All Categories - K. M. McFarland, Author

K. M. McFarland, Author

Distant Time by Karen J Mossman (Guest Post - Karina Kantas)

2/2/2018

Karina Kantas stopped by The Courtyard today to tell us all about Karen J. Mossman's new book, Distant Time. I'm adding this one to my TBR list.

Distant Time is an Electric Eclectic book, novellas designed to introduce you to new authors.

Description

Imagine visiting a village that has just been invaded by German WW2 soldiers. Now imagine you are no longer invisible.

What would you do if you woke to find yourself in a strange place not knowing who you were? Running outside, you find yourself caught up in a war. Not only that - you run for your life and come face to face with yourself.

Julie is time travelling and something has gone drastically wrong. Read this thrilling adventure where the future needs evidence collected from the past.

Extract

Every nerve in my body was on fire, my heart beating so fast, I could hardly breathe. I was about to run into the open, but saw a soldier aim a gun at a man on his knees. He fired. The man collapsed. I saw his family watching and heard their screams and cries. I stopped dead in my tracks, stared, horrified, before turning to vomit behind a wall.

Wiping my mouth I crawled into a space between outbuildings. Balefully, watching the scene unfold, tears streamed down my face.
Tanks were rolling through the village, crashing into buildings, running over fences, anything that got in their way. Some people were being killed; others herded up like animals for slaughter. Fear fizzed in the air and the noise of terror was just as deafening.

Crouching down, my hands automatically covered my ears. I squeezed my eyes tightly shut. I didn’t want any part of this, yet here I was. I had no idea what to do or where to go. I didn’t want to die.

About the Author

Karen J Mossman is a multi genre author.

This is her second novella under the Electric Eclectic brand. One Christmas was published in December 2017.

She lives in north Wales on the Isle of Anglesey with her husband and Yorkshire Terrier, Tilly.

See all Electric Eclectic book here. http://amzn.to/2EI8HbX

Join their FaceBook page here.

Social Media

Website: https://magicofstories.net

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karenjmossmanauthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarenJMoss

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9814921.Karen_J_Mossman

Amazon: Author.to/KM
Distant Time Link

Broken Empire by E. A. Copen - Guest Post K. Kantas Author Assist

1/22/2018

Blurb

Soldier. Traitor. Savior. In an empire where political power is everything, Captain Timothy Val wants one thing: to serve his empire with honor and distinction. But after a mission to quell a revolt goes terribly wrong, Timothy is branded a traitor and barely escapes with his life. His only hope of regaining his lost honor and clearing his family name rests in the hands of a senator planning to use him as the face of a revolution. With an intergalactic war looming and civil unrest spreading through the empire, Timothy must tread carefully. Assassins wait around every corner, and his new allies have made him powerful enemies, enemies that may not be entirely Human. To save the empire, Timothy will have to betray every oath he’s ever taken.

broken empire

Aftermath: Chapter One excerpt http://brokenempire.bolidepublishing.com/aftermath-chapter-…

ABOUT THE AUTHOR E.A. Copen is a prolific speculative fiction author living in beautiful Southeast Ohio with her three kids, three cats, a dog, and a husband. She writes everything from space opera to weird west and all the strange genre mashups in between. When she’s not chained to her keyboard working on her next novel, she enjoys exploring old graveyards and other creepy places. On weekends, you can find her time traveling with her SCA friends, at least until she saves up enough money to leave the Shire and become a Jedi.

https://www.facebook.com/ecopen1
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1002317576536616/
https://www.facebook.com/brokenempire.eacopen/

mich

AVAILABLE TO PREORDER NOW. https://www.amazon.com/Aftermath-Broken-Empire-Book-1-eb…/…/

https://www.facebook.com/ecopen1 (Like E.Copen's facebook page for a chance to win this exciting novel in e-book format.)

Ghostly Writes Anthology 2017

10/31/2017

ENTER IF YOU DARE. A new Ghostly Writes Anthology for 2017, gives you sixteen authors from around the world with ghostly stories and poems for you to read. Each short story will take you to a new place, be it the future, present or past.

Plaisted Publishing House is happy to present this book to you - our readers. Please note that all stories are written in the English of the country the Author resides in.

Amazon Link
https://www.amazon.com/Ghostly-Writes-Anthology-Writers-Group-ebook/dp/B076Y1NKK4

Kobo
https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/ghostly-writes-anthology-2017 - Kobo says it isn’t available in UK…

Google Play
https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Ghostly_Writers_Ghostly_Writes_Anthology_2017?id=m7E7DwAAQBAJ

Author Links

http://www.claireplaisted.wordpress.com

https://firefly465.wordpress.com

http://www.elizabethhorton-newtonauthor.com/

https://mhembroff.wordpress.com

http://www.charlottes-webstories.com

https://www.facebook.com/Author.LynnMullican/

http://www.facebook.com/kyrenalynch1

https://www.facebook.com/MaraReitsmaAuthor/

https://www.facebook.com/cassandraswritingworld/

www.facebook.com/mlynesauthor

Ghostly Writes is a group of Indie Authors from around the world who get together to produce an ebook for Halloween. You can find them at www.facebook.com/ghostlywritesanthology

The Secret by Karen J. Mossman

9/5/2017

A secret is a secret for good reason.

Kerry O’Brien has a secret so terrible it burns inside her. All she wants is to be part of a normal family, but with a step father like Bill, that is impossible.

Set in the 1970s when secrets like this were only ever whispered about, Kerry somehow keeps her humour by pretending everything is fine. Then she meets biker Tommy, and he has his own secret; one that impacts on her.
Kerry’s secret becomes harder to keep and the tell-tell signs are harder to hide. Can she keep it together? Can Tommy and Kerry get it together?

Then the worst happens and Kerry’s secret is a secret no more.

Universal Link
Amazon UK
Amazon US

I panicked to change the subject, and blurted, “You stole that money back and spent it on booze, didn’t you? How do you think we paid for this?”
On reflection, it was probably not the best thing to say.
The gleam in his eye snapped off and Mum and Jodie looked scared.
“Oh? And how did you pay for it?”
He knew, but I didn’t want to make him any angrier.
“Kerry?”
“I bought it,” I said, finally because I couldn’t think of anything else quick enough.
His face turned to thunder. He picked up his plate and threw it at me. “Well you can fucking-well have it then!”
I was so sick of treading on egg shells all the time. Sick of seeing Mum and Jodie constantly wearing frightened expressions. I couldn’t stop myself and sometimes I’m my own worst enemy.
“Go on then, spoil it for everyone, like you normally do,” I retorted.
He lashed out as I ducked. “You’re an ungrateful bitch!”
He then picked up my plate to throw, and stumbled. It teetered on the edge of table before smashing on the floor. More food spread over the kitchen.
I screamed.
He got to his feet as Mum and Jodie scattered. “Didn’t I give you a roof over your head?” he yelled at me.
“Haven’t I been paying for it ever since?” I yelled back.
“Kerry, for God’s sake,” Mum screamed.
Jodie was crying loudly and she couldn’t get out of the door because Bill was standing there and I could see Creepy Colin had come to see what the commotion was.

What the readers are saying:

Karen Mossman’s The Secret is the beautifully written story of high spirited, Irish-born Kerry O'Brien who struggles to walk a tightrope in her dangerous home life. Set in Manchester, England, in the 1970s, a more “innocent” time when family secrets could be even more deadly than today the cloud of secrecy over domestic abuse made it hard for victims to find a way out
Lynne Murray

The story is gripping and interesting, the romance warm and simmering. I absolutely loved the ending, which gives the story an almost fairy tale-like feeling. All in all, it was a very enjoyable two hour read, and I whole heartedly recommend it to fans of the genre.
S Anderson

I really enjoyed this book and I was automatically drawn into the characters world, from the very first page. Tommy treats Kerry like a queen and it's so refreshing to read a story where the man respects and truly loves the girl.
Jenna Hodge

The characters were so real and the story definitely so believable. These sort of secrets unfortunately still go on. Let's hope others can find the strength, just like Kerry to come out the other side.
Lindy-Lou

Karen J Mossman is originally from Manchester in the UK, but has now settled into retirement with her husband of nearly 40s. She lives on Anglesey, a small Island off the North Wales coast and says, ‘Retirement means I am busier than ever as I’m able to spend more time writing. I’m also an avid book reader and blogger. When I am not working on my computer, I belong to an embroidery club where I cross stitch and also involved in Anglesey Federation of Women’s Institute. So, retirement has improved my life by enabling me to do the things that make me happy.’

Karen is very active on Social Media and you can link us with her here:

Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Website
Book Blog

Resuscitation by Cassia Brightmore - Cover Reveal

8/21/2017

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Resuscitation (The Trauma Series #3) by Cassia Brightmore Author

Genre: Dark Romance

Release Date: October 2nd, 2017

Cover Model: Lance Jones

Photography by: Dave Kelley

Cover Design: Concierge Literary Designs & Photography

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Trust. No. One.

A mantra that Dr. Cian O’Reilly has lived by; never allowing any new insiders to pierce his inner circle. Until her. Dr. Athena Payne was his game changer, the woman he wanted to bring into his cloak of darkness; to share in his malicious desires of torture and terror as the executioner of all who escaped justice. But when faced with an alleged betrayal of that trust, how far will he go to seek his vengeance?

Love. Conquers. All.

Three words that Athena Payne has always believed whole-heartedly. In her determination to become a brilliant heart surgeon, her thirst for knowledge tossed her headlong into a hidden conspiracy, a deadly game of death intertwined with the complications of love. Trusting and loving Cian may very well be the last things she ever does as she’s faced with paying the ultimate price for allowing him into her heart.

Save a life. Take a life.

Will the hardest kill Cian’s ever faced be his last? As others circle closer to learning his true identity, interns and attendings alike face the possibility of losing everything they’ve fought so hard to gain.

Trust no one. Let love conquer all. And prepare for a shocking ending that you won’t see coming in this third installment of the Trauma Series.

Lincoln Hospital, where the cure can be your worst nightmare.

Warning: Contains violent and graphic situations not suitable for readers under the age of eighteen. This is the third book in the "Dexter" meets "Grey's Anatomy" series and ends on a cliffhanger. All books must be read in order to follow the series.

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On the twenty-third day—he hunts, bringing the scum of the earth to justice; his justice. Ending up as a patient on Dr. O’Reilly’s table could either save your life or end it in the most horrific way.

New York City. The infamous city that never sleeps; the place where dreams either shine brightly or shatter into razor sharp pieces of metal. For Dr. Cian O’Reilly, it’s the perfect city to disguise his dark alter ego. As a top surgeon at Lincoln Hospital, he has access to resources far beyond the reach of the average person; the ideal cover for his double life. By day, he’s the epitome of professionalism. By night, the facade is stripped away and his true depraved self is revealed.

When Dr. Athena Payne joins the roster as a new surgical intern, Cian’s carefully constructed life is thrown into turmoil. With her sunny smile and wide-eyed innocence, she threatens to break through his iron-like exterior, exposing the man beneath. Following her dream of becoming a cardiovascular surgeon, her internship at Lincoln Hospital is the first step in achieving her goals. Something about the dark air of mystery that surrounds her new boss, Dr. Cian O’Reilly, leaves Athena questioning just what it is that the good doctor is hiding.

A killer on the loose. A doctor wielding a deadly blade. An intern caught in the midst of first love and a lethal web of murder.

Lincoln Hospital. Where the cure can be your worst nightmare.

Warning: Contains violence and graphic situations not suitable for readers under the age of eighteen.

AMAZON US AMAZON CA AMAZON UK AMAZON AUS iBOOKS NOOK KOBO

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Murder.

Deceit.

Revenge.

Within the walls of the prestigious Lincoln Hospital in New York City, a hunter awaits. A man with a thirst for blood and an appetite for vengeance. Dr. Cian O’Reilly, the city’s most respected cardiovascular surgeon, is living a double life, one bathed in torture and mayhem as he delivers final justice to the city’s most heinous criminals.

When a new influx of physicians joins the rotation, the struggle for anonymity intensifies as a nosy reporter inches closer to the truth about Cian’s true identity. In a dangerous game of kill or be killed, no one is safe and everyone is a potential victim.

A romance blossoming on the premise of murder. An escaped killer on the loose. A traitor in the midst intent on bringing them all down.

Lincoln Hospital. Where the cure can be your worst nightmare.

Warning: Contains violence and graphic situations not suitable for readers under the age of eighteen. This is the second book in the "Dexter" meets "Grey's Anatomy" series and ends on a cliffhanger. All books must be read in order to follow the series.

AMAZON US AMAZON CA AMAZON UK AMAZON AUS iBOOKS NOOK KOBO

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Cassia Brightmore is a Canadian dark romance author. She loves writing dark stories with twisted characters that she hopes will thrill the reader as well as make them fall in love.

She loves hockey, video games and online shopping. If she's not writing or editing, you can usually find her doing one of these things. Writing is her passion and publishing her first book as an indie author is truly a dream come true.

Her titles include:

The Darkness Series

Book One: Malevolent

Book Two: Evanesce

Book Three: Denouement

Book Four: Repentance

The Trauma Series

Book One: Lincoln Hospital

Book Two: Flatline

Standalones

Unworthy

FACEBOOK WEBSITE EMAIL INSTAGRAM

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Aaron-Michael Hall

8/20/2017

Aaron-Michael Hall is a Speculative Fiction author (Epic Fantasy and Science Fantasy with an EDGE) originally from southern Illinois. Since August 2015, she has written eight full-length novels and published four. Her first novel, The Rise of Nazil has won numerous reader awards.

Now, when she is not interviewing indie authors on her Desu Beast Blog, being super mom, wrangling stampeding miniature dachshunds, or managing her 9 to 5, she is interweaving genres, creating languages, and adding just the right edge to keep you turning pages.

Aaron-Michael created the Mehlonii language for her diverse Epic Fantasy series. Along with intriguing characters, multilayered plots, new species, deities, and creatures, the Mehlonii language adds that fantastical element missing from most modern Epic/High fantasy. You can listen to samples of the spoken Mehlonii language on her website’s Mehlonii page.

When asked why she wrote this series, Aaron-Michael simply said, “It needed to be written.”
It is her hope that the readers enjoy the wonders of Faélondul and Ahmezurhran even more than she enjoyed writing about them.

Website: http://aaronmichaelhall.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Aaron.Michael.Hall.Author
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheRiseofNazil
Mailing list http://theriseofnazil.us11.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=6b56f127540fa86812db8fc01&id=2d8cf30afe
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/AaronMichaelHall

Science Fantasy Romance Duology by: Newland Moon

Rites of Heirdron: book I

� https://goo.gl/h63DWf

They poisoned his planet, massacred his people, and violated his mother.
Now, they’re coming for him.

A bastard prince, born to a dishonored queen, Zrahnz is the last hope of a dying world. As he struggles to reclaim his legitimacy as a ruler and protect his planet, a debilitating illness threatens his sanity and his life. If he cannot save himself, his planet will succumb to the corrupt intergalactic alliances aligned against them.

The irrepressible allure he feels for an Earth-born visitor, Itanya, nearly overwhelms him, yet through her, Zrahnz discovers the secret that can ease the devastating agony of his illness. Could she be the key to his survival and the future of Triaxeyn?

With Q-1 Raydren at his side, and the Oracles’ influence, he uncovers corrupted histories and unscrupulous enemies. If he fails to make a crucial decision, his people and everyone he loves will be destroyed.

Zrahnz is denied his rule, denied his birthright, and denied the one truth that will save his life.

He wasn’t supposed to survive, he wasn’t supposed to fight, and he wasn’t supposed to receive, the RITES OF HEIRDRON

~D. Donovan, Midwest Book Review "Rites of Heirdron is a powerful fantasy telling. Its dual focus on changing worlds and hearts moves deftly from personal to political realms. It's a recommended pick for readers who like their sci-fi spiced with more than light romance, but who want that romance wrapped in the heavier cloak of sacrifice, duty, and life-changing decisions."

~Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite "Newland Moon has the gift of integrating strong themes like love, friendship, loyalty, faith, and redemption into a beautiful story in a seamless manner. The writing is flawless, crisp, and tight, with vivid descriptions that capture the intense action excellently.”

Rites of Heirdron Excerpt
Agonized Reality

Zrahnz dove forward and then rolled to the side. His head came up in a flash and lowered again. Clutching the ionic-tazer, he initiated a backward roll and took position behind a rock formation. He had lost track of his partner. After taking a deep breath, he eased around the side of the boulder, noticing movement to his left.

Instinctively, he dropped into a defensive crouch, sending four ionic blasts toward the enemies. He did not wait to check the accuracy of his shots, running to his right and diving behind their damaged shuttle. His breathing was labored as he tried to steady himself.

He noticed more enemies still advancing as he changed position. When he checked the energy level of his ionic-tazer, he had enough power left for only four blasts. He searched for his partner again, tapping the com-tag nestled in his ear. Nothing. How did they become separated? He had trained for this and now he might have gotten his partner either captured or killed.

He ground his teeth at that thought. After taking another deep breath, he counted. Zrahnz eased around and noticed the position of three enemies. He offered a prayer, wiping the forming sweat off his hands onto his uniform. When his count reached ten, he leveled his ionic-tazer, and leapt from his position, shooting.
One and then another enemy dematerialized as his well-aimed shots hit them squarely. His movement never ceased as he concealed himself again.

Zrahnz checked his surroundings and then rested a hand on the three chazrens on his belt. Those he would use only if he had to. The handheld grenades were more effective if an enemy was within twenty meters. It was his hope that his partner was alive, and that together, they could end this.

When he leveled his weapon again, the tremble in his hands was worse than before. He blinked, trying to clear the haze from his mind. Focus, he thought, willing his mind to follow his commands. Please, focus.

His surroundings became a blur as a pain erupted in his abdomen. He clenched his eyes shut, doubling over with the excruciating waves of heat. It felt as tiny molten blades jabbed at his insides. No, please, no.

He heard the blasts echo in his mind and the screeches that accompanied them. He could do nothing; there was only the pain, the confusion, the helplessness.

He screamed, despite his best efforts to remain quiet. He could taste the blood in his mouth from biting through his lip. Another scream escaped him, louder than the last, and then, nothing but white.

Zrahnz gasped, springing up and reaching for his weapon. His surroundings were still a blur as he tried to scramble to his feet.

“Easy, my Prince, easy,” Raydren said, attempting to lower him again to the ground.

Zrahnz grasped his arm with one hand and delivered a side-chop with the other. When Raydren ducked the chop, he rolled to the side and leapt to his feet, grabbing a chazren from his belt as he did so.

Raydren’s eyes widened. “Training exercise complete. Terminate!” he shouted, diving toward the Prince.

Everything in the dream room faded as Zrahnz thrashed, trying to break free from his tight hold. The chazren he had been clutching disappeared with the rest of the items in the training program.

“My Prince, please, the exercise is over. The pain is over, you’re here with me. It’s only us, Zrahnz, can you hear me? Follow my sound and come back to me, please, come back to me.”

Raydren bit back his emotion, cradling the prince in his arms. His episodes were coming more often and the level of pain was increasing.

“Zrahnz,” he said again. “I’m here with you, I’m here.”

His motion calmed when he heard Raydren’s soothing voice repeat his name. Zrahnz blinked his eyes open, trying to clear the fog from his mind.

Raydren kept one arm wrapped tightly around him and with the other, pulled a subdermal-injector from his belt. He placed it against Zrahnz’s chest, emptying the remaining medicine into his bloodstream.

Zrahnz’s body tensed with the injection and then went limp as the medicine eased the pain and lifted some of the haze filling his mind.

“Ray—Raydren.” The pain and suffering etched the word. “Raydren…help me…please, help me.”

“I’m here with you, my Prince. We’ll find a way, I promise you. We’ll find a way. I’ll never leave you. I’m here.”

Orbs of Trenihgea: book II

� https://goo.gl/Lsv1X6
They poisoned his planet, massacred his people, and violated his mother.
Then, they came for him.

After an interplanetary betrayal decimated his world, Zrahnz struggled to protect his people and reclaim his legitimacy as their ruler.

Now, he has received the Rites of Heirdron and vows to defend the Triax planets torn asunder by a corrupt galactic council, and the “shadow whisperers” who have manipulated them all.

With the aid of First Commander Lezayen and his QuNytwanian fleet, Zrahnz must unite the factions that deceived them in the past. The ensuing battle is for more than the survival of Triaxeyn, it’s for the liberation of the galaxy.

Orbs of Trenihgea Excerpt
Space Station E-Alpha-1

The tufted chair collided against the wall as Gil pushed back from the table. “What the hell do you mean, quarantine? I’m not staying on this damn station!” He pointed an unsteady finger toward Malon, wiping the frothy drool from the corner of his mouth. “That montahn is going to provide the antidote now, or I’ll blast him back to that pungent, black rock he calls a planet.”

When he reached for his weapon, Strand pounded a drab stone on the table, pushing up on wobbly knees. “All of you shut up and sit down! Gil, remove your hand from that weapon and think. We can’t return to Earth; not like this. We need Malon’s people to deliver more of the medicine.”

“What do you propose we do, Strand?” K’aht asked. “Are we to sit here and deteriorate while those weishints roam free? I want them dead!”

“Who?” Tryndr asked, his light voice adding calm to the intensity in the room. “Who do you want dead? No one launched an attack against us. It was our own impetuosity and greed that caused this.”

Gil scoffed. “Name it what you will. This was no accident. That shipment was sabotaged.”

“How? That case never left Malon’s possession. Who in elorac do you think would’ve known it contained the means to annihilate and entire planet? Who?” Tryndr said.

Malon sighed, meeting the eyes of everyone in the council chamber. “He’s right. I didn’t tell anyone what I carried. Only two others from my planet knew I had synthesized the enhanced toxin. You were the only ones, other than our allies on Triaxeyn that were aware. Even SO-12 Sydric was only told to rendezvous with us to retrieve more of it.”

“How then? How?”

“I don’t know how.” Malon ran his webbed fingers over the ridges on his skull. “You all witnessed what took place. The vials imploded and released the toxin. Not one vial, all of them, simultaneously. Not even with the most incompetent design should that have been possible. There’s something we’re missing. And if we want to survive this, we’ll stop fighting amongst ourselves and figure it out.”

The room fell silent with only the ragged breathing of each occupant sounding in their ears.

“Brenz.” Gil gasped, pushing back from the table. His eyes darted frantically, back and forth, organizing the assailing thoughts in his mind. “Brenz. His—his com-tag…it malfunctioned toward the end of the meeting and he left.”

Strand nodded. “Yes…yes. Shortly after he left, the vials malfunctioned and released the toxin. Have any of you received a message from him? He should’ve returned the following cycle.”

Viszain’s copper eyes flared. “He hasn’t returned to the station or sent a message.”

“Is his shuttle still in the docking bay?” Strand asked.

“It’s doubtful.” Gil’s said. “I have an associate at the academy on Charznaeyah. I’ll send him a message and inquire about our missing councilmember. If he’s fled the system, we’ll know exactly where to look.”

“Do you think he’d betray us?” Ahorid asked.

“What I know is that he’s the only one of us that didn’t ingest the toxin. When have you ever known him to miss our mandatory meetings?”

“Never.”

“Once I’ve spoken with my associate, I’ll contact the Star Guild and the Order. They’ve taken significant losses. If Brenz has sided with the Triaxeynians, his fate will be as theirs, only worse.”

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Dragonblood Throne: Legacy by Tom Fallwell

8/4/2017

BLURB

Orphaned as a young child and growing up alone in the forest, Delina lives a life of isolation; her only companion a saber-toothed panther. Her strange eyes frighten those she occasionally encounters, so she keeps to herself, until a young, wounded warrior ends up at her doorstep. As she nurses him back to health, she discovers she is more than just a young woman with unusual eyes, she is a dragonblood, destined to become the ruler of Almar.

Now hunted by the dark sorcerer who murdered her father, usurped his throne, and killed all her kin, she must find out how she can release the essence of the dragon inside her to defeat him. Everything depends upon her willingness to embrace her legacy and reclaim the Dragon Throne.

Excerpt from Dragonblood Throne: Legacy, by Tom Fallwell

Copyright © 2017 by Tom Fallwell – All Rights Reserved
Ignoring the two scribes fidgeting nervously behind him, Kargoth anxiously watched the cosmic tableau of the moons unfold in the darkened sky from his balcony. The rare, lunar eclipse was only moments away from its apex, the new moon phase of Tibel almost centered within the bright ring of Sianor behind it.

While he would never admit it, not even to himself, Kargoth was fearful as he waited to see if the prophecy was true, if there would be a sign indicating a dragonblood still lived in Almar. The words of that prophecy played continually in his mind as he waited with bated breath.

Ring of the heavens,
Ring shining bright.
Darkness the lesser
Than greater moon's light.
When the ring glows bright
As the moons above turn,
Blood shows the sign
Of the dragons return.
A dragon reborn
From an innocent child.
The power will grow
As emotions run wild.
The dragon will rise
When all hope seems lost.
All evil will pay
The dragonblood's cost.
The dragonblood comes,
The darkness will die.
The dragon wings spread
And the dragon will fly.

“Here it comes,” Kargoth said, never removing his gaze from the moons. “Now we’ll see if there is any truth to this prophecy.”

The scribes trembled, fearing their High Lord's wrath, as Tibel firmly centered itself in front of Sianor. The light in the night lessened momentarily as Tibel covered much of Sianor's full and bright splendor.

The slim circle of light around Tibel began to burn brightly, becoming a brilliant glowing ring in the night sky. For a moment, the scholars hoped that perhaps the prophecy was false, but a red glow began to fill the darkness of Tibel. It was as if some celestial being had poured a bowl of blood into the mold of the darkened Tibel, now glowing with a red, unearthly light. The eclipse became a white circle filled with a blood-red glow.

The prophecy was true! It was a sign of blood! Of dragonblood!

The scribes slowly backed away from the balcony in fear, anticipating the wrath of their lord. They could almost hear Kargoth's rage brewing inside him as he suddenly turned on them, his steel eyes boring into their souls.

“It's true! That beast, Jeraldin, had another child!” His anger turned on the two robed figures. “You should have known this sooner! You impotent cretins!”

He raised both hands in front of him, palms outward. The terrified scribes turned to run, but it was too late. A dark fiery energy streamed from both his hands, as jets of black, searing flame engulfed the two men. Their horrifying screams of agony echoed throughout the chamber and into the halls beyond as their bodies were consumed by the deadly power Kargoth had loosed upon them. Within seconds, only smoldering piles of ash remained on the floor.

Dropping his hands in frustration, a deep and tortured frown peeked from the shadows of his hood. Kargoth stormed toward the throne room door. “Guards! Guards! Get my generals! Now!”

Whoever this dragonblood was, Kargoth had to make sure they never lived long enough to be a threat to his power. He would scour the entire kingdom and find this dragonblood. He couldn’t allow one of their kind to live.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Early in life, Tom Fallwell discovered a love for fantasy and science-fiction, delighting in the wonderful escape into realms undreamed of. Weaned on the greats like J.R.R. Tolkien, Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, Arthur C. Clarke, Robert E. Howard, Roger Zelazny, Robert A. Heinlein, and Michael Moorcock, just to name a few, Tom's imagination was forever inspired by those marvelous tales.

One day, he discovered a simple book of rules called 'Chainmail', by Gary Gygax, and found a new love: the love of creating adventures and stories of his own. 'Chainmail' evolved into 'Dungeons & Dragons', and Tom played consistently with friends as both a player and a dungeon master (DM) for decades. Such activities helped him develop his ability to create worlds and stories for other players to enjoy.

Now retired from his long career as a software developer, Tom writes all the adventures and characters that constantly fill his mind and shares them with the world.

Website: http://tomfallwell.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTomFallwell

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Tom-Fallwell/e/B00IV2JSJI

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/11303749.Tom_Fallwell

Rangers of Laerean Series: https://www.facebook.com/RangersofLaerean

Dragonblood Throne Series: https://www.facebook.com/DragonbloodThrone

Where to buy

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073SYDP68

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/735008

Mary Crawford Books - Guest Blog from K Kantas - Author Assist

7/20/2017

Genre: Romance

Book Description

Jordan Shepherd has regrets. Big ones. When she makes a seemingly rash decision which potentially costs her everything, she must come face-to-face with her family and start rebuilding her life.

Cristiano Romero knows a little bit about starting over after a catastrophe. He is trying to make it as an on-air talent covering the X Games, yet he still has the heart of a competitor. When he crosses paths with Jordan, he finds himself wanting to compete in a whole new game.

Can Jordan and Cristiano come to grips with the paths not taken and begin a life together?

Pre-Order:

https://www.amazon.com/Paths-Taken-Hidden-Beauty-Novel-ebook/dp/B073ZP48N7

About the Author

I have been lucky enough to live my own version of a romance novel. I married the guy who kissed me at summer camp. He told me on the night we met that he was going to marry me and be the father of my children. Eventually I stopped giggling when he said it, and we just celebrated our 28th wedding anniversary. We have two children. The oldest is in medical school, where he recently found and married the love of his life, and the youngest is now tackling middle school.

I write full time now. I have published over a dozen books and have several more underway. I volunteer my time to a variety of causes. I have worked as a Civil Rights Attorney and diversity advocate. I spent several years working for various social service agencies before becoming an attorney. In my spare time, I love to cook, decorate cakes and of course, I obsessively, compulsively read.

Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Mary-Crawford/e/B00KRGWI3Y

Website:
http://marycrawfordauthor.com

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/authormarycrawford/

Twitter:
www.twitter.com/MaryCrawfordAuthor

The first book of the Hidden Beauty series is free:

https://www.amazon.com/Until-Stars-Hidden-Beauty-Novel-ebook/dp/B00UPEUXBM

2nd series. Hidden Hearts

First book in this series is also free:

https://www.amazon.com/Identity-Heart-Hidden-Hearts-Novel-ebook/dp/B012JXZS20

Welcome to the Big Easy by Karen McFarland

7/10/2017

Photography by Karen M

If you’re visiting New Orlean, welcome to our fabulous city. We are happy to have you, and we hope you will enjoy your stay with us.

We love visitors to our city, and we welcome you with open arms. To ensure your stay is a fun, memorable, and safe one, here are a few things you should know along with the answers to a few questions visitors often ask.

The People of NOLA
We may have a reputation as party animals and heavy drinkers, but that’s not exactly true. While we do like to pass a good time, we have careers, mortgages, families, children, and we’re not much different from anybody anywhere else.

Talkin' that New Orleans talk
New Orleans is pronounced New Or-lins by the locals, not New Aw-lins or New Or-leens. Geographically, New Orleans is located in the south, but, contrary to what you see in movies and television, we do not have southern accents. When the French, Spanish, Germans, Irish, Italians, Africans, etc. settled in New Orleans, their accents blended into what locals refer to as a “Yat” accent. There are many different variations of the "Yat" accent depending on what part of the city an individual is from.

Aside from our dialect, there are many words and phrases used here that are unheard of elsewhere. Here are a few you are sure to hear and their meanings:

Neutral Ground:
The terrain in the middle of a divided street known as a median everywhere else. There’s a history behind that. In the old days, the French and the Spanish didn’t get along, but they had to do business with one another, so they created a section in the middle of the street designated as the neutral ground where they handled business. Apparently, it stuck because nobody uses the word median in New Orleans. It’s simply called the neutral ground. If you ask a local from which side of the street they are going to watch a parade, they will tell you either the street side or the neutral ground side.

Streetcar:
It may be called a trolly everywhere else, but locals will look at you funny if you call it anything other than a streetcar here.

Po-boy:
A sandwich consisting of meat or seafood between two slices of French bread.

Do you want that po-boy dressed?
Dressed means you want it with mayonnaise, lettuce, and tomatoes.

Where ya't?
It's a greeting. It means "how are you doing?" You respond by saying "all right, where ya't?"

Lagniappe
A French word meaning something extra you didn't pay for.

Makin' Groceries
Going to the grocery store

Pass by my mama's house
Going to visit my mother

Going by my mama and 'em
Going to visit my mother and anyone else who may be at her house

Beignet
A square fluffy donut lightly fried and sprinkled with powdered sugar

Parish
Louisiana doesn't have counties; we have parishes

Pirogue
Flat bottomed boat used for navigating the bayous

Laissez Le Bon Temps Rouler
Let the good times rule

New Orleans has its own compass
Forget the Compass when you visit New Orleans. If you ask a local for directions, the only four points they will use are uptown, downtown, lake, and river.

What is Carnival/Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras originated in medieval Europe. It was established in New Orleans in 1718 by Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville. With both Pagan and Christian roots, Mardi Gras begins on January 6, the Twelfth Night after Christmas with the festivities ending at midnight on Fat Tuesday; the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.

King Cake
A pastry that resembles coffee cake that contains a plastic doll called a “king cake baby.” The person who gets the slice with the baby must buy the next king cake or host the next king cake party. King cake season begins on January 6 and ends on Fat Tuesday.

Am I going to get murdered?
Probably not. Just like any other city, New Orleans has its share of crime, but most visitors come and go without becoming a victim. To be on the safe side, when strolling through the French Quarter or city streets, stay on populated main streets. Don’t wander down isolated side streets. It's always a good idea for gentlemen to carry their wallet in a front pocket or backpack. Ladies, watch your purses. Remember, there's always safety in numbers.

Is it safe to visit the cemeteries?
New Orleans cemeteries are tourist attractions. Our cemeteries are unique because our dead are interred above ground. New Orleans is built on a swamp, so if we buried the deceased six feet under, they would wash up after the next hard rain. Cemeteries can be dangerous so if you want to visit them, it's best to go with a tour group. There are numerous cemetery walking tours. Never venture into the cemeteries after dark alone.

Strangers will talk to you
Natives are friendly, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself sitting in a bar or public place and a local strikes up a conversation. It’s fine to talk to them. By the time it’s over, you will know what part of the city they live in, what they do for a living, their sex life, their Katrina experience, their family, their pets, and you will probably part with a new friend.

You don’t have to call me darlin'
Ladies and Gents: Don’t be offended if someone calls you darlin', sweetie, or honey. Chances are they are not flirting with you. It’s just the way we talk down here.

"Bet I can tell you where you got dem shoes?"
One day I was walking on Bourbon Street in my comfy walking boots. A young man approached me and said, “I like dem shoes.”

“Thank you,” I replied and kept walking.

He started to follow me and said, “Bet I can tell you where you got dem shoes.”

I looked at him, laughed and said, “I’m a local. Go pull that on somebody who doesn’t know what you’re up to.”

“Okay.” He shrugged before turning and walking away.

Folks, it’s a scam. If I had been somebody who didn’t know what he was up to and entertained it, he would have said, "you got dem shoes on your feet, on the street, in New Orleans." Then he would have harassed and intimidated me for twenty dollars or so for making that discovery. If anybody approaches you and says anything about your shoes, unless you just want to make a donation, ignore them and walk away. Yes. It’s a scam.

Is it worth it to go on a vampire tour?
Yes, absolutely. There are many legends of vampires in New Orleans. From Jacques St. Germain to the Carter Brothers to the Casket Girls and the Ursuline Convent, your tour guide will keep you entertained with stories and show you the landmarks.

What about a paranormal tour?
Paranormal tours are a must. Your paranormal tour guide will take you to haunted places. New Orleans is an old, haunted city. Some people have even claimed to have had paranormal experiences on some of these tours.

Is it true it’s legal to drink alcohol outdoors?
Yes, as long as it’s in a plastic cup or container. No glass bottles or containers are allowed. If you leave a bar, you can take your beverage with you. Just pour it into a “go-cup” first. All bars and restaurants have them.

What New Orleans cuisine should we try?
We have some of the best restaurants in the world, and favorite local dishes such as red beans and rice, jambalaya, crayfish, po-boys, and seafood gumbo are all a treat to the palate. For breakfast, be sure to treat yourself to a cafe au lait (New Orleans signature coffee made from coffee and chicory mixed with boiled milk) and beignets.

Are there any New Orleans original cocktails we should try?
We’re always happy at happy hour. If you’re interested in having an original New Orleans cocktail, be sure to indulge in a Hurricane at Pat O'Brien's or a Pimm’s Cup at the Napoleon House.

Use good common sense. Have fun. Enjoy all that New Orleans has to offer. It has been said; New Orleans is a city with many faces, but only one soul. It’s mystery and ambiance will seduce you, and once you surrender, it will never let go. By the time you get home, you will be planning your next trip. When you leave New Orleans, a piece of it goes with you, and that will bring you back.

Laissez Le Bon Temps Rouler

My Top 5 New Orleans Go-To Bars

6/18/2017

It's summertime in NOLA. Even though New Orleans is a fabulous place to visit anytime; June, July, August, and September can be humid and hot. How hot? Frying eggs on the sidewalk kind of hot. You will want to stay hydrated so aside from walking around with a bottle of water, I would like to share some of my favorite watering holes with a local flavor where you can cool off while enjoying our magical city.

1. Igor’s Bar Gameroom and Laundromat

A streetcar ride down St. Charles Avenue through the Garden District is a must. If you get off of the streetcar at 2133 St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans’ Lower Garden District, you will find yourself in front of one of the most unique bars you will ever stumble across. I mean where else can you do your laundry while you sip on a cold brew or a Bloody Mary?

Open 24/7, Igor’s serves a great burger any time of the day or night. You can sit at one of their outdoor tables and relax while you take in the sights and sounds of the Avenue, or you can enjoy a game of pool or video poker to an eclectic blend of music from the jukebox while you’re waiting for those clothes to dry. No laundry, no problem! Have fun anyway. I've always found it a great place to get together with friends.

Igor’s has been one of my favorite hangouts since 1999, and finding your picture in the collages on the wall in more than one location could be an indication you may have been there a little too often.

Photo by Karen M

2. Voodoo Two

Located at 330 Carondelet Street in New Orleans’ CBD, this bar is a tribute to the Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau. What do we do with our old Mardi Gras beads in New Orleans? Artwork, of course. This bar features some impressive artwork including a baby grand piano completely adorned with Mardi Gras beads.

Photo by Karen M

3. The Napoleon House

Located at 500 Chartres Street in New Orleans’ French Quarter, The Napoleon House is the home of the famous cocktail, the Pimm’s Cup. Born in London and reengineered in New Orleans, the Pimm’s Cup is the signature drink of the Napoleon House.

It was originally the home of New Orleans Mayor Nicholas Girod. Girod offered his home to the emperor in 1821 as a refuge during his exile. Napoleon never made it to New Orleans, but the name stuck. The Napoleon House has been a favorite hangout for artists and writers since the early twentieth century.

Owned by the Impastato family since 1914 and purchased by Ralph Brennan in 2015, the Napoleon House is a perfect place to enjoy lunch on a hot summer day. Their signature muffuletta is always a treat. When you step into the two-hundred-year-old building, the classical music and ambiance make you feel as if you are stepping back in time.

Many ghosts are rumored to haunt the Napoleon House including an old lady who sweeps the floors late at night. Hmm. A ghost who sweeps. I wonder how I could get her to come to my house.

Yes, that is my beer on the bar.

Photos by Karen M

4. The Hermes Bar at Antoine's

I usually find myself stopping in at 725 St. Louis Street after walking the French Quarter. It’s a perfect place to relax and their happy hour prices are appealing to the wallet.

Photo by Karen M

5. Krazy Korner

This hole in the wall dive bar at 640 Bourbon Street is a great place to cool off on a hot afternoon while listening to some fabulous live music. If you happen to catch The Daywalkers, you’re in for a musical treat.

Photo of The Daywalkers by Karen M

New Orleans is full of bars, so you never have to worry about not being able to find a place to chill on a hot day or night. If you discover a place that's awesome and exciting, please let me know about it. I'm always looking for new places to visit.