone needs it, everyone.

     Though life’s lessons we know most of the encouragement will have to come from our own personal belief in ourselves. Many times there are just no hands to hold. You adjust to the waters temperature and pray once more for skin that is just a bit thicker to sustain until a friendly hand grasps yours, and you continue on the journey.  One evening at the end of a great day of family time, I gave my update to precious ears who always listen when I tell them about my book progress. I asked if they could gather outside, because I wanted a photo for my next book. There was not one complaint or even a question to the reason, seriously my family is the bedrock of it all. This photo is on the back cover of my newest book Black Inferno. It is a Circle of Sun Series shield with hands grasping around it. Our son took the pic and holding the shield along with me are my husband, our three daughters, our another son and my dad. Although my map is inadequate this picture is my beacon and who could ask for more than that?

Circle of Sun
Circle of Sun Series
Book 1
Kim Luke

Genre: Fantasy

Cover Artist: Anne and Marshal Tezon at Personal Chapters

Book Description:

Something is wrong in White Oak, MO After a deadly climbing accident, 30-year-old Quinn Clarke loses her job and retreats to the sleepy Missouri riverside town of White Oak to heal her fractured body and rebuild her life. But the tourist village, with its wineries, quaint shops and rich history, turns out to be anything but sleepy.

Something is wrong with the water in White Oak. Birds are dying and bizarre weather conditions threaten the town’s future. Quinn is sucked into the chaos, beginning with a mystery woman who delivers a message suggesting her climbing tragedy was no accident. Quinn meets handsome detective Keefe Remington, then visits nearby Royce Estate. She loses her way and her peace of mind on that visit and is confused and unprepared for what lies behind the massive stone walls and how she is somehow connected to the Royce family.

The first book of the Circle of Sun series takes Quinn from main street bookstore owner to unlikely heroine and straight into a darkness that could turn White Oak into a battlefield . . . and into her destiny.


Available at www.kimlukeauthor.com

Amazon    BN    Smashwords    Createspace



Circle of Sun Prologue

     No one will visit his final resting place. In death, as in life, his name had long been associated with broken promises, broken rules and broken lives. He embraced nothing, and was embraced by nothing. His only lasting impression was darkness, keeping even the most forgiving souls from speaking a kind word about him, even in death. A brisk October wind forces a tighter clenching of the scarf covering her throat. The only sound heard is the crunch and swish of fallen leaves as she walks to the pauper's section of the cemetery. She pauses, and kneels with devotion to the memory of Colton LaMont. Melanie clears debris and places a few flowers upon the site. Sorrowful tears fall for her undeclared love, and the parched and thirsty soil drinks.

Chapter 1

     Brilliant sunlight floods the rock face we climb. The quartz veins in the limestone shimmer near my gloved hand. The two of us scale the forty-five foot challenge with ease. We take pictures of one another.    
     Alec teases me about my pink camera, and my sloppy climbing technique. We gather our gear and walk across to the next plateau, passing crevices and brush. He leads, and I follow. His sandy hair dances with every September gust. Alec's shoulders are broad and he is tall compared to my petite frame. His body is fit and the bronze of his skin reveals seasons of living to the fullest. Alec is beautiful. The adage might be true that opposites attract. He is dark, and I am fair. Alec thrives on adventures while I find adventure in books and history. I am not glamorous like the women I would pair with his kind, but his love for me is pure. I don't have to be anything more than what I am, making me love him even more, if it were possible.
     The azure sky is a breathtaking backdrop for puffy white clouds to sail by. This day is magical only because I am alone with him.
     Alec jogs back in the direction of our last climb when I realize my camera is missing, and I continue on the trek to set up for our next climb. I grow uneasy; does he need my help? He's been gone too long, and I try to stay calm as I make my way back to the top of the ledge.
     "Alec...Alec!" I say, but no answer comes.
     Eyeing the ledge, my fear mounts and can no longer be ignored. Panic grips me and without hesitation I make my way to the drop off. I slowly peek over. His voice behind me says my name.
     "Quinn!"
     Turning, I am blinded by the searing rays of the afternoon sun. I see only a tall shadow before large hands violently shove my shoulders with such force I am thrust over the rock wall. My scream fills the canyon. I am free falling down, down.  My lungs ache for a breath in this deep darkness. I am suffocating. I experience excruciating pain and ultimate despair. All hope escapes my consciousness.
Sound and sight are extinct now. My world is black.
     Warmth surrounds my feet and travels slowly up my body. My afflictions are gone. My eyelids are open, to a foreign place. I rise and begin to walk, but my feet don't touch the sand. I float along a quiet shoreline. The sterling sea is calm. Without sun or moon this place is neither day nor night, but dusk-like. Through the mist a figure approaches.
     Her body glides towards me. She is draped in shimmering silver, her face expressionless. Her gaze is not at me, but beyond me.
     Curious, I turn, only infinite shoreline. My quivering hands cover my racing heart.
     She seems to sense my fear as she studies me. Large round eyes peer into mine, into my soul. Her blank expression is replaced with tender mercy. Her friendly eyes promise no harm. I am no longer afraid. I can't see, but I feel her smile. She is blissful; her immense joy radiates around her like sparkling crystals.
     My face is now wet from the mist, yet her ivory skin is smooth and dry. Before I can form words, she does.
     "No one can prepare for a time as this. The sun itself fades in brilliance a bit with each passing day. Eyes look but do not see. Purity drains from the hearts of good men. Find the Circle of Sun. A tender seed must push through bitter soil to survive," she says and points behind me. "Let the prints lead you."
     The footprints behind me are mine.
     She interrupts my thoughts.
     "Follow their path to your sun."
     I bask in her radiant warmth as her graceful hand touches my face.
     Her gaze never leaves me as she glides away.
     I watch as she melts into the distance. I want to follow, but she is gone. Few and unclear were her words. All I can do is begin. I turn and take the first step.
     My heavy eyelids open to blurred edges of brilliant color, strange bouquets cover the ceiling. I blink to focus and the scene becomes clear. Taped to the ceiling are vivid crayon-filled pictures, children's artwork thoughtfully placed for those waking up.
     Suddenly a face casts a smile down at me.    
     "Dr. Crenshaw is here to check in on you," says a nurse.
     "Quinn, how are you feeling? Your surgical procedure went very well, and with your recent progress, we can begin to discuss getting you out of here after all of these months. I am sure you are ready," the doctor says.
     I am completely baffled by this conversation and I struggle to communicate. My confusion is obvious to him and he pats my hand. Me? In the hospital for months? I am disconnected to reality, free falling again.
     "You are still groggy, I will be back in the afternoon to check in on you," he says kindly.
     My drowsy state can only mean I am still dreaming. The memory of the misty grey ocean beckons and I remember the mystical place. Desperate to return to the silver shoreline, I fall into sleep hoping to see her again.
     During the next week reality rolls in like an unwelcomed storm. Added to confusion is loss. Alec is gone. Pain permeates every fiber of my being, and the waves of grief crest and ebb. Hikers found us at the bottom of the rock face, Alec dead and me clinging to life. In death, Alec saved my life, his body breaking my fall. I am horrified at the picture this paints in my mind. Alec is gone, and even though I survived the accident, I will need months of recovery. Investigators did not seriously consider what I told them about being pushed. My pink camera was never found, perhaps it never existed. Trauma can produce false memories, they explained. The only logical theory of what happened on the cliff has been difficult to accept. Alec fell and my shock at seeing him dead, caused me to fall too. Although I could not identify who the shadowy figure was, I know it was Alec's voice making me to turn. How is it possible? If he pushed me, how could his body break my fall? I can't put the pieces together. As my body heals, answers elude me. I recall the panic as I approached the edge. I heard Alec's voice behind me saying my name. I was blinded by the sun. I remember hands forcefully pushing me. It's not possible. Alec would never hurt me. I reluctantly accept their version of the accident as reality. Logically it makes sense, so I struggle to recapture my confidence and stabilize my mental state.


Black Inferno
Circle of Sun Series
Book 2
Kim Luke

Genre: Fiction Fantasy

Date of Publication: March 28, 2015

ISBN: 1508936234

Number of pages: 218
Word Count: 79,999

Cover Artist: Anne and Marshall Tezon
Personal Chapters

Book Description:

The second installment in the Circle of Sun series finds the Guardians on a quest to save a city of innocent souls from potential decimation by illness and some seemingly innocuous chocolates.

As some of the Guardians are battling unseen evil away from home, their former leader and patriarch is falsely imprisoned and his daughter disappears. What does it take to recover another Fidesorb?

The discovery of a secret society of Guardians has created a new reality for Quinn Clarke and her friends in the little riverside town of White Oak. The first Quest with Quinn as the Polaris to the Circle of Sun transports our Guardians to a suspended season in time. Wearing the armor of faith, will they be able to rescue a city of innocent souls spellbound by a faceless enemy? Is the return of tranquility to White Oak after the defeat of the River People only the calm before the storm?

As new ties of friendship are laced, they quickly become restrictive and threatening. A tragic turn of events puts Romulus in danger of losing his freedom, and Sapphire is missing, leaving the Circle of Sun fractured and vulnerable.

Will a victorious Quest cost lives on the home front? What secrets lie within the lush rolling vineyards, hidden oak barrels, the Grand Royce Estate and even Fireside Books?

In the second installment of the Circle of Sun, our characters must grow into courageous defenders of light, if they are to break free of the vast and sticky web of deceit that threatens them. Their goal is to recover another precious Fidesorb so it can be returned to its rightful place in the angelic realms.


  Available at  www.kimlukeauthor.com    

Amazon    BN    Smashwords   Createspace


Black Inferno Prologue
     Quinn can't sleep. She takes in the view of the rolling Missouri hills from her window at Royce Estate. At first glance she could be any woman, but Quinn Clarke Royce is no ordinary woman, not any more. Since discovering her family and being chosen as the new Polaris to the Circle of Sun, there is little remaining of her former life. Quinn and those she loves navigate in a new world as Guardians. The lack of sleep is a fraction of the price she will pay while growing into a leadership role that defies reality. Few days remain before the announcement of the Quest. A selected Guardian must accept before knowing any details about the Quest, and only Quinn knows a Quest can take them to a place untouched by the passage of time.
     Her past days of collecting and selling books, merchandizing and marketing, are replaced by a crash course in the angelic realms. She's learned the various ranks of Guardians, Sleepers, Pathfinders and Knights and the existence of Living Stones and how they are used to measure the balance of goodness. Like opening the cover of a book and reading a fantastic tale of the battle between light and dark, her journey now spans the ages.
     Quinn's homeland, identified in the angelic realm as Nadellawick is peaceful this night, but only a short time ago the battle raged, destroying the evil Petulah and her River People. The victory over the darkness and recovery of a missing Fidesorb in Nadellawick was celebrated by everyone except one. A storm brews and bubbles and a thick fog moves in from the river.

Chapter One  
White Oak, Missouri
Present Day

  There is nothing good about a bad dream, except waking up. His new reality is a walking nightmare. The initial shock faded but his hopelessness remains.  The emptiness is constant, his existence black like this moonless night.
     The windshield wipers cannot compete with the driving storm. Wheels careen around a sharp curve high on the bluff. The lost soul pushes harder on the accelerator, inching closer to the white line. Air fills his lungs as he inhales for the last time. A loud and deafening crack of lightening jolts the senses of this broken man and illuminates the road and a figure before him. Thud! A sudden impact thrusts the car into a spin, ripping a path into the opposite ditch. He lies motionless, sprawled across the seat. Regardless of his intent, consciousness returns in fuzzy lined scenes. The engine is dead, but he is not. Headlights show nothing but pellets of rain cutting through the darkness. For a moment he forgets the incident that put him there. Nothing happens when he turns the key. The driver side door can't be opened so he slides to the passenger side for exit. With the vehicle at a steep angle, the weight of the door flies open and dumps him into the saturated roadside.
     Attempts to stand are thwarted by the relentless wind. Not wearing boots his shoes fill with water as he sloshes through the tall grasses. Relieved when his feet reach pavement, he scans the perimeter for a victim. The gusts whip drops that sting, making the search difficult. A flickering light between boulders at the bluffs edge captures his attention. Could it be a signal for help? The massive rock is slippery, but his second attempt finds a small foothold to boost himself up. The boulder places him even higher above the dangerous rim. Unsteady against the punishing winds he crouches down. The source of the mysterious flashing illuminates his wide-eyed gaze and nature muffles his terrified gasp. The empty man searches for signs of life amidst the blood and bits of fur. Motionless, he stands as the familiar moves and reveals itself to him. On this night, seconds before his life should have ended, he finds the reason to go on.


About the Author:

Author Kim Luke once had to help a customer at her family Christmas tree farm chop down a fresh tree in a business suit and heels. She was comfortable in that attire, the “uniform” of her marketing profession. She was not as comfortable as a Christmas tree farmer, but she’s learned to be supportive in this family endeavor.

The tree farm is located in Missouri, the setting for both of Kim’s two novels in her Circle of Sun series.   A literature major in college, Luke has always enjoyed a good story and loves using her imagination.  Of her many passions, writing has been with her the longest.

The cornerstones in her life are her faith and family. Kim and husband Bob are blessed with three children, incredible in-laws and three grandchildren. The Lukes live with their Alaskan Malamute dog on a beautiful 20 acre farm, where Kim indulges her love of books, coffee, wine and positive thinkers.  

You can connect with Kim at www.kimlukeauthor.com, on Facebook at Circle of Sun or on Twitter, @kimluke. She is also a Goodreads author.


Twitter: kimluke_



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Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Cover Reveal Amber Prelude by Kevin B. Henry


Amber Prelude
Amber Gifts
Prequel
Kevin B. Henry

Genre: Fantasy, Time Travel, Science Fiction, and History

Publisher: Burst/ Champagne Books

Date of Publication: June 01, 2015

Word Count: 20,000

Formats available: eBook, PDF

Cover Artist: Ellie Smith

Book Description:

Mitchell didn't really believe the story the Man told him, Just take a sip and speak a year. He whimsically chose a historic event to witness. Little did he know he would become part of that history. Faster than you can say Teithwyr Amser our man Mitchell is chasing a bona fide assassin not only across America but across time.

Amber Prelude will require Mitchell to travel from the America he knows to France and Africa. He will travel to decades and centuries he is unfamiliar with. Mitchell will chase authentic villains and make historic friends, all in an attempt to set history back the way he remembers.

About the Author:

From an early age, Kevin B. Henry was a voracious reader. His collection of science fiction, fantasy and mystery books bring tears of envy to the eyes of many small community libraries.

Kevin has worked as an educator, technology specialist and day laborer most of his adult life. During all that time he lived the life of a frustrated author. That it took 30 years for him to piece together the series, Amber Gifts is a testament that the best meals need slow cooking to bring out the flavor.

The Amber Gifts Series begins with Amber Gifts. The second story, which is really the first, is Amber Prelude, and is available now. The third story, Amber Legacy continues where Amber Gifts left off. It will be available in November 2015. All are published by the wonderful folks at the Champagne Book Group. A fourth story is in the process of being written.

Kevin is a natural story teller, so it’s logical that he lectures occasionally. Topics range from the implementation of cutting edge technology hardware to the creation, modification and use of e-books within education. He constantly pursues research to expand his range of possible topics. His most recent research revolved around the aerodynamic properties of reindeer. He’s also been known to include little known facts and trivia within his presentations. Did you know just 146 years ago today the Union Army marched into Atlanta. It took longer than anticipated. They were delayed by a traffic jam on I-75 and the toll booth on Ga. 400

He continues to live in the Mid-West without human or domesticated mammal companionship.


Twitter:        @Kevin_Henry


Characters of The Talented by Desy Smith



Characters of The Talented

Carmel
          She’s 5’5 with hazel eyes and shoulder length black hair. She’s curvy and very buxom. Carmel’s name matches her skin tone which reflects a light caramel color. She’s 17 and her Talent is Water and Ice. Some people think she’s dim-witted but that’s just a façade. Her quiet demeanor and passive nature is associated with her Water Talent. However, don’t be fool! If you push her buttons, her Ice Talent will show. She will become a heartless and uncaring individual. Carmel’s equal is Devon, whom she loves dearly because he loves her and accepts her flaws. This includes her obsession for sweets. Carmel loves being at the H.O.T because she finally feels like she has a real family. Something she never had before due to the fact she was a foster child.

Devon
          He’s 5’10 with green eyes, and short black hair. His skin is golden due to his mixed heritage. He’s 20 and his Talents are Water, Earth, Air and Fire. Nonchalant he may appear to be, but in reality his true nature is kill now, deal with the consequences later. This rash judgement causes many people to hate and fear him; which he’s okay with. His enemies are as numerous as the stars in the sky. His love for his equal Carmel is uncontrollable, he would move mountains for her. Devon believes she sees the good in him and because of her, he knows he can become a better man. Devon would be ultimately satisfied if he and Carmel were the only two people in the whole wide world.
  
Flora
          She’s 5’1 with brown eyes, and long black hair. Her skin tone is brown, and she has a butt any man or woman would be envious of. She’s 18 and her Talent is Earth. Flora is very frank and direct with her opinions and speaking her mind.  Her words can sometimes cut deep. Flora’s small size doesn’t stop her from accomplishing anything. She sees what no one else should see. Ricky is her equal whom she loves, because they are complete opposites.  She indulges herself by drinking tea, because it relaxes her. She’s thankful for Carmel’s arrival, and treats her like the sister she’s always wanted.


Ricky
          He’s 6’1 with grey eyes, and a buzz cut. His skin tone resembles Vanilla.  Ricky is 19 and his Talent is Air and so is his attitude. He is a man of few words and lets his actions do the talking for him. He doesn’t let much worry him or stress him out; he may seem unintelligent compared to Devon but he’s no body’s fool.  He knows more than he’s willing to let on. His equal is Flora and he loves and adores her because she’s independent and she’s brings chaos to his life.  Ricky is happy Carmel is at the H.O.T because it makes both Flora and Devon happy.







The Talented
Desy Smith

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy Romance Fiction

Publisher: Floebe Publishing

Date of Publication: January 30, 2015

ISBN: 9781507799291
ASIN: B00SXOLV80

Number of pages: 197
Word Count: 46,170

Book Description:

At age 17, Carmel founds herself in a mental institution thanks to an ice dagger, and a woman who apparently isn't human.  After being rescued and arriving at the H.o.T, House of Talents.  A house where no one is entirely human. She learns that she's Talented and has the ability to control Water and Ice.

At the H.o.T, Carmel learns to control her Talent, makes new friends, a few enemies, and begins to fall head over heels for a handsome guy. Who has a few secrets of his own. Carmel begins to realize that many people want her dead because of who she is.  However she has no idea why. Can she figure it out or will she die. Look inside to find out.

Available at Amazon and BN


Excerpt:
She led me to the other side of the cafeteria where a wall separated us from everyone else. We made our way towards two separate tables. Ricky was sitting at a table by himself, and there were four other people sitting at the other table. I was getting ready to walk in when Flora stopped me.
“You see them four at that table.” She pointed to all of them.
“Yes.”
“That’s Montigo.” She pointed to a guy with skin the color of melted chocolate, and brown eyes. He was tall like Ricky and had black dreads in his hair. “His girlfriend is Tess.” She pointed to a white chick that had red hair, green eyes and freckled skin. “She’s a hot head. That’s Lanisha over there.” She rolled her eyes at her. She pointed to this light skin black chick with crazy brownish green eyes and brown hair. “Last but not least, there’s Simon, who is the nicest of  the group, if you ask me.” She pointed to this white guy. He had pretty blue eyes and blond hair.
“What are their talents?” She was about to walk in, but I stopped her.
“Montigo is water, Tess is fire, Lanisha is air, and Simon is earth.” We walked in the room, and Flora greeted everyone at the table before we sat down.
“Why are you guys pointing at people?”
“I was filling her in on whose who.”
 “Oh.” Ricky eyed my plate.
“Are you going to eat all that?” Ricky asked me.
“No, if you want something, you can have it.” His hand went directly to the chocolate chip cookies. I stopped him. “Yeah, anything, but those.” Then his hand went for the peach pie. I had to stop him once again. Flora started laughing.
“Let me clarify. You can have anything but the sweets.”
“Looks like someone has a sweet tooth,” Flora said.
 “So where’s Devon at?” Flora asked Ricky.
“I don’t know. What do I look like his keeper?”
“Don’t start, I just asked a simple question, that’s it.” They got into an argument. I ate my nachos and realized something was missing. Where was my hot sauce? I looked around and saw it was sitting on the farthest table against the wall with the rest of the condiments.
As I grabbed the bottle, I heard someone whistling. I ignored it until I realized they were whistling at me and not that, ‘Oh you’re fine whistle’, it was that come here, whistle. I turned and saw who it was, Montigo. I rolled my eyes. If he wanted to talk to me, he would have to use his words. All of a sudden, I felt something wet hit me on my but almost like a belt. I jumped and dropped the hot sauce on the floor. I turned around to touch my pants to make sure I didn’t feel anything, and sure enough there was a wet spot there. I looked at Montigo, as he sung a water lasso around his head.
“Keep your hands and other objects to yourself.”
“This is what happens when you ignore me hon, so tell me what are you going to do about it.” I remained quiet. “Nothing, just like I thought.” He threw the water lasso at my arm, and it left a wet whelp there.
“I already told you to stop,” I said.
“Or what?” I noticed Flora and Ricky looking at us now.
“Montigo stop, it’s not funny,” Flora said.
“Mind your business Flora.” She gave him the finger. Montigo looked at me again and once again threw the water lasso. This time I caught it and slowed down my breathing, and it froze. When I let go of it, icicles formed going everywhere in the cafeteria. One almost hit him in his face, but his girlfriend Tess, held up her hand just in time. She created a fire wall melting the ice dagger.
       Tess rose up, but Montigo raised his hand, and she sat back down. Instead, he got up.
“Finally your group is complete.” He said eyeing me up and down. “So you think you’re big and bad, just because you can make a few icicles?” He laughed not waiting for me to answer. “I think you need to be taught a lesson.” I noticed everyone’s cups beginning to shake. He raised both of his hands, now had two water lassos. He threw one at me, and I mentally prepared myself to grab it, but at the last second, someone stepped in front of me. I realized it was Devon. The water was melting off his body.
“Still picking on people smaller than you?” Devon said.
“Yeah and you’re still poking your nose in other people’s business.”
“If you stop starting shit, then I wouldn’t have too.”
“What makes you think I started it?”
“Who else would it be?” Montigo stepped closer to Devon.
“Again what does this have to do with you?”
            Suddenly a line of fire appeared separating Montigo from Devon. Tess slowly, but gracefully got up.
“That’s enough for tonight boys.” Her voice sounded like she was older than what she appeared to be. “Wouldn’t want Devon killing you over his little equal.”
She looked at me. “Word of advice, next time he speaks to you, just answer him.” I smiled at her.
“The last time I checked, he isn’t anyone of importance, and I’ll speak when I want to. Not a moment sooner than that.” Then I mimicked her. “Word of advice, whistling at someone isn’t the right way to get their attention. I’m not a dog.” She looked at me and twirled her hair around her finger. I bent down to wipe the hot sauce I spilled. I felt something hot on my back, and I turned around to see the fireball coming at me. I rose my hand, slowed my breathing, and it froze, it was now a big ball of ice. It fell on the floor not shattering. I looked at Tess, who was now smirking at me. I noticed Devon looking at us, probably wondering if he needed to intervene. He didn’t, I could handle it on my own.
“I don’t know what’s more pathetic, you trying to attack me when my back is turned or you attacking me and me defending myself, when I just find out today that I had a talent.”




About the Author:

Desy Smith was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. She wrote her first book when she was thirteen years old, because she ran out of books to read inside her home. She loves reading books as much as she loves writing her own. Desiree also loves food and sweets, if she’s not reading, she’s probably eating a cupcake or two.

She published her first book The Talented under a publishing company she started Floebe Publishing. Desy writes to provide an escape for anyone who wants to live in a fantasy world, and not worry about the trouble of everyday life. She also writes to inspire. This is Desy’s first novel, and she plans to release the second part of The Talented series during late summer.

The Talented will be a five part series. Currently she is working on another story, which she hopes to release in the fall.




Instagram: Author_Desydiva23

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Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Guest Blog Amaranthine: The Heart of Decompose by Nina R Schluntz



My most recent book came out December 2014. My older novels were self-published, the old school style, where you fork over dough to a third party and they do all the hard work for you. They were great to work with and even took me to BookExpo America. But the market has since changed and I doubt I'll go that route anymore. I'm recently tried my hand at Createspace. My last novel was picked up by an independent publisher, Rainstorm Press, so that was exciting. To actually submit a manuscript and receive an acceptance letter! It'll probably never happen again, took me a year of sending off query letters before I got picked up by one.

Book Expo America happens every year. All the major publishers are there. It's usually held in NYC or LA. The year I went it was in LA. The publishers have free copies of their books to give away. Journalists, fans and reviewers are there. As an author, you go to stir up interest in your book. You'll sign copies of your book and give them away; hoping the people you pass them too will then spread the word. For someone who isn't well known, you mostly feel forgotten. But it is a good opportunity to see how the publishing world works.


Yes, I went as an author giving away free copies. I was with my publisher. I was only in their booth for an hour. I'm not sure I'd do it again, but I am grateful for the experience. I think I'd rather do a booth where I'm selling my book, not giving it away.




Amaranthine: The Heart of Decompose
Nina R Schluntz

Genre: Fiction, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Horror, Romance

Date of Publication: 19 December 2014

ISBN-10: 1937758532
ISBN-13: 978-1937758530

Number of pages: 230 pages
Word Count: 80,580

Cover Artist: Nina Schluntz

Book Description:

Dragons, unicorns, fairies, zombies… and Santa.

At the center of it all stands Dee, a man immortalized in legend as Decompose. An ongoing war between unicorns and dragons has led to the creation of a plague… a deadly infection Dee is the host for. Not quite human, but not a unicorn either, Dee and the plague form a symbiotic relationship, resulting in immortality of the undead kind.

Every ruling Empire has desired control of Decompose. Controlling the infection means control of the people. An intervention of an old rival, Santa, results in Dee going missing. When he resurfaces decades later, Dee has one goal: locate the mythical cure to his plague.

However, complications of the heart force Dee to decide whether he truly wants to find the cure and give up being Decompose.



Available at Amazon


Excerpt

Jhon.
Dee focused on the name, pulling strength from it. Jhon contained the cure. Dee had to live so he could find Jhon. The cure was his way to correct all the wrongs he had done.
Dee ripped at the flesh surrounding him and clawed his way to the surface. The guts of the creature spilled out onto the ground, and he fell with them. He coughed, spitting out bodily fluids of the creature that had eaten him.
Jhon.
Dee rolled onto his side and threw up. The acidic stomach bile had left him temporarily disabled. His hearing returned before his vision and he heard voices near him.
“That?” A boyish voice asked. “That’s what you call a great and powerful present?”
“Trust me.” Another male voice said. “Throw the net on him and all your wishes will come true.”
“What is he, a genie?”
“You can treat him like one. He will be able to grant your every wish.” The older voice sounded familiar. Air rushed into Dee’s lungs, and his heart gave a painful beat. “Throw it over him now, before his strength returns.”
“Santa,” Dee managed to say. He gritted his newly mended teeth and gave a low growl. What did that man want now?
Dee’s vision returned in time for him to see a large, light- weight fishnet fall over his head and shoulders, covering his entire body. There was something claustrophobic about it. The more he struggled, the more of a mess he made of himself and the net.
“Stop moving around like that,” the boy said. Every muscle in Dee’s body stiffened. “Straighten the net out and get to your feet.” Dee moved as quickly as his wounded body would allow. His skin continued to burn from the acidic digestive juices still covering his flesh. The child before him didn’t look nearly as young as he’d expected. He was a teenager. And a dorky looking one at that, dressed in dark green pajamas with a cowlick on the back of his head.
“Santa, what is this?” Dee asked.
“Show me a trick,” the boy said. Dee obediently raised his hand and created a tennis ball sized orb of fire. It hovered in mid- air a few inches from his hand.
“He can do whatever you want,” Santa told the boy. “He is yours. No one will miss him. They all think he is dead.”
Dee put the fire out and lowered his hand. Fear rose through his healing body as he realized Santa was right. Dee had just crawled his way out of a dragon’s belly. Everyone who knew him thought a giant winged lizard had digested him. Even if someone searched for his remains, they would likely find nothing awry with his missing body.
“What is this?” he asked again.
“You’re my Christmas present,” the boy said.
Santa leaned in close to  Dee. “The boy is clever,  Dee. He caught me in a trap. You wouldn’t want all the children in the universe to miss the joy that Santa brings, would you? Of course, you wouldn’t. Therefore, I bartered with him. I gave him you in exchange for my freedom. You understand, don’t you?”
“You gave me to him as a present? I’m not an object to be owned.”
“Well, let’s be honest here, Dee. Most of your life has been spent in exactly that manner. At least this time your owner only wants you for your power, not your plague. Consider it a blessing—besides you’ll still have my visit to look forward to every Christmas Eve.”
My plague. Dee tried not to cringe at the reminder.
“Can you teleport him directly to the shower? He’s disgusting. My mother will throw a fit if he brings all that goop into the house.”
“Then you’ll take him?” Santa asked, as though Dee were a puppy for sale at the pet store.
“Yeah, he’ll do. Thank you, Santa.”
“I should have thought of this years ago,” Santa said.
“Santa, please,” Dee said. “I have to find Jhon before Emperor Emanuel does. He’s the only one who can cure the plague.”
“I’m sure Jhon will be fine without you, Dee.”



About the Author:

Nina Schluntz is a native to rural Nebraska. In her youth, she often wrote short stories to entertain her friends. Those ideas evolved into the novels she creates today.

Her husband continues to ensure her stories maintain a touch of realism as she delves in the science fiction and fantasy realm. And their kitty, a rescued Abyssinian, is always willing to stay up late to provide inspiration.

Visit her blog; mizner13.wordpress.com for information regarding previous and upcoming publications. She also posts book and movie reviews for a wide variety of genres.







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