The Characters

Kristjan Jorvarsson

This may seem obvious since it’s his name and face on the cover, but who’s Kristjan?

At eighteen, Kristjan has had many different apprenticeships–most of which have been cut short by his father due to the danger involved. Adventuring in the cold wastes of Toppur isn’t safe for the future chief. What about mining? Definitely not! He might get caught in a cave-in. The only safe route is to apprentice for the position of chief.

But…

Kristjan doesn’t want that responsibility. He’s not ready for any responsibility yet–especially not being betrothed!

And betrothals are coming in. Father’s already written four rejection letters, but now an elder is trying to match his daughter with Kristjan.

Geirfinnur Jorvarsson

Geirfinnur has been chief and single-parent to Kristjan for the past eighteen rotations (years). He has a strong sense of community, responsibility, and ethics. He’s watched as his relationship with his son has grown distant and mourns that. After all, he promised his wife on her deathbed that he’d not allow that to happen.

But…

Geirfinnur knows what only the elders know. Soon there’ll be more to worry about than betrothals or family relationships. Soon, the holdt won’t be able to survive.

A merchant left the holdt vowing to never return and to spread the word to others that it’s not worth braving the wastelands to reach them. Without merchants, they’ll have to scrounge for food with hunting parties, live off lichen and maybe, stars forbid, ice rat! It may keep them alive, but what about clothes to keep them warm? Sure they could stay in the holdt and its caverns, but then there’d be food.

Tinna Arnorsdotter

All of Tinna’s seventeen rotations have been lived identified by her father–Friðfinn, respected elder–and her mother’s hysterics. She’d rather fall somewhere in the middle–and not be noticed.

But…

Kristjan’s cousin, Bastian, has watched her as long as she can remember. At first she was flattered. After all, what girl wouldn’t love having the attentions of an attractive young man, and nephew to the chief to boot!

But…

When Bastian’s attention turns more physical, she’s left with guilt and feeling dirty. Now, her only hope is if she can hide what happened and get Kristjan Jorvarsson to agree to the betrothal her father sent.

Bastian Helgisson

At eighteen, Bastian has stayed in the shadows of his cousin, but he’s watched as his cousin has pleased everyone–or tried to. The problem is that pleasing everyone leaves others unhappy, and Bastian sees that. He could be a better chief than Kristjan; he’s even followed Uncle Gierfinnur around learning what it takes to be chief of Storeheltur.

But…

There’s one thing Bastian can do, and that’s please himself. So, every decision is filtered through the grid of what he wants. Whether that’s get a ring for Tinna or help the holdt survive.

Setting

400 rotations ago, Jorvar, Iunn, Arnor, Bergmund, Helgis, and five other scientists were given warning to flee to their shelter. When the shaking stopped and they dared exit, they thought their clocks were off. It was night–the two moons… That’s what was wrong. There were only two moons–Handi and Tsiki. Where was Piku?

As time progressed, they realized there was no day, only moonsteps. The moons told the passage of time. If they were to survive the climatic changes, they’d have to expand their shelter and dig into the rocks and caverns around them. Thus they created the holdt, Storeheltur.

Now…

Outside, it’s a barren, frozen waste inhabited near the caverns by shkatað, large white bears, snow foxes, and other creatures that use the thermal vents to survive and live off each other.

Inside, it’s a warm cavern system lit by minerals called yoma. Lizards and rats skitter through the caverns, and lichen grows abundantly.

But…

Storeheltur is the farthest northern settlement in the frozen wastes. They survive by merchants willing to brave the snow and ice to bring them supplies.

Jump into the Story

Intrigued? Then…

Still not sure? Then…

Purchase Resolved

Yep, that’s probably the most obvious, but today the book is available on all outlets. If you’ve been waiting to snag an ebook, now’s your chance. It’s only 99 cents. The hardback and paperback books are also available. If you like the feel of a good solid book, the hardbacks of this series are for you. They look great together sitting on a shelf.

If you’ve already ordered your copy, once you read Resolved, a review is the best thing you can do to help an author. Even if it’s just a word or two. Those reviews help others know what you thought of the book and give credibility to the book for future potential readers but also to amazon.

Read the first chapter

It’s always good to know what you’re diving into. The first chapter will help with that. So, here’s the first chapter for you to read for free.

Dragons on Social Media

Another way to celebrate the release of Resolved is to post to the July Dragon Challenge. It’s available on Instagram or really any social media. Just use #DragonsSovereignsTalismans and tag me @kandijwyatt (instagram and facebook), and @talismanbrett (instagram). We’ll like your posts and interact with you as well.

The July Dragon Challenge is a collaboration between Brett Salter and me. Brett’s Talismans series is a middle grade dragon rider series, and Sovereigns is a young adult dragon rider series.

Download a bookmark

Since I’m on my way to my favorite writing conference, Realm Makers, I made up some bookmarks to put in the registration bags. I decided to give you one of my favorites.

Pre-order Divided

Book 6 tells Mairead’s story, and picks up right after Resolved.

About the day

Well, it never fails to impress me what all happens on a book birthday. Often I’m at school, and I sit on pins and needles trying to figure out what’s happening on the internet. Sometimes I end up sick–like the last three releases. There’s always some kind of celebration, but this one is my twelfth release! So, I planned a facebook party with all kinds of giveaways–there are at least 15 different paperbacks, ebooks, or audiobooks being given away just for participating in the party. Then on Thursday, I’m heading to Rose City Comic Con in Portland, Oregon. I’ll be there all weekend. Come join me if you’re in the area.

Today though has been even more hectic than what’s planned. Last week was the first week of school, an ordinary event. This year our school was scheduled for a seismic upgrade, but instead of it happening over the summer, they started around August 15. So, last week they were in the middle of working on classrooms and the roof. Crazy conditions to try to teach in, but it gets better! It rained this weekend. As of yesterday, I’ve not had access to my room. Today it was totally sealed off, and I won’t be able to get in there for two weeks. What a birthday present.

About the book

An Unexpected Exploit is my first portal fantasy, but I’m not new to portal fantasy. I remember growing up and loving the books that let me cross over into a new world. Even as an adult I’ve listened to The Beyonders series, Narnia, Pendragon, and The Tethered World, which you can win at the facebook party.

It was so much fun writing this book. I allowed my imagination to soar and my faith to shine. When I asked, “Do the sanraksaka believe in a creator?” the whole system fell into place. Why wouldn’t a sentient bigfoot creature believe in a creator? With that, in came Sirjanakarta.

Reviews

There are already two reviews up on Amazon, three on Goodreads, and one on a reviewer’s website. The book is a 5 star on Amazon and 4.33 on Goodreads.

The Cover

Music from https://filmmusic.io “Dangerous” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

If you haven’t picked up your own copy, both ebook and paperback copies are available now.

Birthday Cake

Well, come join me for some birthday cake and presents–for you–tonight at 6 pm Pacific and 9 pm Eastern. The party’s all set up and just waiting for you.

There are two grand prize packets. This is just one of them. Here’s your access to it.

As An Unexpected Escapade wrapped up, I still didn’t know what was going to happen for the story-line of An Unexpected Exploit. I knew Jack Collins had to meet his just reward, and that the characters were going to get to go into Shinwano. Beyond that, I had no idea. To my surprise, the book lived up to its name in two ways.

Exploit Explained

The word exploit can be both a noun and a verb. As I explain to my students, that means it is a thing as well as an action. When I created the title, I was thinking of the noun:

A bold or daring feat

oxford dictionary on google

The teens were going to go on a daring adventure by crossing the portal into Shinwano. It would be unexpected because Franklin would follow bigfoot into the mythical realm.

Little did I realize that there’s a second definition of exploit that fit the story as well.

use in an unfair or selfish way

Oxford dictionary on google

This definition describes Jack Collin’s motives to a ‘T’. He’s after all the magic he can gather. What better way than to force Franklin to show him where the portal is and go through it himself? Once he enters Shinwano, he devours all he can–from a faun, to a unicorn horn, and even dragon scales.

Pre-order gift for you

Once you pre-order your copy of An Unexpected Exploit, you can show proof of purchase and receive a mobile wallpaper. There are three to choose from–a cute baby dragon on a hand, a fairy in a cage, or a pirate looking out to sea.

An Unexpected Exploit Cover

Now, here it is. One of my son’s named it the best cover yet! That’s high praise coming from my kids who are very picky about my covers. Amalia Chitulescu did a fabulous job with all three of these covers.

The Book:

War threatens. The game board is set. But the Minstrel is missing…

Advancing his growing power, the Dread Prince breaks free of his prison and brings a faction of dragons under his control, stirring unrest and hatred in the newly united kingdoms of Tellurae Aquaous.

When the dragon wards of Kallayohm are targeted in a ruthless attack, the High King travels there to administer justice. But the trial results in a crippling blow that leaves him reeling.

On the heels of defeat, an unexpected message from the erstwhile Minstrel arrives, pleading with his friends for rescue. Together, the High King and his companions must follow the fragile trail, braving peril and darkness that will test the measure of them all…

The Interview:

“Hello, is anyone here? My name’s Kandi J Wyatt and I’d like to know about you and what you want the world to know.”

A young girl emerges and shyly waves. “Hi, my name is Kaitryn.” She fiddles with her skirt and stares at her bare feet. “I don’t know why anyone would want to hear about me, but since you asked, I’m fourteen and I live in Aom-igh with my step-father, Justan. He’s a captain of King Oraeyn’s knights, kind of his right-hand-man, really.”

She straightens, a glimmer of pride lighting in her eyes. She brushes a wisp of hair away from her face, slightly dislodging the crown of wildflowers she’s woven through her braid. “I’m kind of ordinary, really. I don’t think there’s a lot about me that would interest all you people… my papa… my real father, I mean… died when I was young, he died protecting our home from the invaders. Then, a few years ago, my mother gave her life to protect us once again. I miss her very much, but I’m grateful to my new Papa, Justan, for taking such good care of me, even if he is a little overprotective at times. I love to play in the woods and make flower chains. Let’s see, I have been learning to cook and sew, as well as play my mother’s cittern. I think I’ve been getting better! Would the people like a song?”

She looks a little nervous then rubs her hands together. “Oh, I left my instrument at home, I’m sorry. What was the other question? Oh, right, something I want the world to know. I just wish that people would believe me when I say I’ve seen and heard wind sprites. They may not seem very important, but they are hurt that people don’t remember them. Maybe that’s why they like talking to me, because I listen. Listening is important, and it seems to be something people sort of forget how to do as they get older and have more responsibilities, but that doesn’t make it any less important. And just because wind sprites are little, doesn’t mean they aren’t worth listening to.”

She nods firmly and tilts her head sideways with a gentle smile, swaying slightly to a music only she can hear. “Is that all? Thanks so much for having me, and for listening!” She skips back off into the woods she loves so much.

The Author:

Jenelle Schmidt grew up in the northern-Midwest. She now resides with her husband and their four adorable children in the wilds of Wisconsin. Jenelle fell in love with reading at a young age during family story-times when her father would read out loud to her and her siblings each night before bed. Her imagination was captured by authors such as Madeleine L’Engle, J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Lloyd Alexander. It wasn’t long before she began making up her own stories and sharing them with her family. To this day she enjoys creating exciting adventure tales filled with poignant themes and compelling characters in the fantasy and sci-fi genres.

Where to Find More of the Tour:

Where to Find the Book and Author:

You can find Jenelle on these sites:

Website/Blog: http://jenelleschmidt.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JenelleLeanneSchmidt/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/JenelleLSchmidt/

You can purchase her books on Amazon.

Get Your Copy Today

The New Book:

To Save a Race tells an age-old story of persecution, love, racial hatred, and tremendous courage. The original story is beloved by both Jews and Christians. Although it’s been told in various formats throughout the years, I decided to go with a steampunk style inspired by Hayao Miyazaki’s Castle in the Sky and Howl’s Moving Castle. My fascination with the Esther story goes back to first or second grade. The private school I attended celebrated Reformation Day by having students dress up as Biblical characters or heroes of the faith. The one year, I chose Esther. I felt so aristocratic in the green satin. This picture doesn’t do the outfit justice. Can you guess who my brother was?

The Story-line:

Since I wanted to shine a new light on an old favorite, that meant I needed new characters. With that in mind, the Rector family came into existence. Lord Praus and Lady Hemma welcomed Arianna into their family with open arms. Pasha and Arianna had been friends since they were little, but now they’re foster sisters. With a relationship much like Anne Shirley and Diana Barry of Anne of Green Gables, Arianna pulls Pasha into her antics. However, the duke’s edict changes all of that. Pasha gets married, and Arianna heads to the castle to comply with the decree.

The first person Arianna meets is Ayudal, the man in charge of the girls coming to the castle. In the book of Esther, there are several men who are mentioned, but I took the liberty to combine them all into one trusted advisor to the duke. This man sees the potential in Arianna and singles her out for special training. Nevertheless, Arianna has one trait that Ayudal worries about–her temper blended with her spontaneity. If she can curb her impulses, she just may have a chance at becoming the next duchess.

An excerpt:

Arianna’s lack of holding her tongue is evident in this first meeting with the duke during Pasha’s wedding. She comes upon the duke and Lord Praus talking and is invited to join them to gain some refreshments. This scene begins right after they’ve finished eating.

The duke bowed, and Arianna curtsied. He offered her his arm, and led her to the area where the rest of the dancers swirled. Duke Callan was a confident leader and Arianna’s feet found the pace easily as they moved through the steps. Her nervousness must have been noticeable, though, for the duke’s eyes found hers.

“Relax,” he commanded. “I won’t bite. I’ve held many a young woman safely in my arms.”

His words, meant to comfort, had the opposite effect as Arianna envisioned the other women who were now the subject of gossip and disdain.

“I’m sure you have,” she said, a coldness edging her voice.

He raised an eyebrow and then laughed, a clear joyous sound. “I don’t believe any of my counselors would have had the candor to say that.”

“Maybe someone should have!”

The thought of his edict irked Arianna. No one should be able to command girls to leave their homes or rush into marriages. She didn’t care what it did to her chances at the castle—she was going to tell him what she thought.

“Even a duke shouldn’t be allowed complete reign. There’s One above all men who watches, and to whom all men will give an account.”

“May I ask what I’ve done?” The duke didn’t miss a step in the dance as he twirled Arianna out away from him and then brought her back.

“What?” Arianna stared. “You don’t even realize that what you’ve done is wrong?”

“Pray tell, maiden. How have I offended you?” the duke replied without a hint of mocking in his voice.

Arianna realized he honestly didn’t know. A deep sigh calmed her down and helped her remember who she was with. “Your Grace, maybe I shouldn’t have spoken so harshly.” They spun to the music and when Arianna returned to the duke’s arms, he looked expectantly for her to continue. Arianna sighed. “I’ve heard you’ve made an edict that all young maidens are to come for consideration as your new bride.”

Understanding dawned in the brown-flecked eyes. “Ah, and you think I should just ask the girl I wish to marry me in a traditional form, is that it?”

The details:

You can find the first review of To Save a Race on The Musings of a Book Addict which states, “She creates characters that you love to hate.” This seems to be the reaction to Duke Callon.

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.

Purchase:

The book is available on all major outlets; however, if you can’t find your favorite retailer, please let me know.

1. New Year, New Reads

Last year I participated in this deal, and I’m doing so again this year. The goal is to have three days, January 1st through the 3rd, and share 99 cent books. You can find all about the other authors who are participating on the website, and head over to my page with my books.

New Year, New Reads home page

New Year, New Reads on my website

2. Book lists

I have a category of blogs called Book Lists. These are all blogs I’ve written over the last two and a half, almost three years now, that feature books that I either have personally read, or that I know I can trust the author to write great content.

Book lists

3. My 2017 favorite books

Wow! I just went through my Kindle library and counted about 30 books that I read this last year! To think that the majority of those were read over half-hour lunch breaks is even more impressive.

a. The Firethorn Crown series by Lea Doue

These are fairy tale retellings told in a fun way around the twelve princesses of the fairy tale, The Twelve Dancing Princesses. I love how each book focuses on a new sister and tells a new story. So far there are three in the series and two short stories that go with the series.

The Firethorn Crown

b. DragonFriend series by Marc Secchia

The world of the Cloudlands draws the reader in from the get go with excitement, action, and beautiful scenery all the while using language to weave the story in such a way that the very words themselves come alive.

DragonFriend

c. The White Wolf and the Ash Princess by Tammy Lash

This book was introduced as book of the month for Fellowship of Fantasy’s Indie Book Club. Even being warned it wasn’t typical fantasy, I still was left intrigued and trying to decide where this book fit. From the get go, the reader wants to know what Jonathan is hiding, and this suspense creates a page turning historical fiction/native tale retelling.

The White Wolf

d. Fabled, Eternal, and Deception by Kara Jaynes

Another fairy tale world story sucked me in and wouldn’t let me go. The first book was fun to try to count or identify the various fairy tale illusions. The author took all the elements of a fairy tale world and the various fairy tales in existence and wove them together to create her own new fairy tale. A definite must read.

Fabled

e. Annie Douglass Lima’s Alasia series and Krillonian series

Yes, both of these series are well worth the read. The Alasia series is a trilogy where events of an invasion are chronicled through the eyes of three different characters. I loved it. I think my favorite was The Prince of Mallorn. The Krillonian series is another trilogy with a new stand-alone in the same universe. In a land where slaves are sold as property and martial arts are held as entertainment Bensin struggles to survive and keep his sister alive as well.

Book one of Krillonian series

Here’s to a 2018 of more books read. Any suggestions on where to start? I’d love to hear your ideas.