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Welcome to my place in the blogosphere!
feel free to explore the Flight Deck and check out my books and website.
Then fasten your seatbelts, sip a glass of something sparkling and let's chat awhile!
I hope you'll stop by again for guest authors and spotlights from time to time.

Beloved Enemy joined Starquest and Children of the Mist to continue the Destiny Trilogy and I'm thrilled to announce was shortlisted for the R.N.A. RoNA Awards 2017, awarded 2nd Runner up in the RONE Awards 2017 and was the winner in the SF/Fantasy category of the 'Best Banter Contest'.

Showing posts with label Adventure. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Adventure. Show all posts

Monday 15 May 2023

The Word of the Muse - Spotlight and #Giveaway

The Word of the Muse tour banner

This is my post during the blog tour for The Word of the Muse by Bridgette Dutta Portman.

The Word of the Muse, the thrilling conclusion to the Coseema Saga trilogy, is perfect for fans of space opera, portal fantasy, art-based magic, coming-of-age adventures, and novels about mental health, confidence, and finding the hero in ourselves.

This blog tour is organized by Lola's Blog Tours and the tour runs from 8 till 21 May. You can see the tour schedule here.

The Word of the Muse book cover
The Word of the Muse (The Coseema Saga #3)
By Bridgette Dutta Portman
Genre: Science Fiction/ Fantasy
Age category: Young Adult
Release Date: 25 April 2023

Blurb:
A daring rescue. A villain in pursuit. A battle for the suns themselves.

With Coseema off planet, Olive has bought herself some time—but the clock is ticking. After a risky rescue mission, she and her friends make their way to the center of the rebellion against Emperor Burnash, who is desperate to capture Olive and claim her power for his own. Without her journal, Olive must rely on her newfound courage to elude Burnash and help her friends. But that courage is put to the test as she and Coseema clash in a final showdown—one that will decide the fate of a star system.

The Word of the Muse, the thrilling conclusion to the Coseema Saga trilogy, is perfect for fans of space opera, portal fantasy, art-based magic, coming-of-age adventures, and novels about mental health, confidence, and finding the hero in ourselves.


Links:
- Goodreads
- Bookbub
- Amazon



Bridgette Dutta Portman author picture
About the Author:
Bridgette Dutta Portman is an author, playwright, and teaching artist. Dozens of her plays have been produced across the United States and overseas. She holds an MFA in creative writing from Spalding University, as well as a PhD in political science from the University of California, Irvine. She is past president of the Playwrights’ Center of San Francisco and is currently a member of Same Boat Theater Collective, the Pear Playwrights’ Guild, and the Dramatists’ Guild. She recently joined the board of the Pear Theatre in Mountain View, CA. The Twin Stars is her debut novel, and the first of a planned trilogy. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband Deepanshu and their two young children.

Author links:
- Website
- Newsletter
- Facebook
- Twitter
- Instagram
- Goodreads
- Amazon

Giveaway
There is a tour wide giveaway for the blog tour of Word of the Muse. One winner wins a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble gift card (winner’s choice).

For a chance to win, enter the rafflecopter below:
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Wednesday 14 April 2021

THE RECLAIMED KINGDOM - Review, Excerpt and Giveaway

 Reclaimed Kingdom by Dana Claire

 I'm thrilled to feature Dana Claire's Reclaimed Kingdom on my blog today. Enjoy reading about his great book and don't forget to enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway towards the end!

 

 

The Reclaimed Kingdom by Dana Claire Publisher:  Chamberlain Publishing House (February 14, 2021) Category: Young Adult, Fantasy/Romance Tour dates: April 9-May 31, 2021 ISBN: 978-1792361357 Available in Print and ebook, 310 pages The Reclaimed Kingdom

 Description Reclaimed Kingdom by Dana Claire The Legend is true. The Fear is real.

                             The Reclaimed Kingdom by Dana Claire

Under the cruel ministrations of its Queen, the Kingdom of D’Land is in peril. With King Harrison away in foreign lands and neighboring Kingdoms unwilling to intervene, there is no one to protect the people from poverty, harsh punishment, and unreasonable rules of law – except for the Band of Brothers. Struggling with the death of her mother and the legendary Syphon powers she inherited, seventeen year old Dru wants nothing more than to escape her old life and join the motley crew of ruffians, pilfering from the rich to feed the poor and pay their taxes. She’s able to do just that disguised as a lad, and even when her nature is discovered, nothing changes – except for the way her friend Hawkin treats her. But Dru’s new world is overturned when she and the Brothers seize the treasures of a Prince who threatens to reveal her identity. Together, Dru and her chosen family must find a way to reclaim her destiny and bring balance to the Kingdom. If not, there may be no hope left for anyone.

 

EXCERPT From Chapter 1

"Houses, towns, drinking holes have all been burned to the ground as examples of what can happen if we do not obey. If we don’t fill the queen’s coffers, she fills our caskets.” I laughed mockingly. “She’s a fool, trying to drain dry udders. And you’re a fool blind to the truth.”

Anger rose inside of me, and it wasn’t drawn from the men. This time it ignited from the soles of my heels to the crown of my skull as I relived all that I have known, done, been through, but mostly all I have lost. I shook my head. I didn’t know this man in front of me anymore, and he didn’t know me. “No, you do not care. You lie at night on plush beds, inhaling the scent of fresh linens. You dine on hot savory meals prepared by your servants. You have shelter to shield you from nature’s many moods. Hah! Your purpose today is not to be enlightened but to save your life and those of your men. We are not jesters, here for your entertainment. So how about you save your miserable life, hand over your coinage, and let us on our merry way?”


Advance reviews for Reclaimed Kingdom by Dana Claire

"Ms. Claire has such a talent for imaginative magic systems. The Syphon in this series has abilities I have not encountered before. The ability to take emotions and how she deals with them are quite intriguing. In this story, Dru makes an interesting heroine with her contrasts of her life as a brigand and thief with her previous life. She is very much a Robin Hood character without falling into the tired tropes that can come with that. The male main characters are so different. Hawkin is intense and unrefined. Dodge is softer and somewhat of a dreamer. They are both fiercely loyal and capable. The progression of their relationships with each other and Dru has made this a fabulous and compelling story."- Aizlynne, Goodreads 

 

What an exciting, fast paced adventure! I loved this escape into a Robin Hood type world which had a refreshingly different twist. I was drawn into Dru's world from the first page and felt I  was still there when the book ended. 

Courageous   and independent, Dru has a unique talent, which is as much a burden as a gift. I don't want to give too much away, as it would spoil it for anyone who has yet to read the book, but there are many twists and turns before the climax. The two main male characters, Hawkin and Dodge, are so different to each other, but each is charismatic in his own way, and each would do anything to protect Dru. As their past and present relationship with Dru gradually unfolded, I could not help wondering which one of the two Dru would choose - or if she would have either one!

For me, this was a real page turner and I found it hard to put it down. I didn't want the story to end, and when it did, it left me wanting more - a lot more. It's not quite a cliffhanger ending, but it does leave a few questions to be answered, and I will happily be looking forward to reading the second book in the series. (Five Comets)


 

 Dana Claire

About Dana Claire

Author, Dana Claire, believes that a good story is made through strong character development. When readers become attached to the characters’ emotional state and are invested in their objectives, the readers are there for the long haul backing the characters and their emotions. How cool is it to read a book and think about the characters long after you’ve read the last page? She believes that the beauty of reading is that one can live a hundred lives within the stories of books. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to be a vampire, slay a dragon, or use a time machine, there’s a book for that. Website: https://danaclairebooks.com/ Twitter:
https://twitter.com/danaclaire143
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanaClaireBooks/


Buy Reclaimed Kingdom by Dana Claire

Amazon IndieBound

 

 

 

 

 

 

Giveaway Reclaimed Kingdom by Dana Claire

This giveaway is open to Canada and the U.S. only and ends on May 28, 2021 at midnight pacific.  Entries are accepted via Rafflecopter only. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow Reclaimed Kingdom by Dana Claire

Teddy Rose Book Reviews Apr 9 Kickoff Shanna Amazon April 12 Review Sal Bound 4 Escape April 13 Guest Review Lu Ann Rockin' Book Reviews April 14 Review & Guest Post Hywela Lyn Romance That's Out Of This World April 15 Review & Excerpt Am Goodreads April 16 Review Betty Toots Book Reviews April 20 Review Kimberly D. Amazon April 21 Review Jas International Book Promotion April 22 Review Cheryl's Book Nook April 23 Review & Excerpt Ashley's Bookshelf April 26 Review Laura Lee Celticlady’s Reviews April 27 Guest Review Bee Book Pleasures April 28 &Interview Gud Reader Goodread April 29 Review Lily  Amazon April 30 Review Ashley Reading Bliss May 3 Guest Review & Excerpt Amanda O. Goodread May 4 Review Gracie Goodread May 5 Review Linda Lu Goodread May 7 Review Nora Binding Addiction May 10 Guest Review & Excerpt Mike M. Goodreads May 11 Review Lisa's Writopia May 12 Review Lisa's Writopia May 13 Guest Post Kathy Ordinary Girls Book Reviews May 14 Review Ellen S. Goodreads May 17 Review Amy Locks, Hooks and Books May 21 Review Mark S.Teddy Rose Book Reviews May 25 Review Mindy A Room Without Books is Empty May 27 Review   

I have also read the SF Fantasy novel Connection, by the same author, and it is just as exciting and intriguing as 'The Reclaimed Kingdom' although completely different. The characters are just as real and the world-building just as brilliant.

Praise for Connection by Dana Claire

“To begin with The Connection is an interesting book to wrap your head around, the opening chapter leaves patches and mystery which I find a good thing, it dragged me in and made me want to figure out why this dystopian time was like what it was. The main characters name is Beatrice Walker and the story, though not followed from her perspective, is based all around her. After the next couple of chapters, you get the concept of the whole new world and its so bitter sweet and beautifully unusual that you just want to discover more and more about this story. The made-up memories that are written have so much meaning and you get to experience these moments all over again. Then ending is so amazing, Dana Claire really knows how to leave a reader wanting more.”-John Kerry, Let’s Talk Knowledge 

“After the first chapter, I could tell that this book was going to resemble The Lux Series. The lux series is one of my all-time favorites, so I was genuinely interested in seeing where the author takes this story. I’m happy to say that I was not disappointed. I honestly couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. One thing I was not anticipating was the never-ending action. I loved how there was never a dull moment, as our main characters seemed to never catch a break.  Dana Claire has a way of getting under your skin because Beatrice and Cash have made it to my favourite characters list. I can’t wait to see what the author does next! I really hope it’s the sequel to this novel. That cliff-hanger at the end makes me want to read book two as soon as possible.”- Jessica Marie, The Mermaid Reader 

“Enthralling and well- crafted story. The author’s descriptions are so vivid you feel as though you are in the book. The plot of the story is suspenseful and hard to predict the next move because right when you think you know what is going to happen the story goes into a different direction. Dana Claire took me on a roller coaster of emotions all the way from the first page. I found myself not being able to stop until I completed the book. The Connection is indeed an outstanding and ingenious read. I eagerly look forward to reading more of her books.”- Chinnie N., Amazon 

“Sci-fi fantasy can be challenging, but Author Dana Claire did a fabulous job with this novel. The characters are great. They develop throughout the book in such a powerful way. I love Bea, AND I love her with Cash. The Connection is a book I could not wait to read every day. I loved falling into this story because I thought about the plot even when I wasn’t reading it. A telling sign it’s a great novel!”-Hey It’s Carly Rae




 

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Thursday 4 April 2019

The Circle of conspiracy by Cas Peace - Spotlight and #Giveaway




I'm thrilled to be part of fellow Brit, Cas Peace's book tour. I love fantasy, adventure and horses and really enjoyed the Artesans of Albia Trilogy. Sullyan is a brilliant heroine, I've rarely been able to empathise with a female lead character in the way I did with her. She is such a strong, courageous, charismatic person, and yet very vulnerable and sensitive beneath the tough exterior. The other characters are all excellently written too, including the horses. I'm sure I will enjoy The Circle of Conspiracy just as much as I did Artesans. Congratulations on the release of this new boxset Cas. Now let's find out more about the book:


Nine months have passed since Brynne Sullyan helped forge an alliance between the realms of Albia and Andaryon. A fragile peace reigns as both sides recover from the events of the previous year. Then mysterious raiders strike Andaryon villages. 

Attempts are made on the life of Albia’s High King. As Sullyan scrambles to find those responsible, unseen enemies threaten to pull apart everything she has worked for, including her marriage.

The alliance begins to crumble, and Sullyan finds herself caught between two monarchs: the king she’s sworn allegiance to, and the man she loves as a father. To betray either one would break her heart, but if conflict is inevitable, she must make a choice…
Book Buy Links



Cas lives in the lovely county of Hampshire, southern UK, where she was born. On leaving school she trained for two years before qualifying as horse-riding instructor. During this time she also learned to carriage-drive. She spent thirteen years in the British Civil Service before moving to Rome, Italy, where she and her husband, Dave, lived for three years. They enjoy returning whenever they can. 
Cas supports many animal charities and owns two rescue dogs. She has a large collection of cacti and loves gardening. She is also a folk singer/songwriter and is currently writing and recording nine folk-style songs to accompany each of her fantasy books. You can listen to and download all the songs from her website: www.caspeace.com 


See the video of her performing live at the King’s Envoy book launch here: http://www.caspeace.com/cas-peace/the-wheel-will-turn




Author Facebook ~


Facebook ~ Website ~




 ~ Blog ~ Amazon ~ Reverbnation ~

Author Social Media Links:



Excerpt #3 - from Book 3 Full Circle:
Sullyan turned at last to the one who waited patiently beside her, watching her quietly. Jessy’s warm blue eyes, lighter in shade than her brother’s, sparkled with the life she’d lost too soon, and they smiled her love into the golden eyes that gazed back in wonder. She stood happy and proud, as she’d never been in life, radiating thankfulness, approval and … something else. Anticipation?
Jessy?

We greet you, Brynne Sullyan. We’re very pleased you’ve come back.
Jessy’s gentle voice, a treasured memory for so long, broke another barrier within Sullyan. She accepted back her name, and all that went with it. She felt whole again, although until now she hadn’t been aware of her fragmentation. She raised tear-filled eyes.

Oh, Jessy!
Two arms came around her and held her tight as she wept out all her despair, all the self-blame, all the regret, the longing, the fear, and the shame. In a cleansing rush it came out, and when it was gone, it left her spent and helpless. She was held all the while, although it was the sense of presence in her heart, now beating again with warm lifeblood, that gave her the most comfort. And she realized, with a start of shock, that they had always been there, those comforting influences, the source of her strength and control.

Then the pressure of the arms eased and the spirit of Robin’s sister stepped back.
Come, Sullyan. Time grows short and there is someone yet you must speak with.
The words sounded in her mind—Jessy’s smiling lips didn’t move. Sullyan felt her hand clasped and she didn’t resist the gentle tug. She followed Jessy and, although her surroundings didn’t change, they left the others behind, their eyes watchful. She felt no sense of loss as their figures faded. They were always with her.

Then another presence appeared before her. A thrill of recognition and shock ran the full length of her soul. A woman, delicate and slim, like herself. A fine mane of tawny hair, although not as long as her own. A fine-featured, oval face. Beautiful, warm brown eyes. A welcoming smile that said more than words could ever express. The woman stepped two paces forward, her arms held wide.
Sullyan stopped dead. It just couldn’t be.


Song List:  
Circle of Conspiracy Songlist.







To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page 





For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! I also promise that I never have and never will share your information or email address with anyone or any organisation.  http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

Wednesday 14 November 2018

Dream of the Forest - Spotlight and #Giveaway


The Dream of the Forest
by
Stjepan Varesevac Cobets
Genre: SF Romance Adventure
The year is 2197. More than one hundred years have passed since the natural destruction of the Earth's surface. The surviving inhabitants are now living in Heavenly Cities high above the clouds with no intention of ever descending back to the unstable surface again. Helen  is a lawyer who lives in one of those cities. Her life is almost perfect, but very soon she is going to find out that it was all just an illusion as her dreams scatter like leaves in the wind and the only thing left for her to return to will be her hometown. But on her way home, an almost fatal car accident on the heavenly highway turns her life in a drastically new direction. Helen finds herselfcrashing down onto the Earth's destructive surface and landing in a forest world that is completely alien to her with a million and one questions and very few answers. The number 1 question being - is it really true what the government told her and the surviving population that no one ever survived down on Earth? Well, what if the truth was the complete opposite? What if there really were survivors?



Stjepan Varesevac-Cobets was born on 12 September 1965 in Split, Croatia. He lives and works in Kastel Sucurac, where he finished his elementary and secondary schooling. At a very young age, he started reading and loved it because, through books, he traveled to places he could never visit in person. As a child, he loved fairy tales and adventure but later discovered other genres. When he found a Jules Verne book in the library, he became fascinated by science fiction. He has been writing poetry for fifteen years and has started writing science fiction. Lately, he has also written children's fairy tales and fables.


He has published, in Croatia, "An Opened Heart" in 2002, "The Sleepy Way" in  2005, and "Love" in 2006. On Amazon he has published the poetry collections "The Child of Happiness" in 2015, science fiction novel "Godeena" in 2015, the
science fiction short story "Butterfly" in 2016, the poetry collection "When the moon takes over the dream: Love Poetry" in 2016, and in 2017 the poetry collection "The Flaming Horses: Collection of poetry". He also translated his new SF novel "The Dream of the Forest".
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* Twitter * Amazon
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MY MESSENGER
I like your ideas,
Cruising among my reflections,
I feel you,
You're the messenger with a torch,
Leading me through the rocks of my mind.
Try to show me my way.

I imbibe your light
As a balm healing me
And opening like a flower
That blooms every hundred years.

You're my messenger sent by love,
To show me the way
In the world of dreams,
Along which I walk


Like a vagabond from the entirety of my life.

Follow the tour HERE
for exclusive excerpts, guest posts and a giveaway!





For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! I also promise that I never have and never will share your information or email address with anyone or any organisation.  http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

Friday 13 May 2016

Novus - Spotlight and Giveaway


Novus Novus by Crystal Marcos Ideal for Hunger Games and Divergent fans, Crystal Marcos delivers Novus, a riveting novel set in a dystopian future of action-adventure, suspense, and romance. Intriguing characters and a gripping storyline keep the reader turning page after page. Being a teenager is hard enough. And what if your life's path is pre determined? On top of that, you aren't even Human? Cayden was given life as a Cresecren. He expected to live out his days with the dysfunctional Human family he was assigned to serve. One fateful night, however, landed him in Gavaron, the home of maimed, elderly, or defiant Cresecren. Beyond its borders is the Den, an area much more dangerous than he ever imagined. Now seventeen, Cayden unwittingly becomes involved in a conspiracy and is one of a handful of survivors fleeing a deadly attack. They set off on a perilous journey in search of refuge and the truth. Along the way, Cayden begins to comprehend the difference between fully living and merely surviving, while trying to balance his emotions and a forbidden love.

Novus Award Novus Award2 Novus Award3
Awards: ~"Official Selection" Winner in the Young Adult category, 2015 New Apple Book Awards!~ ~Winner Best Books in the Young Adult category, 2016 Pinnacle Book Achievement Awards!~ NOVUS (The Cresecren Chronicles, Book 1) has recently received two book awards! To celebrate the eBook will be on SALE for $1.99 until 5/15/2016 amazon get it Praise for the Book: “Novus by Crystal Marcos is one of those gems that make you care about the characters within the story, and while you definitely want to know what happens to them, you can't help but also not want to get to the end of the book. It's the kind of book whose characters you miss when you finish the book.” ~Kim Anisi for Readers' Favorite- 5 STARS
amazonbarnes and noble
    
 Excerpt

Famous and Alecander had just reached the trees when another man jumped from the vehicle to the ground. He reached overhead to grab the rifle from the marksman as another gideon approached at top speed. I turned and joined Alecander and Famous as they rode through the woods dodging trees, bushes, and branches. Gunshots whizzed through the woods. A sizzling sound zipped by my left ear and gouged a hole the size of my fist in a nearby tree. I had heard of the “Bleeding Heart” but never witnessed it in action. It was designed to take out an enemy’s heart. I quickly decided to run in a zig-zag pattern through the forest to make it more of a challenge to hit me. This was not easy to do as I had to avoid trees and foliage. I knew they would pursue us until they killed us. My only concern was how long I could elude them. Why did they want us dead? 

Crystal Marcosadd to goodreads new   Author Crystal Marcos Award-winning author Crystal Marcos has been a storyteller her entire life. As the oldest of five children, she had to do a lot of entertaining. She lives on the Kitsap Peninsula in Washington State with her husband, daughter Kaylee, and infant son Jaxon. Crystal is the author of BELLYACHE: A Delicious Tale and HEADACHE: The Hair-Raising Sequel to BELLYACHE. Novus, her third book and first Young Adult novel, is Book One of The Cresecren Chronicles.
  Blast Giveaway – $100 Amazon Gift Card or $100 in Paypal Cash Ends 5/19/16 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the participating authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.   a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday 22 April 2016

Kings Ransom Review Spotlight, #Giveaway and Review

Young Knights - Banner (New)

BOOK INFORMATION

TITLE – Young Knights of the Round Table: The King’s Ransom AUTHOR – Cheryl Carpinello GENRE – Middle Grade Arthurian Legend PUBLICATION DATE – 2016/2012 LENGTH (Pages/# Words) – 120 Pages PUBLISHER – Beyond Today Educator COVER ARTIST – Kaytalin Platt

Young Knights - Cover

BOOK SYNOPSIS

Answer the hero's call to Adventure with the Young Knights of the Round Table on their Quest.

Three friends. Three quests. Three mysterious predictions.

In medieval Wales, eleven-year-old Prince Gavin, thirteen-year-old orphan Philip, and fifteen-year-old blacksmith's apprentice Bryan are brought together in friendship by one they call the Wild Man. When an advisor to the king is killed and a jewelled medallion is stolen from the king's treasury, the Wild Man is accused of the theft and murder. Filled with disbelief at the arrest of the Wild Man, the three friends embark upon a knight's quest to save their friend's life. To succeed, the three must confront their fears and insecurities, and one of them will have to disclose the biggest secret of all. Join Gavin, Philip, and Bryan on their quest and share the adventures that await them in the land of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table.

My Review

This is an excellent young adult adventure which I really enjoyed.The three main characters are very well drawn and it is easy to relate to them and their various personalities, and while they each come from different backgrounds, their bond of friendship is strong and enduring.  A tale of loyalty and courage, set in medieval Wales in the time of King Arthur, i was immediately drawn into the story. Being from Wales myself, and steeped in both Celtic and Arthurian legend I found nothing that drew me out of the story and it kept me turning the pages. There is a great  double twist at the end, involving two of the major characters, and I really didn't see it coming.  This is not only a wonderfully told adventure story for young people, but one that I can imagine would fire their imagination and create a lasting interest in reading and history.  I can thoroughly recommend 'Kings Ransome for boys and girls of all ages, as well as young at heart adults.

Young Knights - Full Wrap

EXCERPT

Prince Gavin
Gavin’s gaze was drawn back to the castle’s battle-scarred walls and the heavily armed guards. The evil emanating from the structure surrounded and held him captive, like a lone deer surrounded by hungry wolves in the dead of winter, unable to move, its eyes glassy with fear, its limbs frozen by the hypnotic gleam of the wolves’ yellow eyes. Even knowing its life was ending, the deer wouldn’t break and run. So Gavin sat frozen in front of the castle. 
The enormity of his quest enveloped Gavin and he sighed. Continuing on meant he might save the Wild Man, but he might put himself in danger as well. King Edward was his father’s enemy and possibly responsible for Aldred’s murder. If Gavin were caught, Edward wouldn’t treat him kindly. The young prince summoned his courage and focused on the Wild Man. It had seemed so simple last night in the company of Bryan and Philip.
Philip
“I’ll be lucky if I ever get to the top. I need another lightning strike,” he muttered. He pushed himself upward. It took several more minutes and more backward progress before his wish for lightning was fulfilled. With the few seconds of illumination it provided, P

hilip spied a trail to the left leading to the top. He made his way over and was rewarded with firmer footing provided by the rocks imbedded in the dirt. He made it to the top in half the time it had taken him to get to the trail. 
At the peak, the relentless wind nearly toppled him. But Philip had too much at stake to be defeated. He hauled himself into the full brunt of the storm. Out to sea, the whitecaps rose and fell like his chest. His breathing, like the waves, was choppy and erratic. Philip stepped back from the cliff’s edge and looked around. A blast of white light flashed across the sky, revealing a small cave to the right. There was no sign of Dunham. For a moment, Philip gave into panic. Maybe the murderer had already been here, contacted the ship, and gone.
Bryan
He rode hard, not sparing his horse. It was in his hands now. His failure would mean the Wild Man would die along with his dream of becoming a knight. After crossing the Western Cleddan River twice and using the main roads, he avoided the mayhem left by the storm, and rode into the quiet village of Fishguard early that evening. The fishermen were likely already asleep. They would be up before dawn and the work of hauling in loaded nets was grueling. Only the tavern where he stopped to purchase cheese and bread showed any activity. On his way to Strumble Head, he ate and washed it down with the water he had packed. 
He reached the Head at around eleven o’clock as the night was at its darkest. Only a sliver of moonlight forced its way through the clouds. It provided minimal light, but it was enough. He tied the grey in a stand of scrub well away from the trail, grabbed his sword, and walked to the point of the Head. The beach was deserted. His gaze swept the sea. Nothing.


AUTHOR BIO

Author Photo
I am a retired high school English teacher. A devourer of books growing up, my profession introduced me to writings and authors from times long past. Through my studies and teaching, I fell in love with the Ancient and Medieval Worlds. Now, I hope to inspire young readers and those young-at-heart to read more through my Quest Books set in these worlds.
Also please visit my other sites: Carpinello’s Writing Pages where I interview Childrens/Tween/MG/YA authors; and The Quest Books where I’ve teamed up with Fiona Ingram from South Africa and Wendy Leighton-Porter of Abu Dhabi to enable readers to find our Ancient and Medieval quest books in one place.

AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS


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