Genre: Science fiction thrilling adventure Book Description The Blackstar Gambit, book 7 in the thrilling Col Sec series will see Kurt Stryder and Zara Hardy face their most challenging threat to date as they are faced with choices that place millions of lives in the balance. From one side of the galaxy to the other they race to find the truth behind an ancient cult that has spawned an evil so deadly it threatens to destroy the entire Confederation starting with planet Earth. Kurt and Zara learn that the good guys don’t always win and that bad things do happen as they stand by helplessly to watch the Blackstar Gambit play out. Excerpt “What have you got for me?” the stocky man asked as he entered the room. It was a small room, an office really, with a desk at one end behind which the other occupant sat. On the desk was a monitor screen, which held an image frozen in time. The other occupant, a taller, thinner man pointed to the seat before him on the opposite side of the desk. “Sit, if you will, and watch,” he offered. The stocky man did as instructed, the man he had come to see knew he was not a man to trifle with and was aware he was more than a little afraid of him. Goran Visjic, the stocky man, turned the screen fully so he could see it better. Thomas Patten sat back and watched as the image on the screen began to play. He had seen the footage several times but was still amazed by it. The footage was of a fight that had been captured in a nightclub. Not just any fight, this was different, for it was between one man against three much larger men while another stood by watching. The fight didn’t last long, the larger men attacked and quickly overpowered the smaller one, as expected, but then the situation changed and the smaller one took charge. In a display of savage, raw strength, he took the three men out as fast as the eye could see. The most remarkable aspect of the fight though, was something that had only been picked up briefly by whoever took the footage. They clearly did not know what they had witnessed but Patten most certainly did. He had the footage cleaned up and enhanced so that when the final version was shown him his heart almost stopped with excitement. This was what his visitor was now seeing. The image clearly showed the person who had been attacked in close up just as he reared up from the floor after being pummelled there by the three larger men. The image zoomed in on his face and the cuts and scratches from the earlier skirmish miraculously healed as the footage unfolded. Before the man had flattened the other three, his face was as good as new, it had completely regenerated new skin over the damaged tissue. “What’s this? Are you trying to pull something over on me here?” Visjic snarled, his lip curling up. “What you see is actual footage of an incident that was witnessed by clientele of a nightclub. Someone watching this fight thought I would be interested so I acquired it from them,” Patten stated, a smile crossing his thin lips. “This can be verified?” Visjic asked. “It can, I have located the person in question and everything is in place for the next phase.” “What are you offering?” “I propose to obtain a viable sample of his DNA from which we will extract the means of duplicating this amazing ability.” Visjic looked at Patten, his eyes narrowing as he contemplated his next move and what it would cost. The super soldier syndrome was the Holy Grail for every military in the galaxy. If Patten had it, he could name his price from anyone. He had to lock this down to him and him alone. “Is this offer open to me alone?” he asked. “If you meet my price, if not it might well become an auction.” “You do not want to make an enemy of me, that would be most unwise,” Visjic threatened. “You are in no position to make threats Visjic,” Patten said sounding much braver than he felt. “And you have not even verified this serum yet either. When you have a sample let me know your price and we will negotiate further,” Visjic goaded, sensing the man was not as confident as he sounded. “I’m sorry, did I say this was open to negotiation, no I did not. You will meet my price or I will go elsewhere. Do you really want your competitors to have this, think of the lives lost if they do?” Visjic was furious but he knew what Patten said was true. He was entirely at this man’s mercy for the moment, which was something he could not allow to continue. For now though he would have to admit defeat. The battle was not lost, just postponed. He rose from his seat, took a calming breath and said, “You have three days. If you fail then I’ll go after this myself.” With a scowl, he turned and left the room. Patten sat back and relaxed. Visjic was someone he should not antagonise, for he had a way of exacting revenge for the smallest of slights and he had just been dealt a huge one. Still, if he pulled this off, Visjic would be more than pleased and he would be off his back for good. He was not too happy about the time constraints he had given him but he was sure he could deliver. He reached forward and turned the monitor towards him. He watched the footage one last time stopping it at a close-up of the man in question. He looked at the blond hair, the chiselled cheekbones and the cobalt blue eyes that shone with an intense vibrancy he envied. “Okay, Kurt Stryder, let’s see what you’re made of,” he said at the screen. 
Where to buy the book
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Blackstar-Gambit-Jan-D…/…/ref=sr_1_1… Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-blackstar-g…/1123886733… KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-blackstar-gambit-2 iBooks: https://itun.es/us/ki_Kjb.l About the Author I was born in Staffordshire to a working-class family, my father worked down the local mines whilst my mother worked in one of the local Pottery manufacturing factories. At school, I discovered the joys of reading. I was a big fan of sci fi books but I would read almost anything I could get my hands on. My mother took me to join the local library as soon as I could read and from that day on, if it had words on it, I’d read it. In the early 70’s there wasn’t much choice where I worked so I ended up in an apprenticeship in screen printing for the ceramic industry. I’m still in the same trade after a forty -year career but my passion is and has always been writing. After several abortive attempts, I started the Col Sec series around seven years ago, it’s an action adventure series set in the twenty fifth century. 
Books by Jan
Books in this Col Sec series Ronin Omega Discovery Retribution Extinction Resurrection The Blackstar Gambit. And many more to come… How to find Jan Domagala Amazon page - https://www.amazon.com/Jan-Domagala/e/B004F6BRNO Col Sec series book page - https://www.facebook.com/ColSecSeriesByJanDomagala/ Col Sec fan group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/752844848143378/ Website - https://jandomagala.wordpress.com Twitter - https://twitter.com/JDDoubleTrouble 
Book Release Virtual Party.
Come and celebrate with Jan and a host of special guests on FaceBook 19th May from 12.00 through to 21.00 EST. Don’t forget to enter the prize draw for a chance to win a signed paperback of BlackStar Gambit and 8 amazing ebooks of scifi and fantasy.
The Party is free to attend and you can pop in and out throughout the day. As well as the usual fun and games and contests, there will also be characters from authors’ books popping in to say hello, so don’t miss it.
https://www.facebook.com/events/208797802969281 Plus in celebration of Jan’s new release he has dropped the price for book one and two of the Col Sec series, down to 0.99. 
Book one RONIN
https://www.amazon.com/Ronin-Col-Sec-Book-1-ebook/dp/B004HO5X1Q Book two OMEGA https://www.amazon.com/Omega-Col-Sec-Book-2-ebook/dp/B007MPPHE0
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Running on Empty, Book 2 of the Fleur de Lis Series, by A. L. Vincent released today. I'm adding this one to my TBR list. Here's a little about the book: 
As a singer in a popular band, Grace Delchamp lives for the spotlight…
Her music and motorcycle are all she needs while doing what she loves most—performing. Her only problem is guitarist Brent Mouton, who can’t take no for an answer. After Grace rejects him one too many times, her life changes for the worse when she wakes up next to Brent with no memory of what happened the night before. When everything is taken away from you in the blink of an eye, all you can do is start over… Broken, Grace leaves her life in the spotlight behind and heads back home to Bon Chance, Louisiana. Deciding to dust off her degree and accept a job as a substitute teacher, Grace finds herself bonding with a group of rebellious and unruly students. What she didn’t count on, however, was running into her old high school friend, Gabriel Angelle. When life gives you a second chance, you need to be strong enough to grab it… Gabriel has always been crazy about Grace, yet the fear of losing her friendship kept him from confessing his true feelings. Now, years later and with newfound confidence, he finally has the chance to go after what he has always wanted—her. After discovering the truth behind Grace’s panic attacks, Gabe is determined to do whatever it takes to help her recover. Love can sometimes be found in the most unusual of places, but will Grace be brave enough to embrace it when she’s already running on empty…? 
About the Author:
A.L. Vincent is a teacher/writer who lives in the heart of Cajun Country. Born in Oklahoma, Vincent became fascinated with South Louisiana after reading Interview With the Vampire. Finally, she became a Cajun transplant in 2001. When not getting lost in a story line, Vincent can be found cooking or enjoying live local music. She has one son, and a furball of a dog aptly named Furby. Buy Links:
Life in the War Zone by Paul White releases today. Here's a little about the book:
The modern day civilised world we know is little more than a fragile moment balancing on a knife-edge between the evils of avarice and the struggle for dominant authoritarian supremacy.
Caught in the maelstrom between the warring factions are the innocent lives of civilians and children, the unsuspecting conscripts and misguided volunteers on all sides. Conditioned, indoctrinated and convinced by those who have only power and ultimate wealth to gain, are those whose personal stories are revealed within the pages of this book. Life in the War Zone takes a serious, no holds barred look at the devastation and trauma of life in the battlefields of the Ukraine, Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, Serbia, Croatia, Israel, Palestine, Libya, Lebanon and El Salvador. This may well be the book they would rather you did not read.
Here's a preview:
About the Author:
Paul White is an author, blogger & poet. His writing covers various genres and topics, both fiction and non-fiction and encompass such areas as life, love, anger, anguish, fear, uncertainty, and loss. The common denominator in all of Paul’s works is that they feature the most important matter of all, the human condition.
As for Paul, himself... he has a warped sense of humour, loves good food, good wine and good company. He is an ardent independent traveller, nature lover and supporter of ecological and wildlife preservation. You can find out more about Paul’s books, his current Works in Progress and Future Projects by visiting http://paulznewpostbox.wix.com/paul-white You can read a selection of Paul’s short stories at https://alittlemorefiction.wordpress.com Or, for articles on writing and a writer’s life, go to https://wordpress.com/stats/ramblingsfromawritersmind.wordpress.com
Buy Links:
Ebook purchases - PayPal only. Direct from the author via his website, in the format of your choice (AZW3/Mobi/epub etc.) http://paulznewpostbox.wixsite.com/paul-white OR by email paulznewpostbox@gmail.com Guest Post by Julie Nicholls
Hi!
I’d like to announce the release of Blood Brothers. This is the 2nd book in the Blood Trilogy. We have already followed the characters – K34GEN, Gabriel, Lyssa, and GH05T from book one, Blood Ties, but it seems their trials are not over yet. Gabriel is pure lycan and was caged by Dr. Keller at Solgen Labs. Dr. Keller is a genetic scientist who used Gabriel’s lycan DNA to create the perfect soldier by splicing his genes with a human. K34GEN was Solgen’s top hunter…but then Keller realized he could improve the enhancements he’d given the human and created GH05T. She was faster and stronger than K34GEN, with a few added enhancements, and it meant K34GEN was no longer the top dog. The former hunter, K34GEN teamed up with Gabriel and together they attempted to bring down Solgen Labs. The story continues in Blood Brothers 
Synopsis : Blood Brothers
When you've been a “guest” of Solgen Labs, brothers from another mother takes on a whole new meaning. Keagen and Gabriel thought they were experts on all Solgen's dirty little secrets. Until they met Ghost and found the deceit and conspiracy goes more than bone-deep; it goes right down to their spliced and enhanced DNA. 
Need a sneaky peek?
“Your room’s better than mine.” Keagen pushed the door open wider as he edged his way into Ghost’s quarters. “I guess it’s a girl thing.” He snickered. “Hey, if you want the pink duvet, take it,” Ghost quipped. Keagen casually scanned the room while closing the space between them. He noticed the furrows congregating along Ghost’s forehead and blew out a weighty breath. “I know what’s going on in there.” He pressed the tip of a finger to Ghost’s temple. The possibility she might be right and he should tell Gabriel about his condition was on his mind constantly, but finding the courage to admit he was imperfect wasn’t something he could do easily. He’d never concerned himself with the worries of others previously but seeing Ghost’s agitated expression bothered him. The realization that he could end up like K44 gnawed at him like a dog with a bone, and it was highly probable that this rabid dog would need putting out of its misery. Fear wasn’t in his vocabulary. There had never been anything he was afraid of…until now. Ghost grabbed his finger and with pleading eyes stared at Keagen. She felt his pain. The possibility not only his body, but also his brain, might betray him was stinging—lacing him with more poison on an already infected wound. She wished he would listen to her and willingly let Lyra and Gabriel help, but the stubborn mask he wore wasn’t about to come off anytime soon. They turned simultaneously to the sound of a knock on the door followed by Lyra’s soft voice. “I’m sorry to disturb you. I know you’ve had a long journey, but Michaels wants to brief you on the current situation with K44.” “It’s okay. We’re ready,” Ghost replied. She released Keagen’s finger and moved toward the door, but Keagen halted her departure with a firm grasp of her arm. He pulled her close and let his mouth rest against her neck. “I will tell Gabriel and Lyra about my problems…I promise.” Ghost shrugged her shoulders. “It’s your business. I get that. I’m sure I’d feel the same, but it doesn’t mean I can’t worry about you.” She smiled tentatively and headed out the door with Keagen following. “Where’s Gabe?” Keagen directed his question to Lyra, who was already striding down the corridor. She called over her shoulder and smiled. “He’s in recovery.” Keagen charged forward and grabbed her arm, spinning her around. “From what?” “The procedure.” She frowned. “Didn’t he tell you he’d agreed to give us the samples we need to help K44?” “No, he didn’t.” Keagen scowled. “He said he wasn’t going to allow anyone else to experiment on him. What changed his mind?” “You did,” Lyra replied and continued on to Michaels’ office after pulling her arm free and leaving Keagen standing with his mouth gaping. Ghost sucked in a deep breath and braced. She approached Keagen from behind and stopped suddenly as he whirled around to face her. His furious expression greeted her. “You told him…didn’t you?” Ghost lowered her eyes. Before she could open her mouth to apologize, Keagen turned and followed Lyra to the operations room. Her eyes fell shut as she sucked in another large breath. She knew she’d fucked up. Her heart told her to chase after him and make him understand why she’d told Gabriel, but she knew he wouldn’t be interested. While something inside her said it was for the best, she felt guilty because she’d broken his trust.
Announcing the release of Ashely Uzzell's new book, "Once Upon A Pastry." The title sounds tempting.
Here's a little about the book:
Gertrude wants to be the best baker and pastry chef in the city so she makes a deal with Mona the witch: one spell in exchange for her first-born child. The problem is, Gertrude doesn’t have a husband. Or a boyfriend. Or much interest in dating at all. As the overly dramatic Mona occasionally stops by the flourishing bakery to see about Gertrude keeping up her end of the bargain, both women begin to realize that maybe the deal isn’t what will bring them true happiness. Soon, something more than friendship begins to blossom. When tragedy strikes, Gertrude finds that she may lose the only family she has left. Is Mona a powerful enough witch to save the city and help the girl she is falling for? Can she let go of her regrets so she can move on to find her happily ever after?
Sneaky Peek inside the book:
Another Sneaky Peek:
Ashley Uzzell Bio:
Ashley is an avid reader and mother of four. She enjoys writing poetry, short stories, and novels of varying genres. She loves to write, sew, make jewelry, and watch anime. Most days are spent chasing the kids and cats around, snuggling with a book, or yelling at her computer screen.
BUY THE BOOK:
I'm so excited to announce the release of Sex, Blood, Rock 'N' Roll, and Vampyr (Book 1 of the Bloodline Trilogy). The book is available in digital and paperback.
About the Book:
West Side’s front man and lead singer, Quinn Forrester, and the band’s lead guitarist, Jeff West, were like brothers, so when Quinn mysteriously disappeared in 1989, Jeff suspected foul play. With no evidence to back up his suspicions, Jeff was not able to convince the authorities. What Jeff does not know is that Quinn became a vampire that night and hid away in secret in the dark shadows of New Orleans. Years later when Quinn and his daughter, Nadia, formed a nightclub act, Quinn stepped back into the local spotlight. Vampires do not age as mortals do, so to explain that Quinn reinvented himself as his son. Twenty-five years after Quinn’s sudden unexplained departure from the band, the opening of an art gallery brings Jeff West to New Orleans. A beautiful artist, Quinn’s lookalike son, a vampire tour and a series of events lead Jeff to Quinn. Will Jeff finally uncover the shocking truth about what happened to Quinn? Here's a sneak peek inside the book: 
Hi!
Thank you very much for letting me take over your blog today to reveal the cover for my latest novel, Dragon Moon. This is a Teen & Young Adult Fantasy, and I hope to publish with Amazon’s Kindle Scout program, if it is accepted. The story concerns Scarlett, an almost nineteen year old who is undecided about her future. Throughout her school life she has been the subject of ridicule and bullying because of her flame, red hair. While college was easier, because she stood up for herself, she can’t make up her mind if University is the place she wants to be, and is taking some time out from studying to decide. She visits the Nottingham Goose Fair, and meets Dizelli, a psychic, who gives her a gold pendant and instructs her to wear it to bed. Scarlett wakes up the next morning but she’s not in her bed, or her home. She’s in a field. In her pajama’s. Her adventure begins and she’s thrown into a world of dragons and magic. She’s the Dragon Mage, and it’s her responsibility to save the dragons from slaughter, and also bring two warring tribes together. There are just a few days left before the Dragon Moon arrives. All the dragons currently asleep, protecting their eggs could die unless Scarlett finds a way to unite the silver haired, and black haired races together and to stop Lord Ithel from killing the elder dragon who knows the secret location of the dragon eggs. Here’s a sneaky peek! No matter what Elyan’s surprise is, at least it’s another lovely day out. It’s another lovely day. The sun is shining and despite the cool breeze, it’s perfect for riding. We set off at a walk but once outside the city walls, Elyan kicks his horse and he’s off. I have a hard time keeping up on Sootli; bless her. Once he reaches the foothills, he slows and when I catch up to him, he pulls off to the left instead of the path through the mountain. “Where are you going?” I ask. He doesn’t answer and just waves at me as he trots ahead. He’s in charge again; he can’t help it. We ride for only a little way, and then the smell hits me. Vanillian. Soon we’re looking at a blanket of white flowers. They stretch along the side of the track as far as the eye can see, and the smell is amazing. Elyan dismounts and wraps the reins around a fallen tree. He helps me down and leads me to the huge log where we both sit. I can’t stop sniffing the air and notice he’s staring. “What?” He smiles and I notice for the first time how charming he looks when he’s not scowling. “I know how much you like Vanillium and thought you would like to see where it grows. Am I right?” “Yes! Thanks.” I’m smiling as I look at him and see him in a different light. He can be thoughtful when he puts his mind to it. He stares at me for several moments, his gaze unfathomable. Do I want to know what he’s thinking? “I am sorry for my behavior yesterday with Mostyn,” he says. Wow! Didn’t see that coming. “I expect learning he and your sister were an item was a bit of a shock.” “I learned something else too. From my father.” “What was it?” I ask as if I don’t know. “That there was someone else he loved before mother. I am not angry about that. He expected me to be, though. I have a reputation, it seems.” I can see a hint of a grin forming. “My father relies on me to protect the town. While I have my warriors to aid, I am constantly on my guard. My responsibility to our people is foremost on my mind.” “That’s why you’re so wound up, Elyan. You’re stressed out.” I know how he feels. In my last year of college I was worrying over my exams, the bullying, and concerns about my life after college. My dad said when someone is stressed, they are short-tempered, have trouble sleeping and are unable to see the positive side of things. Elyan ticks all of the above. People don’t realize they are stressed, but once it’s pointed out to them, it becomes clearer. “What am I to do? This is my life. I am responsible for our people.” “I understand you have an important role, but you don’t have to do it on your own. You have warriors who follow your lead. They are just as capable as you are. Let them take some of the pressure.” Elyan narrows his eyes as he looks at me. He’s listening to what I’m saying rather than spouting off. That’s a good sign. “But will they then act as I do? Become ‘snippety’ as you say?” He grins. “No, I don’t believe they will. If you divide the tasks between yourselves, it will be less of a burden. Do you see that?” “Yes, I do.” It could be my imagination, but I swear he looks less stressed already. He’s a smart cookie and I know I whined about him plenty of times, but he isn’t a bad person. Actually, as he is now--calm and thoughtful--he’s very attractive. He was already ranking high on my “hot men” chart, but it was his attitude that stopped him reaching a higher position. Oh, I know you think I’m mean, but I bet I’m not the only one who has a score card. “When we return home after the meeting today, you can gather your warriors and delegate your duties. Start enjoying your life, Elyan.” “I like the way you think. You are as smart as my father said.” “Did he say that?” “Yes, last night after you left. I spoke with him for a while, and he believes you are too wise for your age.” He chuckles. Ha! I think what the Earl said probably went something along the lines of “she’s too big for her boots.” But I’ll accept it as a compliment anyway. Elyan is looking at me again. Not quite a stare but his gaze is lingering and I know I’m blushing. My cheeks are on fire. I’d like to know what he’s thinking. Wait...maybe that’s not a good idea. There’s a glint in his eye, which isn’t a bad thing, but I’ve got too much to think about at the moment. Extremely bad timing. “Are all the women in your town like you?” he asks. “No. They are much nicer.” I laugh. “Women are equal to men, though. They share responsibility, work and some earn such a good wage that the man plays househusband and takes care of the children.” “That is a story you have made up.” He laughs. “It is a woman’s responsibility to tend the children.” I’m surprisingly calm after that misogynistic statement. In all fairness, he lives in a world where men are chivalrous and women are skivvies, and that’s not entirely his fault. However, I will nevertheless attempt to enlighten him of why a role doesn’t need to be filled by only one sex. Here goes. “Elyan, I’m going to explain something to you which you may find surprising. Women are quite capable of fulfilling any job a man is tasked with. The only difference is that some women might struggle depending on the physical strength required, but that does not mean that some women are not as strong as some men. There are some who are stronger.” He’s shaking his head, so I continue. “Women are in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Where I’m from, we are ruled by a Queen, as are many other countries. So you see... there’s nothing a man can do that a woman cannot. As for taking care of children, why shouldn’t a man look after his child? There’s no rule that says a woman should be the only person to wipe a baby’s bottom!” He laughs and shakes his head. “You are making this up, surely?” “No, I’m not.” I look at him and wonder how he would cope if he were to visit my world. Not only because of the women’s issue but all the technology we have as well. I don’t think he could take it all in, although he might have fun playing my X box. “I should like to see this for myself. Your world sounds interesting. Do you think I would like it?” “There are some wonders that would impress you, Elyan, but just as you have problems here, we also have them. Countries fight one another and man has built horrendous machines and created poisons that could kill us all. People starving to death live side by side with people who are so rich, they will never be able to spend their money before they die.” He’s listening closely. “Our world is full of different races and we are not all the same color. Whole nations have been targeted because of the color of their skin or religious beliefs. So you see it’s important that we try and resolve the issues here before they escalate.” Elyan narrows his eyes. He’s thinking hard, I can see from his expression. He will be the Earl once his father passes and he could help implement changes now that would stop future warring. “This makes you sad, does it not?” “Yes, very much.” “We are from different worlds and yet, we are not so different.” He takes my hand in his and smiles softly. He’s capable of becoming a great leader, I feel it. He has already made changes to the way he acts based on information he’s acquired. He is a smart cookie. “We have a saying—‘there’s nothing new under the sun’--and this is so true. Wherever we are in the world, whether we’re black-skinned or white, if we have black or white hair, or we worship the sun or the moon, we are all human beings and we have a right to be free and to live.” “We shall have that here, Scarlett. I promise. I will do everything within my power to make Lord Ithel understand we must live together in peace.” Elyan pushes up and pulls me with him. “You will show us how to make a start. Will you not?” Thank you for taking the time to read the sneaky peek... you can read another on my official website www.julienicholls.com to the page, Dragon Moon where a link will be added once the book is available for purchase. 
New-Adult Romantic Fantasy
Nobody expects to stare death in the face only to find out your entire life is a lie.
Rescued by Salco, marketing executive Becky finds herself in an unknown magical world filled with happy people that try to forget their land is on the brink of destruction. Becky will soon learn none of this was an accident, and the council of Tsinia are certain her union with Darthorn's son, Kovon, will create peace. And although her future has been planned out, she gives her heart to another. 
Illusional Reality - A Short Narration
soundcloud.com About the Author: Karina is a mother, freelance writer, author of eight books, VA, narrator, and promotional designer, all wrapped into one. Although she is from the UK she now lives in Greece. You will find her on the island of Corfu with her pen and imagination. 
Other books by Karina Kantas
Links:
Author.to/KarinaKantas https://twitter.com/KarinaKantas http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/karinakantas https://urbanhype101.wordpress.com/ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjOMQORvQpEzLbC4u_RQO1e3j64KGNFAc http://www.lulu.com/shop/karina-kantas/illusional-reality/paperback/product-22597966 https://gr.pinterest.com/karinakantas/ 
A Merchant’s Tale: The Second Tale in the Matter of Manred
by Michael E. Dellert Available for Pre-Order TODAY! Corentin, a young foreign trader of the House Pelan arrives in the uncertain lands of Droma, tasked to deliver a mysterious chest to a far-away sage in a remote corner of the kingdom. Accompanied by his mercenary bodyguard, a young local priest, and their native scout, Corentin sets out on a journey that will change his life forever. A Merchant's Tale is the second installment in The Matter of Manred Saga, a new cycle of medieval romances, action adventures, heroic fantasies, mysterious priests, and their dark and forgetful gods, brought to you from the fiction workshop of Michael E. Dellert. This is no shiny happy fantasy of noble knights on noble steeds acting nobly. “The land and every man who steps foot onto it are in a fight for existence; no efforts will be spared to ensure survival. But, of course, not all can survive. Brutal and realistic, Dellert writes with uncompromising elegance.” – Astacia C. From the Prologue: "Now," said their host, "Merchant, as the Gods may you bless, since you know so much of that land of Iathrann, full heartily I pray you tell us part." "Gladly," said he. "Eowain son of Findtan, Chief of the Donnghaile, King of the Droma, reigned over those lands. His armies raged across the High-King’s Road, annihilating every holdout in their path. "Except one. "His cousin had raised a legal challenge to the right of King Eowain to succeed to the throne of Droma, and was sharking up an army of lawless, dispossessed resolutes from the hinterlands of the kingdom to decide the matter by force of arms and terror. "On the fifteenth day of the month of Fearn, Teilmon being the day of the week, under the dark of the moon, the caravan of House Pelan, honest merchants from Aukriath, ventured into the heart of the great Eowain’s war-torn kingdom." What People Are Saying about A Merchant’s Tale “There is no sense of creation behind A Merchant’s Tale; it is a document of pure reality, capturing the subtle beauty of a world that I am only beginning to understand and can’t wait to return to. Even the most casual moments in this second entry in the Matter of Manred resonate with a deep and cryptic history; whatever Michael Dellert is hiding behind this tapestry of shadows, his patience in revealing it sets a mood quite unlike other fantasy tales.” — Christopher Schlerf, Lead Writer, Halo 4 “Dellert deftly uses an outsider's narrative to add yet another facet to an already all-encompassing tale, giving the readers a more comprehensive understanding of the world he has created. I loved the originality of using a merchant's perspective in the second tale as opposed to the much more personal narrative of Eowain in Hedge King in Winter, idealism and superstition vs. cold pragmatism and profit. Made for a great read!” – Jenn M. “This novella is so different than Hedge King in Winter, but complements it so well with its narrative style. The reader is able to see the heroic and stalwart Hedge King with an outsider’s eye, something I appreciated after suffering through his battles with him. The merchant's son, while not easy to like himself, tells his story unapologetically with laughable brashness and high-handedness—I loved to hate him!” – Stacey C. “I love the detail in this series! From each clan tartan, to the unforgiving landscape, Dellert paints the picture beautifully, with no detail left unattended. Can't wait to see what happens next!” – Jennifer D. “I was sorry to part ways with the unexpected heroes of this tale and was reminded of the power, fury and tenacity of a girl and her dog. Michael Dellert has once again captured every ounce of my attention with his magical and harrowing depictions of every day life in Droma and I am beating my fists on the table in anticipation of the next tale!” – Astacia C. 
Join the Merchant’s Tale Goodreads Giveaway
Sign up for the Goodreads Giveaway of A Merchant's Tale by 5 March and you'll be eligible to win one of just 20 signed author's copies of A Merchant's Tale as well as a free signed author's copy of Hedge King in Winter. Winners to be announced by 11 March 2016. Enter TODAY for your chance to win! 
About the Author
Michael Dellert is an award-winning writer, editor, publishing consultant, and writing coach with a publishing career spanning 18 years. His poetry and short fiction have appeared in literary journals such as The Backporch Review, The Harbinger, Idiom, and Venture. His poetry has also appeared in the anthologies The Golden Treasury of Great Poems and Dance on the Horizon, and he is a two-time winner of the Golden Poet Award from World of Poetry Press. He is the owner, writer, and publisher of the creative writing and self-publishing blog, MDellertDotCom: Adventures in Indie Publishing. He is the author of Hedge King in Winter: First Tale in the Matter of Manred and his soon-to-be-released A Merchant’s Tale: The Second Tale in the Matter of Manred. He currently lives and works in the Greater New York City area as a freelance writer, editor, and publishing consultant. For More Information: Amazon Author Page: http://Author.to/MichaelEDellert Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14849380.Michael_E_Dellert MDellertDotCom: Adventures in Indie Publishing (Blog): http://www.mdellert.com/ Facebook: http://FB.me/mdellert.editor Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MDellertDotCom Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/mdellert99 Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/michaeldellert/ |
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