About the Book

All fifteen-year-old Akeela has ever wanted is an ordinary family who will love her. But the only mother she has ever known is the old hag, Krezma, who berates her night and day. Why did the old woman even take her in?

But Krezma knows her charge is no ordinary child. She can see the auras surrounding living things and can communicate with fairies. And the birthmark on her palm reveals a secret Krezma must hold close for the child’s safety.

A secret that the witch, Tzmet, hunts for night and day, drying and eating fairies for the power they contain. When Akeela discovers her fate lies in being the next Fairy Guardian, all hope for an ordinary life dissipates like the dreams they were. She must protect the fairies from the witch–and an even darker power that threatens them all.

Akeela is unwillingly thrust into an adventure that will not end until she decides to accept her fate and give up on her dream.

Maybe even her life.

Cover Reveal

Where to pre-order the book

Pam’s publisher has the book (and others) on their bookstore.

Blessed continues Hest’s tale, picking up two months after he met the baby dragon. Much to his surprise, the dragon still speaks to him! If that wasn’t enough, Liam has somehow managed to escape from the dungeon and everything Hest thought was normal, has flipped upside down! Grasping at anything to regain control, Hest juggles Rittider training, history lessons, and even dance lessons for he’s to dance with Princess Siobhan!

About Blessed

What would you give to be a dragon rider and marry the princess?

Blessed is the second book in the coming-of-age fantasy series, Four Stars over Ardatz: Sovereigns. If you like action, wonderful characters, multi-dimensional clean romance, and dragons, you’ll love the next installment of Hest’s story.

More about the story

Rittider training

With a shrug, Hest clumsily tried to recreate the maneuver. Kyeth shook his head but didn’t push for further answers. The other Rittider in the courtyard, however, mumbled.

“It’s like he has eyes outside of himself,” Tarhall muttered.

“Strangest thing I’ve seen.”

Even with his limited Atsegenian, Hest could understand them. A stocky redhead stepped up to the edge of the training ring.

“Is everything all right, Kyeth?” Clancy eyed Hest.

“Aye, thank you. The boiwith pulled one of his mysterious moves again.”

“Hest, ya know if ya could ever reproduce those on a consistent basis, ya wouldn’t have to be out here trainin’ and racking’ up the bruises.” Clancy laughed.

“Aye, sir. I wish I could explain it.”

Although Kyeth had been with Hest when he’d met Usheen, the lad felt uncomfortable telling the Rittider more than what the man had seen.

A dragon friend

I am not a secret. Usheen’s voice whispered in Hest’s mind. You could tell them, and not appear as an amadan.

A what?

Ah, an amadan.

This time Hest understood the implication of the word. An idiot?

Aye. Usheen chuckled.

“Boiwith?” Kyeth waved a hand in front of Hest’s face.

“Oh, sorry. Ready?”

“Nay, that’s enough for a step. Do you wish to continue language lessons or go for a ride?”

Hest grinned. “Why not both”

Kyeth considered this. “Very well, but we’ll speak only Atsegenian from the moment we mount up.”

“Deal.” Hest had his misgivings, but after the last four cycles, he’d learned how to get by with the language of his new home.

As they stepped into the barn, Achan, the stablemaster, greeted them. “What brings you two in here this fine step?”

Kyeth nudged Hest in the ribs. “This boiwith thinks he can have a language lesson while on horseback.” Achan laughed. “If anyone can do it, ‘tis Hest. He was born to ride.”

Where to find Blessed

Info about Strayblood:

“I am the rescuer of the weak. The hope of those who have none. And the executioner of vempar kind. I am the White Ghost—and your worst nightmare.”

With the events of the Festival Duel over, Cyrus wants to focus on training her Ability with metal. But trouble soon comes in the form of a shapeshifter: the White Ghost, who’s determined to exterminate all vempar kind, and he’s seeking the power of the Swan Princess in order to carry out his plan.

Seriously, why can’t people just leave Cyrus alone? She doesn’t want to be the Swan, some reborn hero from legend! She just wants to be with her friends and train to become a Draev Guardian. Is that too much to ask for?

Apparently, it is. The Oracle, who happens to be a faeryn child, can lead the Ghost right to her—and the Impure Nights, as well. Harlow must keep the Oracle safe, but with the Academy’s yearly Hunters Race coming up, things get even more complicated. The Scourgeblood in Aken’s veins is awakening, and to face the powerful shapeshifter, Cyrus’s fellow Draevs-in-training may have to pay the ultimate price…

Pre-Order Links:

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | GOODREADS

Releases December 1st! Would you like to join me and help spread the word about the release? Join the Book Release Shout-Out HERE.

If you’re new to the world of Draev Guardians, check out the links to book #1 below:

AMAZON  | B&N | BOOK-DEPOSITORY | INDIEBOUND | GOODREADS | BOOKSHOP

Author Bio:

E.E. Rawls is the product of a traveling family, who even lived in Italy for 6 years. She loves exploring the unknown, whether it be in a forest, inside a forgotten castle, or within the pages of a book. She runs on coffee, cuddly cats and the beauty of nature to keep the story wheels of her mind turning, as she writes stories that will both entertain and inspire, creating worlds that one can explore and quickly become lost within… Be careful you don’t lose your way.

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM

What do you think? I’m getting the vibe of Percy Jackson. Can’t wait to pre-order Strayblood.

In book 1, Power On, there are three teens who join, but Jake is really the first. I was able to sit down and interview him.

Interview with Jake

Introduce yourself!

Jake: Hey, I’m Jake. Um, I’m sixteen. I’ve been working with my uncle’s supervillain gang for a few years now, but I recently got caught, and now they’ve got me at some sort of lame reform camp for superpowered kids.

Where were you born and where do you call home?

Jake: I was born in California, but I’ve moved around a lot. The Sand Fox gang has multiple lairs and hideouts all over the southwest. We generally don’t stay in one place for too long. We also needed to be able to pack up and leave at a moment’s notice so sometimes we’d be in sleeping bags in the back of my uncle’s truck or something like that.
At camp it’s kind of weird, always being in the same bed every night. It’s kind of a nice break, I guess.

It’s Saturday at noon. What are you probably doing?

Jake: A video game or maybe a comic book and snacks. I got pulled out of school when I was eleven to work with my uncle’s gang, so my reading is kind of rusty. Prism has started getting my graphic novel versions of books so that I can get my reading level up again.

How would you spend a night out?

Jake: Nights are the best time for supervillainy, so I spend a lot of them working and sleep in the day. I guess if I could go do whatever I’d want I’d maybe want to go to a movie or something. I like science fiction.

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

Jake: When my brother and I were too young to work with the gang, we lived at our great aunt’s house. She didn’t care what we got up to as long as we didn’t make too much of a mess inside, so we roamed around the empty lot behind her house. We’d dig holes and build forts. It was pretty awesome. One night she forgot to check that we’d come in and we stayed out way past dark. Me and my brother just hung out, talking, in our fort. She eventually realized we were missing and came screaming for us to get inside and take showers, but while it lasted it was pretty cool.  

Do you have a secret?

Jake (snorts): If I did I certainly wouldn’t tell you about it. Or anyone for that matter. (shuffles his feet) Fade and Prism keep finding out things though. I don’t know how they keep doing that.

Who are the people you’re closest to?

Jake: Meh, I don’t know. I mean, being close to people is risky. Uncle always says you shouldn’t have ties you aren’t willing to cut. I guess my brother is the exception, and even if the gang isn’t close, we all look out for each other. Now that I’m here at Camp Sable, Prism really wants me to be friends with the other kids. I don’t need friends, but it does get kind of lonely sometimes. 

About the book

Jake’s family ties have turned to cuffs. 

Born with the ability to fragment his body at a molecular level, Jake Lucas has devoted his life to his uncle’s supervillain gang. When he’s captured by superheroes, he’s certain his life is over at only sixteen.

To Jake’s surprise, he doesn’t end up in prison but at Camp Sable: an intervention project for at-risk super powered teens. Jake’s not interested in rehabilitation. As far as he’s concerned, the camp mentors are just a barrier between him and his true family, the Sand Fox gang.

Forced to work alongside the likewise screwed up duo of fire-powered Marco and electricity manipulator Laleh, Jake waits for the perfect escape opportunity. Having friends and the chance at a real family is more appealing than Jake originally thought, but going soft can cost a supervillain his life. Jake soon finds the forces fighting to control his life threatening to tear him apart. 

Will Jake choose to remain the villain his uncle made him, or become the hero his new friends think he can be?

A Young Adult Superhero series featuring found family, friendship, and one superpowered ferret

Where to find the book and the original Supervillain Rehabilitation Project

You can pre-order Power On for 99 cents, and if you’re curious about the rest of the world, you can start with Reformed (book 1 of the Supervillain Rehabilitation Project) for 99 cents as well. The rest of the SRP adult series will be available for 99 cents starting Thursday.

Power On for pre-order

Reformed for 99 cents

About the author

H. L. Burke has written more books than she can count—because she’s written a lot of books, not just because she can’t count very high. 

Easily distracted by shinies, she has published in many subgenres including fantasy romance, Steampunk, and superhero, and always creates story worlds with snark, feels, and wonder. 

Married to her high school crush, she spends her time writing, spoiling her cat, and supervising her two supervillains in training (aka her precocious daughters). 

An Oregon native, she wilts without trees and doesn’t mind the rain. She is a fan of delicious flavor, a follower of the Light, and a believer in happily ever after.

You can find her and her dragon Theodore on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, her website, and Amazon.

See more in Power On’s Blog Tour

Why-A? Guest Post Live: 9/28

Book Spotlight Live: 10/7

Review Live: 10/9

Premise of Book

The idea of suggestions for what to serve dragons for tea came as a result of a facebook party. Fellowship of Fantasy’s Book Club had their book party and I received multiple posts on my author page of what readers would serve a dragon for tea. I took their ideas and expanded upon them to create this book. So what would you serve a dragon if it stopped by for tea?

New Book Celebration

Want to celebrate with me? I have several things for you. Grab a copy this week, and receive stickers and tea to enjoy while you read your book. All you have to do is sign up using this form. You can also join the facebook party and get my mom’s scones recipe, tips on fixing tea, have fun with games, have your own dragon tea party adventure, and enter the giveaways. The party is kicked off but will be most active Friday at 9 pm Eastern/ 6 pm Pacific. You can also enter to win this tea set, a dragon beanie baby, stickers, and two paperbacks of Tea for Dragons. You have two more days to enter. I’ll announce the winner on Friday during the party.

Peek inside

Want to have a peek inside? Here you go.

What People are Saying

Adults will enjoy this as much as kids!

~amazon reviewer

My kids really love the picture style of the illustrations.

~amazon reviewer

A colorful and fun quick read.

~goodreads reviewer

You can find Tea for Dragons on most outlets. Be sure to grab yours today.

Back Story

When an author puts an ebook up for pre-order, the manuscript doesn’t have to be the final product. So, in an effort to get everything ready, I posted the best manuscript I had, the Advanced Reader Copy. Then about two weeks out from release, I updated the manuscript to include the final copy. Then about two-three days out from release, Amazon locks the author out from making any changes. During pre-order there is no preview available for the ebook.

So, on Saturday, I received a message stating I had Advanced Reader Copies sent out to over 80 ebooks through Amazon! My heart sunk. How could that be? I’d already had an issue with shipping my paperbacks to me. So, I opened my author dashboard and took a look. You can imagine my confusion when I saw that I had uploaded the finished manuscript complete with table of contents and illustrations. Yet, the ebook that I opened on my kindle was the Advanced Reader Copy!

A phone call to Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing resulted in me reuploading the same corrected manuscript, then waiting for it to be published, then sending an email to Amazon, and finally waiting for it to go into effect. Today, I looked on the book’s Amazon page and discovered it was the corrected version.

The Fix

So, how do you fix this? It depends if you’ve already opened the book on your device or not. I had success in getting it pushed to my default, but my phone took a little longer to figure out.

1. Amazon page

First go to your Amazon account page and click on “Manage your Content and Devices”. Then go to content. You’ll see all your ebooks listed. Underneath An Unexpected Escapade you’ll see “Ebook Updated” or “Content Updated”. You can click on the orange button to receive the update.

2. Your Device

If you’ve not opened the book on your device yet, it should automatically update. Otherwise, you may have to do like I did and uninstall the book, then go back to step 1 and click deliver to x device. Then go back to your device and open the Kindle app, and go to Book Updates. You’ll then be able to update it.

My apologies

Again, I apologize for the inconvenience and the mess up. I am so sorry that I’ve caused you the hassle. To the Amazon reviewer, I sincerely apologize. It was not my intent to offer an Advanced Reader Copy to anyone but advanced readers. Please spread the word.

Behind the Scenes on the cover

One advantage to having a professional photographer for a husband is that I get discounted rates. So, the week of the 4th of July, we got together with two different groups of students. The first one was a group of three high school boys on the beach. From those images, Amalia Chitulescu created the cover for An Unexpected Adventure. I’m always amazed at how she can create fantasy from reality.

The next photo session took place at the local park. We met up with two girls, three horses, and a mom. The girls held the horses while the mom posed with the third horse as a possible unicorn. Since I didn’t have a really good idea of what I wanted, my husband took photos with the horses in the corral.

Then almost as an afterthought, we took the horses to a trail and took a couple more photos, and finally, several of just the girls so I could give my illustrator something to work with. When we were finished, I sent the images to Amalia and she began her work. What resulted was beyond my wildest dreams.

Illustrations

After a conversation with a mom of an avid reader, I decided to add illustrations to this series. Last summer, I searched for an illustrator and have been beyond blessed with Anita Thubakabra. I love how she communicataes with me and is so easy to work with. Book three will be a challenge for her because there are many more mythical creatures.

Every illustration brought the story to life, but there were several that brought tears to my eyes. I love how Anita captured the relationship between Will and Ana, as well as the scene of the boating accident.

All day, Ana stewed over the problem. How could they keep Kajri safe, and who could they trust? After a quick snack and a note to her mom, she had come down to the dock and was standing on her dad’s boat, leaning on the Harrier’s flybridge railing. Gulls cried above her, and the gentle sucking and slapping of water between the dock and the boat accompanied the rocking that she loved so much. Ana inhaled the scent of fish, brine, and salt water. It was her favorite place to think.

Excerpt

I thought I’d share with you an excerpt based on our current weather. We’re not having the wind, but they did actually send us home from school early yesterday due to high water from rain.

***

Monday blew in with the typical winds preceding the first rain of the season. Daisy tried to not knock her head on the window as the bus took a particularly violent gust. Many students were muttering discontentedly that school should have been canceled. Daisy shook her head. She, too, wished for a day off, but not because of the wind. She’d wanted to spend the day making sure the unicorn was safe. Root and Ginger knew where to shelter in a storm, but she didn’t know if the same was true for the unicorn. Where had it come from?

The whistling of the wind through the electrical wires made speaking impossible as they unloaded the bus. Daisy hurried into the building, deposited her backpack in her locker, and rushed to the cafeteria. Ana waited for her at their seat, along with Karlie.

The large windows that filled the south wall rattled, and Karlie glanced outside. Her sleeved hand came up to her mouth, her wide eyes betraying her fear. “Is this normal?”

“Oh, yeah.” Ana swallowed a bite of cereal. “You should see it when it really storms.”

“Don’t they close school?” Karlie shifted her gaze from Ana to the windows.

Ana spoke with a full mouth. “Only if the electricity goes out.”

“Or if the winds are too strong.” Daisy shifted on the bench. “It-it has something to do with safety for the buses.”

Karlie’s eyebrows disappeared into her blue bangs. “Would the wind actually blow the buses over?”

Ana shrugged. “Depends on how strong it gets. There’s a story that a rock from the beach flew up and knocked out the light on the airport beacon at White Cape State Airport.”

“Th-that’s about t-two hundred fifty feet off the beach!” Daisy snagged a cheerio from Ana’s bowl and popped it into her mouth.

More excerpts and interviews

Be sure to catch all the posts to celebrate the release of An Unexpected Escapade, and if you’re on the Southern Oregon Coast feel free to come out to the Langlois Library on Saturday, April 27 at 1 pm for a reading and drawing for autographed copies of both books.

Release Day Posts

Kat Vinson will host an author interview.

Tabitha Caplinger will host a guest post about the book that’s different content then here.

Janelle Schmidt’s InterFiction Gazette has an interview with Daisy. You won’t want to miss this one.

Thursday Interview

Annie Douglas Lima will host an interview with Winston on Thursday.

Friday Post

Laurie Lucking will host another author interview that is different than any of the others.

The impetus for the book

Back in the fall of 2015, I was teaching my first year in a school I loved to be at. It’s where three of my five kids had graduated and all five have attended. I wanted to be there and couldn’t have been happier. Dragon’s Future had just released, and I was given the freedom to add books to my list of to-be-published with my publisher. I began to dream. What could I do? 

One day returning from Coos Bay, the town an hour north of us, I crossed the Coquille River and had the thought of what would happen if a dragon flew down the river.

That brought about an idea of a story based in my area. Now, I just needed more information.

The Characters

At the same time four students stood out to me as I taught. Two of them were sixth graders in my study hall class, and two were eighth graders in my Spanish class. The four didn’t really know each other, and I really only knew them from class and didn’t know their families. However, the more I interacted with them at school, the more I wondered if I wrote them into a story if they’d read it.

Harley

The inspiration for Harley came from a student that went to church with me. I knew his family, and he was open about what they enjoyed or didn’t enjoy. Although the physical description of Harley is from that student, Harley really is a blend of the student and my own son.

The B&B is from a dream my husband and I have to one day run one. The photography that Harley’s dad does is because my husband is a photographer. Harley’s mom is probably more characteristically me.

Will

During study hall, the other student sat quietly and drew. He didn’t say much. While in Spanish class, he brought me to tears when he brought in a shell from a WWII ship. All I really knew about him was he had a kind heart and what he looked like. So, Will’s character evolved based on that.

It wasn’t until later that I realized that the inspiration for Will had very kind, and humorous, parents who are involved in his life. Whereas, Will in the books has very unengaged parents.

Chase

The inspiration for Chase came from an eighth grader who embodied the stereotypical Oregon boy. He was raised on a farm up the river, went hunting and fishing, and his dad logged. His roots showed in how he dressed and talked. However, he also seemed to get put down for his heritage. So, I wanted to honor the basis of life here in our area–hunting, fishing, and logging. In so doing, I created Chase’s dad–the hard-working, get-up-early logger.

Cherise

The inspiration for Cherise was a very talkative girl in my Spanish class. She worked with the student who inspired Chase. It wasn’t until about half-way through the semester that the kids tried to tell me that the student never spoke in any of her other classes. I couldn’t believe it! She proved to me she could go a whole class period without saying a word. However, Cherise has the same characteristics I saw in this student while she was in my class. Her love for her dog comes into play later in the series, and I received permission to add him into book three. 

The Cover

You’ve seen the cover, but I’m so excited about it. You see, I got to go out with three of those students to do the photo session for the stock photos. I was given permission from their parents to use them on the cover! So, we have Will, Harley, and Chase (from left to right). Unfortunately, the student who inspired Cherise had moved away and couldn’t make it back for the session.

What people are saying about the book

One Amazon reviewer gave the book five stars.

“An Unexpected Adventure, for me, turned into an unexpected delight. Kandi Wyatt manages to mix reality and fantasy in perfect proportions in this tale.”

Where to get your copy

Today the book is live on all the outlets! Unfortunately, amazon has not linked the paperback and the kindle edition so there will be two different links. 

Purchase your ebook here                             Purchase your paperback here

Meet the characters:

Arianna:

My idea of Arianna at the beginning of the story is in some ways an Anne Shirley from Anne of Green Gables. With that in mind, here’s the opening scene.

“Arianna Roris, that’s not fair!” Pasha called to her friend. “You can’t hide in a tree!”

“And why not?” Arianna’s laugh rang through the courtyard.

Placing her slender hands on her hips, Pasha planted her feet and glared up at the cypress, her dark eyes hiding among her ebony tresses, in a stance unbefitting a young lady. Blue eyes met chocolate ones and held. Finally, Arianna relented.

“Fine, I’ll come down.”

Disentangling her blond hair from a tree branch, Arianna looked below her and jumped down as smoothly as a cat.

Pasha shook her dark head. “How will I ever explain the state of your dress to Mother this time?”

“Don’t worry, Pasha.” Arianna laid a gentle hand on her friend’s shoulder. “I’ve learned not only how to climb the tree, but how to clean my dresses afterward, so that even Lady Hemma won’t know.”

Pasha chuckled. “That’s what I’ve always liked about you, Arianna. You’ve learned how to take care of yourself.”

Arianna’s Uncle Marcos raised her until she turned ten. At that time, the Rector family took her in as a foster daughter to help train her in the ways of nobility and womanhood. The two families had been friends since Arianna and Pasha were little, because Uncle Marcos and Lord Praus, the head of the Rector family, work together in the duke’s castle.

Duke Callon:

Arianna first meets Duke Callon on Pasha’s wedding day. Here are her impressions.

Arianna noticed Lord Praus with a man who carried himself with confidence and authority. His dark hair and golden skin told Arianna that he was a Canalvian. The man’s deep baritone resonated with the quartet playing in the background. Arianna didn’t know what to say. His brown eyes, flecked with lighter brown that seemed to shift like the shadows cast by the last leaves of autumn, met hers and seemed to sparkle.

Kenden:

Kenden is Pasha’s older brother. He loves nothing better than to be locked away in his laboratory in the duke’s castle working on his various projects. He also enjoys sticking up for the underdog. He’s a champion for those he loves, besides being a genius inventor.

Lord Kakalian:

I always had a love/hate relationship with the original character that became Lord Kakalian. His arrogance irked me to no end, but his comeupance that he received always thrilled me. So, I tried to write those emotions into Lord Kakalian. The reader will discover more about Lord Kakalian from his sons really than from the lord himself. His first appearance in the story is in a council meeting.

Micyjah raised a hand. “Your grace, Lord Kakalian has many tenant buildings. I suggest we place him over housing needs in the city.”

“Very well spoken, Lord Micyjah.” Norval turned to Kakalian. “Are you willing to add those responsibilities to your mining business?”

Kakalian sat back in his chair and fingered his beard. “I suppose I could place several of my middle sons over the mining projects currently. That would free up my time to devote to the housing situation. Does anyone know if we have a shortage or not?”

Nine heads shook, and Callon leaned forward. “I would say that would be your first order of business. Then you can report directly to me on what you find.”

Slender fingers worked their way through Kakalian’s red beard, and a lamp flickered. Someone coughed. “I would be honored to hold the position of city housing director, Your Grace.”

As I said, the reader learns more about him through his sons who are introduced on the first page, but these quotes pretty much sum it up.

In reality none of Lord Kakalian’s brood were pleasant. The lord had ten sons, every one of whom had either inherited or learned their father’s racial hatred and cruelty.

***

“So far, Lord Kakalian hasn’t committed any crimes. Everything with his fingerprint on it is legal, but that doesn’t mean it’s ethical.”

Blurb:

When Duke Callon divorces his wife and decides on an uncanny way of choosing his next duchess, Arianna’s left with little choice. Faced with the intricacies of politics, Arianna struggles to find her place. Just as she thinks she has her footing, a decree, issued with the blessing of her husband, calls for the extermination of her entire race.

A young innocent girl, a capricious duke, and a decree that will change everything. What will it take to save a race?

Follow along in this one of a kind Steampunk Biblical retelling of an Old Testament classic by Kandi J Wyatt.

Cover and links:

Matt Konar did an amazing job on this cover. He took the ideas I’d gleaned from a young friend and created the castle garden with Arianna, Duke Callon, and Lord Kakalian plotting behind them. I love his watercolor pencil work that he did here.

You can find To Save a Race on the major outlets on pre-order for $.99. The price will go up three days after it releases on March 6th.

Get Your Copy Now

I first heard of the Krillonian Chronicles in May of 2016. When book two came on sale, I picked it up. That began a love affair with Annie Douglass Lima’s works. The Prince of Alasia introduced me to a different world that I enjoyed just as well despite my misgivings which I wrote about earlier this year. If fantasy isn’t your forte, and I have know idea why it wouldn’t be, Annie Douglass Lima also has a coloring book.

This week the conclusion to the Krillonian Chronicles comes out. In celebration, I get to share with you an excerpt, but first, I’d like to tell you what I thought of book 3.

Review of The Student & the Slave

Having already been pulled into the world of Cavvarach fighting and slaves, it didn’t take me long to dive in when a chance came my way to read book three. The book picks up right where book two left off–with a freedom and enslavement.

I eagerly awaited the satisfying conclusion, but as I read, I began to wonder if that happily-ever-after I so longed for would be possible. I couldn’t see how the character development would enable it to come about. Either way, I was sure someone would be disappointed and not able to have what he wanted. To my great pleasure, I was wrong.

This page-turner kept me guessing to the end with great plot, characters, and world building. I do suggest reading them in order, unlike me who read them book two, book one, and book three. However books two and three are available for 99 cents right now.

Get your copy of The Student & the Slave

Information about The Student & the Slave

Is this what freedom is supposed to be like? Desperate to provide for himself and his sister Ellie, Bensin searches fruitlessly for work like all the other former slaves in Tarnestra. He needs the money for an even more important purpose, though: to rescue Coach Steene, who sacrificed himself for Bensin’s freedom. When members of two rival street gangs express interest in Bensin’s martial arts skills, he realizes he may have a chance to save his father figure after all … at a cost.

Meanwhile, Steene struggles with his new life of slavery in far-away Neliria. Raymond, his young owner, seizes any opportunity to make his life miserable. But while Steene longs to escape and rejoin Bensin and Ellie, he starts to realize that Raymond needs him too. His choices will affect not only his own future, but that of everyone he cares about. Can he make the right ones … and live with the consequences?

Excerpt from The Student & the Slave

In this excerpt, a gang member who has seen Bensin fight is trying to recruit him.

“Where do you guys get your money?” Bensin challenged. “How do you afford to wear silver?”

Deiv chuckled. “Some of us have day jobs, believe it or not. But I know what you’re thinking.” He lowered his voice. “You see that building way off in the distance? Eighteen stories, white with green trim?”

“Yeah?”

“That’s Entitled, Tarnestra’s classiest clothing store. Back before Emancipation, it had a reputation for treating its slaves worse than any other company in the province. Eighteen-hour work days, no lunch break, you mess up or talk back or show up late and they’d beat you half to death. Even after they had to free their slaves, they’ve treated their paid employees almost as bad. There’s more people looking for work in Tavallia these days than there are jobs, so they can afford to be as mean as they want.”

“Okay. So?”

“So, let’s just say that no one felt sorry for them the night they lost a bunch of their most expensive inventory and all the money in their cash registers.” Deiv grinned. “Things like that are how come we can afford our silver. Nobody who actually needs the money ever loses anything to Silverheads. Only the lazy, greedy, rich corporations.”

“Well, I still don’t want to break the law.” Bensin kept walking.

“You wouldn’t have to do anything you didn’t want to. You could always just keep watch and sound the alarm if necessary. At least think about joining us. You don’t have to decide right now.”

“Okay, I’ll think about it.” Not think about it as in consider saying yes, of course. Just think about it as in ponder how weird and unnerving it was that a gang member was trying to recruit him. I probably shouldn’t tell Ellie and the others about this. They’ll only worry.

Ready to grab your copy now, or do you still want to know a bit more? You can check out a character interview with Officer Shigo, who plays an important role in books one and two and has a cameo in book three.

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