A Sneak Peek to Remember!

Hello friends!

Today I've decided to share a scene from Chapter Seven of the Fae Chronicles; Battle for the Underworld, which can be found in the Beyond the Realms anthology, which is only available for a limited time. (So you should pick up your copy soon! Hint Hint!”

To set this up, Cian has been captured by the Death Fae, who want to offer him a place of importance on their side of the war. While Fae cannot lie, the Death Fae like to dance around the truth, so that they aren't technically lying, and then deliver their version of the truth in a way that manipulates the receiver.

Enjoy!

****

“Long ago, way before you were born. All the realms were finally at peace after hundreds of years of violence and distruction amongst us. King Niall had arranged mutually beneficial trade routes across every border, and hand chosen the Lords and Ladies of every realm based on the leadership they each showed in battle as they protected their people. As those Lords and Ladies grew too old, or perhaps even died, their children took over as their successors. The new generations had other ideas, while perhaps noble, were ill-advised. They wanted to open the realms to the humans. And as you have seen with your own eyes, humans are the most destructive creatures. Most are cruel and unkind, they litter their world with trash and violence, but some chose to interact with them. At first, it was fine. But we could see the writing on the wall. Soon, as rumors of the Underworld spread among them, they came looking for us. This led to the deaths and capture of many fae. We helped seek to free the captured fae who had been kept chained up and locked away by the humans, then we avenged them.”, Almu paused, and Cian caught a glimpse of pain across her face, helping him understand her point of view much better than before.

“What happened? Why did the kingdom’s stop working together?”, he asked, wanting to know more.

“Lets just say, the King did not approve of our methods.”, she said with a chuckle

“Your methods? What does that mean?”, he asked

“Why, surely you’ve heard? You seemed so scared when you and your friends crossed our path before, I would have assumed that you knew of our specialty?”, the old woman grinned wickedly through her razor sharp teeth.

This unnerved Cian greatly, and he felt the sudden urge to run, but his entire body felt like lead, forcing him to remain in place.

“Don’t bother trying to move, yet, dear. The affects will wear off soon enough. You have nothing to fear from me. It’s never been my intention to harm you. Lord Kai would have my guts for garters if I did!”

“He would?”, Cian sat confused, “Why?”

“Cian, you’re going to be a very important cog in our machine. You are going to help us restore order to our world.”, Almu studied his confused face, before deciding to move forward, “Cian, you will be the Lord Kai’s right hand, and you will be greatly rewarded. He wants you to help him rule the realms.”

“I have no interest in ruling, Almu.”, Cian answered, “And I still don’t understand what role I would have in all of this. There is nothing you can give me, the only thing I want is to be with my family, but they aren’t here anymore.”

“Oh, but I can give you that. That specialty you asked about? That is it. I can bring them back.”, she smiled. “Cian, I’m a necromancer. That is why King Niall disaproved of our methods. Death Fae can bring back the dead. During the war, we took the strongest fighters and most brilliant minds from the wars, fae creatures and human, alike, and turned them into something greater. This is how the Death Fae came to be. This is how we raised armies to fight for the king, this is how we helped him win, and when the war was over, the King had no more use for us, he banned us to the cold regions, ended our trade agreements and forced a wedge between Lord Kai and his true love, by implementing draconic laws against him, against us. All for the sake of protecting humans. The very same humans that sent your parents to an early grave, sent by the very same kingdom that refused to protect and save them. We could have saved them, they would have died, but we could have brought them back. Your father has been gone too long, bringing him back now, he’d be a mindless drone and not worth more than cannon fodder for the upcoming battle, but your mother? We can still save her. We can bring her back to you, Cian.”

****

If you enjoyed this passage, you can preorder your copy of the ”Beyond the Realms” Anthology HERE. 5 authors come together to offer you this box set for 99 cents if you're buying the digital copy, but if you're like me and love the smell that comes with turning the pages, well you can also get in paperback! https://books2read.com/u/4XkyqN

ALSO, available for preorder, another anthology that I'm excited to be a part of, AND only costs 99 cents for your E-Book, you can get your copy of ”Ties of Friendship” as well! Again, 5 authors, 5 unique stories. <3 https://books2read.com/tiesoffriendship

Sneak Peek & Author Life Post for Thursday!

Hello friends!

I know my last blog was a downer, and I apologize. I am a very open person, so I have a tendency to share everything that is going on in my life. Well, most everything anyway. So, today I bring some happier news. By next Tuesday we will have a new little one in our family! My oldest daughter, Hayli, was informed if she doesn’t have her by this weekend, then they are inducing Tuesday morning at 5 AM! I’m hoping that they don’t have to actually induce labor, as I know from firsthand experience how rough and painful that can be, BUT, I am super excited for my daughter to be able to not be constantly suffering from heartburn and to roll out of bed without assistance again! (Oh, the joys of late term pregnancy!) BUT, to meet our sweet little Fleur Bella! <3 Which, like most names in our family, will probably make it’s way to a future story. Fun fact, folks, most of the names I use or the characters I create are based on real people, mostly ones I love dearly.

While Hayli is in the hospital, I’ll be spending a few days with my sweet little Willow Grey... or Willow Bee, as I affectionately call her. Which I always look forward to. So, I’m thrilled. 

So, to celebrate, I thought I’d release a small tidbit from Chapter Three of “The Fae Chronicles; Battle for the Underworld.” To set it up, this is the part where Roux, who was loosely based on my dear friend and fellow author, Jenna Morrison, enters the story where she is to play the role of protector and a sort of midwife. Atlas and Nessa were about to bring their son, Cion, into the world and the surrounding circumstances were worrisome given that a dark fairy had cast a curse on their family for daring to marry outside of their race. I do not feel this is the most compelling part of the story, but it’s important AND it’s fitting, given our growing family. I hope you enjoy! And remember, this is a limited-edition anthology that won’t be around much longer! You can pre-order your copy for only 99 cents! OR, if you’re like me and appreciate having tangible copies and that beautiful, warm smell of paper that only a book can give, that is available, too! Order here!  https://books2read.com/u/4XkyqN

****

The dryads of Scaoilte Glas had heard rumblings from the trees and earth surrounding them, warning them of the birth of a child that could either bring the Underworld great peace or eternal demise. They chose to send Roux because she represented both the light and the dark, and because of this, she carried great strength within her that no other healer could match. It was through Roux that they could feel the hope of salvation. It was on her shoulders that she would carry the protection of the child to come, as well as the world that they would all soon share. Rouxelle grasped the heavy weight of the burden with great pride and responsibility.

 Roux greeted the couple, bearing urgent tidings wrapped in mirthful tones.“The winds, trees, and earth carry whispers,” she warned lightly despite gravity cloaking her words like mist rolling through meadows at dawn. “And that darkness threatens your child.”

Atlas listened intently while concern etched lines upon his brow—the ground feeling like it was being yanked from underneath, but reminded himself of the King's promise of safety. He studied Roux carefully, she did not look anything like the dryads he had met before her, save the moss and flowers in her hair, but despite his wariness, there was something about her that made him put great trust in her words.

“There will be no shadows coming near my child," growled Atlas, while Nessa clasped Roux’s hands firmly between her own—when suddenly she felt a forming bond between her and Roux. She almost felt like a silent promise between their souls was happening. Somehow, she knew that Roux was here for more than just a warning, and this knowledge brought Nessa great comfort.

Weekly Update with a Spice of a Chapter Reveal!

 Hello friends!!

I hope everyone is doing well. I am absolutely exhausted! No proper sleep to be had over the past week and a half, but it’s not unusual. I have a loud brain. I’m sure many of you can relate!

We are awaiting a new little member of our family. Her name is Fleur and I cannot wait to meet her. Her poor mamma is ready to get on with it, too! And of course, dad and the cutest little big sister that will have ever graced this planet, Willow, are very excited, as well. So that is pretty exciting for us.

Anyway, I thought that today I’d share a little of the first chapter of one story I’m working on. Right now it’s just called Ghost Story, but that is only because I do not have a title in mind. Anyway, I hope you all enjoy!

Chapter One

Tick... tick... tick... tick... the ticking of the clock beats like a steady drum, permeating through my brain. The ghost of the blood that once ran through me and a beat where my now shriveled heart once pumped, plump and full of life. Tick... tick... tick... the sounds grows louder in my ears. But all the while it sits.

Still in the corner of my room. At first, maybe a shadow? But as my eyes adjust to the darkness, I see it. What the hell is it? A shadow is a dark black void. But this? This is the opposite. It’s a solid white mass. A structural being. Watching me. But how? It has no eyes, but somehow I know it sees me.

With each tick of the clock, a slight turn of its head. But otherwise it never seems to move. Except for one other thing. Every day, it seems like it gets a little closer. Always in the same spot, but somehow, closer. Nothing has terrified me more. But every night it’s here.

I feel like I haven’t slept in years, not properly anyway. A few minutes here and there. My head is always hurting, and I feel like I’m constantly on edge. Every little noise makes me jump. I know this thing is out to get me, but my friends, my husband. They insist it isn’t real.

Two weeks ago, I had enough and scheduled an appointment with a psychologist, Dr. Joyce Lemon. I chose her because her named sounded happy. A feeling I can hardly remember, but enough so that I know that I’d like to experience it again.

I sat on the floral sofa, across from a tall brunette woman with a vacant smile and a notepad in her hands. She looked at me expectantly, waiting for me to explain myself. Wanting me to explain to her why I was here. In her particular office, on this particular Tuesday morning. I fidgeted with the hem of my dress, shifting uncomfortably, wondering where to start. I am going to sound crazy, I just know it.

But then, maybe I am crazy, right? The things I’ve seen and experienced that aren’t real. Is it? The woman leans forward in her chair. This time she makes actual eye contact. My thoughts race. I’m just so worried about telling anyone these things. But this is something I’ve been dealing with for forty-two years of my life. Since I was a child. It’s something generational and horrific. It’s something that I fear can get me taken away from my husband, my children, and I fear I’d be locked away in a state psychiatric center.

“Rose, You know I’m here to listen only. You have nothing to fear. Nothing you say will leave this room.” Dr. Lemon smiles gently.

The Journey so Far with a Sneak Peek to Enjoy!

 Hello friends!

Can you believe it is nearly June? That means that I am about to embark on my fifty-first year around our sun. Usually my birthday gives me anxiety, as I kind’ve hate getting older. I don’t quite look my age, but I know it’s going to catch up to me soon, and I’m not sure how I’ll handle that! I wanted to be that elegant older woman who just accepted it, and allowed herself to age gracefully, but for whatever reason, I could not do so. This year, I’m going to embrace it. Besides, to be honest, I didn’t think I’d make it this long.

I think I’d like to go camping for my birthday, but it is entirely too hot. But, I think I’d prefer experiences this year. I’ve had some crazy experiences in my life, but not enough of THOSE SORTS of experiences. I’ve partied with rock stars, I’ve helped people give birth to new babies, I’ve rescued animals, I’ve fostered children, I’ve written books etc.... but I haven’t explored the world enough. I have been to Australia and I’ve technically been to New Zealand, and I’ve traveled across a few states and spent a wonderful month in Colorado. Ultimately, though, I want to visit Canada to see my husband’s home, because, shockingly enough, despite being together for nearly twenty years, I’ve never been. I want to see the Northern Lights and camp out underneath them and I want to see Ireland. Anything else will be a bonus for me. Oh, and I want to move to Maine. My bucket list is rather small. It’s there.

Anyway, I’m rambling a bit. Today I wanted to share with all of you a small excerpt from my book “The Fae Chronicles; Battle for the Underworld”. But first, I should set the scene. Atlas and Nessa had just married in a beautiful ceremony. But as soon as their vows were spoken, their wedding had been crashed by the Dark Fae, led by their head necromancer, Almu, who cursed the joyful couple, bringing darkness to what should have been the happiest day of their lives.

****

Amidst their jubilant celebrations loomed the shadow of the threats from the Dark Fae, Atlas and Nessa sought refuge and comfort in their room located in the farthest corner of the castle, leaving the grand party held in their honor early to sort out their swirling thoughts and emotions that cast a heaviness over their beautiful day. The joy of their vows to one another now felt heavy, with the fears that a harbinger of darkness that would soon encroach upon their newfound happiness. The unseen ominous presence, now a constant shadow to their joy.

The King and Queen visited them later in the evening, after bidding the last guest farewell. The event had grown quickly sullen after the bride and groom departed, with guests murmuring over their fears of the threats, and exchanging ideas about what they could and should do with the uninvited Dark Fae, some suggesting that they should just stay out of it and let nature take it's course, while others wanted a full out war. But the King and Queen knew that in the castle, with it's many guards, vast armies and strong magics to protect them, they knew that Atlas and Nessa's best course of action that they could take would be to just stay inside, where they would remain safe. As Queen Esta sat and explained this to the couple, Nessa began to cry.

"I came here looking for freedom, and now I've lost it again.", Nessa cried. Atlas's heart grew heavier with each tear that trickled down her cheek, this is not the life he had wanted to give her. As he thought about the hard life she had left behind and all the promises he had made to her, his anger bubbled over. His serene green eyes that usually held so much warmth, turned to stormy gray pools filled with tempestuous emotion. He felt his fists clenching  instinctively, uncontrollably, his knuckles turning white under pressure, as icy tendrils of anger coiled around his heart. He began to pace back and forth, seeming to forget everyone around him as his mind began to spiral.

"Atlas?", Nessa grew nervous, as she recognized the danger all too well. Realizing that what his reaction was scaring the woman he loved even more than she already was, he turned his anger inward toward himself. He never wanted her to feel afraid again, and here he was, scaring her. His body seemed to move without him, surging itself forward and punching a nearby wall hard enough to splinter wood and send echoes reverberating throughout the castle —a visceral act breaking free from the chains of civility, forged by the sorrow and regret of causing so much fear. Everyone stood in stunned silence, before the guards burst into the room, ready to protect them from intrusion.

The King held his hand up to them, reassured them that everything was fine and dismissed them back into the hallway.

"Atlas," The King finally broke the silence, as he watched the blood trickle from Atlas's knuckles onto the stone floor below them, "I understand your concern, your fear, the duty you feel. I feel it, too," the King places a gentle hand on Atlas's shoulder, "You are one of my oldest friends. I trusted you with the woman I love, I need you to trust me with yours now. Not as your king, but as the boy who wandered into my Father's court many years ago, and became my closest and dearest friend. We will do everything to protect Nessa and you. I promise." Atlas felt his body collapse into the arms of the King, his childhood friend, who pushed aside the formalities of the throne to hold him as he cried.

As Atlas pulled away he just nodded in thanks, before turning to his concerned wife and pulling her into his arms. The storms in his eyes had given way to the calm, this was the Atlas she knew and trusted.

****

Thank you for taking time to read my little excerpt, and I hope that if you haven't checked out our Beyond the Realms anthology, you will soon. So many talented authors in one place! You can find it on preorder for 99 pennies or you can get the paperback now HERE! 

Character Spotlight from "The Fae Chronicles"

Hello Readers!

Today I thought I’d introduce some of you to Aynne, a character from “The Fae Chronicles.” Despite not playing a huge role in the book itself, she’s still very important, especially to Cian. She will play a more central role in what I hope is to become a bit of a series for me. I loved writing this story, after all. I quickly grew to love the characters and created back stories for most of them to where I cried when some of them died. I know, weird because I wrote it, but still. Sometimes, as a writer, you get very attached to the characters you create. I can be quite protective of them even, and I get mad at myself when I have to let something terrible happen to one of them. But, I suspect if I just wrote rainbows and sunshine, it’d be a terribly boring plot!

That said, let me introduce you to Aynne. She’s a wallflower that prefers to be in the background of everything. She’s shy and elusive, even to the point of being antisocial. But she’s also very empathetic, kind, artistic, intelligent, and well read. She has experienced significant loss and tragedy in her life, losing both of her parents in battle where they fought alongside Cian’s father, Atlas, a man that they trusted, considered a friend and would have followed into battle anywhere. Because of this, she understands Cian’s grief on a much more deeply personal level than most of his peers can. Despite Cian being unaware of their connection, he had always felt drawn to Aynne, who shows up for him just as he is feeling lost in mourning and needs someone who understands his pain. Unfortunately, she cannot save him from falling to the darkness, but she just might be strong enough to pull him out.

From Chapter 7:

“I lost both of my parents, too. When I was a little girl. We never really knew what happened to them, but they were heading to the Unseelie courts to help organize a diplomatic meeting between the King and Lord Kai, but according to the northern kingdom, they never made it. Their bodies were found within our borders. My mother still carried me in her womb. It was your father who cut me out and saved me. He placed me in the care of the King’s sage. He saved my life and gave me a suitable home.”

Something stirred in Cian. “My father did that?”

“Yes. The sage had adopted me and raised me as her own. She once told me about your father, who she said briefly considered taking me in himself, but knew the sage had always wanted a child of her own, so he brought me to her instead. She said you were born two days later. Losing your father was a heavy one, as is the loss of your mother.”

Cian looked into her eyes, feeling that familiar drop of falling into them, like he did when he was still just a schoolboy. In them, he found a connection, a tether that can only bind two people who have experienced substantial loss, and before he had time to realize what he was doing, he held his hand out to her, beckoning her to come to him.

To know if she succeeds or not, you will have to pick up a copy of our anthology "Beyond the Realms" which my story is featured in right now. You can preorder a copy in ebook format for 99 cents or if you can't wait the paperback is now available. Grab your chosen copy by this link here: https://books2read.com/u/4XkyqN.