Fantasy Worlds emag April 2016

Book Reviews by Nancy Moors Author Features MUSINGS from Mistral Dawn Author Features: J K Ensley & T G Franklin and more AUTHORS! WIN A COVER DESIGNED BY OUR GRAPHIC DESIGN TEAM

FREE Stories by Authors: Aaron-Michael Hall, Amos Cassidy, Stohrm Angel, and more 1

Welcome to our 2nd issue of

Fantasy Worlds emag

We’re glad you’ve returned to check out our wares, and this month the mag is packed with many more!

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Musings from Mistral Dawn Author Feature Matt Larkin Book Feature by Jen Winters A beauty Less Revealed - N T Thornton Dragon Slayer Book Reviews The Genre Tourist - Morgan Smith New Book Release Dark Lycan Barbara Chioffi Book Feature - Sylvia’s Torment by Veronica Del Rosa Soul of the Blade by Brenda J Pierson Story - The Red Umbrella by Amos Cassidy Double Book Feature - Author Matt Larkin Story - Moxie by Barbara Chioffi Book Feature - Phoenix Rising by Heather R Blair Dragon Slayer Book Review Rise of Nazil Extended excerpt by Aaron-Michael Hall Author feature T G Franklin New Book Release Lost Souls by Amos Cassidy Book Feature - Seed of Scorn Aaron-Micahel Hall Story - Michael by Stohrm Angel Author Feature J K Ensley Story - Of Blood & Wings by Rhayven Black/Kala Styx Book Feature - Demon Within by Julie Nicholls

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MUSINGS FROM

MISTRAL DAWN

H A

ey Everyone!

nother random musing for you today. Recently, someone asked me why different kinds of supernatural/speculative characters seem to follow themes. For instance, why are vampires often moody and brooding while werewolves are often impulsive and wild. It's a good question, and it got me thinking. Dangerous, I know.

S

o, I decided to write about my thoughts on the matter. Now, these are just my opinions, there's no research that I'm aware of to back them up.

And I'll be speaking in generalities, I'm sure there are exceptions to every "rule" I come up with. So feel free to let me know what your opinions are.

F

irst, I'll start by describing what I perceive the themes to be for some of the more common types of characters people write about. For the above example, vampires and werewolves, these two types of mythological creatures seem to me to represent anger, but two very different kinds of anger. I would say that werewolves, and by extension other human/animal shapeshifters, symbolize hot, explosive, aggressive anger. The kind of adrenaline-fueled rage that hits you right in the moment and drives you to do things you later regret, but runs its course quickly and leaves you drained.

This is the kind of anger that causes "in the heat of passion" crimes. It can be extremely destructive, but the scope and duration of the damage are usually limited to the immediate time and place.

I

think werewolf characters often display this trait and that's part of why we love them. They represent the kind of free, honest, unrestrained reactions we'd all love to be able to indulge in far more often than we can as responsible members of society. And when it comes to romance, who doesn't want a "beast" in their bed? Werewolves are uninhibited and free, and we love them for it.

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N

ow, vampires are on the completely opposite end of the spectrum. They are cold, almost dispassionate, and deliberate. Have you ever heard Aristotle's quote about anger? If not, here it is: “Anybody can become angry — that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way — that is not within everybody's power and is not easy.” That is totally within a vampire's power, and it's one of their greatest strengths. This is the kind of anger that leads to intricate plots and schemes, elaborate revenge, and wars and feuds that last for centuries. It's bitter, unyielding, and cruel, but never impulsive. Cold anger doesn't have any steam, so it doesn't have any to lose.

It doesn't stop, never ends, and gives anyone who comes in contact with it frostbite.

S

o, why would we like characters like that?

Because they are wounded! That kind of anger doesn't spring from an easy, happy life.

Vampires are the tortured, stoic heroes and heroines with dark, traumatic pasts and deep, complicated thoughts and personalities. We want to get to know them, we want to heal them, and we admire them for their ability to survive even the greatest adversities. And it doesn't hurt that by the time we get to "meet" them, they're often wealthy, powerful, beautiful, experienced, suave, charming, and knowledgeable. And for romance, vampires may not bring unbridled passion, initially anyway, but you know you're going to be in for a long, unhurried night of sustained ecstasy. These characters are almost always INTENSE, and they bring that intensity to the bedroom. Besides, there's always the thrill of seeing how the love interest in the story will break through that armor to find the person inside who just wants to be loved. A little vicarious wish fulfillment anyone?

C

ONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGES

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H

ow about one of my favorite types of supernatural creatures, fairies?

Well, fairies, to me, represent the "otherness", implacability, and indifference of the natural world. They are decidedly not human if you look at the mythology. All the original "fairy tales" were dark, disturbing, macabre, and frightening. And while I don't have any specific research or analysis on the matter, I'd have to guess that's because the "fairies" were dark, disturbing, macabre, and frightening. Probably because the myths originated as attempts to explain the, at the time, unexplainable. True, fairies and fey things are often described as beautiful, wondrous, and enticing, but those who give in to such temptations rarely fare well in the stories.

B

ut in spite of the darkness, fairies, at their core, are not "bad." They're not "good," either. Like nature, they can be beautiful, dangerous, miraculous, haunting, enchanting, disturbing, awe-inspiring, and terrifying, But morally, they are neutral. Just like the sun giving life and helping things grow is not morally good, or the hurricane that levels and floods a city is not morally bad; they just are what they are. The fey are often the same, and I think that's why we like them.

F

airies are wild, mysterious, and difficult to understand. Their actions can have obvious, far-reaching consequences, either for good or ill, but their motivations remain enigmatic. They don't have the same hang-ups, or subscribe to the same social mores, that humans do, so you never know what they might do. In romance, they are imaginative and creative, but they have an "edge" to them. It's a challenge to see if you can predict what they'll do, and, of course, anyone who can earn the admiration of a fairy must be exceptional in some way. It also doesn't hurt that they can bring a little magic to a love scene, and the element of danger when one beds a fey lends some spice and excitement.

T

technology, they can be brooding or impulsive, they can be unpredictable or complicated, or really anything else the author wants. When it comes to aliens, you aren't dealing with thousands of years of mythological history, so you're really only limited by your imagination. And I think that's why we like them so much.

W

hen it comes to aliens, you never really know what you're going to get. You have to wait for the author to tell you who and what their aliens are, and you still never really know what to expect until the end. It makes for a wild, exciting ride, and tantalizes your imagination in fun, new ways. For romance involving aliens, the sky, and beyond, is the limit. They can have new/extra appendages, intriguing gizmos and gadgets, unusual abilities, and more! It can, literally, be a whole new world.

S

o, those are the themes, but why do so many authors seem to follow them? After all, doesn't that make stories boring and predictable? Well, and again this is only my opinion, I think it's because it helps readers have a "reference point." When you're dealing with the sci-fi/fantasy/paranormal genres, you're already dealing with a lot of twists and unknowns.

Y

es, it's always necessary to make sure a story is interesting and engaging, and that it has something new to catch readers' attention. But if you make too much of the story unfamiliar, readers have a hard time immersing themselves in it. Following these themes lends a bit of the "comfortable familiar," and it also helps readers know what to expect from a story. And when stories match readers' expectations, they're more likely to enjoy it.

Okay, that's my two cents. What do you all think? I'd love to hear from you.

hen there are Gods/Goddesses. To me, this one is simple, they represent power. After all, what is mightier than the divine? Everyone wants to feel safe and protected, and who better to look to than a deity? And in romance, if you're with a god, doesn't that imply that you're as good as a goddess?

F

inally, at least for this article, there are aliens. This one is kind of a catchall, in my opinion. There can be elements of all of the supernatural creatures listed above, as well as just about anything else. Aliens can have "magical" or psychic powers, extraordinary long lives, superhuman strength, speed, endurance, or almost anything. They can be god-like in their abilities or

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MATT LARKIN M

att is a speculative fiction author with a special focus on what he calls mythic fantasy—fantasy derived directly from real world mythology.

He adores mythology and history and those passions inspire most of his works. In college he majored in philosophy and then went on to publishing school. Following this he spent time backpacking around India where he met his future wife. In addition to being a writer, he started a small press to help other writers achieve their dream: Incandescent Phoenix Books.

He lives in Florida with his wife and daughter.

Novels by Matt Larkin The Seventh Princess

Curse of Witch and War Children of Sun and Moon Currents of Wind and Tide Legacy of Moon and Fire Fragments of Memory and Dream Avatar of Night and Day The Apples of Idunn The Mists of Niflheim Echoes of Angels Shadows of Angels Wrath of Angels Fall of Angels

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WEBSITE http://incandescentphoenix. com/mattlarkin/index.html MATT LARKIN AMAZON http://www.amazon.com/MattLarkin/e/B0074HPN6I/ COMING SOON

Kissing Demons The Guardian Novels (Book1)

I

’ve been a Guardian for 800 years, and sometimes, even us immortals need a vacation. So when my big sister calls and tells me I’m off for two weeks, I take the opportunity to visit my favorite place: The Hunter’s Moon, a bar for supernaturals only.

There’s a few things I want to accomplish while I’m not working: get a grimoire, find a little temporary fun, and make a friend.

I did not want to find my soul mate, nearly die, watch a sister give up this life, and see my city in the throes of mass destruction.

Kissing Demons (The Guardian Novels Book 1): http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R28094U/ Falling Angels (The Guardian Novels Book 2): http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZPVX1SC Kissing The Rain (A Guardian Novelette): http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TUXIDAM “W O W.....This is my first time reading Jen Winters and I am very impressed with the level of imagination and the world she creates for her characters.”

Rebecca L. Rogers, Rebecca’s Novel Addiction

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A BEAUTY LESS REVEALED BY

N. T. THORNTON The Darkness had risen The depths of it’s wickedness had spread Evil reared it’s ugly head Victory or defeat What you sow You must reap Death would come easy As a gift Even a prize

E

ach month from Fantasy Worlds, we’ll bring you latest releases in Fantasy books, author features, short stories and great reviews to help you find your next great read. Our aim is to bring fantasy ebook readers and the authors closer together. e’re running a giveaway for anyone signing up to our site, and the prize is a custom made banner (Value $25)for your website, blog, or social media page. ubscribe to our site and all subscribers will be entered into the draw.

The results will be announced on the site on 21st April and also via the May issue of the emag.

W S

www.fwemag.com Official Site

For those who fail To realize The darkness had come It’s vengeance would not rest Until your soul it possessed 10

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DRAGON SLAYER BOOK REVIEWS

by N W Moors

N.W. Moors is an author and reader based in Portland, Maine. She reviews for Netgalley, Bookvetter, BooksGoSocial, and other websites as well as her own, The Antrim Cycle http://www.antrimcycle.com/ She has written her own Fantasy series called the Antrim Cycle and her book, The Black Swans, has been chosen as a 2015 IndieBrag Medallion honoree and as a 2015 Wishing Shelf Independent Book Award finalist.

LINK:FANTASY WORLDS EMAG.COM

Nyssa Glass and the House of Mirrors H.L. Burke is a YA Steampunk story full of twists and turns. Nyssa is an electrical apprentice working in a shop on Clockwork Row that repairs videophones, radios, and signal sending devices. It’s a step up from the cat burglar that she once was.

The book starts with a mysterious man who comes into the shop to

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procure Nyssa’s services, but not as a repair person. He’s looking for a burglar. When Nyssa doesn’t agree, she is forced to escape where she falls into the hands of his rival. She agrees, since she has no choice at this point, to break into Dalhart Mansion, a deserted estate that belonged to Professor Dalhart, the famous inventor of the videophone, computers, and robotics.

She’s to obtain his papers that detail his inventions - the only problem is that the mansion is booby-trapped.

Numerous people have tried to break in and no one has come out alive.

Nyssa does manage to get in far enough that she can activate the house computer which she calls ‘Hart’. Hart has huge chunks of memory missing and his circuits have been cut off, but he tries to help Nyssa navigate the huge house which is filled with special mirrors. I don’t want to give away any more of the story, but there are many surprises. There is also some violence as the stakes get higher and higher.

H.L. Burke does a wonderful job portraying the world Nyssa inhabits.

There are steam engines and corsets along with the older technology (to us) that is so new to the people in the book. Nyssa is an engaging heroine, spunky and brash, and she makes a fine team with Hart. This is a well-written and enjoyable adventure story and I look forward to the next book about Nyssa’s adventures.

BUY LINK: http://www.amazon.com/Nyssa-Glass-HouseMirrors-Burke-ebook/dp/B01BZRI4Z4 13

EMBATTLED by Darlene Jones

AMAZON BUY LINK

Em and Yves Book 1

My face is on every television, in every newspaper.

They say I’m saving the world. I know better. I’m a school principal not a superhero.

Of course that doesn’t explain the blood on my hands. Or the strange languages coming out of my mouth. Or the feel of swinging a machete. Or the sensation of lifting off the ground before I lose all memory.

Someone or something has hijacked my life.

How do I get it back?

In Book One of the Em and Yves series, alien contact leads to adventure and a love triangle as the aliens involve themselves in world affairs.

But will humans be given a second chance to “do it right” after our superhero fights war or will the gods decide our fate?

BLOOD TIES by Julie Nicholls - Urban Fantasy K34GEN is Solgen Laboratories number one hunter. He’s genetically enhanced and has a high IQ, heightened senses, and thanks to lycan DNA, he is stronger and faster than any man. It’s taken him a year to find Solgen Labs most wanted escapee; Gabriel, a lycan, and K34GEN is finally bringing him in, but despite his one hundred percent retrieval rate, his title and life are about to expire.

The labs have created a new hunter, a female. GH05CT She’s faster, stronger, and has a new genetic enhancement that gives her the edge. She’s a trained killer, and is eager to replace K34GEN, robbing him of his title and crown.

Feeling betrayed, K34GEN turns to his enemy, Gabriel. He hands Gabriel a file containing details of his sister, who was executed at the hands of Dr. Keller, the founder of Solgen Labs. Seeking an alliance, he offers to help Gabriel find out what happened to his sister.

AMAZON Gabriel must make a choice; trust the hunter, or run and BUY LINK hide as he had done previously.

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The Genre Tourist

by Morgan Smith I admit freely that I don’t read as widely in fantasy fiction as I really ought to. I’m as much a victim of “I like what I like” as the next person, and it is hard, sometimes, to make myself read something that isn’t within the realms I normally tread.

Didn’t like the idea of them as a subject. Thought they were a kind of “othering” of humans. Found the idea nauseating. Refused to read them.

Oh, well. Here goes.

The first Zombie novel I have ever read was “Rise” by Gareth Wood.

Big disclaimer here: I know Gareth.

He used to live in the same city as me.

He knew lots of the same people, so we did hang out some. He’s a terribly nice person. So me avoiding reading his work was a bit of a self-preservation thing, because there’s nothing more upsetting than to read a friend’s book and hate it. I’ll leave the vision of that intricate little social dance to your imagination.

But when Fantasy Worlds agreed to give me a space to wax philosophical or whatever about the stuff of dreams, I thought “What a good way to force myself out of my comfort zone!” and have resolved to bring to you my explorations in those fantasy subgenres that I never, ever usually Well, here’s the thing: go near.

For a novel that began as a free, It isn’t an easy task. The genres are on-line, who cares-I’m in it for funso complicated and overlapping that let it all hang out venture, this book I found myself almost immediately is really, really good. (It was that, to confused. I’m not just having a tough begin with. Then a company called time figuring out what to read – it’s Permuted Press found it and signed also really hard to slot those reads him up. Good things do happen!) into any neat pigeon-holes.

“Rise” is done as a set of journal Keep it simple, Smith, I decided. Start entries, it’s set in parts of Canada I with a “type”, instead. know, Gareth has a way of getting I begin, therefore, with Zombies. the reader really involved (even in spite of herself), and because it is

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a journal, the possibility that the narrator might die is always there. A journal could be left lying around for anyone to find, right? So it keeps you hanging in there.

NEW RELEASE Barbara Chioffi

Anyway, although some of the description is filled with the kind of ickiness that a zombie novel seems to need, it has a charm and inclusiveness (“We’re-all-in-this-together”) as well as a humanity about it that makes it something more than a hobbyist fooling around with writing, and it was easy for me to see why a traditional publishing company decided to sign him up. “Rise” turned into a trilogy, and Gareth has gone on to write other things more in the science-fiction-ey vein, and I am interested to see where he goes with this.

The thing is, if Zombie novels are like this, then perhaps I’ve been wrong.

I thought it would be more meanspirited. Less about the zombies and more about the gore. But “Rise”, at least, never loses sight of the fact that these were people, once, and that this catastrophe is a human one.

And it changed my mind about Zombie fiction. Somewhat.

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Dark Lycan -Mystic Hearts Series

by Barbara Chioffi.

Tara Bentley has experienced much in her life. Losing her father while still in high school, she finds herself with a stepfather a year later. When she finally accepts him, rapid developments threaten to unravel her existence.

Attending dinner with her parents, she meets a young man who threatens her safety. She awakens in the woods, remembers being kidnapped, but the rest eludes her. Found by a handsome shapeshifter, she is taken for treatment, returning home soon after.

Jared, her rescuer, begins to court her, and soon, they are in a loving relationship. Revelations come to light, involving her true heritage. These bring joy but also danger to her, as well as to Jared and his family.

Casting in Stone & A Spell in the Country BUY LINKS

Faced with the knowledge that her attacker is still at large, Tara must either decide to embrace her true nature to protect those she loves, or risk losing them.

BUY LINK 17

SOUL OF THE BLADE

By Brenda J. Pierson

SYLVIA’S TORMENT

Second of the Enforcers and Coterie series, each one is a standalone book delving deeper into the world where magic co-exists peacefully with the ordinary, for the most part... **Bonus Novella Included** He waited to claim her…

Has time run out?

Derek wants Sylvia back – now. His Beta. His second-in-command. His lifemate. As a Top Alpha, few obstacles stand in his way. But even with nearly infinite resources at his fingertips, he's spent months searching for his missing unclaimed mate, her agony slowing driving him feral. If he doesn’t find her soon, he'll destroy everyone in his way.

Abducted.

Tortured.

But not broken.

Three months since her abduction, Sylvia keeps a mental tally as day passes into night. Torture and endless rounds of experimentation push her to the brink. Silver in the walls burns her, drugs keep her complacent. Freedom is a dream. Rescue is impossible.

If she escapes, will she be sane?

If she comes home a damaged werewolf, will her pack accept her…

Or kill her?

BUY LINK Bonus novella included: Unexpected Werewolf AMAZON

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GUARDIANS OF TARON BOOK 1

H

umanity has been prey to the Entana for centuries, their thoughts and emotions fed upon by the spiritual parasites. Once taken, only death can save someone from the torment of the Entana’s feeding. And only the Taronese warriors and their enchanted sword, the Bok’Tarong, can give them that death.

B

ut the Bok’Tarong has been taken by the selfish assassin Aeo, and the sword has devoured his soul. He now exists within the blade, only able to experience the world through his new bearer Dragana. She would do anything to cast him out of the blade and restore its sanctity. But Aeo alone may hold the key to stopping the Entana once and for all … if Dragana can learn to work with the assassin who has cost her people so much.

AMAZON BUY LINK 19

and Fred’s not so secret obsession,

Her grin wavered, slipped, vanished.

studiously avoided Fred’s gaze. It

“What?”

had come as little surprise when

“Oh, come on, Fred!” Ben said.

Fred had set the task and forfeit. “What? The task was to use it, not just

THE RED UMBRELLA The red umbrella was leaning against

pause on the background audio.

a tree. Despite the snow and frost

Ben absently tugged on the flaps of

and wetness of the morning, it was

his winter hat, his eyes reflecting

dry to the touch.

her unease. “You don’t have to, it’s

Kate retracted her hand quickly,

stupid. We should just go.”

overcome by apprehension.

Bless him, forever the peace maker,

“Go on. Pick it up,” Aaron said.

the smoother of ruffled feathers

Kate looked back at her group of

and best hot chocolate maker on

friends standing a few metres away,

the planet. Kate exhaled in relief,

stamping their booted feet, arms

grateful for the get-out-of-dare-

crossed over their chests to hold in

free-card he was handing her.

the heat.

“It’s not stupid, it’s a dare, and if she was

doesn’t do it then she forfeits.” Fred,

ominously silent, the tweet and

short for Frederica, slid a coy glance

chirrup of the birds, the scurry and

in Owen’s direction.

scratch of woodland creatures all

Owen, the love of Kate’s life, the

gone, as if someone had pressed

man she hoped one day to marry,

Around

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them

the

forest

Aaron had made claws of his hands,

pick it up.” Fred pouted in Owen’s

pawing at the air behind Fred’s back.

direction.

They all knew how superstitious Kate

Kate locked eyes with her boyfriend,

was. They all knew Fred fancied the

who shifted uncomfortably on the

pants off Owen.

spot before shrugging his huge

Do it or I get a kiss off your boyfriend.

shoulders.

“It’s just a peck, babe. Come on, leave

She

the damn umbrella and let’s go get

covering it with a shrug of her own.

some lunch,” Owen said.

If she didn’t know better she would

Sod that! There was no way she was

think that he wanted her to lose the

letting Fred anywhere near Owen’s

challenge.

luscious lips. Steeling herself, she

“Fine!” She flipped the umbrella and

reached out and grabbed the warm

grasped the slider, pushing it up

handle. Her toes curled in her boots,

quickly until it clicked.

stomach churning as if in revolt, but

She stared at it, open and bright; the

she held firm, lifting it into the air

red material seemed to pulsate, thin

and plastering a cocky grin on her

crimson veins radiating outward

face.

from the stem. She blinked, almost

There were whoops and cheers from

dropping it, and then let out a short

her comrades and then Fred, the sly

breathy laugh. It was nothing, just a

cow, had to go and spoil it.

trick of the light.

“Open it then.”

Just a red umbrella.

bit

back

her

annoyance,

21

She turned to the group, twirling the

it feel like it had just begun? She

stood to attention. She had been

He dropped his gaze and tilted his

handle, lifting it up to rest the stem

didn’t even know what it was. Her

wise then, she had turned and run

head, lifting his shoulder in a half

on her shoulder, her face painted

emotions were a tangled mess. She

home.

shrug. “It just felt…creepy. I don’t

pink from its shade.

wished now that she had never told

That was the first time, and every

know. I mean, woods are creepy

The gathering laughed and clapped

her friends about the damn umbrella.

winter after, it was there, waiting, but

anyway.”

and Fred laughed along with them,

It was silly, just an object. But was it

never in the same spot. It became a

“No they’re not!” Aaron said. “Woods

the mirth never reaching her eyes.

really? She recalled the first time she

game, searching for it each year, as

are beautiful, filled with wondrous

had seen it. Her first winter spent at

if knowing where it was would keep

nature.” He flipped his sketchbook

The fire crackled and popped, flames

the cottage. She had been thirteen

her safe, but never once had she

to show them what he had been

performing a sinuous primitive

and sulking because her parents

dared touch it. Not until Fred and

working on. A huge black bird, a

dance. Kate absently rubbed her

had dragged her out of the city

her stupid dare.

raven, stared at them, its beady eye

hands on her jeans over and over.

into the middle of nowhere for the

She scraped her hand across the

gleaming greedily.

Ben sat curled up on the sofa with a

holidays. All her friends would be

rough rug, relishing the sting.

“Seriously? How is that beautiful?”

book, his glasses at half mast, pale

getting together, going ice skating,

“You okay?” Ben was watching

Ben asked. “It’s creepy.” He shuddered.

blue eyes moving back and forth

bowling, to the cinema, and she was

her with narrowed eyes, his book

Aaron turned the sketch book to

across the page. Aaron was sketching

stuck in a cottage with her loved

forgotten.

look at the drawing. “I think he’s

furiously in his sketchpad, tongue

up parents who urged her to drink

Kate nodded, shook her head, and

magnificent.”

peeking out of the side of his mouth.

cocoa and take part in Scrabble

nodded again.

“There’s no accounting for taste,” Ben

Owen and Fred were on kitchen

marathons. It was so unfair! She

Ben closed the book and set it to one

said.

duty. She could hear the clatter and

had been crunching through the

side. “The umbrella?”

“That’s rich coming from you, the

clang of pots as they washed up.

woods, not going too far despite her

Kate sighed. “Stupid, huh?”

guy with a thousand sweater vests.”

Everything was as it should be, and

desire to piss her parents off , when

Ben frowned. “Not really. To be

“What’s wrong with sweater vests?”

yet her scalp continued to prickle,

she had seen it; bright red against a

honest, I wish you hadn’t touched it. “Nothing if you’re in your forties.”

her heart continued to race. They

clean white backdrop of snow. She

It’s just…weird.”

Kate slipped away, leaving them to

had left the umbrella in the woods

recalled the immediate prickle on

Did he feel it too? She shuffled closer

their banter. She needed a hug, she

by the tree. It was over, so why did

the nape of her neck as the hairs

to the sofa. “You feel it?”

needed Owen. Being in his arms

22

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always chased the doubts away. She

in anticipation. Her eyes felt hot in

his own feet and landing on his arse. “Where are they? I’m gonna have

paused outside the kitchen door.

her head as if in preparation, but she

“Fuck! Kate! Fuck!”

words with them.” He released her,

Something was off, and she realised

had to see. She followed the path

The world shimmered and blurred

moving toward the door.

what it was. Silence, there was

through the woods, the path that

and a dark figure appeared from

Her verbal paralysis broke. “NO!”

nothing but silence coming from

would take her back to the umbrella.

between the trees. Kate blinked to

The word was a minor explosion

the kitchen.

Sure enough, there she found them.

clear the mist of tears and screamed.

that shook her shoulders and made

Her hand trembled as she pushed

She heard the sounds first, primitive

the door open. It swung inwards to

grunts and moans, but she had to

She slammed through the door of

“Kate?” Ben studied her, uncertain

reveal a pristine and empty kitchen.

see.

the cottage, locking and bolting it

now, his slim face a map of concern.

The frown deepened. Where could

Owen’s jeans were around his knees,

behind her. Her heart was in her

He traded glances with Aaron,

they be? Her gaze travelled to the

his backside obscured from view by

mouth, and her chest ached with

communicating silently.

window. It was snowing again, large

his long cashmere coat. Fred was

fear and exertion.

They didn’t understand, they didn’t

flakes that would settle.

up against the tree, her lips parted

“What the hell, Kate?” Aaron rushed

understand, they didn’t… “They’re

She went into the hallway and

in ecstasy, fingers buried in Owen’s

in from the kitchen, coffee sloshing

dead! It killed them!” She rushed

donned her boots, scarf and coat.

glorious blonde waves. A slash of

out of his cup and over his hand.

forward, grabbing at Ben’s arms.

Ben and Aaron paused in their

crimson lay against the tree, pulsing

“Shit!” He switched hands, shaking

“We have to go, we have to go now!”

debate, their heads swivelling to pin

softly.

the fluid off the scalded one.

The boys stared at her in horror as

her to the spot.

The fist inside her unfurled, a scream

She couldn’t speak. Her tongue was

if she had grown two heads and

“Just gonna get some air.” She smiled

bubbling and rushing up her throat.

stuck to the roof of her mouth.

spoken in tongues.

and lifted the latch, slipping out

Fred tipped her head forward to

“Kate?” Ben wrapped his arm around

Aaron put his cup down on the side

before one of them could offer to go

stare right at her. Her moist lips

her shoulder and led her to the sofa.

board. “I’m going to check on them.”

with her.

curved in a satisfied smile.

“Kate, what happened? Where’s

He grabbed his coat, slamming out

The snow had covered any tracks,

The scream exploded from Kate’s

Owen? Fred?”

the house before she could stop him.

but she knew where they would be.

lips, shaking the birds from their

She locked eyes with him and he

“Ohmygod! It’s going to get him!

The knowledge was an icy fist in her

perches and forcing them into flight.

flinched.

It’s going to kill him too!” Then she

chest, tightly closed but thrumming

Owen stumbled back, tripping over

“That bitch!” He shook his head.

was wrestling with Ben, or he was

24

her eyes water.

25

wrestling with her, she wasn’t sure

“Where’s Aaron?”

doorjamb.

enough light to activate her night

which, didn’t care, all that mattered

Kate shook her head.

“Fuck this!” Ben grabbed her hand

vision.

was getting away.

“Get up!” Ben pulled her to her feet.

and threw open the door, pulling

The SUV sat on the trail like a grey

She could hear Ben trying to soothe

“Listen to me, if…if what you say is

her into the night. They ran around

beacon of hope. Kate pulled open the

her, his hands on her shoulders.

true then we need to pull our shit

the cottage toward the trail where

passenger door and Ben ran around

Her face exploded in pain.

together. I refuse to die out here

they had parked the SUV. The final

and climbed in the driver’s side.

“I’m sorry, sorry, shit you’re bleeding.”

like some extra in a slasher movie.

rays of sunlight slipped below the

Neither of them mentioned Aaron

He fumbled in his pocket for a tissue

I need you, Kate. Please.” He shook

horizon and it was as if someone

and what may have become of him.

dabbing the corner of her mouth.

her gently this time.

had flicked a switch. They stopped,

Ben popped the glove compartment,

He had hit her! Ben had hit her, and

The crimson haze retreated and her

uncertain, surrounded by absolute

retrieving the keys. Kate’s shoulders

Owen and Fred were dead, torn to

head was suddenly as clear as a bell.

darkness, inky and viscous.

relaxed.

shreds by that…that thing in the

“I’ve seen it before.”

A low moan, a wail and a howl cut

He fumbled with the ignition,

woods.

“What?”

through the night air.

cursing softly under his breath. Kate

The door slammed open and Aaron

“The thing. I’ve seen it, in books, but

“It’s okay. It’s okay. We just need to

reached up with trembling fingers,

crashed through. His eyes were wild,

I can’t remember what it is. It’s not

keep going. It’s straight ahead, okay?

turning on the door light.

his hair streaked with crimson. He

supposed to be real.”

You with me?”

“Fuck!” Ben slammed his hands

held out his hands, scarlet fingers.

“What does it look like?”

Kate nodded. She realised he

against the steering wheel, pressing

Ben shook his head in disbelief.

“A man, but not a man with…antlers,

probably couldn’t see the gesture, so

his body back into his seat as far

“Get the bags. I’m bringing the car

long… impossibly long arms…it

she cleared her throat and said, “Yes,

away from the windscreen as he

round.” Aaron rushed back out, and

can’t be real.”

I’m with you.”

could. He stared at it in horror.

she caught a glimpse of the rapidly

Ben pulled on his coat. “We’re getting

They kept moving, slow at first, and

Streaks of scarlet, a pattern made of

darkening sky.

out of here.” He turned toward the

then faster. Ben cursed. There was a

hand prints.

“It’s too late.” She slumped to the

door and yelped “What the fuck is

metallic clang.

The earth rumbled. Kate turned her

floor. Ben stared at her in horror

that doing here?”

They were at the car.

head slowly to look at Ben.

and moved as if in a daze toward

They both stared at the red umbrella

The moon had crept out. On the

But he was staring down at her lap.

the stairs.

leaning

trail the weak lunar rays provided

“Kate? Why have you got that?”

26

casually

against

the

27

Kate’s brow crinkled in confusion.

He did a sweep of the top floor,

that. The sound of his boots was

She followed his gaze.

careful not to touch anything and

muffled by the fresh snow. He would

The red umbrella sat on her lap,

climbed wearily down the stairs.

stay out till supper, as long as he

innocuous and forbidding.

He was halfway out the door when

could. Let them snog each other’s

Kate’s breath caught painfully. The

something caught his eye. He paused,

faces off. It made him sick the way

earth rumbled again, the car shook

boot midair and stepped back into

they were always pawing at each

and then there was nothing but

the house. The red umbrella glared

other. He would be a good boy like

darkness and pain.

at him accusingly from its perch by

he had promised mum and when

“Senseless, bleedin’ senseless,” Police

the fireplace.

he got back they would celebrate his

Constable Pierce said.

Had it been there on his first sweep?

thirteenth birthday, just the two of

Sergeant June watched them load

“Sarge!” Pierce called from outside.

them.

up the bodies. He was already

“All loaded!”

The wind picked up and he pulled his

composing his speech to the

With one last glance around the

jacket tighter about him. Maybe he

parents, five speeches for five lots

cottage, he stepped out and closed

should head back; it was beginning

of distraught parents. This was the

the door.

to get dark, and the woods would be plain creepy in the dark.

part he hated the most. He sighed and wandered back into the house

He hated it here. It was boring,

He made to turn and caught a flash of

for one last walk through. They’d

boring, boring! He hated dad for

colour through the trees. A few more

pieced together the events from

bringing him and he hated Melanie

moments wouldn’t hurt. He moved

the approximated times of deaths,

with her fake tits and fat arse! He

between rough trunks toward the

blood trails, tracks and footprints.

missed mum, slightly overweight,

splash of crimson. It came into view

It made no sense. What would cause

smiling mum with her sad eyes. But

and he stopped.

a young girl to snap like that? Maybe

it was mum who told him to come,

He laughed.

the two in the woods, the one with

so small now in her hospital bed.

What the hell was an umbrella doing

his pecker hacked off…maybe that

Fear struck like a snake and he bit

out here?

was a clue.

it in half. He wouldn’t think about

It began to rain.

28

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MATT LARKIN THE APPLES OF IDUNN

A

CHILDREN OF SUN AND MOON BOOK 1 OF THE SKYFALL ERA

BOOK 1 OF THE RAGNAROK ERA

T

he marriage of the Solar Emperor to the Lunar princess can end decades of war among the Skyfall Isles. Chandi, a scion of the Moon God, might have relished that peace … if only that Lunar princess were not her cousin. If only the two of them were not being sent the live in the Solars’ underwater city.

And if only Chandi were not ordered to steal the Solar secrets for her people.

blanket of icy mist has covered Midgard since ancient times, forcing small tribes of mankind to eke out a fragile existence in a world dominated by giants and trolls. Odin, jarl of one such tribe, has lost his father to a frost giant, and he will do anything for vengeance.

Even turn to the stranger, Loki, who promises to guide him to the monster’s lair.

B

ut Odin soon finds vengeance is only the beginning. His actions draw the attentions of a goddess who offers him and Loki the chance at immortality.

She would have him challenge her own people for control of Midgard. But before he can march on gods, Odin must make his own people see him as one.

C

“Taking from the Norse gods of old, Larkin gives you an exciting and entertaining view into the before they were gods time. Odin, Loki and many more that were to be gods in a time of their own humanity. Before Odin became a god and his life was but a short period of time in the lives of the immortal. This story even goes into very major detail of many of the legends that began with the gods of werewolves, and spirits. This read kept me reading to the end. I could barely sit the book down long enough to rest my eyes before needing to get back to it. Great read and a new way of looking at the tales of the Norse gods."

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handi’s heritage makes her stronger, faster, and stealthier than any mortal--the ideal spy against the Solars.

But every use of those powers drives her one step closer to lunacy. And Chandi must constantly avoid revealing her true intent to Naresh, the Solar set to protect her and her cousin. But as he shows her the wonders of the domed underwater city, she begins to realize the Solars are not what she thought. Soon, she’ll have to choose between loyalty to her people and her own heart.

“This book unceremoniously ripped my heart of my chest, took a bite out of it, stomped on it, ran it through a blender, set it on fire, and then spit on the ashes... and I loved every second of it.”

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33

MOXIE

by Barbara Chioffi

T

N

ow, looking to the girls watching eagerly, I smiled to myself, once again putting a foot on the next slat.

Instantly it gave way, causing me to lurch forward. Holding onto the guide rope, I faltered, looking backward to see the girls slapping hands. “That’ll teach her to think she’d ever be with us. One less to worry about.” alling, I heard their cheers echoing throughout the canyon. I smiled, because the change took place in seconds with only a momentary flash of the first time, the pain and fear. Now, with skin morphing, bones extending, fingers changing to clawed talons, I reveled in the power and rose, spreading my wings, delighting in their size and strength.

Inhaling a breath, the last thing my brain registered before releasing it was the three of them, frozen in fear with unbelieving eyes as the sight, straight from myth and legend, filled the canyon. I incinerated the Bitches in a bath of flame, chuckling to myself.

Moxie, indeed.

hey always said I had it. What, you ask? Moxie. And I was about to prove it. Walk across this footbridge as an initiation into the Bitches? Easier said than done. The footbridge in question was missing more slats than were present, rotted boards, and frayed ropes, and I was expected to reach the other side in one piece? Right. lacing a foot on the first slat, I tentatively stepped forward, feeling it snap beneath my weight.

The bitches laughed gleefully, while one hundred feet below, the rocks waited patiently, seeming to look up in anticipation. tanding there, I took stock of my predicament and what had brought me to this moment. New to the school, I was approached by the Queen Bitch, Serena, saying theyhad noticed me right away, and thought I would be a good candidate for their Go to Barbara Chioffi’s Amazon group, and flattered, I agreed.

Author page for more great reads he Bitches, I learned from my neighbor, were legendary… beautiful and popular, with football player boyfriends, one I met on the first day. We chatted during lunch on several occasions, which had solicited the attention of Queen Serena, and the subsequent invitation.

F

P S

T 34

Ten years ago Miles Rousseau and Kelsey Daeger met in Paris—what passed between them there has haunted them both ever since.

When Miles starts looking into a series of gruesome vamp murders that strike close to his heart, his only option is to reach out to Phoenix, Inc.—a foundation for gifted paras—and Kelsey, a pysch-para with the rare ability to track and spy on vampires undetected. He has first-hand knowledge of her skill—because he was her first target.

Kelsey doesn't know what to think when Miles shows up in her office. Suddenly, the redemption she had long given up on seems tantalizingly within reach....

But Miles isn't all that is reaching out from the ashes of Kelsey's past, what their investigation reveals may destroy them both....

If they don't destroy each other first.

Phoenix Rising Available from Amazon BUY LINK 35

DRAGON SLAYER BOOK REVIEWS

by N W Moors

FEYLAND by Anthea Sharp The Complete Trilogy The Feyland trilogy is an urban fantasy by Anthea Sharp that merges tales of fairies with computer gaming. It is set in a future with g-boards in place of skate boards and wrist chips implanted in rich people's arms.

Jennet Carter is one of the rich kids who has moved to Crestview with her father who is the program manager for a new immersive Sim game called Feyland. His best friend, Thomas, is the lead programmer.

Jennet is the first to play the prototype and she finds out right away that it is more than a game.

She goes through a portal into the Dark Realm where she battles the

36

Dark Queen and loses part of her essence. She needs to get it back or she will die, but she needs help.

Tam Linn is the best sim gamer around, but he comes from the poor section of Crestview, commonly called the Ex. He doesn't trust Jennet, but he is fascinated by her.

Eventually, he agrees to help her. He is hiding his own secrets, a mother who is often lost to drugs and he has the responsibility of his younger brother, called 'the Bug'.

Tam and Jennet battle the Dark Queen of the Unseelie court in the first book of the series. The story is based off the old Scottish ballad called Tam Lin who has to be

rescued by his true love from the Queen of the Fairies.

The second book, The Bright Court, has Jennet and Tam struggling to close down the portal and stop the release of the game, else the Fey will be released on humankind. The CEO of the gaming company has a son who has also been playing the game, but he allies himself with the Bright Court of the Seelie king.

Jennet and Tam must battle in Feyland while still contending with their everyday efforts in school and homelife.

The third book, The Twilight Kingdom, tells of the final quest against the united courts of the Dark Queen and the Bright King. Jennet and Tam are now part of beta team meant to test the game before its release. They are desperately trying to stop it as the Fey world starts to bleed into their own human world.

Ms. Sharp uses a lot of themes of Celtic mythology and lore in this

series. Puck, the Wild Hunt, and changelings are just some of the characters introduced in parts of the story. She does so masterfully, combining the game with these elements in a way that never strikes a false note. I heartily recommend this series as well as the additional books she's written about some of the other characters she created for this series.

BUY LINK http://www.amazon.com/Feyland-Complete-Trilogy-Collection-Book-ebook/dp/B00B73TD9I

37

The Rise of Nazil Book I Excerpt

Aaron-Michael Hall P

Ghosts of the Past

entanimir pressed himself as close against the ground as he could and tried to be invisible below the overhanging porch of the outer temple. It was late in the afternoon.

He hoped the shadow cast by the marble structure would provide enough cover to keep him hidden behind the short cedar shrubs. He could feel his heart pounding and could hardly breathe from fear as he watched the Chosen guard surround the savage.

A

t least, Pentanimir was sure that it had to be a savage. This man was shorter than most of the Nazilian men that Pentanimir knew, although at his young age nearly all mature men appeared to be very tall. The savage had a distinguishing

38

darker complexion. His surprisingly light eyes darted from one guard to another. On his head was a thick mop of long black hair that reached the middle of his back. He was the very picture of what every Nazilian child was taught to fear and loathe.

Pentanimir was too young to understand where the savage came from, but old enough to recognize this one’s strange appearance as tales and warning from his earliest infancy crowded his memory.

E

ven though the savage was surrounded by the closing circle of the Chosen guard, he still moved with a liquid grace that fascinated Pentanimir. In contrast, the Chosen moved in the stiff, rigidly choreographed pattern that their

training and elite position required.

In fact, to Pentanimir, the savage was the opposite, the negative, of the formal stylized beauty of the Nazilian culture that his young mind had already learned to value.

His crude clothing seemed almost obscene against the pearl and gold lacquered breastplates and helms that were part of the livery of the Zaxson. Pentanimir slowly became aware that the hands of the savage were open and empty, while each of the Chosen was brandishing their Xtabyren, the long curved swords that could only be carried by the Chosen of Nazil.

P

entanimir did not know it, but he was witnessing something rarely seen in the city of Nazil: the ritual killing dance of the Chosen.

The high white walls of the city, coupled with the cold ferocity of the Chosen guards, had insulated the city from the strange inhabitants of the lands. Through generations of selective marriage and breeding, nearly all the inhabitants of Nazil shared the same almost pallid features, features that they equated with civility and culture. The very appearance of the intruder was

enough to raise an alarm, which always brought a regiment of the guard. Through years, the discipline of the highly trained Chosen coalesced into a ritual torture of the intruders culminating in death.

Pentanimir could see the excited, almost feverish cast in the eyes of the guards as they reveled in the blood lust that their wordless approach excited in them.

B

y now, the circle of death was almost completely drawn around the prey. Pentanimir had unconsciously held his breath— out of a mixture of fear and the admiration for the heroic soldiers— for so long that he was becoming light-headed. The young Nazilian was not supposed to be here. He had started to walk from his home toward the temple in anticipation of meeting his father, who was the First Chosen and who expected to be off duty soon. Pentanimir almost never ventured into the city center near the Kadul, at least not without his parents. His boyish curiosity had gotten the better of him this afternoon as he approached without seeing his father, until he found himself trapped under the outer

39

faces. He could see, unbelievably, an expression of peace and completion in the eyes of the savage, while his father’s visage was full of confusion that seemed capable of yielding to uncontrollable rage. Pentanimir was he ritual dance had come to a deeply frightened by his father—he pause, right before the guards could not understand the emotions would start to torture the savage that played across Manifir’s face. with the sharp tips of their Xtabyren.

Pentanimir did not know it, but by he death dance is a silent this time, the victim is almost too affirmation of the natural terror-stricken to move or think if preeminence of the Nazilians over indeed these inferior beings had the all others in the lands. But now the capacity for thought. unthinkable was playing out. The savage’s own discipline and peace he guards were looking forward seemed to be fighting its own to his futile attempts to break battle against the savage blood lust past their circled ranks, which with of the guards. Although he was every rush would result in a slash to an outnumbered, he seemed to be eye or ear or to one of his extremities. winning. As Pentanimir looked on Just as they tightened their grips on incredulously, almost all of the tips their swords with anticipation, this of the Xtabyrens were dropping savage suddenly rose up to his full lower. Manifir seemed entranced by height, which Pentanimir could see the kind expression now so clearly was much taller than that of the guard. visible on the face of the intruder. His With a start, Pentanimir recognized eyes looked over him with an almost the guard in front of the savage was familiarity. his father, Manifir. The savage and Manifir stood less than an arm’s entanimir had never seen him span apart, with Manifir’s Xtabyren so open, so not in control. The drooping slightly from the formal savage lowered his hands to his sides attack posture. In the motionless and smiled warmly and earnestly silence, Pentanimir could see both into Manifir’s face. Slowly, he tilted porch. Pentanimir breathed deeply and as quietly as he could. He could smell the aromatic cedar of his cover, mixed with the stench of fear and sweat.

T

T

T

P

40

his head in a gesture of respect, all the while looking into the other man’s icy eyes.

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“

AvHotther,” the savage whispered in a tongue Pentanimir did not understand. “Father.”

P

entanimir saw his father’s appearance change in one terrifying instant. The killing dance was forgotten, as were the ritual slashes and jabs with the Xtabyren that preceded the death strokes.

Even the other guards drew back in unconscious fear from the First Chosen. His Xtabyren swept up and back down in a flash of silver that tore through the savage’s left side and shoulder. The man rocked for a moment, then fell straight backwards into the patch of cedar where Pentanimir was hiding. The boy looked down into the savages' eyes, which were still open. Pentanimir's mouth gaped as he saw the eyes of Nazil staring back at him. Still, he projected an expression of peace and rest, as if a purpose had been fulfilled.

He gazed into Pentanimir’s eyes with a look of recognition. With a final exhalation,he whispered, “Brother.”

41

T. G. FRANKLIN A

ward winning author T G Franklin lives in East Tennessee, and she often mines ideas from the rich and diverse cultural and scientific communities from Oak Ridge to the Smoky Mountains.

A

n avid science fiction fan, she spent many hours dissecting plots, characters, and technologies of the great sci-fi shows and movies of the 70s with her father over a cup of coffee at the kitchen table. Her writing reflects those early influences as well as current innovations in technology.

W S

hen she isn't writing, she's enjoying the twisty mountain roads on the back of her motorcycle.

he's currently working on Mindwalker, a novella which explores the morality of being able to explore the human mind by the invasion of another, as well as psychological and physical dangers of such an act.

Heavenfall

Action packed Urban Fantasy/Sci-Fi

2027 – Earth is in the path of a raging cosmic storm, and most people believe Hadrian’s energy web will protect the planet from the destruction of the wave. Mary Sullivan doesn't believe Hadrian is the touted savior everyone thinks he is. In her gut, she knows Hadrian is responsible for the death of her parents, and she knows with a certainty he's responsible Website - http://tgfranklin.com/ Amazon Author Page - http://www.amazon.com/TG-Franklin/e/B00IO4E4AQ/ref=dp_byline_ cont_book_1 Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/FranklinTG Twitter - http://twitter.com/tg_franklin Pinterest - http://www.pinterest.com/franklin2735/ Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7879663.T_G_Franklin

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for the side effects of the energy web. Side effects she's suffering from, and dead is dead, whether it's from the Wave or a brain blast. With the Wave only days away, she's offered a chance to survive, but will she risk everything for the revenge she seeks?

Heavenfall link http://www.amazon.com/Heavenfall-TG-Franklin-ebook/dp/B00IM3KIGI

Amethyst Nights

Action packed Erotic Romance/Sci-Fi

Alternate dimensions are supposed to be theoretical.

Fighting demons was supposed to be a game.

When temp agency owner Shannon Miller finds herself trapped in a theoretical, demon-fighting video game with the sexy scientist who designed it, will she give in to her secret passions, or is the game of love too dangerous?

Physicist Damien Richards is blind - and not only in matters that concern his sight. He believes he is unwhole and unlovable. Will he be able to overcome his personal demons and win Shannon's heart?

Amethyst Nights link

http://www.amazon.com/Amethyst-Nights-TG-Franklin-ebook/dp/ B00T0SMG3M

43

NEW RELEASE

LOST SOULS by

Amos Cassidy The temperature is falling, and something evil rides the wind…

A relative calm has settled over Longbrooke since The Artist’s demise.

Jake and Ivy distract themselves from their grief by keeping the coast clear of minor beasts, while Dean works to maintain the facade that Crystal is still alive. With the festive season almost upon them, the gang want nothing more than to creep silently into the New Year. But a storm is brewing in the sleepy little town, and when it hits, no one will be left unscathed.

Jake will soon discover that the calm before the storm can be destructively deceptive.

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AARON-MICHAEL HALL SEED OF SCORN

With The Rise of Nazil and the defeat of the Vereuxs, the lands of Fáelondul were freed. Pentanimir Benoist now stands as the most powerful man in the lands. The love he held for Brahanu was the catalyst for Nazil’s liberation. Will that same love also lead to its destruction?

people will descend for the sake of revenge. Aaron-Michael Hall’s craftwork—the unforgettable characters, the surprising twists, and

In Seed of Scorn, the much-awaited

sequel to The Rise of Nazil, Pentanimir and the entire House of Benoist must face an insidious threat—a threat that assails them on all fronts, yet remains largely invisible. Both Nikolina d’Garrion and Molag Bomgaard—unwittingly manipulated by an ancient evil—a Zon’Tul that threatens the peace of the lands and the lives of the turns, the intricate, rich plotting— Benoists. will dazzle you once more. If you Seed of Scorn takes the epic saga loved The Rise of Nazil, prepare to to previously unheard of levels be blown away! Seed of Scorn will of complexity and intrigue. It is grip you from the beginning and an enthralling tale of love, honor, leave you in awe. betrayal, and the dangerous depths BUY LINK

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M

THIS STORY IS A MALE/MALE EROTIC FANTASY. Due to the explicite sexual contents of this story, it will be hosted on our website via THIS LINK

I

was given a ringside seat, the best view in the house, to watch my lover lose his life. We had always been so careful, secret meetings and stolen kisses when no one was looking. At least we thought we had gone unseen.

We were sadly mistaken...

46

y hand gripped Michaels chin, turning his head toward me and my searching lips. I plunged my tongue into his mouth, devouring him and claiming supremacy as I started to move, slowly at first, but deep enough to make my lover moan into my mouth. As Michael lifted his leg and hooked his calf over mine, I seize my opportunity to slide my hand round to the front of his body, over his silky smooth abs and rock solid stomach. Teasing past the long length slapping against his stomach, I moved further down to cup the heavy weights bouncing between his thighs.

Stohrm

Angel,

once a highly ranked and respected member of God’s Elite guards, now an outcast for daring to find true love amongst the Heavens. Left to fend for himself in the human world, can Stohrm prove himself worthy of reclaiming his rightful place at His side? Can he save enough lost souls in order to save his own?

47

J K ENSLEY JK Ensley is a native Tennessean by way of Missouri— born there and quickly ushered down South. A product of public school and private college, she spent her early twenties bouncing across the country. Fascinated by rich culture, ancient customs, and thick accents, JK is compelled to drink in the many exquisite differences humanity is gifted with. A self-described, happily divorced mother of three, she does little to hide her wicked wit, advanced sarcasm, and extreme shoe addiction.

Dragon Born: Book One: Liliquin This fantasy romance is a story about a fallen Valkyrie, minus her past and all emotions save joy. Liliquin's happy life is sent into a tailspin when she is forced to finally meet the fierce Dragon King she was once betrothed to.

Liliquin's tale is full of magic and discovery. Dragons, Faeries, humans, Angels, spells, and swordplay-Dragon Born has it all.

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iliquin is one of those rare women who is truly hard to forget... and not necessarily in a good way. Liliquin cannot mourn, cannot feel empathy,

cannot cry a single tear. She has no real emotion... save joy. Not everyone sees the beauty in her strange flaw. Yet, Sebastian Steele is not your average kind of guy. He’s a rock star, a player, and dead set against plastic women and their games. Sebastian is hardened, yet still secretly hoping to find his Unicorn. ursed from before she can even remember, Liliquin begins to change when she meets Sebastian, but their magical love story takes a dark turn when Liliquin loses their first child.

Numb and confused, the always-happy woman is left knowing not what she should feel. hen her sordid history is finally revealed, Liliquin learns that the only way to accomplish her dream of a happy life with Sebastian, is to turn to the gods of old... and to the fierce Dragon King she was once betrothed.

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DRAGON BORN IS AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER NOW, AND RELEASED MARCH 28TH.

You can find out more about JK Ensley here…

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OF BLOOD & WINGS

MALE/MALE PARANORMAL FANTASY ROMANCE

WARNING: ADULT CONTENT

CHAPTER ONE “What the fuck do you mean, we lost him?” Detective Rhaize Black yelled into the microphone attached to his collar. “You had one fucking job!”

Black came to a stop on the corner of 5th and 22nd, shoved his hands onto his hips, and blew out an angry breath. “Remind me to put in a good reference to that fast food joint you visit so frequently when I get back.”

Kai Storm watched the police gather around the dismembered body as he perched on the rooftop from one of the nearby buildings. He could see the perp heading off toward the station and needed to catch up with him before the arriving detective found him first. He was obviously keen to catch the culprit as his irritated voice echoed to where Kai sat. He smirked

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at the comments thrown at the young cop, and while the detective was obviously frustrated, he seemed to be on the ball. Whoever this guy was, he was feisty. Leaping off the building and swooping lower to head after his quarry, Kai glanced over his shoulder at the detective while he continued to tear a strip off the rookie. Something wasn’t right about him.

Rhaize stared into space but he caught a glimpse of a reflection through the glass fronted store and made a double take. He frowned, questioning whether or not he really just saw a pair of wings, but shook his head and smirked. Too many early mornings, Rhai.

“Boss, Boss! We got eyes on the

suspect.”

Black winced as the rookie's voice bellowed in his ear. The catchphrase, ‘You want fries with that…’ looked more and more attractive where the dumbass kid was concerned.

The detective pinched the bridge of his nose and resisted the urge to just let the suspect go and give the rookie a beat down for wasting time.

“Ok kid, that's great. You wanna tell me where? Or are we playing 20 Fucking Questions?”

If Rhai wasn't to the point of shooting the kid with his own gun, his bumbling apology down the microphone might have almost been funny… Almost.

“Um... Yes, sir. I mean boss, sir. He's heading toward Grand Central Station, going east about two blocks over.”

Black didn't bother with a thank you, he didn't have any patience for that bullshit and the kid had already wasted enough valuable time. The black of night was turning to a dark grey, signaling his time was limited; a quick look at his watch told him he only had a couple of hours before he was deep fried and crispy. He took off at a run, ducking down an alley he knew was a shortcut and would bypass New York’s thriving hub of clubs, bars, and restaurants, unclipping his holster as he went.

Rhai didn’t know why, but something was off. He kept looking behind, the feeling staying with him that he

could hear and sense… Get a grip Rhai, you’ve got wings on the fucking brain.

“Come on kid, give me something to work with here, because if he gets to the station, he’s history, and I’ll be notifying your next of kin that I shot you ‘cause you fucked up.” Static crackled through his earpiece. The kid was either sleeping on the job or he had no fucking clue where their runner was heading. Just another reason to get the dumbass thrown off the force if this went wrong.

“Sorry, sir. I… um… lost him.”

Rhai cursed under his breath. He was struggling to keep his temper with the rookie. It was only the kids excited yell in his ear with ‘sorry’ that saved him from going home in a body bag.

“I found him again! He’s just gone into the alley that runs behind the station and alongside Central Park.

But, sir… I think you might have company.”

Kai flew overhead, keeping himself to the shadows and just out view.

He didn’t want the suspect spooked by the sight of a winged man. He had the runner in his sights but he could see the cop on the ground was closing in and nothing was going to get between him and his prey. This fucker was his only lead since the first victim had been found.

Kai swooped down and landed at the end of a darkened alley; tucking his large white wings away before

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anyone could eyeball him.

The detective skidded to a halt and flattened himself against the wall.

If the kid could see his expression, it would read something along the lines of, What the fuck?

“What do you mean I’ve got company?”

Rhai was starting to sound like a broken record. “Does he have an accomplice? And why the fuck am I only just hearing about this?” The low growl that accompanied Rhai’s questions was menacing enough to have the kid stuttering into his ear piece and babbling something about a flying man. Ok, that was it!

He yanked the device out of his ear and decided that if the kid couldn’t offer up something other than Super-man swooping in to save the day, he was gonna go in blind. The panicked ranting coming from the adjacent alleyway kicked in Rhai’s spidery-senses, and he held his gun outstretched as he eased around the corner.

Kai quickly scanned the area before moving out of the darkness and sprinted after the target. With a little divine help, Kai was a lot lighter on his feet and caught up to the assailant in quick time by the back of his collar.

The momentum slammed them both down onto the pavement with Kai’s muscular frame holding him tight between himself and the concrete.

Kai jumped up, quickly releasing the piece of shit to let him breathe so he could question him. Extending his

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arm, he produced a Sabina sword from thin air. The runner gasped and barely managed to scramble to his knees, he couldn’t take his bulging eyes off the glimmering blade and started begging for his life as the blonde narrowed his eyes with a widening grin.

The sight that greeted Detective Black was like something out of a B-movie horror. Oh he had company, all right. A big-assed mother wielding a fucking sword, no less. He allowed himself a few seconds to take in the scene played out before him. The suspect was on his knees, rambling and begging for the Adonis-o-gram not to kill him, and the unknown male was stood over him with his sword raised and ready, by the looks of things, to take the suspect's head off.

Rhai carefully moved forward, keeping his firearm trained on the new player.

“Hey there.” The smile Detective Black offered the newcomer never quite reached his eyes, but he hoped it’d put him at ease enough to put the sword down. “That’s a mighty fine sword you got there, Sabina by any chance?”

Kai snapped his head toward the voice sending long, dark blond hair flying across his sweating face.

“Back off!” Stretching out his free hand, a large dagger appeared in his upright palm. He pointed the tip at Rhai as his fingers folded around the

hilt. “He’s mine!” he barked.

For a split second the hairs on the back of Rhai’s neck stood on end, and if there’d been room in his pants, so would his dick; something about the way the male said “He’s mine.”

Then the magic trick with the dagger penetrated his hard-on induced haze. What the fuck? Rhaize had a double hold on his gun, a Glock 17, and steadily aimed it right between the male's eyes. Hottie or not, one false move and his head would be pink mist.

“Where the fuck did that come from?

I’m a New York Homicide Detective and I don’t much appreciate fucking parlor games, especially when I’m chasing down a piece of garbage murderer like him.” Everything was still trained on the male and Rhai gave a brief nod in the direction of the piece of shit cowering on the ground. “And as for who gets ownership of the aforementioned piece of garbage, I’ve been chasing this fucker for three months. So to quote you blondie, “He’s Mine!”

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TO BE CONTINUED...

More from this fantasy story next month!

FALLEN ANGELS SERIES by Julie Nicholls http://www.amazon.com/ dp/B015NP07KO 53

DEMON WITIHN Fallen Angels Book One

A former slave who is now a feared warlord, a princess, a king, angels and fallen-angels make this an epic romance you will love from the start.

When the Seraphim ruled the heavens, a vain angel dared to risk everything for the love of a human and paid the price of eternal damnation.

Sold into slavery when he was six years old, Kai has never known love.

As he reached maturity, his slavers realized Kai was no ordinary man.

There was something else lurking inside. An uncontrollable force which feeds on his rage and anger giving him the advantage when thrown into the fighting pits of Darkmide to fight for his life. Here he learns that killing brings rewards

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when after each win he is given a female slave to sate his sexual needs.

After years of many victories and a life of pain under the lash, in a bloody battle Kai breaks free from

his chains and releases all the slaves, and raging a war against the slavers, he kills them all. Closing down the goldmines in Darkmide, he vows no one else will die doing the backbreaking work of harvesting gold.

His deeds are famed throughout the lands, and after four years, he settles in Blackhill, a town not far from Darkmide, where he rules with a firm hand.

King Garlan from Brightstone, afraid of losing his throne to a threat from the Highlands, and hearing of Kai’s formidable reputation, sends his envoy to request an alliance with the infamous warrior. The agreement is to offer his daughters hand in marriage, Princess Eloise, in exchange for Kai’s support. Kai instantly falls for the beautiful princess and soon discovers he’s not the only one with a secret.

The princess holds a power gifted to females on her mother’s side by the seraphim. Controlled all of her life by her father and brother, Eloise is timid and shy, but she soon learns to overcome these traits.

The Highland Lord arrives in Blackhill and he meets with Kai and the king. Many secrets are revealed which bring answers to Kai’s lineage, though stubbornness causes him to discard them as false.

When an act of betrayal causes the alliance to break, Kai rejects Eloise.

Stubborn and running away from

confrontation, Kai is about to lose everything, and only his trusted friend, Sabe, shows him that his fears of dying alone will come to fruition unless he admits his need for love.

Submitting to his needs, Kai and Eloise unite and the alliance forms once more.

A connection between Kai and a fallen-angel, who is systematically destroying all the nearby towns, is revealed, bringing the two of them together in a battle that could kill everyone in Blackhill and all those Kai cares for. He attempts to fight the fallen angel, but he is badly injured.

In a twist of fate, Eloise is the key to aiding Kai and his friends to defeat the vengeful fallen angel.

Can Eloise save Kai and the town of Blackhill from the destruction of the fallen angel? What does the future hold for Kai?

Demon Within & Angel Within are is available in ebook, paperback and audiobook. The final book, Ascension Within, is coming soon to Audio BUY LINK AMAZON

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