Here’s the scene where he meets Shawnahur–a young upstart claiming to be a captain from the king.

A Meeting in an Inn

The room fell silent as Shawnahur entered. His boots sounded out like a drumbeat on the wooden boards. The men at the bar turned to face him while those around the tables kept their gaze down, but he could feel their attention on him just as intently. The sense of predators watching, so familiar from being among the pucklings, prickled along the back of his neck.

“Good step,” he greeted the room in general.

The man behind the bar nodded. “Mayhap. What can I get you?”

“Need a meal and mayhap a room. Anything like that around Falun?”

“Best in town right here!” someone shouted, obviously deep in his cups.

“Only one in town,” a man murmured, and others laughed.

“Shut up, Durrow,” growled the first.

“Make me.” Durrow stood, arms spread wide revealing a burly chest.

“Both of you, stuff it!” The owner glared, and the men subsided, grumbling. “No fighting here.” Satisfied they’d hold their peace, he turned back to Shawnahur. “We have lamb pottage that’s been cooking up a while, and a handful of rye loaves for an extra pence each. Will that suffice?”

“Aye, two meals, with the bread. And the room?”

“Not much, but better than being out in the open if the Hameen come through.”

“That happen often?” Shawnahur settled onto the free stool across from the man.

“Depends on what you mean by often.” He pulled two plates from under the counter and set them out. “Last time was about two steps ago. Sometimes ‘tis less, sometimes more. Came twice in as many steps once last cycle.”

Keenah, they say the Hameen attack frequently; let me know if you see any out there.

Aye, heart of my hearts, but who will fight besides you? Even together, I don’t like our odds against an army.

Hopefully, I find what’s left of Falun’s garrison and take them along. But honestly, I don’t know.

“You’re obviously new here.” The one called Durrow pulled out a stool and plopped down next to Shawnahur. “So lemme give you some friendly advice. The border towns survive but barely. Hameen raids are common; hence why you won’t find many women or children here. ‘Tis men who’re willin’ to either put up with the scrow or fight back. You look mighty young for fightin’ and too high and mighty to be acceptin’ their treatment. Take your rest, then go back wherever you came from.”

Shawnahur recognized Durrow for the hardened fighter he was—he’d met enough in Rian’s army. They stood for Muintir but didn’t care what else they did in the process.

“Thanks for the advice, but I can’t take it.”

A shaggy brow ran up the man’s forehead and hid behind his red hair. “Really? Well, now, are you just stupid?”

Shawnahur fought the impulse to reply with an equally scathing remark. Keenah had said there were people here longing for leadership. For hope. Mayhap if Durrow had hope he’d be a different man.

“Mayhap, though, I wish ‘twas the only problem. I’m under orders.”

“From whom?” The owner set a glazed mug—battered and worn—in front of Shawnahur.

“The king himself.”

Durrow slapped his leg as he laughed, and the rest of the room erupted with him. “The king? ‘Tis a new one, that. Best try somethin’ else around here. Sure, we’re called the king’s men, but he cares naught for us.”

“There you’re wrong, Durrow.” Shawnahur took a sip of the cold brew. “’Tis good.”

“’Tis the only thing that keeps Falun from being overrun with the scrow,” the barkeeper said.

Shawnahur nodded. “Makes sense. You pour them all as much as they can hold, and they spare you. Do they even pay for it?”

Durrow looked askance and pursed his lips. “How’d you figure that?”

“Despite my synods, I’ve been around a bit.” Shawnahur trailed his finger in the damp coating of condensation on the cup and let the thought sink in. “So, do they? Pay you?”

The owner’s scowl was answer enough.

A Confrontation

“Thought so. Durrow, how many Hameen have you killed?”

The man blinked. “Excuse me?”

“How many have you killed? You sit here and complain, but what have you done to stop them?”

Durrow stood. “Listen, boiwith, no one calls me a coward.”

“I didn’t. I asked a question. But since the question angered you, I’m assuming you’re ashamed of the answer.”

Durrow cocked back and swung, but Shawnahur had already hopped off the stool and ducked under the blow.

“Durrow!” the owner bellowed. “Take it outside! ‘Tis bad enough the Hameen tear the place up.”

Shawnahur headed toward the door, but another man blocked his way, glowering. “Pampered brat comes in here, thinkin’ he’s better ‘an us, he’s gonna learn he ain’t.”

“Philip!” the innkeeper bellowed. “I said outside.”

“If we’re going to do it…” Shawnahur shrugged and raised his voice while he motioned, allowing the silver glow to spill out from under his cuff. “All of you.”

Philip stepped out of his way, and Durrow stomped to the door, drawing a knife too big for eating with, from the scabbard at his hip.

“Athlone, I’ll need my smayden after all.”

The boiwith fumbled with the reins but managed to toss the weapon toward Shawnahur. When Shawnahur turned, both the patrons and innkeeper were assembled in a half circle at the edge of the road.

“Found trouble, duene?” Athlone whispered low.

“Nothing I can’t handle.”

“Do you need the dragon?”

“I’ll call him if I do.”

Shawnahur focused on Durrow. The man’s eyes had narrowed, a fist held at the ready, his knife extended, and he bounced on the balls of his feet.

Do you have this under control, heart of my hearts?

I think. Be ready to come, all the same.

Gladly.

Shawnahur had hoped to bluff his way through this, but he should have known. These men faced the enemy every phase. They wouldn’t put up with a weak leader.

Jeeah, help me.

Spinning the smayden in as impressive a display as he could invent, he allowed Keenah’s energy to infuse the weapon.

Durrow grinned. “I’ve seen those. ‘Tisn’t how you use ‘em. You’re just a boiwith playin’ with his da’s weapons—pretendin’ to know things.”

“Mayhap, but I’m not seeing you try to take it from me.”

“You don’t take a smayden from a livin’ body.”

“Oh, ‘tis possible,” Shawnahur chuckled. “Just difficult.” He lunged forward, sending a small surge of energy, nearly transparent in Graen’s direct light but distorting the air, from the thrust of the weapon.

Durrow stumbled back as it sailed past him. “What the…?”

“Come on, Durrow, he’s a boiwith!”

“Send him back to his ma’s apron!”

“You afraid of a child showin’ off?”

His friends’ goading sent Durrow back into the fray, not that ‘twas much of a fray compared to battle. Shawnahur blocked Durrow’s knife thrust using the leather-wrapped handle and twisted his body, driving the motion from his hips and flinging Durrow’s knife aside with the half-spin of the haft. The man stumbled and came up snarling.

Murmurs rose from the onlookers.

Hurry to finish it, if you’re going to. The Hameen are coming, and they’re mere furlongs out.

“Durrow, you’re not my enemy.” Then, more loudly, he declared, “They’re on their way.”

“What?” The others glanced about; they needed no interpretation. There was only one ‘they’ in Falun. “Where?”

“To the east and closing in quickly.” Shawnahur nodded in the direction, and called out, “Athlone, take Duhara and get out of town. I’ll come for you when ‘tis over.”

“Aye, duene.” The boiwith swung into the saddle and urged the horse back the way they’d come in, heading west.

“The rest of you: if you wish to make a stand, then let’s make a stand together. The scrow can’t take what they please anymore.”

Where to find more

This is about a fourth of the way through Bonded Crowns. Right now, you can nab your own copy along with deleted scenes and readers’ choice of the dragon lullaby (the one that Hest used to calm horses), coloring pages, puckling stickers, or a ditty that Shawnahur’s brothers taught him to occupy his time as a kid in the fields and later he uses to plea insanity when he’s captured and behind Hameen lines. Right now, we’re looking at the top two favorites in the voting, but that’s if we reach our goal by Tuesday.

How do you get your copy? Glad you asked.

In the process, I was able to read The Search for Synergy by Brett Salter and really enjoyed it. The story’s based in real-life United States with junior high boys (things I relate to), but the difference is that King Arthur’s knights were really dragon riders, and their descendants carry on that heritage!

Interview with Julian

Hey guys.  My name is Julian “Danger” Rider.  Rome calls me Jules as a nickname.  And my sister Camela always groans after she says my name, so I guess that’s her nickname for me.  You know,  Julian (exaggerated groan)

I’m a natural blonde.  And my eyes are blue.  My mom says they’re perfect.

What kind of distinguishing facial features do you have? 

Hmmm.  Nothing really.  I just have a face, ya know?  But it’s great because it’s mine!  I do have a characteristic smirk which I am still trying to have patented.

Do you have a birthmark? Where is it? What about scars? How did you get them? 

That is a really personal question.  But yeah, I have a “V” on my forehead that shows up when I get really angry.  The rest of the time, you can’t even see it.  And I have my Synergy Scars on my hand since I’ve performed The Great Synergy with Rome.

Who are your friends and family? Who do you surround yourself with? Who are the people you’re the closest to? Who do you wish you were closest to? 

Well, my brother is Rome.  And we don’t have the same parents, but since we did The Great Synergy, we are as close as brother.  Closer, even.  Like soulmates!  And then, my bratty sister is Camela and my dad is the former Grand Hunter.  Umm.  I hang out with Rome and the crazy, local librarian, Mr. Jones.  Together, we are trying to save the world from the Darkbrands.  I’d like to be friends with The Rock. 

Where do you go when you’re angry? 

I usually try to find Rome and have him calm me down.  Since we share the same heart, he knows my every thought.  He is the dude that can help me out when I’m angry.  And he is a fire dragon.  He knows rage!

Do you have a secret? 

I mean, I kinda just told you.  Haha.  But other than that, I am secretly bonded to a fire dragon in human disguise and we go all over the planet shutting down portals and fighting monsters from another dimension.  How’s that for a secret!

You’re doing intense spring cleaning. What is easy for you to throw out?

Naw, dude.  I’m not throwing anything out.  But, I would throw away all my sister’s stuff while she’s away at prep school.  Hehehehe.

What is one strong memory that has stuck with you from childhood? 

I’ll never forget the time my dad sat me down and told me about the “true” history of our world.  The history about dragons and The Great Synergy and all about King Arthur’s Camelot.  It really sticks out to me because I remember thinking, “I can’t wait to get a dragon!!”Because having a dragon to bond with is just about the coolest thing on the planet.

What did you think of Julian? If you like him, you’ll probably love Rome, the fire dragon in disguise.

Interview

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Perfect happiness would be getting into college, becoming a chemist, and having my boyfriend, Cody, at my side. I honestly can’t see much else in life right now, and if I don’t have those, what do I have left? Even if Cody can be a bit overbearing sometimes. I wonder if he realizes I’m missing…I wonder if he’ll ever forgive me. Or if I’ll even get the chance to apologize…

What is your current state of mind?

If my mind right now were a color, it’d be shades of black, yellow, and red. After this whole kidnapping, magic bottle business, I’m so afraid of everything around me, all these mythical creatures and a completely alien world. I’m actually so scared that it’s almost covering up all the sadness and despair I’ve been feeling about my rejection to chemistry camp over the summer. I really had my heart set on that, and now I’m questioning whether I’m really smart enough to study science at all. Not to mention I might have broken up with Cody, indirectly because of that. I love him to pieces, but the boy needs to give me space sometimes! And then there’s the anger. I mean, who puts a spell on a bottle?! I didn’t sign up for this, but now I’m stuck here, with these strangers, in a world that will probably kill me. And I’m furious.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

Cody. We have been best friends for years, and honestly, he’s one of my only friends. I’m not so good in the friend-making department. But he’s always been a life saver there! I might have really messed it up, though. I hope I get the chance to tell him how sorry I am, how much I care about him…

What is your greatest fear?

That’s a little personal, there, but I just want to be successful, and I’m really afraid I’m not good enough to do what I want with my life. I want to study science, chemistry in particular. I was told I had a knack for it, but ever since that letter from the summer program, I’m not seeing it. I’m so afraid I will be a failure at life.

About the book

Sometimes we put ourselves in the bottle…

Six years ago, Janan was transformed into a genie by an evil djinn, ripping her away from her home, her life, and her humanity. She has been on the run from him ever since. Worlds away, high school honors student Laurelin just wants to get into the chemistry program of her dreams.

When Laurelin discovers a crystal bottle that sucks her into the djinn realm, the girls find themselves working together to escape Janan’s creator and get Laurelin back home. But war is brewing in the djinn realm-a rebellion led by the same evil djinn they’ve been trying to escape. And he is determined to rule both the djinn and the human realms. As his creation, Janan is the one person standing in his way.

But to stop him, Janan must learn to overcome the fears he instilled in her and embrace her own dark magic while Laurelin must accept that some things are more important than an A+. Now, they will have to trust each other, and themselves, to stop the encroaching evil. Otherwise, both the human and djinn realms will fall to the tide of death and dark magic this war will unleash.

About the Author

Selina is a biologist-by-day, writer-by-night native of Pennsylvania. She lives with her husband, dog, and two cats and spends her time writing, reading, creating art, and dreaming about fictional worlds. Besides writing and sciencing, Selina also runs an author support business, Paper Cranes, LLC, that provides editing, consulting, and mapmaking services to authors, writers, and students. She has written two fairy-tale retelling short stories that were both finalists in Rooglewood Press short story contests and an exclusive fantasy short story, “Queen of Mist and Fog,” available through her newsletter. This Cursed Flame is her first novel.

Selina can be found online on Twitter, Tumblr, Facebook, her blog, and through her email newsletter.

Where to find the book

Goodreads:

Amazon:

All other retailers:

Facebook Party Link (with giveaway): The party is today from 4-7 EDT

You’ll need to know a little bit about her before jumping into the interview, so here’s H. L. herself to introduce our character.

“Sevaine is a young felys (sometimes called “cat-elf”) slave working in the palace of the fairy queen, Agalea. She’s also on a mission, but that would be spoilers. “

What is it that you most dislike?

When people call me a cat-elf. I’m a felys. Yes, we have fur-tufted pointy ears. Yes, we are agile and good at climbing. We live in trees. You don’t survive long living in trees if you are clumsy and afraid of heights … and sure, there’s the whole night vision, fangs, and prowess at hunting small game. And we do call our communities “Clowders” … I forgot my point. Oh! Yes!
Not cat-elf. Felys.

Now that we’ve gotten that matter straightened out, we can continue.

What is your most treasured possession?

I’m not sure if he counts as a possession, but Telvido is my horse. He used to belong to someone I cared about, but now he is mine. He is beautiful. He is fast. He is a smart, handsome, good horse, yes, he is. (Sevaine realizes she’s slipped into talking in that “baby talk” voice, clears her throat, and stands a little straighter.) Telvido is an elven steed, bred by half-elves. He’s sensitive to magic, and can keep his speed up for much longer than a human-bred horse.

Which living person do you most despise?

I try not to hate. It’s such a prickly feeling. However, Queen Agalea has killed off half the male population of her kingdom and driven the other half to flee for their lives, all to satisfy her vanity. She’s spent the last five years holding a competitive for her own hand. If a man fails one of the three trials—and so far all but one “suitor” has failed the first, and the only one who got through the first failed on the second—she kills the poor fellow. At first she had willing idiots dying to try and earn their place as her consort. After folks caught on, though, she started forcing men to compete. She’s killing off a man every few weeks just for the delight of seeing someone die at her feet … so yeah, for her, despise might not be a strong enough word.

Which talent would you most like to have?

If I’m honest: magic. Just a little magic. I don’t want the big flashy magic the fairies have, but they make such a big fuss over how we felys don’t have any magic, and there are so many wonderful things I’d do if I had even a little bit.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

Toss up between sense of humor and lack of pretentiousness. EVERYONE in the fae realms takes themselves so seriously. It’s ridiculous. They rarely laugh except when making fun of other people, but they get offended if you make fun of them even a little bit. I’d like a man who can laugh, especially at himself.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

Definitely beauty. Everyone and everything in the fae realms is beautiful, and worse, everyone knows they are beautiful. If you are even a little less beautiful, it’s a major point against you. Plus it leads to them labeling things that “aren’t them” as not beautiful, when what does beauty even mean really? It means things that please you, more or less. Well, most fairies do not please me, at all. I’d rather deal with someone whose a little more plain on the outside but not so ugly on the inside.

I can’t wait to learn more about Sevaine in the book. I’ll include the blurb and where you can hang out with H. L. on social media as well. Believe me if you like dragons and cats and smark, you’ll love H. L.

Blurb

He doesn’t want to get married, but he wants to be a frog even less.

Knight errant, Devin, takes a shortcut through the woods, only to be captured by fairy forces. The fairy queen has run out of breathing males to fight for her hand, and Devin, while not ideal fairy stock, is breathing–for now.

Telling a vain fairy queen you’d rather not be her one true love is a ticket to life on a lilypad, so the knight agrees to face three challenges to win Queen Agalea’s hand. When a clever servant girl offers to help him navigate the trials in order to stop the constant bloodshed of the courtship ritual, Devin jumps at the chance. However, as he balances “flirting” with his “beloved” and overcoming tasks specifically designed to kill him, he finds his heart drawn to his new partner in survival.

You can grab your own copy now on Amazon. Be sure to follow H. L. Burke on her social media.

twitter.com/hlburkewriter (for random snarkiness and occasional book snippets)
facebook.com/hlburkewriter (for longer form random snarkiness, occasional book snippets, and #dailydragon posts where I share my favorite dragon related finds)
my website (and mailing list) for news and deals www.hlburkeauthor.com
my instagram for #TheodoretheDragon awesomness instagram.com/burkesdragons
and my reader group if you want to be the first to hear about beta and ARC reading opportunities as well as my day to day struggles and weekly live videos. https://www.facebook.com/groups/hlburkereaders/

You can catch the rest of the blog tour on the following sites:

January 30th-Book Review
https://cobonham.com/

February 4th-Book Spotlight
BlondeRJ.wordpress.com

February 7th Author Interview
https://thearrowandsong.blogspot.com/

February 8th Author Interview/Book Review:
aarondemott.com/blog

February 13th Character Interview with Sevaine
http://kandijwyatt.com

February 10th Character Interview with Devin: 
http://corinnejet.wordpress.com

February 12th Author Interview
Www.dragonpenpress.com

February 15th Book Review/Interview
http://amelianichole.com

February 17th Character Interview with Devin: 
http://corinnejet.wordpress.com

February 19th Guest Post 
SuperBokerah.com

February 21st Guest Post
Unicornquester.com

February 26th Character Interview with Sevaine:
http://jenelleschmidt.com

February 26th Book Review 
www.jmbutlerauthor.com/blog

Also Possible Unscheduled Appearances:

Feature Shout Out:
www.leliaroseforeman.blog.com

Bio

H. L. Burke is the author of multiple fantasy novels including the Dragon and the Scholar saga and The Nyssa Glass YA Steampunk series and Coiled. She is an admirer of the whimsical, a follower of the Light, and a believer in happily ever after.

Interview

Kendra, will you please introduce your character? Does he or she have a nickname?

My character’s name is Adrian. No nicknames as of the beginning of the book. He does gain one towards the end, though.

Would you describe Adrian for my readers? What is your his hair color? Eye color?

Black hair and hazel green eyes.

Ooh, I love hazel green eyes. They remind me of hawk eyes. Does Adrian have a secret?

Yes. He’s actually twin brother to the Princess Obsidia. And he doesn’t even know that when the book opens…

Twins are awesome! I have a whole series with twins in it. So, where was Adrian born? Where has he lived since then, and where does he call home?

He was born at the castle, but that very night, his father was killed by a usurper king and due to the mess that is the politics of his country, his mother sent him away to be raised by her trusted companion as a commoner. And, so, he lives in a humble village, which is where he most certainly calls home.

Let’s welcome Adrian to the blog. So glad to have you here. What is your favorite occupation?

My father – or my foster father, that is, as I’ve recently discovered – is the village printer, and I’ve always thought the best occupation in the Sphere. I’m his apprentice, and he says that I’m really good at it. Unfortunately, this is only until they can find a way to return me to what is apparently “my” rightful throne.

Wow! Sounds like you’ve had some interesting couple of days and are just coming to grips with this new information. Where would you like to live?

 Right here, in the village, where I’ve grown up.

I can understand that. I didn’t have any one place growing up, and always wanted that. I’m blessed to have lived in the same area for the last twenty-six years. On what occasions do you lie?

 Used to, it was only on my birthdays when it came to just how much I didn’t like them. Now that I’ve found out that I’m secretly a prince … well, it’s a bit more often.

Well, most people don’t like to tell their age, so trying to hide a birthday’s understandable. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

 The fact that I’m a prince. I don’t like politics. At all. Why did I get this job?

I don’t think I’d want the job of prince or princess either. It’s always fun to fantasize about what it would be like, but in reality, it wouldn’t be fun. Let’s move on to the final question. How would you like to die?

 I know how I don’t want to die. At the hands of the dragons who orchestrated my real father’s death.

It was very nice to have Kendra and Adrian here today. 

Book info:

Princess Obsidia’s father was killed the night she was born. Since there was no male heir, the crown went to the man who killed him, by Dialcian law. This never bothered her, growing up, and when it comes time for Obsidia to choose her husband, she chooses Prince Delaney, the son of that man, with little hesitation. Only then does her life start crumbling around her.

Adrian expected to live a normal life, taking his father’s place at the print shop when his father retired. But, on his eighteenth birthday, when the princess’ engagement is announced, his world is ripped out from under him when he learns that his life was a ruse, and he is the twin brother to the princess – and expected to take back his father’s throne.

Delaney knows that his country is hovering on the brink of war – and that his father may harbor murderous intentions towards his intended bride due to her Zovordian blood. He wants nothing more than to protect Obsidia and his people, but as merely prince, he has little power against his father.

The ancient war between the Dragons and the Immortal King and Queen is nearing its climax, and the three are already caught in it.

About the Author:

Kendra E. Ardnek loves fairytales and twisting them in new and exciting ways. She’s been or acting them on her dozen plus cousins and siblings for years. “Finish your story, Kendra,” is frequently heard at family gatherings. Her sole life goal has always been to grow up and be an author of fantasy and children’s tales that glorify God and His Word.
Find her online at: Website || Blog || Goodreads || Facebook || Twitter || Amazon 

Excerpt:

You can read the first chapter on Kendra’s website.

Cover:

More Information:

If you’d like to follow the blog tour, feel free to head over to Kendra’s blog. You can also enter for a free paperback copy of the book and a 15 ml bottle of Peppermint essential oil (U.S. only), but there’s an international prize for the person who comments the most on the blog tour. So take a look over there.

Four years ago, my then high school son and I had an hour one way trip to school each day. We’d listen to books on CD. One of the series we listened to was the Mortal Instruments. Okay, we listened to most of it. I had us fastforward several awkward parts of kissing and more explicit things. Last year, I saw a fellow author’s book advertised. It looked intriguing and went onto my long to be read list. I finally got around to reading it. I was hooked! It told the story of demons and angels and humans that fought on both sides of good and evil. The best part? It was clean!

Today, I get to have a guest interview with Claire, one of the main characters in The Chronicles of the Three. Book one is Bloodline and book two is Armor-bearer and was released this week. So, before any further ado, here’s Claire.

Give us a little introduction.

 Hi, I’m Claire Andrews, but everyone just calls me Claire…or awesome, because I am. I’m in my thirties but you can tell me that I look 28 and leave it at that. I’m petite but don’t let the lack of height fool you, I’m pretty feisty, especially with a sword in my hand.

Believe me, Claire is fiesty. I wouldn’t want to face her in a dark alley, unless she was on my side!

Do you have a birthmark? Where is it? What about scars? How did you get them?

I have a scar, well, we call it a brand. On the back of my neck is a burn. It’s the Hebrew word for chosen. I got it when I killed my first demon. It’s kind of a rite of passage for people like me, for descendants of the three.

 Who are your friends and family? Who do you surround yourself with? Who are the people you’re closest to? Who do you wish you were closest to?

 My mother died when I was a baby. My father died when I was about 18. My brother Garrett and his wife died a few months ago. (Man, my life seems sad when I list it out like that.) Since then I have been guardian to my niece Zoe. She’s in high school and just found out she is the Daughter of the Three. Being a chosen one sucks but we’ve made some friends that feel like family. I’m glad to have them in our lives: Daniel, Charlie, Lucas, Maggie…especially Maggie, she keeps us all smiling.

What is your biggest fear? Who have you told this to? Who would you never tell this to? Why?

 I’m afraid I’ll fail, actually I’m afraid I already failed and that is why Zoe is even in this position. I like to believe I’m tough and have it all together but loneliness can get the best of any of us. I don’t like to talk about my regrets though, not to anyone, because I don’t want to burden them, maybe. If I’m honest, it’s more likely I’m afraid they won’t look at me the same way if they see how I let my weaknesses defeat me.

When have you been in love? Had a broken heart?

 That is a complicated question. I was in love with someone I shouldn’t have been and then he left me and I wanted to quit at everything I had committed my life to. Then I fell in love again, to someone else I probably shouldn’t have given my heart to, and he left me and I almost didn’t survive it. I never thought I would be the type of girl to get so ripped apart by a boy. I don’t like being that girl, but I’m working on it. The problem is both those guys are back and…well, you see what I mean by complicated.

That is very complicated. I do hope it is worked out satisfatorily. 

Who is the greatest love of your life? Is it one of them?

 Oh, I wish I could answer that question because it might have made some things simpler. Maybe you can tell me.

I wish I could, but I’m not even sure. 

What makes you laugh out loud?

 Maggie, that girl is gifted at breaking all the tension in our lives. I wish I had had a friend like her when I was younger. I’m thankful Zoe has her now. Word of warning, don’t touch her lollipop stash.

I wouldn’t think of touching it. I’m glad you have someone like that in your life.

What is in your refrigerator right now? On your bedroom floor? On your nightstand? In your garbage can?

 Refrigerator: leftover Chinese food, half a bottle of orange juice, half&half, chocolate

Bedroom floor: Nothing, I’m kind of a neat freak.

Nightstand: A first edition of The Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis, a box of tissues and my smartphone charger

You’re getting ready for a night out. Where are you going? What do you wear? Who will you be with?

 A night out? Ha! We try to have fun, but these days if I’m going out its in combat boots with a sword strapped to my back. Even when I try to do something relaxing like a high school football game or town event it turns into a battle royale with a hoard of demons. So we stick to utilitarian gear and patrolling the mean streets of Torch Creek for demons.

How would you like to die?

 Protecting my family, hands down. I wouldn’t even hesitate to sacrifice myself for them. I mean I like the idea of dying peacefully in my sleep after a long life, while holding my true love’s hand like in the Notebook, but that seems like a fairytale meant for someone else…hopefully for Zoe.

Thank you, Claire, for coming and chatting with us. I do hope you’re able to get things worked out and can defeat that enemy. Maybe then you’ll be able to have a night out and figure out who you’d want to spend it with.

If you want to know more about The Chronicle of the Three, you can check out the Facebook party (Thursday 7-8:30pm CST) and a live YouTube party (Friday at 7pm).

There’s also a giveaway for a boxed book set and some book swag. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tabitha Caplinger, author of The Chronicle of the Three

You can meet up with Tabitha on these sites:

Social Media Links

• Website: http://www.tabithacaplinger.com
• Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Tabitha-Caplinger/e/B0147IV3IS
• Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/12824805.Tabitha_Caplinger
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elevategirls
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Tab_Caplinger
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Tab_Caplinger
• PInterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Tab_Caplinger
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx-TTae0DSGJ17YDSXHkjWQ
• Tumblr: http://tabithacaplinger.tumblr.com

Emerald’s book Entertaining Angels follows Chase and Madison through their senior year of high school. Madison struggles with self-worth and tries to diet to the point of harming herself. It’s a clean read that I’d recommend to anyone fourteen or older. She has a small novella Before We Say I Do, that retells the story from different characters’ points of view. It’s almost like the out-takes or never before seen footage of movies. Yesterday, the sequel to Entertaining Angels released. Delivered by Angels focuses on new characters while including the ones the reader has learned to love from Entertaining Angels.

Blurb:

Determined to escape her abusive father and drunken mother, Lexi Johnson turns to the blade to numb her pain, but it isn’t enough to end her misery. She’s convinced that not even God could save her now.

Roxy Taylor is the new girl in town, and Lexi doesn’t trust her, especially when she teams up with DJ Tucker to try and break down the barriers that Lexi has put in place.

Little does Lexi know, there are greater forces battling for her life, and as Lexi begins to open up to both Roxy and DJ, she’ll see that she isn’t alone in this world.

In the heart-pounding sequel to Entertaining Angels, everyone’s favorite angel, Zach Taylor, is back, and he’s there to make sure that Madison and Chase Sanders are on the path that God has chosen for them, a path that could deliver Lexi from the demons who want her soul.

Let’s see what Emerald has to say about Lexi.

What is your character’s name? Does she have a nickname?

Lexi Johnson, at times she’s called “Lex”.

What is your character’s hair color? Eye color?

Lexi has long, black hair, and her eyes are hazel in color.

Who are your character’s friends and family? Who does she surround herself with? Who are the people your character is closest to? Who does he wish he were closest to?

Unfortunately, my character doesn’t have many friends. She distances herself from people who even try to get close to her because of her family problems. She wishes she could make friends with DJ Tucker and Roxy Taylor, when they try, but she’s too scared to befriend them. She doesn’t want her secrets known.

Does she have a secret?

Lexi has a huge secret. She cuts herself to escape the pain of her abusive father and drunk mother.

When has your character been in love? Had a broken heart?

Yes, she has, but she didn’t realize it until it was almost too late! Her heart stayed broken but not from boys; her father and mother was the culprit of that.

***

Now that we’ve gotten an idea of who Lexi is, let’s talk directly to her.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

That’s tough. I’m not sure I’ll ever be happy, but if I had to choose, it would be if I were able to control my situation and say who gets to be in my life and who doesn’t.

What is your current state of mind?

Trust me, you don’t want to go there. Depressed comes to mind most…

What is your greatest fear?

My greatest fear is becoming just like my mother. I don’t want to be her, but I can’t see any other path in front of me.

Which living person do you most despise?

My father.

Where would you like to live?

Anywhere but here. As long there is plenty of distance between my father and mother and me, then I’m happy.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

My life. It’s the epitome of the lowest depth of misery.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

All of them. I’m not worth much.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Busy bodies. I’m a private person, and the last thing I want is someone sticking their nose in my business.

What do you most value in your friends?

I don’t have friends, but if I did, honesty and empathy.

On what occasions do you lie?

On any occasion that would keep people from knowing my secrets. They’re my own, not others.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

That’s a loaded question. I would change just about everything, but I guess, my fear of losing control.

How would you like to die?

I don’t want to die, but if I had to choose, I’d just want to go peacefully.

***

I’d like to thank both Emerald and Lexi for being here today. If you’re wanting to know more about Lexi, I encourage you to check out the book, Delivered by Angels, available on amazon. I think from this information we could see where Lexi needs help. I know I understand the fear of losing control. I have a character in Dragon’s Cure that has that fear as well. What about you? Do you fear being out of control? If so, feel free to comment.

Interview with Kalgan Shigo

I sit down with Officer Kalgan Shigo, a tall, stern-looking black man, in his office at the City Watch Station in Jarreon. “Thanks for being willing to meet with me.”

He regards me from the other side of his desk. “You’re welcome.” His voice is deep and firm. “My shift is over now, and I have a few minutes before I need to head home. What would you like to know?”

“First of all, could you tell me why you chose this job? What was your motivation?”

“I chose to become a Watch officer because I want to help keep Jarreon safe. Security leads to stability and order, which help society function. We all have our part to do, and enforcing the law is mine.”

“So do you agree with all the city’s laws?” I wonder.

“That’s irrelevant. It’s not about my personal views. Any society needs laws in order to keep its citizens safe and make everything work smoothly, but they’re only effective if everyone follows them. So, I enforce them all.”

I glance down at my list of questions. “I understand that you’ve known Bensin for several years now. What were your first impressions of him, and why did you decide to help him?”

Officer Shigo’s stern face softens as he smiles. “Yes, I met Bensin a little over four years ago when I had to arrest him for attempting to help his sister Ellie escape. When I questioned him, it was clear to me that although his actions were illegal, his motives were selfless. Bensin is the same age as my own son, and I have two daughters just a little older than Ellie, so it was easy to picture my children in a similar situation. Of course I couldn’t condone his breaking the law. But as I told him at the time, I hope that in his situation, Nate would demonstrate the same initiative, ingenuity, courage, and sibling loyalty toward Jessa and Carlia. With that in mind, I wanted to help Bensin however I could, within the bounds of the law, of course. He’s not the only slave to whom I’ve given my business card and offered to hire in for housework or yardwork on their days off, but few ever take me up on it. I’m glad Bensin did. It’s been my pleasure to stay in contact with him and Ellie over the years, and with his owner, Steene. Actually, it was through them that Carlia got involved in gymnastics classes at the Center for Sports and Fitness where Steene and Bensin work. She loves it, and my whole family has enjoyed the times we’ve spent with them.” The officer sighs. “Bensin’s current situation is very unfortunate. It’s been especially hard on Steene and Ellie, of course, but my whole family feels for him too.”

“I can understand that,” I sympathize. “Next question: could you tell me how you personally feel about slavery?”

He raises his eyebrows. “Are my personal views really relevant here?”

“I think my readers would like to know,” I assure him. “They want to know who you are as a person, not just as the face of the law.”

“Very well. I believe slavery is unethical. However, the practice has been so deeply ingrained in imperial culture for so long that I shudder to think of what might happen to the Krillonian Empire if it were ever to be abolished. The economy would completely collapse.”

“Didn’t the province of Tarnestra recently outlaw slavery?” I inquire.

“Yes, and it’s the first time in imperial history that such a thing has happened. It will be interesting to see what comes of that. Already Jarreon’s City and Harbor Watch have been kept busy apprehending slaves trying to buy passage or stow away on boats headed to Tarnestra and freedom, and other coastal cities have been facing the same problem. Of course all of Tarnestra’s local slaves were immediately freed when the law took effect, and from what I hear, many of them are now struggling to find paid employment. Not everyone who can afford to keep slaves can afford to hire free labor for the same jobs. As you are probably aware, when slaves are hired out to local businesses, their owners are paid two-thirds the amount that free workers would receive for equivalent labor. The necessity of hiring only free workers now means that prices have gone up, which has made life more difficult for everyone there, especially the poor and unemployed. And despite our best efforts, slaves from elsewhere have been escaping to Tarnestra, where their presence adds to the poverty and unemployment problem.”

“That does sound like a tricky problem,” I agree. “So, one final question: if you believe slavery is unethical, what solution would you propose?”

“I don’t claim to have a solution for the entire problem. I don’t believe any simple solutions exist. But I would say that the first step should be making the practice more humane. To some extent, this is being done, though there is still plenty of room for improvement. As of ten years ago with the implementation of the Slave Rights Act, owners are required to give their slaves at least one whole day off each week, and children can’t be required to work more than eleven hours a day. Now, a group called Citizens for the Ethical Treatment of Slaves has proposed a new set of standards. They are optional, of course, but enough people care about fair treatment for slaves that many businesses in the city are beginning to implement them. No physical punishment, eleven-hour days for adults as well as children, immediate family members can’t be sold away from each other – that sort of thing. If those standards were to become law across the empire, slaves’ lives would vastly improve. Of course, slavery, in and of itself, would still be an unethical practice. But that would be a step in the right direction.”

He rises to his feet. “It was nice talking to you, but I’m afraid I must excuse myself now. My family will be waiting for me for dinner.”