New Release Spotlight: "The Nameless Soldier," a Young Adult Fantasy by Annie Douglass Lima

The Nameless Soldier is book 4 in the Annals of Alasia young adult fantasy series. Haven't read all (or any) of the others? That's okay! The books can be read in any order, and each one can stand on its own.

Blurb:

What do you do when you’re the only survivor?

Nineteen-year-old Tarvic bears the name of a mighty hero from Alasia’s past. However, the young soldier feels anything but heroic when he regains consciousness to find himself the lone survivor of a brutal attack by invaders from the neighboring kingdom.

Forced to leave his identity behind, Tarvic is thrust into civilian life in the role of protector to three war orphans. When the four of them encounter a mysterious stranger, he must choose between keeping the young girls safe and taking on a mission that could help free his kingdom. Can Tarvic live up to his noble name and find a way to balance his duty and his dreams?

Clean Indie Reads Back to School eBook Sale September 1-8

Here we go again! Another school year is about to begin. After you get the kids ready for reading, writing and 'rithmetic, treat yourself to some new eBooks to keep you entertained through fall. Here are 21 discounted titles from Clean Indie Reads authors, all with a high school or college theme. Many genres: romance, sports, new adult, YA, coming of age, fantasy, paranormal. Priced FREE through 2.99. Sale ends September 8. Note: please check all prices before clicking the "BUY" button. Each individual author is responsible for ensuring the correct sale price for her book(s).

New Release Spotlight: Drakkar ~ Beyond the Lie, a Paranormal/Fantasy by Sandra Bischoff

Sandra Bischoff is a fellow Hudson Valley author and a three-time participant in Middletown Thrall Library's Local Authors and Illustrators Showcase, which I am proud to help organize. This is her latest release, third in her paranormal/fantasy series.

~ About the Book ~

Drakkar Dragoni, the only son of Princess Absinthe Dragoni, always believes what his mother tells him. Humans are nothing more than cattle bred to nourish their kind, and her half brother, Jared Bonatelli, stole a kingdom which is rightfully hers. Drakkar vows to right this wrong, even if it means Jared dies by his hand. But what if none of it is true?

What if this is his mother's biggest lie yet? Who can he turn to? Who will help him escape the prison within his own home?

~ An Excerpt ~

The gods must have been on his side for once. When they got to Serenity’s house, her mother was asleep. There were no awkward introductions and no explanations as to why he needed to stay there till the next night. Nope, nothing like that. Instead, Nettie whisked him to the lower level in the immense home and led him to a cozy nook of a guest room, far away from any windows.  

Flipping on the light, she set about pulling blankets and pillows from the closet, tossing them on the full size bed across the room. Drake took advantage of her distraction and sat, watching her. She was nothing like the women he was accustomed to. That was saying a hell of a lot given the only female he was repeatedly subjected to happened to be Absinthe. With her as a role model, he’d been spoon fed manipulation and hatred since the crib and there was no end to it in sight.

He put a hand on the pile of pillows and linen beside him. “Exactly how many of these do you think I need?”

“Oh, is there not enough?” She turned to face him, blowing some stray hair out of her eyes. “I can probably find some more.”

“No, I think you have enough to smother me to oblivion right here. I’m good, thanks.” He chuckled.

“What? I figured since I don’t have a coffin, at least I could create a comfortable cocoon for you this way.”

“Cocoon? What the -  Serenity, I’m not a caterpillar. And I certainly don’t sleep in a coffin, geez. Friggin’ Hollywood.”

Nettie frowned, crossing her arms over her chest. “Hello! Joke! I’m only trying to make you comfortable.”

“Oh.” He patted the mattress beside him. Serenity flashed one more look of annoyance before sitting. “As long as we just keep sunlight away, I’ll be fine. The room has no windows, so we’re golden right now.”

“You’re sure? You don’t need anything else? How about something for that headache? I’m sure I can find some aspirin or something. Just give me a second to scrounge some up.” Nettie stood and sprinted for the door, only to have him snag her wrist, preventing her from leaving.

“Like I told you before, I’ll be fine.” He yawned. “Thanks for letting me crash here. I appreciate it. You don’t even know me. I could be a monster, yet you trust me in your home.”

He pulled her closer until she stood right in front of him. Cupping his cheek in her hand, Nettie bent till they were nose to nose. “Drakkar, you aren’t a monster. We met tonight for a reason and I have to believe it’s because I’m supposed to help you somehow.”

He gazed deeply into her eyes. She meant every word she said, believed it even. What if it was true? What if he was dropped there by someone or something so they could meet? But why? So many damn questions, but no answers.

“You know, if I decide to kill everyone in this house, there’s nothing you can do to stop me.”

She nibbled her lip, still cupping his cheek. “Think so?”

He nodded. “Bet your life on it.” 

Nettie leaned closer. Their lips were a breath apart. “That’s a bet I’d make any day.”

“Oh yeah?” His own voice was a mere whisper.

“Yup. I have a crossbow and I know how to use it. I’ll stake your ass before you could blink those pretty blue eyes of yours.” Serenity pulled away from him and headed for the door. “Just hit number one on the intercom if you need anything.” The door closed quietly behind her.

~ About the Author ~

Sandra Bischoff lives in the historic town of Cornwall, NY with her extremely patient husband and teenage son she affectionately calls the Demon. She is a Pharmacist by profession but found her true calling in a simple twist of fate. A friend approached her to write in a forum on a popular networking website. Over the next five years, her passion had found its niche. She went on to compose a few poems and short stories which she would post on her homepage at the same networking site.  

Her debut novel, Beyond the Sun, was published April 2013 by Bayou Brew Publishing. She recently was named to Amazon's best seller list in the Fantasy/Epic category. Sandra's second book in this series entitled Beyond Time was released earlier this spring in time for the Romantic Times Convention in New Orleans where she was a featured author at the Book Fair.

She has since left Bayou Brew Publishing to embark on the next chapter of her writing career, Independent Publishing. As of this time she has re-released both books in e-book and paperback formats. They can be found on Amazon.com.

~ Other books by Sandra Bischoff ~

Beyond the Sun

Beyond Time
  
~ Connect with Sandra Bischoff ~

Website

Blog

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Cover Reveal! Sandi Bischoff's Paranormal / Fantasy "Drakkar ~ Beyond the Lie," Book 3 in the Dark Order of the Dragon Series

Drakkar Dragoni, the only son of Princess Absinthe Dragoni, always believed what his mother told him. Humans were nothing more than cattle, raised to nourish their kind and her half brother, Jared Bonatelli, stole from her a kingdom that was rightfully hers. He vowed to right this wrong even if it meant Jared dies by his hand.

But what if none of it was true?

 What if it was all.... A LIE?

Who can he turn to?
Who can he trust to help him make things right again?

~ Excerpt ~

From the edge of the clearing a dark figure lurked among the shadows. Weaving between the trees, the uninvited guest tried to get as close as he could to the soft music and candle lit tent behind the grand blue Victorian mansion. Muffled conversation and laughter drifted in his direction on the crisp February breeze.

Something inside him ached to be a part of it. To slip inside the tent and watch the celebration up close and personal. He’d never known true happiness. Never witnessed the purest form of love these people were now basking in. What he wouldn’t give to feel it for himself, just once.

Yeah, sure, and pigs will one day sprout wings and fly away.

A vibration in his back pocket stopped him in his tracks. Drakkar pulled his cellphone out glancing at the screen. Narrowing his eyes at the caller’s name, he debated about answering it. What was the worst that could happen? With any luck ignoring her would have him thrown out on the street in no time. In fact that was the lesser of two evils.

Swiping his thumb across the screen he closed his eyes readying for the rant that was about to come. All it took was a split second. His mother’s shriek made his ears bleed.

“Drakkar! Where the hell have you been? I’ve been trying to call you for hours.” Absinthe’s voice was hard and cold. It resembled nothing a mother worried about her only son’s whereabouts would sound like.

“I was in class. What do you want?” He snarled back at her. It was all a lie but she had no clue. Absinthe only cared about herself.

“That’s no way to address me, Drakaar. You forget I can have your pathetic existence squashed at any moment.” She threatened.

“So you keep reminding me.” It was getting to the point where he wished she would make good on her threat. At least then he could be free of her. Counting to ten he relaxed slightly. “Was there something you needed?” Mommy Dearest.

“Much better.” She purred making his skin crawl. “I need you to come directly home after school gets out. Something has come up.”

Oh for the love of…

Drakaar strained his neck to see two people sneaking out of the tent. The wolf and his bride made a quick check of their surroundings before disappearing through glass French doors. His sensitive hearing caught the sweet sound of her voice just as she whispered her love to him. With a growl the wolf kicked the door shut. The silhouette of the groom carrying his bride across the room vanished around a corner inside the house. The reflected glow from Drake’s eyes dimmed against the bark of the tree he hid behind.

“Drakaar?” Absinthe’s voice broke his concentration.

Gritting his teeth, he shrugged off the invisible hand he knew she would have placed on his shoulder. “What?”

“I said I need you home. Are you well? You don’t sound like yourself.”

He wasn’t fooled by the concern in her voice. Absinthe could care less if something was bothering him. The only reason she might even give it a second thought was if the issue interfered with her plans. Gods forbid he might be feeling, worrying or even needing something. If it didn’t concern her, his mother didn’t want to be bothered.

Glancing back toward the large white tent, Drakkar noticed people starting to leave. He shrunk back into the brush allowing the branches to swallow him. “Fine. I’ll be there.”

“Excellent. Do try to not be late.” And then the Poison Princess was gone.

“Thanks for small favors.” He whispered.

There was no point in telling her he cut out early to spy on the wedding. It would only piss her off and that was something he could do without. Ever since Bonatelli reared his ugly head, his mother did a complete one eighty on him. He used to actually believe Absinthe loved him. Now, he caught her looking at him with disgust. Even when she spoke to him it was infused with venom half of the time.

Yet, as he sat in the weeds watching the way her enemies interacted and spoke to each other, it was evident what he endured was not normal. Bonatelli and his cohorts did not seem to be the monsters Absinthe painted them to be. He actually treated everyone he met with a loving respect, especially his very pregnant wife. There was no mistaking what he saw between Jared and his soon to be Queen, unconditional -I’d die to protect you- love.

When had Absinthe ever treated him that way? The answer -never.

Drakkar slipped his phone in the side pocket of the backpack resting beside him before swinging it over his shoulder. A slight tingle on the back of his neck hinted sunrise was coming soon. If he sat here wishing on fairytales much longer, his mother’s wrath would be the least of his problems.

He was just about to turn and leave when the scent of strawberries hit him. Inhaling deeply, Drakkar looked toward the tent. A couple emerged accompanied by a black haired girl roughly his age. The scent grew stronger when the girl’s toffee colored eyes gazed in his direction. He couldn’t move. Just one look from her and he was paralyzed.

Drake’s gums began to throb painfully. He covered his mouth just as his fangs began to descend in his mouth and ducked deeper into the brush. The way his body reacted to the human confused him. He’d been around his mother’s human servants all of his life and he never had the urge to claim any of them. He did feed from them on occasion but this was different. Something inside him wanted her as his.

“I have to get out of here.”

He glanced back in her direction in time to see her slip on a patch of ice in the driveway. It was all he could do to hold himself back from running to her side and helping her. The tall human male next to her reached out to keep her from falling. Drake growled taking a few steps forward stopping before he exposed his hiding place. He watched her smile her thanks at the man and duck inside the car waiting for them. Once all three humans were safely inside, the limousine pulled away driving right past him and out to the main road.

Drakkar fell back against a tree. What the hell just happened to me?

The cell phone in his bag started vibrating again. There was only one person it could be. Drake pulled it out and looked at the screen. Absinthe’s name glared back at him. “Leave me the **** alone!” he snarled hurling the phone across the property.

Maybe that wasn’t the brightest thing he had ever done but it felt good to be rid of her if only for the moment. He’d come back tomorrow and retrieve it. Not like anyone would be out during the day here anyway.

Voices in the tent behind him gradually grew silent alerting him to the fact he was finally alone. The tingle in the back of his neck grew stronger. His reaction to the female cost him dearly. It was possible he wouldn’t make it home before sunrise now. Rather than pick his way back down the hill to where his ride was hidden, Drake opted for the quick leave vanishing into the morning fog.

~ About the Author ~

Sandra Bischoff lives in the historic town of Cornwall, NY with her extremely patient husband and teenage son, she affectionately calls the Demon. She is a Pharmacist by profession but found her true calling in a simple twist of fate. A friend approached her to write in a forum on a popular networking website. Over the next five years her passion had found its niche. She went on to compose a few poems and short stories which she would post on her homepage at the same networking site.Her debut novel, Beyond the Sun was published April 2013 by Bayou Brew Publishing. She recently was named to Amazon's best seller list in the Fantasy/Epic category. Sandra's second book in this series entitled Beyond Time was released earlier this spring in time for the Romantic Times Convention in New Orleans where she was a featured author at the Book Fair. She has since left Bayou Brew Publishing to embark on the next chapter of her writing career, Independent Publishing. As of this time she has re-released both books in e-book and paperback formats. They can be found on Amazon.com.

~ Other books by Sandra Bischoff ~

Beyond the Sun

Beyond Time

New Release Spotlight: K. Caffee's Fantasy Novella Beslynx Spiritwalker

Beslynx Spiritwalker

 A Companion Novella to the Followers of Torments Saga  

What do you do when a family curse puts you in direct opposition to Pack Law? 

Beslynx is a werecat born to a werewolf pack. She faces that question every day of her life, until her secret is revealed by her younger brother. Now that it has been disclosed, she must find answers quickly to survive in a world fearful of all wereclans. Beslynx Spiritwalker is a companion novella to the Follower of Torments series. Join her as she shares her story prior to Into the Sunlits. Available on Amazon

The author says:

Beslynx was a hard character to introduce into the story.  Like most cats, she refused to be trapped, which made including her in the story a bit of a challenge.  As I progressed into then next book, And Keep This in Mind, I had trouble understanding what motivated her, and why she was so strongly independent.  And, so asked the question “Where did she come from?”  The novella is the answer that emerged after several long nights of discussion with her.

Excerpt:

Decca tried to distract me, but nothing would give me peace.  Not even her mincemeat cookies that she saved for a treat when the first snow dusted the ground white.  Though I was three at the time, I felt the lure of my heritage and was doing my immature best to answer it.

Frisk, two years older than I and the most advanced of my playmates, had only just learned that he was a waning fear.  Once we were inside, he vanished to hide in the other room.    Bae, who was from the same litter, had yet to discover his moon phase, even though he often surpassed Frisk with his skills. He found the toys Decca kept for us when we were confined indoors while visiting, and started playing with them.  As for Dru and I, everyone expected us to have the same moon phase, because we were littermates.  Some even expected us to have the same ruling emotion.  Somehow, even at that age, I doubted the second expectation was right.  

While I paced and fretted from the forced inaction, Dru had gone to cower in Decca’s bed under the covers like the frightened toddler I should have been.  Why could I not be outside fighting?

“Bes, you need to calm down, dear.  It is not safe for you out there.  Dreven will not let anyone get to the house.  You will not need to prove yourself the proper warrior just yet.”  Decca crooned to me, after giving up distracting me.  “Come here.  We can watch from the window.”

Oh, she said the magic word ― watch!  I eagerly followed her into the other room.  We passed Bae, who was immersed in a game of cat’s cradle with himself on our way to the window.  The need to know what was going on outside overpowered even the siren’s call of my favorite game, a call I had never been able to ignore before.  This time, though, something else had captured my imagination and ignited my soul.  

At the window, Decca placed a chair so I could climb up to watch.  She arranged it so I could not climb over the back and get out, however.  With a resigned sigh, I obeyed the hint, and knelt on the seat to watch.  

“What does this pup want, all of a sudden?  I can tell her what is happening out there.  She wants to be somewhere that she should not be; where I cannot let her be.” She grumbled under her breath just loud enough for me to hear her displeasure.  She angled herself so she could watch me and keep an eye on what was happening. 

To my eyes, despite the howls and cries from near the valley’s entrance, the afternoon appeared to be unchanged.  There were no rivers of blood, no maimed and dead bodies piling up, or fields of heads rolling past, despite the ongoing shrieks and cries of battle.  That all changed abruptly, when a monstrous form burst through the trees screening Dreven’s house from the others.  The form charging towards the house was not Dreven.

About the Author

 ,

Born in Houston, Texas, K. Caffee has a long history of spinning captivating tales for a wide range of interested people.  One of her earliest memories is being lost in a huddle of adults as a kindergartener on her way to a church choir camp. Whatever tale she had been telling was captivating enough the entire group missed a rest stop, and the bus driver proved to be very patient when the 20 or so adults all requested an emergency stop about an hour after the scheduled one. After several years of running various role play campaigns, K. Caffee thought her story telling days were done.  She entered the work force, then school, but the stories were not done with her.  The Followers of Torments saga ambushed her in 2014 with the ultimatum “write.. or don’t sleep.”  As you can tell, despite a valiant effort to focus solely on school, K. Caffee lost the fight.  And, now, despite still carrying an overloaded graduate schedule, she continues to write and more of the pukah who gave her the ultimatum in the first place are lining up at the mental doors demanding to be let in. What free time she can pry out of the hands of her story and her school work she devotes to her two furry, feline owners, human family, and discovering new friends on Facebook, Twitter, or keeping up with documenting the various non-story thoughts she gets on her blog.

Connect with K. Caffee

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Amazon

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