Hooked on First Change, Aim #MFRWHook #bookqw

 

This week's excerpt is from "Fire and Ice," one of the tales recorded in First Change: Legends From The Eyrie. To set the scene, Mirabeesh's friends come to rescue her.

Excerpt:

Shadows showed the reaction to her silent cry. Qaralzha put an arm around the two girls and pushed them downhill. A crack sang out and Aneko slipped on the ice, falling to her knees. Her blade skittered across the ice.  

“Kill them,” Xelme yelled. Those of the temple who carried both sword and bow, fumbled with to string arrows. The cold slowed their movements and when the twang of released strings filled the air, spoiled their aim. The flood of bolts splattered harmlessly onto the ice.  

He grabbed the nearest man and pushed him after the running figures. He kicked and slapped other daxa. “After them, you fools. The one who lets them escape dies. He who kills the soldier, gets Aneko.”

“No.” Mirabeesh formed the word, but her cry died unborn. Its life ended with a swing of Xelme’s boot in her side. The image of Garu held down on the black altar in the depths of the temple sent a surge of strength through frozen muscles. She screamed, not in pain but frustration. Merged with the ice, her body belonged to the mountain god—she couldn’t move.

  ~ ~ ~

Buy Links: Links to ebook sellers

Additional excerpts from the three novellas (and two bonus short stories) in First Change. 

Hooked on Windmaster, A Parting, #MFRWHooks

From the sword and sorcery fantasy, Windmaster, an excerpt of a parting as Ellspeth comes to an insight. This scene preceds "Destiny Awaits."


Excerpt:

Dal was not running away from her. In battle he could not afford the luxury of emotions. He was walling himself off in preparation for the fight to come. She remembered the way he looked at her at the well when they made their last preparations to leave. First he pulled something from his personal pack. She couldn’t see what he held except for a flash of brown, maybe wood. An expression of regret flickered across his face. His face reddened when he lightly kissed the item and slipped it over his head to hang beneath his armor. Must be a personal talisman of some kind she decided. The wink he tossed to her matched the smile he flashed in her direction. They both disappeared as he put on his armor.

An impersonal cold emanated from the wizard, a demeanor that increased with each weapon he removed from his pack and strapped to its place. By the time he draped the carry strap of his great sword’s scabbard over his shoulder, no remnant remained of the lover...only the soldier–mercenary.

Beneath Ellspeth, Kaleigh’s sure-footed gait acquired an unfamiliar ragged footing. “It’s not far now, girl,” Ellspeth encouraged. “I hope,” she muttered to herself. Suddenly the gathering of magic swirled around her as the air fluoresced with crimson sparks. The dancing motes grew brighter until, in a final blinding flare they eclipsed the silvery predawn light. When her vision returned, the spire that had been hours away now towered above her head. “Magic can move people?” 

 “No,” Dal said at her ear. “I just dispelled the illusion created as part of the circlet’s protection. Dismount. We’re here.”  

The buff-colored grass seemed unusually thick and pulled at her boots. When Ellspeth stepped down she had to fight the urge to leap into the saddle. 

“Ignore, it,” Dal ordered. His stern voice cut through her increasing anxiety. “When I leave, don’t stand in one place too long or the tendrils will wrap around your feet. Once you are trapped, the vines will pull you down and eventually smother you. However, as long as I’m here the grass isn’t dangerous... Elle, I...”  

An edge in his voice drew her attention.  

His brown eyes glowed with an inner fire, a passion at odds with his controlled expression. “I know the plan called for me to follow you into the spire after you released the wall that keeps out mages. But Bashim’s people are too close.”  

The cold steel of the dagger he placed in her hand distracted her from the emotion she saw in his eyes.

~ ~ ~

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And be sure to check out the rest of the Windmaster Novels by clicking on the top menu item.

Links to the rest of the hop follows.

Hooked on Windmaster, Destiny Awaits, #MFRWHooks

From the sword and sorcery fantasy, Windmaster, an excerpt continuing Dal and Ellspeth's parting on the eve of battle. The scene picks up where "A Parting" left off.

 

Apologies, due to a blip in scheduling, Destiny Awaits posted this week. A Parting Will Be Next Week.

Excerpt:

The cold steel of the dagger he placed in her hand distracted her from the emotion she saw in his eyes. “Tairneach and the colts will go with me to lead off Ruaridh and his men. We’ll buy you as much time as we can. You memorized the book of clues. You have your flute.” He draped the loops of a soft velvet bag over her neck. The amber jewel within pulsed with hidden energy, a power Ellspeth could feel, despite the cloth and protective wards placed around the jewel.

“I think my dagger will provide the magic direction you need deeper into the cave. Don’t release the protective spells when you get inside. Keep going. Please, Ellspeth, promise me.”

Shaken by the intensity of his request, Ellspeth nodded. 

Dal’s grasp on her shoulders generated a heat out of proportion to the lightness of his touch. “I just saw Bashim in my crystal. I’m sorry, Elle, but he breached the defensive wards of the Isle. I had enough time to send a warning to Sea Falcon. It set sail for Montrat moments ago. They’ll stop there for a day at the Cszabo compound, then head on to Stratven. 

“If I... I mean...” 

In front of her, the glow faded from his eyes and a shadow passed over his face. His hands fell to his side. A cold determination replaced the inner sparkle of amusement she had come to know. “I gave you the master spells. When the time is right, you will remember them. As Archmage I charge you to use them and the power wisely. Kaleigh will take you and the circlet safely to the Falcon.”  

Before Ellspeth could move, Dal leaped into the saddle. She swore she saw a message pass between Tairneach and the wizard. Then the stallion spun on his haunches. One long leap later the faint smell of dust was all that was left of Taer’s, and the wizard’s, presence. The urge to jump onto Kaleigh’s back and race after them almost overwhelmed her.

~ ~ ~

 

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Paperback at Amazon / Barnes&Noble

And be sure to check out the rest of the Windmaster Novels by clicking on the top menu item.

Hooked on First Change, Immediate #mfrwauthor

The dragshi are more than just a man or woman. Each are two beings–one a dragon, the other a human–sharing one body in space in time and able to change forms with the other at will. Their world and the adventures of the dragon shifters are recorded in the Dragshi Chronicles.
Unlike the previous works in the series which related to the trader girl Anastasia and Lord Branin Llewlyn, First Change features the real story behind the legends told in the previous volumes.

Using the book quote word, IMMEDIATE, an excerpt from the dragonshifter novella, Forever Bound.

Excerpt:

Pryell looked at the people crowded into the big hall. It had taken him a candlemark to work his way through streets thick with people to reach the building where the dance to welcome the dragon shifters was being held. And then it took another half a candlemark to reach the corner reserved for those attending the succession meeting. He wondered how anyone could hear the music above the conversations.

Trumpet flourishes rang out to be overridden by the swish of cloth as people moved to open an aisle down the middle of the room. From behind the door, the herald’s announcement echoed over the now-silent crowd. “Lords and ladies, distinguished guests, leading the first dance, may I present Lady Cailin Traethaderyn of Cloud Eyrie accompanied by his lordship, Kanel of Derilton. Also serving as first pair is Lady Breana of Joward escorted by Lord Lasair Donnursach of Cloud Eyrie.”

Stretching to see above the heads of those around him, Pryell caught a glimpse of the blond haired female shifter being escorted to center of dance floor. An immediate hatred for the tall man who followed her and a strong desire to tear the dragon lord down and humble him took over Pryell. Before he could censor the thought, it swept forward. I will have that one on his knees before me. 

 As if he heard the vow, the dragon lord looked up. His gaze scanned the room.

~ * ~

Buy Links: Links to ebook sellers

Additional excerpts from the three novellas (and two bonus short stories) in First Change.

Hooked On Windmaster, Consolation and Hope #MFRWHooks #MFRWauthor

Windmaster
(Book 1 of the Windmaster Novels

Prophecy decreed Ellspeth marry the Archmage. However, despite the attraction to him, Ellspeth’s heart fought the announced destiny. For to be with Lord Dal meant she had to take all that came with him, including magic. Love meant the loss of her ship and crew because to a mage the sea meant death.

To set the scene, Dal is taken to the kapuna tree, the heritage of all mages. His friend and mentor, Semelen, tries to console the Archmage.  A description of this magical tree can be found in the book hook, friends lost.

Excerpt:

Something shimmered at the end of a branch. The leaf’s vein was a vibrant pure red. Instead of the stillness of the other leaves, this one pulsed. Even before he spotted the rune that symbolized his own name, Dal realized the leaf’s rhythm was that of his own heartbeat. The leaf marked his lifeline.
 

At the end of the branch, a leaf without a symbol also vibrated. He ran a finger along of its main vein. Despite the feather-light touch, a shock numbed his arm. Ellspeth’s face appeared then faded, leaving behind only an undefined yearning.

The flicker of the adjacent leaf was noticeably slower, and with each passing second, the color turned darker and darker. Its small veins had already shifted into deep red. Dal knew without even looking that the name marked on the leaf was Semelen’s.

Semelen’s hand felt warm on Dal’s shoulder, despite the coolness of the glade. “It was not your fault, my friend, that you were away when it happened. The poison spread so quickly not even the most skilled healers among us could have saved those on the island. We’re just fortunate you survived to carry on the work... and to rebuild the council.”

Dal wrenched away from the intended comfort. “There is no council anymore. Everyone is dead. I built the pyres myself.” His voice grew quieter with each word, until it was almost a whisper.

Semelen spun Dal around, his grip firm despite his impending death. “No. You always were the strongest of us all. If not, you would never have been made Archmage. You have Voan and Jesmen to help. In time, there will be others.”

“It took five score of us to make a school.”

The old islander gestured to the tree behind them. “Your strength is that of the kapuna—the strength of all who have gone before. You still have access to the books of knowledge. They date back to when Belrum came out of the desert and settled on the island. The council has to be rebuilt. The prophecy has begun. You know the beginning is cast. Only the ending remains shrouded.” Semelen moved closer. Although the old man’s face remained expressionless, Dal heard the urgency roughen the other’s words. “Mages will have magic, whether good or bad.”


BUY LINKS:
US - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IU973HA
UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01IU973HA

Hooked on First Change, Meeting with a Daxa, #mfrwauthor #bookqw

The dragshi are more than just a man or woman. Each are two beings–one a dragon, the other a human–sharing one body in space in time and able to change forms with the other at will. Their world and the adventures of the dragon shifters are recorded in the Dragshi Chronicles

Within each of the chronicles, the ceoltiers, the keepers of the past and teachers of the present, recount some legend. As with all such tales, some contain larger than life deeds. Others are the simple story of a man or woman doing what must be done, regardless of the cost. Sometimes embellished, the ceoltiers use the stories of times and actions past to educate and inspire.

Unlike the previous works in the series which related to the trader girl Anastasia and Lord Branin Llewlyn, First Change features the story behind the legends told in the previous volumes. First Change contains five stories of duty and honor, love and loss, happiness and despair from the chronicles. As with all such tales, some contain larger than life deeds. Others are the simple story of a man or woman doing what must be done, regardless of the cost.



Excerpt from Fire and Ice:

Drum beats echoed off the thick stone walls. The ominous sound froze both body and soul. Each roll dropped the temperature in the audience room from rafter to floor until Mirabeesh swore the polished stones dripped ice. She slid her hands into the wide sleeves of her gown for the illusion of warmth they provided. Only one man dared walk the palace in such a way—Xelme. The head daxa of the temple considered himself the equal of the throne and of its current occupant, Kai of Eruichin. No, Mirabeesh corrected, Kai and I. He married me... not as consort, but as empress. She fought to control her rising pulse.

Unlike his predecessors, Xelme used his position as a religious leader for more than spiritual guidance to his followers and believers. His tools went beyond bestowing blessings and interpreting visions. Curses and blackmail were more common. Threats replaced requests.

~ * ~

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Additional excerpts from the three novellas in First Change.

Book Hooks, Lost in the Thrall

Hatchling's Vengeance
(Book 4 of the Dragshi Chronicles)

 
Blurb:

Glyn, former bodyguard and companion to a dragon lord, is now Lady Glynnes Janaleigh, a dragon lord in her own right. And she has found her intended mate. But, her new-found happiness is fleeting. Finding your mate is only half the battle. Keeping them alive is the other. For the last two unattached dragon shifters, survival depends on their swords—and love.

Sometimes not even dragon fire and talons are enough to overcome the journey controlled by fate and the mind control wielded by the leader called—the Parant.

Excerpt:

Fear for his friend chilled Talann. Kynan’s lost in the mating thrall. The other dragshi’s hide glowed a brilliant orange from his exertions. His entire being broadcast a single determination—he would wait no longer.

Kynan trumpeted his defiance. <I fly Lexii. No one will stop me.>

As he swept past, he stretched out a claw. Sharp talons raked Talann from shoulder to wingtip, ripping through flesh and sinew. The pain of a thousand knife cuts tore through his body. 

* * * 

End of Excerpt

Click Chapter 1  for another excerpt and a free read of the first chapter.

Buy Links:  List of Ebook sellers
Paperback: Amazon / Barnes & Noble

And if you missed Hatchling's Mate, an excerpt from Book Three in the series can be found here. 

We all love books. Click on the links below for snippits from the other author in the hop.

Windmaster Legacy - Casting Off Into Adventure and Love

Chose between magic, survival, or the life of a loved one.

Windmaster Legacy is a romance-filled, action-packed fantasy described by readers as a fascinating story that will keep you up all night turning the pages. 


Buy Links:  Amazon  

With her newfound magic, a ship to sail the far seas, and the dark-haired mage Lord Dal standing at her side Ellspeth thought her future secure. However, danger looms on the horizon and threatens not only her happiness, but the future of magic itself.

Dal's mother is fatally wounded in a mercenary attack during which Ellspeth is captured. Betrayed by a kinsman, she is imprisoned, her magic bound and preparations underway to enslave her mind, her sole hope for escape is Nobyn, an untrained wizard going through the throes of awakening magic. However, Nobyn is Bashim's apprentice and under the mage's total control.

Dal must make an impossible decision whether to rescue Ellspeth, save his mother, or thwart Bashim's plans. As archmage, Dal might be able to survive killing the future of magic, but as a man could he live with the knowledge he caused the death of a loved one.

Click here for an excerpt.

Tuesday's Tile - Dream Waters by Erin A. Jensen

A tale that blurs the lines between dream and reality, fairytale and history, love and obsession

Title:  Dream Waters
(Book 1 of the Dream Waters series)
 
And Available October 31st -- Dream World (Book 2)

Author:  Erin A. Jensen

Date of Release:  April 4, 2016
Genre:  Contemporary Fantasy
Publisher: Dream Waters Publishing LLC
 
Buy Links: https://amzn.com/B01E7VZHA0
Dream Waters can also be purchased from the Apple ibooks store, BarnesandNoble.com and Kobo.com

Blurb: All his life, Charlie Oliver has watched the people around him morph into creatures that no one else sees. Unlike the rest of the world, Charlie remembers the Waters that transport him to the Dream World each night and he sees glimpses of people’s Dream forms in the waking world. Condemned to spend his waking hours in a psychiatric facility because of his Dream Sight, Charlie doesn’t expect anything to change. But everything starts changing the day Emma Talbot walks through the door in the middle of a group therapy session.

Haunted by memories of the events that led to her admission, Emma plans to end her life the first chance she gets. But something about Charlie stops her. From the moment they shake hands, his friendship feels safe and familiar. As Emma begins to let down her guard, Charlie catches a glimpse of the fiery-eyed dragon that lurks behind her Dream form. Each night, as Emma dreams of the man who’s been banned from visiting, Charlie searches the Dream World for the monster that shadows her. But when Emma’s suppressed memories begin to surface, Charlie finds more monsters than he bargained for.

Behind the Scenes: My career as a pharmacist has afforded me the opportunity to interact with mentally ill individuals at various points along the spectrum of sanity and in every conversation, no matter how coherent, I've looked into their eyes and seen a soul struggling to connect. It was out of respect for that struggle and my own curious need to understand why some souls have been burdened with such tortured disconnected lives that I dreamt up a world to make sense of it all.

Author Bio: Erin Jensen is a part-time pharmacist and a full-time creator of imaginary worlds. She lives in upstate New York with her ridiculously supportive husband, two wonderful sons and a Yorkshire terrier who thinks he's the family bodyguard.

You can find her on Amazon.com, Goodreads.com and follow her on Twitter as @ErinAJensen.

Windmaster - An autumn selection

The heat of summer is gone. Autumn teases us with cool temperatures. Time to cuddle up on the porch swing with a good book. How about the book reviewers said will keep you up all night turning the pages - Windmaster. 

Find Windmaster at:

Amazon.com - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IU973HA

Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01IU973HA

Not decided?  

Click here for an excerpt.

I'm off to rock and read. 
Helen 

Book Hooked On Windmaster, Friends Lost #MFRWHooks #MFRWauthor

Windmaster
(Book 1 of the Windmaster Novels

Prophecy decreed Ellspeth marry the Archmage. However, despite the attraction to him, Ellspeth’s heart fought the announced destiny. For to be with Lord Dal meant she had to take all that came with him, including magic. Love meant the loss of her ship and crew because to a mage the sea meant death.

Excerpt:
An ancient tree, old before time began, almost filled the small space. Long tendrils hung finger-like from the branches that formed a high canopy. Heart-shaped leaves covered each narrow strand. In each leaf, veins, the brown-red color of dried blood, made the tree look like the grisly aftermath of battle. Dal slowly walked around the tree. Close up he could see a faint symbol—a mage identification—on each leaf. With each step he traced the names of dead friends and the fellow members of the Wizard’s Council.

Universal buy link to Ebook Dealers
Paperback  at Amazon