Book Review: Bone War by Steven Harper

Bone War by Steven Harper
The Books of Blood and Iron Book 3
Roc
August 2nd, 2016
Epic Fantasy, Action Adventure

A thrilling conclusion to a trilogy that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

My Rating for Bone War: 4.5 Stars

For the three fates, watching over the world in their sacred garden, they control all life and maintain balance in the world. But that balance is shattered when an evil Fae queen kidnaps one of the fates, placing every being in jeopardy. They ask Danr, the half human/half troll to help rescue their sister and defeat the fae queen before the tree tips fully and the world as they now it, even their lives are gone in a blink.

In order to rescue the missing fate, Danr must find the Bone Sword. But as he and Aisa travel to find the sword, their other companions are forced to stay behind and figure out who is making familiar unknown creatures. With their future on the line, Danr, Aisa and their friends are racing against the clock because if the tree tips, they and their world will cease to exist…forever.

BONE WAR is the final book in the Books of Blood and Iron series and is totally one I couldn’t put down. I am so glad I took a chance on this series and this new to me author. I fell in love with his world building and the characters were so unique and different. This author definitely turns on its head the usual suspects-fae, goblins, trolls, etc- and makes them fresh and unique. I loved how the author portrays Danr as just wanting to be normal yet his destiny isn’t going to be denied. The scenes between Danr, Aisa and their friends are at times light and playful and other times, serious and in depth. The author does an amazing job in capturing the characters vulnerabilities and hidden depths. He does an amazing job in creating characters that grow with each book, showing the reader more of their personality even as they face against adversity. You just can not help but fall in love with them. Add in a few familiar faces we met in the past two books that show up to move the story along well you get a sense that this time the journey is about to get rougher for this merry band of friends.

This is the final book in the trilogy and it definitely amps up the adventure these characters take. We met the fates in the past two books and there is a lot going on in BONE WAR that if you didn’t read book one, The Iron Axe, or book two, Blood Storm, you might be a tad confused over some mentions from the past adventures these characters took. I highly recommend reading the trilogy in order so you can get the full back story on all the characters and their adventures before this final book. I loved how the author takes something old and tired and makes it fresh and new for readers to enjoy. If you enjoy a new take on fae, trolls, goblins and other fantasy creatures, then you will enjoy this highly entertaining trilogy about a half troll/half human boy that finds that the simple life he wants isn’t what is in store for him or his friends. I look forward to seeing where this author goes next after this thrilling conclusion to the Books of Blood and Iron.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement

The Books of Bone and Iron Series:

Book 1: The Iron Axe 

Book 2: Blood Storm

Book 3: Bone War

Book Blast Tour for In the Company of the Dead by Ciara Ballintyne & Giveaway

Today we are celebrating the release of Ciara Ballintyne's new book, In The Company of the Dead. Please don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of the post for a chance to win an amazon or Barnes & noble gift card from the author. The tour is sponsored by Goddess Fish Promotions and make sure to follow the tour for more chances to enter the giveaway. You can find all the tour stops HERE

GENRE: Epic Fantasy Romance 

Ellaeva’s obligations to the death goddess leave her no time to hunt down her parents’ murderer—until both duty and revenge lead her to the lonely castle where Lyram Aharris has been exiled for striking his prince. As the castle falls under siege, Ellaeva and Lyram must fight to save themselves from political machinations and clashing gods—but the greatest threat comes from an unexpected quarter.

Excerpt:

Only a fool would split hairs with a god, least of all the goddess of death, but Ellaeva would count herself such a fool and consider it worth it—if she could get away with it.

She leaned across the knife-scarred timber of the tavern table.

“Are you sure?” she asked, her tone even and barely loud enough to be audible over the noise of the flute and the zither. Her work on behalf of the goddess Ahura, adjudicating the small war here in Dayhl, could only be abandoned in favour of a greater threat. If she was going to chase off after the man who killed her parents, she needed to be sure her arguments stacked up. The pursuit of personal justice wouldn’t be enough.

Is it justice or revenge?

No time to worry about that now. She tugged her black hood farther down over her infamous face, even though deep shadows blanketed the common room corner. She’d chosen a table far from the tallow candles mounted in their stag-horn chandeliers. There was no point taking chances; the black hair and porcelain skin of a Tembran would be remarked here among the platinum-haired Dayhlish. Besides, someone might recognise her.

“In Ahlleyn, sure as the spring comes after winter, Holiness.” The narrow-faced man across from her grinned, baring teeth more brown than yellow. The acrid smoke from the candles didn’t cover his pungent breath.

She half-stood, making an urgent, negating gesture as she glanced around, but the hubbub of chatter from the patrons and the music covered his slip. No one even glanced their way. On the far side of the room, away from the two blazing hearths, tables were pushed aside for dancing. She dropped back into her seat, her black robes fluttering around her booted feet.

 Buy Links:

-Amazon http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01EOOWEEC/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1462003232&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=In+the+Company+of+the+dead&dpPl=1&dpID=519IQWemKjL&ref=plSrch 

Kobo https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/in-the-company-of-the-dead?utm_source=linkshare_us&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=linkshare_us&siteID=W1PQs9y_1_c-I0IOaFpiYsB6A65tFD3Gjg

iBooks https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/in-the-company-of-the-dead/id1082936294?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D10%26amp%3Buo%3D4

B&N http://www.barnesandnoble.com/mobile/w/in-the-company-of-the-dead-ciara-ballintyne/1123719162;jsessionid=60FA1E5827C74D1802A8F56082C815D4.prodny_store01-atgap03?ean=2940153245904

Meet the Author:

Ciara Ballintyne grew up on a steady diet of adult epic fantasy from the age of nine, leaving her with a rather confused outlook on life – she believes the good guys should always win, but knows they often don’t. She is an oxymoron; an idealistic cynic.

She began her first attempts at the craft of writing in 1992, culminating in the publication of her debut work, Confronting the Demon, in 2013. Her first book to be published with Evolved Publishing is In the Company of the Dead.

She holds degrees in law and accounting, and is a practising financial services lawyer. In her spare time, she speculates about taking over the world – how hard can it really be? If she could be anything, she’d choose a dragon, but if she is honest she shares more in common with Dr. Gregory House of House M.D. – both the good and the bad. She is a browncoat, a saltgunner, a Whedonite, a Sherlockian, a Ringer and a Whovian… OK, most major geek fandoms. Her alignment is chaotic good. She is an INTJ.

Ciara lives in Sydney, Australia, with her husband, her two daughters, and a growing menagerie of animals that unfortunately includes no dragons.

Twitter: @CiaraBallintyne

Facebook: http://facebook.com/CiaraBallintyne

Website: http://ciaraballintyne.com

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Getting to know author Jamie Marchant

Please welcome author Jamie Marchant today to my blog.

What started your interest in writing?

It’s hard to say what started it because I don’t remember it ever not being there. From my earliest memories, I’ve always wanted to be a writer. I started writing stories about the Man from Mars for my older sister when I was about six. I then wrote a fairy tale for her, starring her and her husband. Throughout my adolescence, I continued writing and finished my first novel in high school (not that it was publishable). Still, I had it pounded into me how hard (next to impossible) it is to make a living as a writer, so I decided to get my PhD and teach college English. In doing so, I lost my way and neglected my muse. What I’d begun as a means to support myself while writing became an aim in and of itself. I focused on writing literary criticism in order to further my career as an academic. One day while I was working on a piece of literary criticism on Willa Cather, I realized not only did I have no interest in writing the piece, but also that I hadn’t written fiction in years. I abandoned the piece on Cather and started what was to become my first novel, The Goddess’s Choice.  That was about fourteen years ago. I may not be rich, but I’m a much happier person since I returned to my first passion.

What is your book(s) about?

The Kronicles of Korthlundia, of which both my published novels—The Goddess’s Choice and The Soul Stone—are a part, tell the story of two very different characters from opposite class of society, the crown princess Samantha and the peasant sorcerer Robrek. The two characters meet at a horse fair in The Goddess’s Choice, and their lives become increasingly intertwined until they marry in The Soul Stone. Along the way they defeat terrible villains who threat the peace and eventually the life of everyone in the joined kingdoms of Korthlundia. The Soul Stone is the sequel to The Goddess’s Choice, although it is not necessary to have read the first book to understand the second.

What are you currently working on?

I’m working on two projects on at the moment. One is the third book in The Kronicles of Korthlundia series of which The Goddess’s Choice and The Soul Stone are a part. I don’t have a title for it yet, but let’s say it continues the adventures of Samantha and Robrek and involves dragons and a barbarian invasion. I’m also working on a novel, again unnamed, about Samantha’s true father, Darhour, and how he became the notorious assassin that he is.

How long did it take you to get your rough draft finished on your latest release?

About three years. I’m not a fast writer.

What genres do you write in?

Fantasy—both epic and urban.

Do you have a favorite quote from your book(s)?

As the crown princess Samantha tells us, “We all want many things we cannot have.”

What was the hardest part of writing your book(s)?

Fight scenes. I’ve never particularly enjoyed reading fight scenes and often skim through them. That’s made them hard to write. My writers’ group makes fun of me because in the rough draft of my work, I’ll often have “Insert fight scene here” instead of the actual fight scene. Although I’ve gotten better at fighting, I don’t think I’ll ever be an action master. Character development is more my forte.

Do you prefer to extensively plot your stories, or do you write them as they come to you?

I’m a more fly-by-the-seat-my-pants kind of writer. I never made a written outline or plotted a story arc. A lot of where the story goes depends on the characters. They tend to take on a life of their own.

Has there been any characters that started off as supporting characters, but then developed into a more prominent character?

Yes, Darhour, who is the crown princess Samantha’s chief body and biological father. I became so fascinated with him I had to write another novel with him as the star.

Who has been the biggest influence in your writing?

As far as other authors, I’d say my biggest influences are Mercedes Lackey and Jim Butcher. Both fashion the kind of vivid worlds and wonderful characters that I have tried to create in my own work. As far as people I know, my oldest sister. She read my work and encouraged me to pursue my passion since I was a child.

Blurb for The Soul Stone

 The Crown Princess Samantha and peasant sorcerer, Robrek, struggle to solidify their rule in the aftermath of the king’s murder. They are opposed by those who seek power for themselves and desire to prevent their marriage. As if that wasn’t enough, a deadly curse begins to spread throughout Korthlundia. While Samantha fights against priests, enemies, and her closest advisers, Robrek sets off to discover the source of the curse. He learns the reason the goddess chose him as king: to defeat the Soul Stone, a stone capable of sucking the soul out of its victims. Their archenemy, the Bard Alvabane, awakens the Soul Stone and plans to use its power to reclaim Korthlundia for her people, a people driven out over a thousand years ago by the hero Armunn. Armunn had to sacrifice his life and soul to contain the Soul Stone. Will Robrek have to do the same? 

Blurb for The Goddess’s Choice

The crown princess Samantha fears she’s mad; no one but she sees colors glowing around people. The peasant Robrek Angusstamm believes he’s a demon; animals speak to him, and his healing powers far outstrip those of his village’s priests. Despite their fears, their combined powers make them the goddess’s choice to rule the kingdom of Korthlundia. Samantha’s ability enables her to discern a person’s character through their multi-colored aura, and Robrek’s makes him the strongest healer the kingdom has seen in centuries. But their gifts also endanger their lives. Royals scheme to usurp the throne by marrying or killing Samantha, and priests plot to burn Robrek at the stake. Robrek escapes the priests only to be captured by Samantha’s arch-enemy, Duke Argblutal; Argblutal intends to force the princess to marry him by exploiting Robrek’s powers. To save their own lives and stop the realm from sinking into civil war, Robrek and Samantha must consolidate their powers and unite the people behind them.

Buy Links

The Soul Stone: http://www.amazon.com/Soul-Stone-Kronicles-Korthlundia/dp/1612965466/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1435314904&sr=8-2&keywords=jamie+marchant

The Goddess’s Choice: http://www.amazon.com/Goddesss-Choice-Jamie-Marchant-ebook/dp/B007VPA9R6/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Excerpt from The Soul Stone:

Chapter 2

            At bedtime, Alvabane sat at her dressing table brushing her long hair. It had once been a bright, rich red, but it had dulled with age and was now mostly grey with only a few strands of color to remind her of what once had been. It seemed a metaphor for her life—small flashes of color to remind her of her once bright purpose.

            One of those flashes, Erick, set her nightly goblet of fortified wine next to her hand. She needed the strong alcohol to dull the pain of her joints so she could sleep. Erick had served her for ten years. When her former servant had died, he’d been sent by her people, despite the fact that she’d only been a disappointment to them.

            She turned to thank him, but the words died on her lips as she saw the reproach in his eyes. Alvabane turned back to her mirror. Tonight was the night of the new moon. She should have been preparing to perform the rites of the dark gods, not preparing for bed. “They have forgotten us,” Alvabane said. “The Soul Stone does not live.”

            In the mirror, she saw Erick’s eyes narrow. He was not yet twenty and still had the optimism of youth. He still believed the Stone would come to life again when the gods willed it. He believed it would again be the weapon it had once been. Created in the far past by magic which had since been lost, it had been used by her people to protect themselves from the barbarians that now ran free over Korth and Lundia.

            “I will perform the rites next month,” she promised, but so had she promised last month and the month before that. The stairs to the bottom of the East Tower were agony to her knees. Erick made a mewing sound, reminding her what he’d sacrificed to serve her and the dark gods. She herself had cut his tongue from his mouth when he came to her as a ten-year-old child. He had surrendered it stoically. Only the Bards were allowed to sing the rites of the gods. All others who heard them had to be rendered mute so they couldn’t repeat music not meant for their tongues.

            “Do you think you have sacrificed more than I?” She turned to face him. “I submitted to the brutish duke’s bed for years. I gave birth to a child of rape. All so I could remain near the Stone. I performed the rites faithfully every new moon for decades. And for what, I ask you? The power of the Stone remains trapped behind the shield the demon Armunn created from his own soul. That shield can’t be destroyed. I have dedicated my life to trying, but it is impossible. The Soul Stone won’t live again!”

            Erick mewed again and looked toward the tapestry on the wall. It showed the map of the desert of Sehra, to the south of Korthlundia, where her people had lived in exile since Armunn and his hordes had trapped the Stone and then driven them from their homeland. Blinking back tears of despair, she turned from him. “Do you think I have forgotten? Every generation fewer of our children are born. Only by returning to the land of our birthright can we be strong again.”

            She got up and went to the tapestry, touching it lovingly. “Do you not understand? The dark gods have found me unworthy to be their messenger. I once thought I was the child of the prophecy, the one who would drive the descendants of Armunn’s hordes back across the mountains into Korth and reclaim the land they call Lundia as our own. But I was wrong. I’m an unprofitable servant, an unfit vessel.”

 

Author Bio

From early childhood, Jamie has been immersed in books. Her mother, an avid reader, read to her, and her older sister filled her head with fairy tales. Taking into consideration her love for literature and the challenges of supporting herself as a writer, she pursued a Ph.D. in American literature, which she received in 1998. She started teaching writing and literature at Auburn University. But in doing so, she put her true passion on the backburner and neglected her muse. Then one day, in the midst of writing a piece of literary criticism, she realized that what she wanted to be doing was writing fantasy novels. Her muse thus revived, she began the book that was to become The Goddess’s Choice, which was published in April 2012. The second volume in the series, The Soul Stone, was released this June.

She lives in Auburn, Alabama, with her husband, son, and four cats, which (or so she’s been told) officially makes her a cat lady. She still teaches writing and literature at Auburn University. Her short fiction has been published on Short-Story.Me, and my story was chosen for inclusion in their annual anthology. It has also appeared in the anthologies—Urban Fantasy (KY Story, 2013) and Of Dragon and Magic: Tales of the Lost Worlds (Witty Bard Publishing, 2014)—The World of Myth, A Writer’s Haven, and Bards & Sages.

Contact Links

Website: http://jamie-marchant.com/
Blog:  http://jamie-marchant.blogspot.com/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jamie-Marchant-Author/164706710298768?ref=hl
Twitter: @RobrekSamantha
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5258855.Jamie_Marchant

Both The Goddess’s Choice and The Soul Stone are epic fantasy from The Kronicles of Korthlundia series. The Goddess’s Choice was published by Reliquary Press and The Soul Stone by Black Rose Writing.

 

Book Review- City of Stairs

City of Stairs by Robert Jackson Bennett
Speculative Fiction/Fantasy
Broadway Books
September 2014

My Book Review Rating for City of Stairs- 3.5 Stars

For the city of Bulikov, it was once a power to be reckoned with. It had divine protectors that gave them the power to conquest others, enslave and brutalize their enemies and from that mighty rise came a hard fall when the Bulikov protectors were killed. Now the history around this city is censored, even erased as its citizens are oppressed. But just by looking around you can see the legacy of the guardian’s miracles all around the city. But the time is coming when Bulikov’s guardians are going to rise again and this time, Bulikov’s cruel reign will not yet be over.

I got to admit this is the first book by this author I have read and holy moly, what a ride he takes us on. The world building is spectacular, the characters are very well defined and multi-dimensional and the story just flows like a river, full of twists and turns along side some jaw dropping moments that leave you breathless. The writing is excellent and this author delivers a story full of gods, intriguing characters, history and more for the reader to devour. What really enthralled me was how this author delivered such interesting plot hooks throughout the storyline. He kept my attention from beginning to end and I was enraptured with his prose. This is truly one of those stories you just can not get enough of.

CITY OF STAIRS is a story of not just a city broken and conquered but also about murder, secrets and more. In this book we meet Shara Thivani, a woman sent to Bulikov as a junior diplomat but in reality she is so much more. She has to solve a murder and as she pursues a killer, she finds out things about Bulikov that are not known, secrets that could change the course of history. I really enjoyed Shara a lot. She was resourceful, intriguing and kept me on my toes while I read CITY OF STAIRS. All the characters are well written, intriguing and quite enjoyable to read. The best part was there were not so many new characters being thrown at the reader that they needed a score card for them all.

CITY OF STAIRS is an enjoyable and entertaining read that will keep you glued to the pages till the very end. With Mr. Jackson’s world building, we get to see a world where conquest, magic and more play a strong part in shaping events and the future. That right there is the heart of CITY OF STAIRS in my opinion. The way this author captures and writes about this world is just magical. If you are looking for a different sort of book to explore on a cold day, then try CITY OF STAIRS. You just might find yourself drawn into a world of gods, magic and more to explore. Now all I can ask from this author is more please!

I got this book from Blogging for Books and is in no way an endorsement.

Sunday Series Showcase- Gail Z. Martin's Chronicles of the Necromancer

This has to be one of the best fantasy series there is....totally one of my favorites to read repeatedly. The books are available in paperback, audio & e-book.

Book One: The Summoner

The comfortable world of Martris Drayke, second son of King Bricen of Margolan, is shattered when his older half-brother, Jared, and Jared’s dark mage, Foor Arontala, kill the king and seize the throne. Tris is the only surviving member of the royal family aside from Jared the traitor. Tris flees with three friends: Soterius, captain of the guard; Carroway, the court’s master bard; and Harrtuck, a member of the royal guard. Tris harbors a deep secret. In a land where spirits walk openly and influence the affairs of the living, he suspects he may be the mage heir to the power of his grandmother, Bava K’aa, once the greatest sorceress of her age. Such magic would make Tris a Summoner, the rarest of magic gifts, capable of arbitrating between the living and the dead.

Book Two: The Blood King

In The Blood King, sequel to The Summoner, Tris Drayke races against time to gain the skills he needs to challenge his half-brother Jared for the throne of Margolan and defeat the dark mage Arontala before the Obsidian King can be loosed from the abyss.  Pursued by assassins and caught in a dangerous web of intrigue, Tris’ greatest danger is his own magic. The fate of his kingdom, his lady and his soul hang in the balance.  As Margolan plunges into darkness under the yoke of a tyrant, Tris leads an unlikely insurrection, knowing that if he fails, death will be the least of his worries. Betrayed by the living, Tris finds staunch allies among the dead and undead.  As the truce unravels between mortals and vampires, angry ghosts demand their revenge, and the Sisterhood of mages lacks the power to intervene.  The battle for the throne of Margolan and the freedom of the Winter Kingdoms rests on Tris Drayke’s magic—and his ability to control the powerful forces aligning against Jared and Arontala.  Like a storm on the horizon, war is coming—but can Tris control what has been put into motion, or will his battle for the crown bring a greater darkness?

Book Three: Dark Haven

In Dark Haven, the effects of Jared the Usurper’s reign of terror strike at the stability of the Winter Kingdoms. Undead forces align against Lord Jonmarc Vahanian of Dark Haven in a struggle for power between mortals and the vayash moru. Some among the vayash moru are unhappy that a mortal lord is returning to Dark Haven. Jonmarc must win the trust of Dark Haven’s mortal residents while playing a dangerous game of politics with its vayash moru. As everyone keeps reminding him, the last four lords died young.Throughout the Winter Kingdoms, magic has become a dangerous and unpredictable force.

The Flow, a river of magical e nergy, was badly damaged when Arontala ripped the Soulcatcher orb from beneath Dark Haven years ago. Now, the Flow is unstable, threatening the lives and sanity of the mages who draw on it for power. As King Martris Drayke prepares for his wedding, he must also prepare for war against rebels still loyal to Jared. Isencroft is on the brink of civil war over the looming reality of a joint kingdom.

Only one thing is certain-the Winter Kingdoms will be changed forever, and innocence is the first casualty.

Book Four: Dark Lady's Chosen

Treachery and blood magic threaten King Martris Drayke’s hold on the throne he risked everything to win.  As the battle against a traitor lord comes to its final days, war, plague and betrayal bring Margolan to the brink of destruction. The price to save his kingdom may be the lives of those he loves most—and his soul.  Civil war looms in Isencroft, and Cam of Cairnrach may be the only hope to put down a rebellion that threatens the crown. In the Margolan palace, betrayal threatens the new queen and the unborn heir to the throne. Alone in a new kingdom, Queen Kiara is charged with treason and becomes an assassin’s target. And in Dark Haven, the undead threaten the Truce with the living, leading to deadly conflict. Lord Jonmarc Vahanian has bargained his soul for vengeance as he leads the vayash moru against a dangerous rogue who would usher in a future drenched in blood.

The series continues in the Fallen King Cycle with books five, The Sworn and book six, The Dread

About the Author

Gail Z. Martin is the author of the new epic fantasy Reign of Ash (Orbit Books 2014) and Deadly Curiosities, a new urban fantasy novel (July 2014 Solaris Books), set in Charleston, SC. She is also author of Ice Forged in The Ascendant Kingdoms Saga, War of Shadows (Orbit Books, 2015), and Iron and Blood, a Steampunk novel (2015, Solaris Books) which will be co-authored with her husband, Larry N. Martin.  She is the author of The Chronicles of The Necromancer series (The Summoner, The Blood King, Dark Haven & Dark Lady’s Chosen) from Solaris Books and The Fallen Kings Cycle (The Sworn  and The Dread) from Orbit Books.  She writes two series of ebook short stories: The Jonmarc Vahanian Adventures and the Deadly Curiosities Adventures.

Gail’s work will appear in at several new anthologies in 2014: Clockwork Universe Steampunk vs. Aliens, Athena’s Daughters, Dreams of Steel 5, The Big Bad 2, Dance Like a Monkey, plus an illustrated story in Icarus: A Graphic Novel, Heroes (stretch goal author) the British Fantasy Society’s Unexpected Journeys and With Great Power, a superhero anthology. Other US/UK anthologies include Magic (Solaris), The Bitten Word, Rum & Runestones, Spells & Swashbucklers, and The Mammoth Book of Ghost Stories by Women.

Find her at www.ChroniclesOfTheNecromancer.com, on Twitter @GailZMartin, on Facebook.com/WinterKingdoms, at DisquietingVisions.com blog and GhostInTheMachinePodcast.com. She leads monthly conversations on Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/GailZMartin and posts free excerpts of her work on Wattpad http://wattpad.com/GailZMartin.

Larry N. Martin fell in love with fantasy and science fiction when he was a teenager. After a twenty-five year career in Corporate America, Larry started working full-time with his wife, author Gail Z. Martin and discovered that he had a knack for storytelling, plotting and character development, as well as being a darn fine editor. Iron and Blood is their first official collaboration. On the rare occasions when Larry isn’t working on book-related things, he enjoys pottery, cooking and reading.

The Martins have three children, a cat, a Maltese dog and a golden retriever.

Welcome Author S.A. Garcia

The decision to take my first novella Canes and Scales and turn it into an epic fantasy didn’t come easily. In fact, at first I wanted write two more novellas and create a series. Luckily Elizabeth North at Dreamspinner advised me to go for one large novel. Good thing--- I’d probably still fuss over finishing the series.

This time I outlined the chapters, not the norm for me. I’ll draft rough outlines, but this time I wanted control. I already struggled with stylistic problems__ my writing had changes in the last few years. Of course my main characters Alasdaire and Linden wanted more page time – what character doesn’t want more time to shine—but at a certain point they decided not to play nice with the storyline. They rebelled. Alasdaire and Linden refused to “talk” to me anymore. It’s a wacky but true concept.  The total disconnect drove me batty.

I originally planned to release the novel on its third anniversary.

That didn’t happen since Alasdaire and Linden delighted in shunning me. Fine. I shunned them in turn and worked on other short stories and novels. Ocassionally I’d poke at an earlier chapter that needed work, or realize I needed a strong new character to help the plot. Unfortunately, the novel refused to move past a certain sticky chapter.

Until the EUREKA! evening. A mental orgasm provided the solution. Did I really intend to stage a kidnapping along with more torture? Much of the novel is based around natural magic. Why wasn’t I listening to the book? Why not let the magic work for the characters?

Once I moved past my nefarious plans for Alasdaire and Linden, they worked with me. Together we created an entirely new ending. Everyone felt happy. Alasdaire escaped kidnapping and torture. Linden escaped mental disintegration.

And I escaped from thinking I’d never finish my book!

Thanks, Dawn, for letting me work out my issues.

Here’s an excerpt

PG Excerpt Canes & Scales M/M fantasy S.A. Garcia

 LINDEN

My trunks bobbed past along with my bags. I chuckled; it looked like my two travel trunks had sprouted legs. “Still running splendidly as always, eh, Anders?”

Raised voices echoing from the left interrupted Anders’s quiet reply. Scornful words violated the air.

“You annoying bore, I am ready, but he has arrived hours early! At least let me button my jacket.”

My, my, someone had a saucy attitude.

Anders’s scolding sniff punctuated the outburst. He thinned his lips before he twitched his right brow. He appeared ready to rip out a servant’s unruly soul.

“Excuse me, my Prince, there seems to be—”

A short young man dressed in a stylish black suit, not the normal dull rust livery, hastened from the left into the foyer. His abrupt arrival sent agitated waves through the foyer.

How odd. Why did I feel his agitation?

He rapidly buttoned his knee-length frock coat over his black silver-embroidered vest, adjusted his jacket, looked up, and froze, before he regained his composure and stared at the floor. He used his long black hair to curtain his face.

“A thousand pardons, Master Anders, erm, my esteemed Prince.” His melodic voice—ah, what an interesting accent—sounded breathless. “Forgive my shameful tardiness and unseemly behavior. Please forgive me. Please.”

The young man bowed lower until I feared for his balance. He straightened back up and took two more steps. He halted and bowed in a fresh dire tip. His short stature allowed his long hair to sweep the ebony marble floor. The two black hues swallowed each other.

Powers on High, his lively arrival rivaled an actor’s drama. My calming laugh fought against the unwelcome tension. “Please, young man, no need to fret. Cease the relentless bowing. Your constant up-and-down motion makes me dizzy.”

He needed to cease, since I wanted to see the fair face again to confirm my amazement.

The young man looked up. “Yes, my gracious Prince. My apologies.”

The words emerged from full lips set in a deep copper-hued, high-cheekboned face. Delicate violet swirls started at his right temple and meandered to his chin before winding around his neck. The languid swirls imitated wild Nerdean canyon rose canes—graceful, yet deadly. In the Southern Desert, the hunting canes hooked into their victims. The canes trapped their prey until the carnivorous blooms fed on the flesh. Since the roses sprang from old magic, they resisted all known modern pesticides.

There, today my knowledge of other races served me well. Before me stood a Southern Totandia elf of the ruling rank. The violet canes showed the elf’s startlingly high status. Up North we seldom saw Totandians. Their ancient race now hid in the deep Nerdean canyonlands edging against the inhospitable South Inatoli Desert. They believed in nature’s rule and nothing else. Their attitude challenged modern thinking. In the past, my ruthless Serpent family had used lethal efficiency to ferret them out from the realm. Their subtle magics and strange, secret culture made the elves a target. After nearly destroying the race, now our country regarded them as handy slave fodder. Delicate in stature, they usually acted docile and nonviolent.

My scholarly heart regretted the destruction of such a mysterious race.

Still, the male’s features had a distinctly human cast, especially in the strong cheekbones and firm chin. As I recalled, pure elves had narrow faces and extremely pointed chins. No hint of the uniquely slanted Totandian eye structure met my examination, but his eyes displayed the unusual violet color befitting his noble rank. The robust coppery skin and one pointed ear tip peeking past his hair screamed elf, yet his long narrow nose appeared too pronounced for an elf’s. His compact muscular build also refuted his elven heritage.

Before me stood an exotic human-elven mixture, rare to see in this age.

Even more curious—something about the refined features sparked a hazy memory. How odd.

Another deep bow almost followed before the male conquered his instinct. He respectfully inclined his head. His wavy mane drifted around his face.

“I am Alasdaire, my esteemed Prince. During your visit here, my duty is to serve you to my full ability.”

To my surprise, Anders released a quiet but pointed huff. Coming from him, the sound counted as a cruel slap across the young man’s face.

“Yes, my Prince, since he knows you travel sans your normal staff, Lord Keith arranged for Alasdaire to be your personal slave.” Anders sniffed. “That is, if you will allow a lowly half-breed slave to serve you.”

Powers on High, I could have ice-skated on Anders’s last words. I disliked how Anders emphasized the slave aspect. I thought Keith had servants, not slaves. Hmm, a hidden story lurked here. I certainly wanted to give the unusual male a chance, especially since I understood what Alasdaire meant by serving me. Keith had remembered my fondness for fascinating young men.

“How lovely, yes, I heartily approve of my cousin’s special choice for me.” I sounded positive and upbeat—in fact, I sounded nauseatingly charming. Dreadful. “Anders, feel confident to leave me in Alasdaire’s company.”

I smiled at the watchful young half-breed. He quickly looked at the floor. Hmm, no mutual flirtation from a pleasure slave? Why?

“Very good, my Prince. If this particular slave annoys you, please let me know immediately. I shall correct the staffing error. Above all, I desire your complete satisfaction.”

Anders shot Alasdaire a deadly glare. I wondered why Anders despised this glorious male. Ah, sadly, the prejudice against elves ran strong in many men’s hearts. Such ill behavior from the normally stoic head butler bothered me.

Despite my annoyance, I nodded. “Thank you, Anders.”

Anders bowed and glared at Alasdaire one last time before he turned on his heel like a king departing from a council meeting. Even I never acted that regal. He paused to swivel back toward me.

“Ah, I almost forgot, my Prince. Master Adrian has comms from the palace for you.”

I managed not to sigh. “No surprise there, Anders. I’ll check in with Adrian later.”

Another stiff bow answered me. “Very good, my Prince.”

Around us, bustling footmen finished carrying my belongings up the grand staircase. I winced. Had I really brought along that much luggage? Gerald must have packed enough outfits to last for months. I would have been happy with one formal suit, casual clothing, and plenty of underwear.

I glanced back toward Alasdaire. He still frowned after Anders’s retreating back before he realized I watched his ire. He inclined his head with silent apology, then gazed up at me. In a flash, his expression turned blank as he banished his former passion.

“My Prince, it is time to create today’s schedule. Lord Keith and his guests currently attend Lord Lazio’s grand picnic. Do you want to join them?”

I held up my hand. “Please, absolutely not, Alasdaire. I wish to enjoy a light lunch along with a not so light drink, then a bath. Perhaps I’ll act slothful and indulge in a nap.”

I grinned with glee. Ahh, the thought of sprawling against a feather mattress thrilled my aching body. The last war had destroyed my stalwart constitution. Before this past week, a carriage ride had never defeated my body. My constant exhaustion bothered me. At least I knew no one had poisoned me—a personal ward spell guaranteed protection from common poisons.

My brother Edward had already tried to poison me.

He had regretted the attempt.

“Of course, my noble Prince. I shall arrange for your supreme comfort.”

Alasdaire signaled to four watching young pages. They stepped forward. He leaned down to issue orders. The boys bowed and scurried off in different directions.

Alasdaire turned back. He gracefully gestured forward.

“My Prince, I trust you enjoyed a pleasant journey from Rahalda? I understand the weather embraced calm, sunny conditions, unlike the recent unruly storms.”

“Pleasant enough, although it was a long journey. Five days of carriage travel taxed my old body.”

At least the young slave chatted with me. Normally everyone acted dumbstruck around this so-called mighty prince. Still, his words sounded mechanical and rehearsed, merely a pleasure slave’s trained interest. But I sensed his uniqueness. I wondered how many times Alasdaire had entertained Keith’s

guests? Did he despise his pleasure-slave status? Hmm. Usually the pretty young men in such positions were well-treated, pampered pets, since they supplied the master or mistress discreet pleasure. Judging by how basely Anders treated him, this manor did not regard Alasdaire as special. How foolish of them. I certainly looked forward to enjoying this exotic creature’s company.

My self-pitying sigh made me sound in need of comfort. “I confess I feel battered as an old boot.”

“Now you may relax. You will be pleased to hear fresh weather graces us, Prince. The late-spring storms have passed on their way east. You will enjoy a lovely visit.” Alasdaire mounted the carved staircase.

Interesting. My new companion ignored my baiting words. He wasn’t prone to abject fawning. I appreciated the trait. I followed Alasdaire, taking the opportunity to admire his knee-high, pearl-button boots. The supple black leather sculpted his strong calves into delicious fullness.

We traveled down the long hall. Dreary portraits depicting dour deceased ancestors cluttered the walls. During my childhood visits, Keith and I had made up silly names for them. Lady Hortense Horseface, Duke Dreadful Drooler, and Sir Sticky Spankalot still scowled at me with painted menace. I scowled back at them.

 About the Author

Thirty years ago, I started writing gay male romance. Writing about men inserting tab A into slot B didn’t seem the norm for a suburban female teenager. Reading Gordon Merrick, John Rechy and Larry Kramer helped me fill in the serious informational gaps. Yes, I read those books in my bedroom. No wonder.

As the years progressed, I still wrote gay male romance, although the stories progressed from lurking in notebooks to hiding on the computer. I wrote fantasies, contemporaries, bodice rippers; I chugged along following my goofy muse.

Now I’m glad I kept the writing faith. I never thought I’d have published novels. Imagine, my comedy An Elf for All Centuries (Silver Publishing; now in talks for a new home) was in the running for a few awards. The novel didn’t win, but come on, what a thrill.

My life has turned into a fun quandary of too many stories hindered by my slow, two-fingered typing skills. I blunder onward into more trauma, drama, and humor. I just hope I can keep up with sexy men who insist on running off with the plots!

Check out my latest releases:

Love in the Shadows, my first attempt at mixing M/M historic and contemporary with a touch of the supernatural, is at MLR Press.

My M/M romdramedy (romance/drama/comedy) The Gospel According to Cher is now at Dreamspinner, home to my novellas, assorted short stories, and the novel Cupid Knows Best.

You can find out more about me at my blog and website.

Facebook: S.A. Garcia

Twitter: SAGarcia_Writer