Hello From My Corner of the Woods!

If you're new here, welcome! I'm so glad you stopped by.

If you've been following my writing journey for a while, thank you for coming along on this adventure with me. Whether you've been here since the beginning or you've only recently discovered my books, I hope you'll find something here that sparks your imagination.

I've always loved stories that blend mystery, folklore, fantasy, and just a touch of darkness. Those are the stories I love to read, and they're the stories I love to write.

Some of you may already know my paranormal mystery, Shadows of Willow's Creek, where long-buried secrets and ancient evil collide in a small town. Others may have discovered Selkie's Storm, a novella inspired by Celtic folklore and one of my favorite mythical creatures.

Those stories will always have a special place in my heart.

But over the past several years, I've been pouring my heart into something even bigger.

A new world.

A world hidden beneath the roots of an ancient Hawthorn tree.

A place where lanterns glow through the night, kingdoms rise and fall, old magic lingers in forgotten forests, and legends are still being written.

That world is The Fae Chronicles.

The first novel, Battle for the Underworld, has been two years in the making. Every map, every kingdom, every character, every piece of history has been carefully woven together to create a world I hope readers will want to visit again and again. Fun fact – it has already been published once before. However, the story was very important to me and I knew I had rushed it. To be honest, I had a lot of heavy things going on, and I still do. But I've learned to compartmentalize some of these things, putting them away for later so I can handle them more readily with a fresh mind.

I'm getting closer than ever to sharing it with you.

As I prepare for its release, in about two weeks I think,

 I thought it would be fun to invite you behind the scenes.

In the coming weeks, I'll be sharing glimpses of the Underworld here on the blog. You'll meet fascinating creatures, discover forgotten legends, explore magical kingdoms, and uncover little pieces of history that don't always make it into the books. Some posts may introduce you to characters. Others may explore Celtic folklore, the myths that inspired parts of my world, or simply offer a peek into my writing process.

Think of this as an invitation.

An invitation to walk beneath the Hawthorn.

To wander hidden paths.

To discover stories waiting just beyond the lantern light.

I'm so excited to share this journey with you.

Thank you for being here.

The adventure is only just beginning.

Until next time,

Joli G. Campbell

****

*** COMING SOON ***

****

Want to be notified when I have a new post for you to enjoy? Please head over to the side bar menu in the upper right corner. You will find two ways to get notifications. You can click the follow button or you can subscribe to my blog's RSS feed. Hope to see you in the future. Happy reading everyone :).

My Anthology is Now Live! Grab it While you Can!

Hi Friends,

I got great news for you. If you didn't catch my earlier post this morning then I will share it with you now. The "Beyond the Realms" box set has officially released. It will be available at your favorite retailer for 99¢ for the first week of release. After that it will go to $2.99. You can buy the paperback for $24 and enjoy the beautiful print form. But the book is only available for a limited time. Make sure to grab your copies before they are gone forever. 

(CLICK HERE) to purchase the ebook for 99¢!

Make sure to leave a review if you enjoyed the stories. If you read my story "The Fae Chronicles: Battle for the Underworld," I would appreciate your feedback through any source you wish to share. 

Participating authors: International Bestselling Author K.M. Jenkins, Christina Wallace, Megan Charlie, R.E. Joyce, and myself (Joli Campbell). 

Beyond the Realms

A YA Epic Fantasy Anthology

Limited Edition Box Set

BLURB:

In lands far beyond our world heroes step forward to take on epic journeys into the unknown. They must face the thrill of adventure, love, and magic to find themselves as they go. But when fate plays with their destiny, they find they are on a path they never saw coming. From SwordMasters to Fae creatures you will find a mix of fantasy creatures that will keep you reading until the very end. Grab this limited-edition box set before time runs out. 

Written by authors of Fantasy Romance and Epic Quests, this boxset is sure to take you on an epic journey. Featuring tales by Christina Wallace, debut author Joli Campbell, International Bestselling author K.M. Jenkins, Megan Charlie, and R.E. Joyce fill these pages. 

Twisting tales of battle, magic, intrigue, love, and tragedy. Perfect for those looking for light romance with epic adventures to enjoy.

The Fae Chronicles

Battle for the Underworld

by: Joli Campbell

BLURB:

“Atlas, you stand charged with violations against the natural law and order of the Unseelie Court by the great and honorable Lord Kai. As such, we curse your union and along with the life that now grows within your wife’s womb with unbridled darkness!” The fae smiled wickedly. “Any Fae who dares to lie with a vile human deserves nothing better than a painful death. Know that at the end of your days, it is I who will be sent to your doorstep!”

On the day Cian was born, the terrible dark curse cast by the Death Fae began. Despite every attempt at protecting him, darkness would eventually pierce his heart. Will he give into the darkness and become a minion in Lord Kai's undead army? Or will he be able to defeat the darkness that threatens him and everything that he loves?

Purchase your Copy for 99¢ Today!

https://books2read.com/u/4XkyqN

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.

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! 

Lives Disasters & a Character Spotlight

Hello everyone!

I hope that this has been a fantastic week, so far, for all of you. Without getting into it, ours has been a rough one. While normally I’m not an open book, because of the people involved and the sensitivity of the situations; I cannot get into it. I will, however say that these are the events that I often process through my writing. So, do not worry about me. I won’t hold on to anything unhealthily. I will, however, impart some advice. Let the people in your lives know you love them. Put aside any fears you may have, or anger you may hold on to, to let them know they are important to you, and that you will be there for them. I know regret from my personal experiences, and some of them can be hard to live with.

Now, on to the lighter side of things. I thought I’d do another character highlight from "The Fae Chronicles". I’d like to introduce all of you to King Kniall. He was loosely inspired by the famous former legendary high king of Ireland. Kniall of the Nine Hostages, who I, along with millions of other people across the globe have way, deep, deep down in my family tree. He ruled the ancient center of Ireland from A.D. 379 to A.D. 405. There are many wild legends about him, however, he was reportedly so wildly virile that he was blessed with 12 strapping sons. As I had mentioned, the King Kniall from my story was only loosely based on him, however, and they are quite different.

King Kniall is married to Queen Vesta, and sadly they could never have children. He is a kind, strong, wise and benevolent king who rules over not just his own kingdom. But all the realms surrounding it, from Oceana to Oighear. His only wish is to keep the people safe and see them thrive. Unfortunately, in the snow realms of Oighear and Ifreann, there is great tension that has arisen due to what their leaders view as archaic rules set on the lords and ladies of the various realms, and these tensions have caused a rise in violence, which ultimately cut of trade to those areas. Of course this does nothing to strengthen ties between the regions and only feeds into the desires of the cruel Lord Kai, of Ifreann, to take over as the new king. While King Kniall regrets this decision, he feels that this is the only way to keep the other realms safe from the cruelty of Lord Kai.

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.