Book Excerpt: Enter, Knight by K.A. Keith

 

Inside the Book:

Title: Enter Knight 

Author: K.A. Keith 

Publisher: iUniverse 

Genre: Fiction 

Format: Ebook/Paperback

Two infants, born simultaneously, are infused with otherworldly energies as the most ancient evil stirs. The Knight Apieron Farsinger, and Adestes Malgrim represent the heights of their opposing martial traditions in classic East versus West confrontation. In this medieval action adventure, Apieron's country Ilycrium is conquered, while more sinister assaults transpire from beyond the lands of light. The Knight Apieron Farsinger, father to three small children and husband to a gentle wife, must leave hearth and home in quest to confront the Dragon Queen in her Hellish lair. Treacherous allies, unexpected friendships, love, and the conflicts of honor all color Apieron's journey to save his land and family. The other recipient of the Starburn, Adestes Malgrim, is a peerless warrior and assassin of the cult of the Dragon. In this sweeping work of fantasy, adventure and war draw both champions into deadly strife time and again as preternatural forces vie for mastery. Their fated enmity will change the world.

EXCERPT:

Book Excerpt

In this scene, the young troubadour, Rudolph Mellor (nickname Jamello), confronts the paladin Xephard on the eve before the party’s descent into the Hel plain:

Jamello regarded the holy warrior. “Xephard the Fearless. How does one accomplish this?

The paladin’s deep voice was slow and serene. “I have thought on your question. It is one I have answered before, but never well. I will make amends now.

“Simply this …it is easier to be brave than not. The ugly part of fear is that it immobilizes one to action.” The paladin paused, gathering his thoughts. “The rabbit runs, not because he is afraid, but because that is his nature. If fear covers him, he freezes in the face of danger and is taken. The secret of courage is then to do a positive action despite one’s fear.”

“And you?” asked Jamello softly.

“I have no mantle of courage to slip on, having no need of such virtue. From my northern fathers, I know that the thread length of my life was wound by the Norns at the time of my birth. When it plays out, I will die. This knowledge is a mighty gift.”

“Is that all?”

Xephard smiled warmly. “No. Long ago, I gave our goddess of wisdom and war, the soldier’s friend, every breath and shout and fiber of my being. I have no hidden self to fear or hurt. I have been shriven.”

“Nothing left to lose?” said Jamello wryly.

“Exactly!” beamed Xephard. He lapsed into silence. Jamello thought him done, until the temple peer lifted his head once more. “The holy mistress of Lampus says that how one lives out his days is what is important. If one’s deeds in this life are found worthy, Spear Goddess will gather you to Her circle of champions to live again as a chosen of her court, to be a hero most excellent.

Do you this thing, Rudolph Mellor.” The paladin’s cloud-blue eyes gleamed in the dark as he spoke.

That said, Xephard lay back and fell apparently into untroubled sleep. Jamello groaned inwardly. He always knew that Cynthia would lure him into an inescapable fix. At last he reclined, troubled by shivering nightmares and dire, waking images such that he was surprised to find Henlee’s booted toe nudging him awake after the others had apparently risen with the dawn, such as it was in this bleak and blasted place.

He sat up and blinked.

Meet the Author:

K. A. Keith was born in Oklahoma. He has studied in Rome, lived and worked with Arab peoples, and served with distinction as a flight surgeon in Just Cause and Desert Storm. Enter, Knight is book one of an epic fantasy duology. The whirlwind tale continues in Hel's Storm, iUniverse 2016.

Book Feature: Unloved Again by Elan Golomb

 

Inside the Book:

Title: Unloved Again 

Author: Elan Golomb 

Publisher: iUniverse 

Genre: Psychology 

Format: Ebook/Paperback

Love can be hell. It is not an accident which moves us to love the wrong person or to hate the right one, over and over again.

Most of us remain unaware of how to escape this perpetual cycle of bad relationships.

 • Do you continually fall for the wrong person?
 • Do you find yourself driving the right person away?
 • Do your relationships quickly switch from blissful to tortured?
 • Do you criticize unreasonably or find yourself being criticized disproportionally?

 In Unloved Again, Dr. Elan Golomb identifies the crux of emotional and psychological problems which underlie love's repeated failures. Only in addressing these deep-seated issues can one escape the dance of romantic folly. With this book you will uncover the secret to enjoying a happy and lasting love life.

Meet the Author:

Elan Golomb earned her doctorate in clinical psychology and her certificate in psychoanalysis and psychotherapy from New York University. She has been in private practice in New York since 1972. She is also the author of Trapped in the Mirror: Adult Children of Narcissistic Parents in Their Struggle for Self.

Book Feature: Amelia's Prayer by Christiane Banks

 

Inside the Book:

Title: Amelia's Prayer 

Author: Christiane Banks 

Publisher: iUniverse 

Genre: Religious Fiction 

Format: Ebook/Hardcover/Paperback

Sebastian Lavalle is just fifteen when he leaves home in 1934 to join the navy. Seven years later, Sebastian unfortunately knows all too well about the horrors of World War II and what it is like to fear the unknown. When repairs force his ship to the rugged shore of Newcastle, the young French naval officer is invited to a tea dance to celebrate Bastille Day. He seizes the opportunity, hoping to find comfort and a small taste of the home he misses so much. Amelia Sullivan, the daughter of Irish immigrant parents is thrilled to be attending the tea dance. When Sebastian's eyes find her in the crowd, he drinks in her exotic beauty. Moments later as he draws her into his arms for a dance, there is no doubt in his mind that he has just met the woman of his dreams. Days later, Sebastian professes his love and marries her, sending them both on an unforgettable journey through betrayal, survival and forgiveness. The saga takes the reader from England's coast, to the French Riviera and also to America. Their soul searching journey explores the many facets and depths of love leading to the realization of what true happiness means.. Amelia's Prayer is a tender and moving saga spanning forty years after two young souls are flung together during World War II.  

ORDER INFORMATION

Amelia's Prayer is available for order at

Meet the Author:

Christiane Banks lives in Ontario, Canada, with her husband. Amelia's Prayer, which took six years to write, is her debut novel.

Cover Reveal: Beloved Beast by Karyn Gerrard

Inside the Book:

Title: Beloved Beast

Author: Karyn Gerrard

Publisher: Lyrical Press

Genre: Victorian

Format: Ecopy

If a man can live forever . . .

A lifetime ago, the debauched Viscount Ravenswood lost his life, only to be revived as as new man with a new name…and a new desire for love. Now, scarred and monstrous of visage, Luke Madden has outlived his beloved wife. Crushed by loss and despair, he swears to never feel such a love again. For such a perfect mingling of souls could never happen twice in one lifetime. Especially for a beast such as Luke believes himself to be . . . . . . 

how can he love forever? 

Gillian Browning is a bold woman of action. But her spy activities in pre-war Germany have made her a target. Now in London, she is being hunted by ruthless Nazi operatives. Luckily, a fellow spy knows someone who can protect her—Luke. Taking Gillian to his former home in the country, he reluctantly finds himself caring for her more than he thought possible, and to his surprise she reciprocates. But when a threat from Luke’s own past increases their peril, he must decide if he has the true strength to love—and trust—again . . .

Meet the Author

Karyn lives in a small town in the western corner of Ontario, Canada. She whiles away her spare time writing and reading romance and drinking copious amounts of Earl Grey tea. Karyn loves to write historicals, particularly in the Victorian era. She also writes contemporaries. Tortured heroes are a must.

As long as she can avoid being hit by a runaway moose in her wilderness paradise she assumes everything is golden.

Karyn's been happily married for a long time to her own hero. His encouragement keeps her moving forward.

You can find me on Twitter as well.

And Facebook

And Pinterest

 

Book Feature: The Devouring God by James Kendley

INSIDE THE BOOK

 

Title: The Devouring God 

Author: James Kendley 

Publisher: Harper Voyager Impulse 

Genre: Supernatural Thriller 

Format: Kindle/Paperback

Runaways in southern Japan are stripping the flesh from their victims, and only a disgraced former detective can stop the spreading madness in this dark and thrilling sequel to The Drowning God.

It's been three years since security guard Tohru Takuda and his reluctant band of monster hunters defeated the Kappa of the Naga River. Now, a mysterious artifact is driving innocents in Southern Japan to flay their friends alive, and the grisly murders turn Takuda's world upside down. Disheartened and impoverished, he struggles to lead his rag-tag team to find the artifact before it poisons the entire nation. Takuda is caught between the police, the bloodthirsty murderers, and forces conspiring to harness the artifact's horrible powers.

And all the while, he must watch his back, because the most dangerous killer may be lurking among his own men…

ORDER INFORMATION

 

 

 

MEET THE AUTHOR

James Kendley has written and edited professionally for more than 30 years, first as a newspaper reporter and editor, then as a copy editor and translator in Japan (where he taught for eight years at private colleges and universities), and currently as an educational publishing content wrangler living in northern Virginia. He has a taste for the macabre, and he hopes you do, too!

For More Information

 Visit James’ website.

 Connect with James
     

The Cursed Fig Tree by Alexis Georg Hoen, author of Christianity and Cosmic Consciousness

  

Title: Christianity and Cosmic Consciousness 

Author: Alexis Georg Hoen 

Publisher: iUniverse 

Genre: Religion 

Format: Ebook 

 Born in the Ukraine, educated in Munich, and having practiced medicine in the United States, author Alexis Georg Hoen has been exposed to widely differing political systems and religious beliefs, and he has always maintained an interest as to the origin of these beliefs and their relation to the innermost nature of man. In Christianity and Cosmic Consciousness, he interprets the words and the sacrifice of Jesus as pointing the way toward a realization of our innermost nature—the will to live and love that exists within all. Sharing his experiences and ideas about Christ’s words and sacrifice, Hoen uses personal anecdotes and biblical examples to illustrate the nature of Christian belief. He provides a host of examples, including key illustrations from the Bible and relevant source material from other writers who address this topic. He shows us that through sacrifice we live in and for others. That is eternal life. Christianity and Cosmic Consciousness represents the core of Christian teaching without resorting to the supernatural and miraculous, yet doesn’t try to disprove it.  

THE CURSED FIG TREE

A puzzling story is related in the Gospel of Mark 11:12-14, continued in the verses 20-24, and in the Gospel of Matthew 21:18-22. Jesus is hungryand encounters a fig tree that has no fruit because, according to Mark, it is not time for it. He curses the tree and it withers. When the disciplesmarvel at the effect of Jesus's curse, he reminds them that prayer - in this case represented by his curse - can move mountains, that mind can controlmatter. But the mind in this case is vindictive, not appropriate for a divine person. The Church, of course would have us believe that Jesus wassubject to human emotions and temptations, yet he never sinned, so that he should never have given way to a hateful urge.

The "New American Bible" and the "New Catholic Commentary on the

Holy Scripture" interpret the fig tree in the story as a symbol for Israel disappointing God by its lack of fruitfulness and there are indeed numerousbiblical examples for such symbolism. But there is, at least in Mark's account, the statement that the tree was not to be expected to bear fruit thattime of year, and even if Jesus hungers for Israel's producing fruit, an irreversible destruction of it in anger seems unreasonable and not consistentwith the forgiving nature of Jesus's God.

Bertrand Russell quotes that story as one keeping him from believing in Jesus as a divine figure although he apparently admires him as an individual. A Non-Christian might agree with Russell that Jesus is but a human being, subject to fits of anger who just happens to be in a bad mood.The story in both Gospels quoted is closely associated with Jesus angrily driving out the traders from the Temple, in Matthew that event immediatelyprecedes the cursing of the fig tree, in Mark the Temple episode is sandwiched  in between the cursing of the tree and the discovery that it hadwithered. Perhaps Jesus was irritable because he did not have enough to eat and because he was worried about the fate that expected him in thenear future.

If, on the other hand, we firmly believe in the divinity of Jesus, we might consider his action as impossible to understand as God's decrees are. The belief in predestination, still held by some, is an example of the apparent unreasonableness and inscrutability  of God's decrees. There is a biblical quote that, I believe, can be more appropriately pared with the Gospel story we are considering than those statements quoted  by the "New American Bible" and the "Catholic Commentary" It is taken from Ezekiel17:24 and it reads: "...1, the Lord, ...wither the green tree and make the withered tree bloom." Jesus may have acted inscrutably as God by"withering the green tree."

But, aside from any considerations of the human frailty or divinity of Jesus we may find an important symbolic meaning in that story. The tree is made to wither because it does not exceed reasonable expectations.  Does that lesson not apply to our lives? A soldier becomes a hero if he does something  beyond the call of duty. A worker is promoted when heperforms in excess of normal expectations. Whenever we accept the status  quo, we stagnate and wither. In the

1960 some people left their secure environment and risked their lives by opposing bigots and trying to obtain equal rights for blacks. They certainly could not be expected to do that. Some were killed, but they are forever remembered, whereas their inert contemporaries will be forgotten  one by one. Jesus himself did not continue a peaceful existence as a carpenter but freely agreed to become a "spotless victim."

He was therefore "brought to life in spirit" (!Peter 3:18). No innovator conforms to expectations of his or her society. We all need to try to break out ofour shells because that is dictated  by our innermost divine creative nature that is dried up by inertia and conformism. That is the meaning we canderive from the withering of the poor, correctly behaving, tree.

Alexis Georg Hoen attended medical school in Munich. He immigrated to the United States at age twenty-five, and he practiced medicine in Los Angeles for fifty years. In addition to the study of religion, he enjoys gardening and spending time with his three children and six grandchildren.

Book Feature: Shadow of the Void by Nathan Garrison

INSIDE THE BOOK

 

Title: Shadow of the Void 

Author: Nathan Garrison 

Publisher: Harper Voyager Impulse 

Genre: Dark Fantasy 

Format: Kindle/Paperback

 

With comparisons to N.K. Jemison, Michael J. Sullivan, and Joe Abercrombie, readers have fallen in love with The Veiled Empire, the first book in The Sundered Worlds trilogy. Now, Nathan Garrison takes the story to the next level Shadow of the Void.

The Veil has fallen . . . and the gods have been woken.

For many, a new dawn has risen, as freedom from the tyrannical Emperor Rekaj has created a land replete with opportunities. But for those who had lived outside the Veil for generations, the sudden appearance of a new nation is not cause for celebration--it is the cause for war.

Yet, even as the political machinations of men and mierothi and valynkar start to manifest on a global scale, there are a few playing their own games. Whether it's the powerful combination of Vashodia and Jasside trying to carve out a country for those freed from the Veil, or the warrior Mevon and assassin Draevenus forming an unlikely alliance in search of the dark god Ruul, the world is in chaos...which might be exactly what some are counting on.

Continuing where Veiled Empire left off, Shadow of the Void shows us how individuals can shape their own destinies, but not necessarily control them.  

ORDER INFORMATION

 

 

 

MEET THE AUTHOR

     

 I have two great boys and an awesome wife who is way more supportive of my writing efforts than I deserve. I love playing guitar (the louder the better), cooking (the more bacon-y the better), playing board/video/card games with friends and family, and reveling in unadulterated geekery. Born in 1983, I’ve been writing stories since my dad bought our first family computer. I grew up on tales of the fantastic. From Narnia and Middle-Earth to a galaxy far, far away, I’ve always harbored a love for things only imagination can conjure up. I count it among the greatest joys of my life to be able to share the stories within me. 

  For More Information Visit Nathan’s website. 

 Connect with Nathan    

Book Feature: Four Score and More by LaVera Edick

 

Inside the Book:

Title: Four Score and More 

Author: LaVera Edick 

Publisher: Trafford 

Genre: Biography 

Format: Ebook/Paperback

Statement from Author I was born in 1925. This is my story of growing up on a farm and following the oft-times bumpy road of life. It is the story of my family and ancestors, those pioneers who cut the trails and paved the roads for our journey through life. Several major events helped shape the lives and attitudes of those born before 1940. It was a struggle raising a family in the thirties: not only was the nation in a financial crisis, Mother Nature was in an ugly mood. When people reminisce, they often talk about the “good times” they had during the “bad times.” There was a shortage of money but an abundance of love and family togetherness. A product of hardy pioneer stock, at an early age, I gained satisfaction from a hard day’s work well done. From managing a trucking business and selling brushes, I became first lady of an insurance company and pursued my dreams of becoming an artist. Statement from Jackie Glen, editor: If your grandparents, great-grandparents and their relatives lived in the 1800’s and early 1900’s in the Midwest, you will want to read this book that describes in detail what life was like on the farm. Personal anecdotes about the author and her family will put you in stitches or bring you to tears, but every tale will cause you to wonder how our ancestors survived. Their stories of hard work, sacrifice, and determination not only will remind you of where you came from, but provide a road map of the future.

“Flanked by the colorful stories of several generations before and after her, Edick shares her life journey through the often turbulent, historically and personally, 20th century – a genuine, heartfelt memoir.” –US REVIEW of BOOKS

Meet the Author:

LaVera and her faithful canine companion, a Westie named Tousie, are snowbirds these days. They spend their summers in Bismarck, North Dakota, and winters in Mesa, Arizona.

 

Wish for Me Book Blast today!

I'm happy to be hosting A. Star's WISH FOR ME BOOK BLAST today!

Title: WISH FOR ME
Author: A. Star
Publisher: Independent
Pages: 172
Genre: Steampunk Fantasy Romance

When the snarky Glory St. Pierre discovers the gold mechanical vase in her deceased grandmother’s basement, she has no idea that she has uncovered a priceless treasure: a genie lamp. With a real genie inside. A very sexy genie with a not-so-sexy grudge against the entire human race.

Irving Amir hates being called a genie. He’s a Djinn, and he is none too happy to be in the service of Glory, who is as intolerable, and beautiful, as humans come. Now he owes her his gratitude for freeing him and three wishes. Damn his luck.

But an arrow through the shoulder alerts Irving to the fact that he is being hunted, and after a truce dinner with Glory ends with them both almost being killed, hating each other goes right out the window. As feelings change and love starts to develop, they must dig through the secrets and lies to find the truth...a truth neither of them will ever see coming.

WARNING: Not suitable for ages 18 and under. A significant source of bad language, sexy times, and dirty jokes. If you suffer from a lack of a sense of humor, take with plenty of wine. If the symptom persists, see a doctor.

For More Information

• Wish For Me is available at Amazon.
• Pick up your copy at Barnes & Noble.

Book Excerpt:

“So, why are you here?” I held up a hand. “If you’re here to kill me, at least let me put some make-up on so I can be a pretty corpse like the ones in the movies.”

I laughed. He didn’t. I wanted to punch him, but before I could even open my mouth, Irving stalked forward and snatched all of the blankets from my bed.

“Hey! What the hell are you doing?” I exclaimed.

“There it is,” he said.

“There what is?” I looked down and saw the gold mechanical vase. “Oh, the vase thing?”

He shot me a look. “It is not a vase.” He looked down again. “It’s a Chronolier.”

“A what?”

“A Chronolier. It means ‘golden exodus’.”

“Golden exodus?” 

“Yes. But in simple, mortal terms even you could understand, it’s a lamp.”

I frowned. “Like a light lamp?”

“No.”

“A lava lamp?”

“What in the hell...no.”

I thought about it some more. Then laughed. “You can’t mean what I think you mean.”

He cocked his head at me. “What is it you think I mean?”

I pointed. “You think that’s a lamp. Like a genie lamp.”

“Djinn is the correct term and I don’t think anything. I know.”

“How do you know?”

“Because,” he said, “I’m the Djinn it belongs to.”

He didn’t even give me a chance to process that.

“Where is the key?” he asked.

“The key?” I remembered it had fallen off my bed and landed somewhere…

“There.” Irving knelt down and retrieved the key from under my bed. 

“So it is,” I mumbled, trying to blink away the approaching dizzy spell. 

“Thank Sultan,” he said, examining the key as he stood. He held it up. “This key is quite valuable, Glory St. Pierre. You should try not to be so careless with it.”

“Excuse you? I don’t even know what the fuck you’re talking about!”

Irving rolled his eyes like I was slow and should have caught on already. “You found my Chronolier and you turned this key, at least three times, correct? Which means, I’m yours for three wishes.”

I blinked. “Are you saying–”

“Yes, Glory. I’m a Djinn.” He blew out an impatient breath. “Or a genie. But if you call me that, I will make your life as unpleasant as possible at every opportunity.”

I stared at him. “Okay.” I reached down and dragged my covers off the floor and over my head. “I’m ready to wake up now.” This had to be a dream. I pointed toward the sky. “I blame you for this!” Old Addie would know who I was talking to.

“You are not dreaming, Glory,” Irving said.

The hell I wasn’t. Dude had just told me he was a fucking genie. I better be dreaming.

About the Author

A. Star is a fan of dirty passion. She loves to read it, and she damn sure loves to write it. She is the author of the Mythos: Gods & Lovers series and the Djinn Order series. She is a night-owl and a coffee junkie, and the only sneaker she would be caught dead wearing are Converses.

For More Information

• Visit A. Star’s website.
• Connect with A. Star on Facebook and Twitter.
• Check A. Star out on Pinterest.
• Find out more about A. Star at Goodreads.