Thorns at Sunrise Release Day! And a Review!

23 Mar 2023 Leave a comment

by C.O. Bonham in book tours, Cover Reveal Tags: , , , , , ,

Today is the release day for a fantastic fairytale retelling.

A young queen. Her imaginary friend. A kingdom on the verge of death.

She believes she’s crazy.

Queen Usilea has a secret–and he lives in her mind. Ever since she was six years old, her imaginary friend has been her closest companion, and her arranged marriage has been a great dread. When she learns her betrothed and the royal family have suddenly died, she feels obligated to attend the funeral in the foreign land of Absteph–and perhaps learn more behind their mysterious passing.

He only wants the truth.

Petar endures great pain to protect those he does not remember. His only solace is a shadowy woman who he loves–even though she denies that he exists. When a terrible tragedy occurs in his kingdom, that mysterious woman is his only hope of bringing justice to light. For the cage that imprisons him grows harsher every day, and he is losing the fight.

But there are thorns at sunrise.

Brought together on the barest thread of reality, Usilea and Petar must discover what really happened to the royal family. But Petar’s time is running out. Soon not even a Mender like Usilea will be able to save him.

This YA romance features a gender-swapped Sleeping Beauty in an original fantasy world on the brink of doom.

Amazon Kindle*: https://amzn.to/3XzECTH

Thorns at Sunrise autographed paperback: https://uncommonuniverses.com/product/thorns-at-sunrise-autographed-paperback/

Photo by Quang Nguyen Vinh on Pexels.com

My Review of Thorns at Sunrise:

Thorns at Sunrise is the second book in a series of unique fairytale retellings from author Janeen Ippolito.

While the first book Met by Midnight was a loose take on Cinderella, Thorns at Sunrise sets out to tackle Sleeping Beauty. If the Prince had been the sleeping one. Although the girl is now, the hero Thorns at Sunrise maintains a balance between both POVs and avoids the easy “girl power” narrative. Urlisa and Petar have a healthy relationship and the feels are there for those who came for the romance.

Like Met by Midnight, Thorns at Sunrise also includes original poetry, that compliments the prose.
The author is also a poet in her own right and I wondered which came first, the story or the poem?

If you live for fairytale retellings, this is one series you won’t want to miss. Met by Midnight and Thorns at Sunrise share characters, so I recommend reading them in order for maximum enjoyment.

I was blessed with an early review copy from the author, the above review is my fair and honest evaluation of the provided work.

In addition, special edition hardbacks of Met by Midnight and Thorns at Sunrise are also available.

The special edition hardbacks will feature all-new illustrated covers by Kristen Hildebrand/Magpie Designs. 

Thorns at Sunrise autographed hardback: https://uncommonuniverses.com/product/thorns-at-sunrise-autographed-hardback/

Met by Midnight autographed hardback: https://uncommonuniverses.com/product/met-by-midnight-autographed-hardback/

Met by Midnight (book 1 of the series) Amazon Kindle*: https://amzn.to/3HrV8zA

Author Bio:

Janeen Ippolito writes about misfits who defy expectations, whether in fairy tale, steampunk fantasy, urban fantasy, humorous paranormal romance, or poetry. She also spreads wordtastic joy in her work as a fearless book strategist, nonfiction author, and coach. In her spare time, she swordfights and posts cute animal memes.

Social Media Links:

Twitter: @JaneenIppolito (https://twitter.com/JaneenIppolito)

Facebook: @janeenippolitounique (https://www.facebook.com/janeenippolitounique)

Pinterest: @janeen_ippolito (https://www.pinterest.com/janeen_ippolito)

Website: https://www.janeenippolito.com/

Instagram: @Janeen_Ippolito (https://www.instagram.com/janeen_ippolito/)

*This site takes part in the Amazon Associates Program. That means if you click an Amazon link in this post and buy the product promoted the blogger will make literal pennies at no extra cost to you.

The Gift of Dragons 2: Title Reveal

17 Mar 2023 Leave a comment

by C.O. Bonham in Cover Reveal Tags: , , , ,

So as you can probably guess the real title is NOT The Gift of Dragons 2. That was just me not wanting to give away the title in my title. Would you like to take a guess before I reveal it? The second book will have a four word title.

Give up yet?

Let me tell you a little about the book while you mull it over.

In the sequel, Adelaide, with her newfound dragon-powers and dragon friends must stop the Gyndilians to save all of Klinhun.

But the burden seems too much for Adelaide, and secrets abound in the land of Gyndilad that threaten to destroy everything she cares about.

To save those she loves once and for all, Adelaide must overcome not only the Gyndilians, but also the doubts inside her.

And the title of the sequel to THE GIFT OF DRAGONS is the HOPE OF DRAGONS!

The sequel is not up for pre-order yet so if you are new to this series you have plenty of time to catch up.

When the prince Adelaide seeks to overthrow tries convincing her that the legendary dragons exist and need help, Adelaide must decide where her true allegiance lies before the kingdom shatters.

Ever since the Gyndilians murdered her sister, Adelaide has plotted a rebellion to overthrow the king and prince who failed to protect them during the attack. Following her across the country is a stranger — not just any stranger, but the prince she’s hoping to overthrow — and Adelaide’s plans begin to collapse. But Prince Elias has his own dangerous secrets — secrets connected to the dragons that once lived in the land. If he can’t earn Adelaide’s trust, there may never be any peace for Adelaide, her people, or the dragons.

In The Gift of Dragons by Rachel A. Greco, the fate of two species rests on the tip of a dagger. Can Adelaide overcome her prejudices and thirst for revenge to do what’s best for her people before rage and sorrow consume her?

Find it on Amazon here at my affiliate link*: https://amzn.to/42wEwiX

And if you don’t want to order from the Zon you can buy a signed copy directly from the author at her Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1163456803/the-gift-of-dragons-ya-fantasy-book

Rachel A. Greco dreams of being a dragon but has settled instead for being an author, which is almost as fun. Her short story, Fairy Light, won an honorable mention in the Writer’s Digest Annual Writing Competition. When not writing, she can be found reading, kayaking, or dancing with elves in the forests of her North Carolina home.

Stay tuned for more info! To make sure you get all her updates, and to meet Adelaide’s new dragon friends and see other sneak peeks, make sure you’re signed up for her monthly newsletter at this link: https://mailchi.mp/53a3d61d2c4c/readadeletedscene

Her Website is here: https://www.rachelagreco.com

*This website uses affiliate links through the Amazon Associates program. Every time you buy a book using one of these links the blogger gets pennies from Amazon at no cost to you. Those pennies will add up into nickels and eventually dimes.

Cover Reveal: Prophetess of Arden

24 Feb 2023 Leave a comment

by C.O. Bonham in Cover Reveal, Uncategorized Tags: , , , ,

Today I’m helping reveal the cover for this new book but I have nothing for you just the cover. No description, no pre-order link, no Goodreads link. Why? Because this reveal was on Bookstagram but I am not on Instagram so I have to post here.

I can tell you that this book is the first book in an epic fantasy series called the King and Prophet Chronicles. I am reasonably sure it takes place in a kingdom called Arden. I can also tell you with certainty that there is also a prophetess in this book. I am even willing to bet that she is the main character.

I can also tell you that I am an early ARC reader for this novel and as soon as I finish it I will share a review here for you, right now I have one more book to read before I can get to it.

Prophetess of Arden is expected to release on or around March 24th.

You can find L. A. Thornhill at her website http://lathornhill.com

And on Instagram @lathornhill

Cover Reveal: The Orb and the Airship

13 Feb 2023 Leave a comment

by C.O. Bonham in Cover Reveal, Steampunk Tags: , , , , , ,

Today I have a special Cover reveal. The Author has provided teasing graphics I will share in between telling you about the book.

About the book:

A rogue airship captain. An ambitious youth. A clash of powers beyond their imagination.

With scholarships to a prestigious military school, Grayden and Wynn are thirsty for adventure. But the night before they leave, they discover the mysterious Dalmir and his arcane orb in the forsaken tower outside of town. The old man, who seems to have a wealth of knowledge of what came before and yet so little of the now, insists on accompanying them as they travel to the academy.

Meanwhile, all pirate Captain Marik wants is to keep to the skies, take his due, and care for his crew. Then a straightforward pillaging mission on a ship of fresh academy students leads to betrayal from one of his own and an unlikely friendship forged by necessity.

Yet this new alliance stirs up ancient foes and a conflict too terrible to ignore. Despite Grayden’s inexperience and Marik’s skepticism, working together with Dalmir is their only option.

The fate of the world depends on it.

A clean steampunk fantasy adventure filled with steadfast friendship, brotherhood, twisty politics, and epic airship battles. 

First in the Turrim Archive series:

The Orb and the Airship

Mantles of Oak and Iron

Hearts of Stone and Steel

The Prisoner and the Pirate

Towers of Might and Memory

I know that sounds amazing doesn’t it? I’m surte you have questions. I will answer them below.

When does it come out?

RELEASE DATE

June 16, 2023

Can’t wait?

Add the book now on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/86044787-the-orb-and-the-airship

How can I preorder my copy?

The author is going to run a Kickstarter campaign to launch this whole five book series in rapid release.

The Kickstarter Launches on Feb 20th But you can save it now and Kickstarter will send you an email when it launches.

Save now:

Kickstarter Pre-Launch Page

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jlschmidt/the-turrim-archive

About the Autor:

Jenelle first fell in love with stories through her father’s voice reading books aloud each night. A relentless opener-of-doors in hopes of someday finding a passage to Narnia, it was only natural that she soon began making up fantastical realms of her own. Jenelle currently resides in the wintry tundra of Wisconsin —which she maintains is almost as good as Narnia — with her knight-in-shining armor and their four hobbits. When she is not writing, she homeschools said hobbits and helps them along on their daily adventures… which she says makes her a wizard.

Author links:

https://jenelleschmidt.com

https://www.facebook.com/JenelleLeanneSchmidt

https://www.instagram.com/JenelleLSchmidt

TROPES

Morally gray characters

Enemies working together for the greater good

Soldiers

Assassins

Quest

Wizard/Mentor

Thorns at Sunrise Cover Reveal

25 Jan 2023 Leave a comment

by C.O. Bonham in Cover Reveal Tags: , , , , ,

*This site takes part in the Amazon Associates Program. That means if you click an Amazon link in this post and buy the product promoted the blogger will make literal pennies at no extra cost to you.

Hello again. I’m back with more from Janeen Ippolito. In her never-ending quest to do all the things, she is now getting ready to release a fairytale retelling of sleeping beauty. And boy does this release have a lot to it. We’re talking pre-order swag and Special edition hardcovers. Keep reading for all the details.

A young queen. Her imaginary friend. A kingdom on the verge of death.

She believes she’s crazy.

Queen Usilea has a secret–and he lives in her mind. Ever since she was six years old, her imaginary friend has been her closest companion, and her arranged marriage has been a great dread. When she learns her betrothed and the royal family have suddenly died, she feels obligated to attend the funeral in the foreign land of Absteph–and perhaps learn more behind their mysterious passing.

He only wants the truth.

Petar endures great pain to protect those he does not remember. His only solace is a shadowy woman who he loves–even though she denies that he exists. When a terrible tragedy occurs in his kingdom, that mysterious woman is his only hope of bringing justice to light. For the cage that imprisons him grows harsher every day, and he is losing the fight.

But there are thorns at sunrise.

Brought together on the barest thread of reality, Usilea and Petar must discover what really happened to the royal family. But Petar’s time is running out. Soon not even a Mender like Usilea will be able to save him.

This YA romance features a gender-swapped Sleeping Beauty in an original fantasy world on the brink of doom.

The book is available for preorder in eBook and paperback format.

Amazon Kindle*: https://amzn.to/3XzECTH

Also, Janeen Ippolito is running a preorder swag campaign for this book! There is special swag for paperback preorders and hardback preorders.

For paperback and hardback preorder swag, ordering through the UUP website through the link provided above is enough.

Thorns at Sunrise autographed paperback: https://uncommonuniverses.com/product/thorns-at-sunrise-autographed-paperback/

In addition, preorders for special edition hardbacks of Met by Midnight and Thorns at Sunrise are also available.

The special edition hardbacks will feature all-new illustrated covers by Kristen Hildebrand/Magpie Designs. Cover’s pending.

Thorns at Sunrise autographed hardback: https://uncommonuniverses.com/product/thorns-at-sunrise-autographed-hardback/

Met by Midnight autographed hardback: https://uncommonuniverses.com/product/met-by-midnight-autographed-hardback/

To mark the cover reveal, the ebook of Met by Midnight (book 1 of the series) is on sale for $0.99 for Amazon Kindle until January 31. Amazon Kindle*: https://amzn.to/3HrV8zA

Author Bio:

Janeen Ippolito writes about misfits who defy expectations, whether in fairy tale, steampunk fantasy, urban fantasy, humorous paranormal romance, or poetry. She also spreads wordtastic joy in her work as a fearless book strategist, nonfiction author, and coach. In her spare time, she swordfights and posts cute animal memes.

Social Media Links:

Twitter: @JaneenIppolito (https://twitter.com/JaneenIppolito)

Facebook: @janeenippolitounique (https://www.facebook.com/janeenippolitounique)

Pinterest: @janeen_ippolito (https://www.pinterest.com/janeen_ippolito)

Website: https://www.janeenippolito.com/

Instagram: @Janeen_Ippolito (https://www.instagram.com/janeen_ippolito/)

Broken Mirrors release week: Through a Shattered Glass

23 Dec 2022 1 Comment

by C.O. Bonham in book tours Tags: , , , ,

So long time readers will remember how when I published my book Runaway Lyrics it was part of The Frosted Roses group promotion. Well, this year the Arista Band of FairyTale Re-tellers is back with six Snow Queen retelling in their Broken Mirrors collection. I do not have a book in this collection but one of my frosted sisters, Sarah Pennington, is back with a topsy-turvy Wonderland/Snow Queen mash up.

Through a Shattered Glass

Book Description:
Drop the mirror and you break the world in two.

Alys hasn’t set foot in Wonderland in years. Not since the White Queen’s mirror shattered; not since her best friend, Kai Hatter, was killed; not since Alys fled back to her own world with a shard of enchanted mirror in her eye. She’s done her best to set aside the past and move on — until a red-painted rose appears in her room, and the portal opens once more.

Simultaneously desperate for hope and terrified of what she might find — or cause — Alys ventures back through the mirror. But the Wonderland she finds is not the same one she left behind, and though Kai is less dead than she thought, he still might be past saving. To make matters worse, the mirror shard is still in Alys’s eye, and Wonderland is all too susceptible to its corrupting power.

Only Alys can save the land and friend she loves — but if she’s not careful, she might be their doom instead.

A dark portal fantasy remix of The Snow Queen and Lewis Carroll’s Alice duology.

Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BFVSH518

Add Book on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62669175-through-a-shattered-glass

Author Bio:

Sarah Pennington has been writing stories since before she actually knew how to write, and she has no intention of stopping anytime soon. She is perpetually in the middle of writing at least one or two novels, most of which are in the fantasy and fairy tale retelling genres. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys knitting, photography, and trying to conquer her massive to-be-read list.

Find her online at: Author Site || WordPress Blog || Blogspot Blog || Goodreads || Facebook || Instagram || Twitter || Amazon 

Sticker Promo:

Anyone who preordered Through a Shattered Glass or who purchases the paperback on release day can submit a proof of purchase to receive a set of character art stickers featuring art by the lovely Chloe Grace (@chloegraceartist on Instagram). One set of stickers per person; proof of purchase must be submited by end of day on December 26.

Link to request stickers: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfBj-_REBIbaXY0ZjaAchJsjRLddu9Mq3KycXAAbmeVJVE1Ew/viewform?usp=sf_link

As a special treat, Sarah is sharing a fun fact about her book to whet your appetite. If you like Tea you’re definitely going to want to read this.

Fun Fact:

Given that one of the most famous scenes of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is, of course, the Mad Hatter’s tea party — and given my own tendency towards writing stories where food is a plot point — it should be no surprise that tea also plays a significant part in my take on Lewis Carroll’s classic. Alys’s first meeting with Kai Hatter is, as in the original, at a tea party, and they continue to bond over tea (and riddles) as they grow up together. Some would even say that it’s one of the foundations of their friendship.

So, if tea is so important . . . what kind of tea is it? And what are Alys and Kai’s favorite teas?

Alys and Kai share a preference for black tea over green, though they also enjoy herbal teas (or tisanes, as Kai would point out is the proper name). Both of their favorites are blends developed and perfected by Kai himself. Alys’s preference is for a summery blend of blueberry, cinnamon, and vanilla flavors mingled in black tea leaves — add just a touch of honey to make the perfect cup! Kai, for his part, is proud of all his tea blends and is happy to share any of them, but the one he loves most brings together delicate rose petals and almost flavor with chai spices. While it took the longest out of any of his teas to perfect, he thinks it was well worth all the effort!

Cover Reveal: Into the Depth

14 Dec 2022 Leave a comment

by C.O. Bonham in Cover Reveal Tags: , , ,

Author Janeen Ippolito is on this blog quite a lot for her snarky urban fantasy offerings. But once in a while she appears for her insightful poetry,

You can check out her previous poetry visits: A Storm Grows here and Embers, Dreams, and Dustfire here.

In fact, as a Christmas Gift to everyone Janeen is making all three of her previous poetry collections FREE Today (12/14) and tomorrow (12/15) Find them all here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09Q99GDGP

Into the Depth

Release Date: January 11, 2023

Blurb:

the water is deep
and though I can see
crystal-clear
in the depths
the water is deep
and I’m not able
to swim

A poetry anthology of mental health, mental illness, trying to cope, and persevering despite the difficulties.

You are not alone, and there is always hope.

Amazon Ebook Preorder Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BPQ39V78

Paperback Preorder Link: https://jihelp.thrivecart.com/in-the-depths-paperback/

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/65145387-in-the-depths

Janeen’s social media links:

Website: https://janeenippolito.com/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janeenippolitounique/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janeen_ippolito

Black Friday E-Book Sale

25 Nov 2022 Leave a comment

by C.O. Bonham in Uncategorized Tags: , , ,

Last year I participated in a massive group Black Friday sale hosted by Perry Kirkpatrick. And I’m doing it again this year.

Go to https://sale.perrykirkpatrick.com to find hundreds of books for less than a dollar. Book prices are only guaranteed through cyber Monday, of course always verify prices before purchasing.

This year you can pick up my novel Runaway Lyrics for only ninety-nine cents and my Steampunk Christmas short story for free.

Did you know that Amazon will let you gift E-books? It’s true. Just select the send as gift option when

If you are gifting someone an e-reader this is a great opportunity to load it up with tons of books for very little money.

Did you want to give someone a signed paperback of Runaway Lyrics? I have nine copies left from an author event earlier this year. If you are interested I have a google form, you can fill out. I am charging $15 shipping included for addresses in the United States. I will ship international but it will cost more. How much more depends on the destination.

Signed Paperbacks can be ordered here: https://forms.gle/e46rrfZq9P5ZcXnZA

Are you looking for a gift that keeps on giving? There’s a new subscription available called the Story of the Month Club. you can check it out here*: http://chellespreciousprintables.com/cpp-amember1/aff/go/cobonham?i=5

I may have contributed a story or two.

*The link listed is an affiliate link. Using it does not increase your cost to purchase but if you choose to buy a subscription, I will get a little extra back from it.

Dive-in Review: Absolution

23 Nov 2022 Leave a comment

by C.O. Bonham in book tours, Dive In Review Tags: , , , , ,

Hello welcome back. Today I am taking part in a blog tour for a new book called Absolution. My contribution is a review post. Absolution is the sequel to Amok that I featured here last year.

About Absolution

Release date: 24 November 2022

Published by: Teaspoon Publishing

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63103167-absolution 

🙢

If cursed is the hand that kills, then it wouldn’t matter if that same hand stole, would it? 

Tulen feels doubly cursed, forced to serve the bratty princess of Impian as punishment for her crimes. When said princess embarks on a pilgrimage, Tulen grabs her only chance to offer a sacrifice at the holy city of Suci—and maybe, finally, feel clean again.

Sultan Mikal has set his face towards Suci—and certain death. Nothing about his Penance is clear, except the fact that if he fails, Terang will fall along with him. 

When Tulen’s pilgrimage intersects with Sultan Mikal’s quest to fulfil the Covenant of Salt, Tulen faces a difficult dilemma: What is her absolution worth in the face of the sultanate’s very existence?

Dive-in Review: Absolution

Absolution the book concludes Absolution the series, a trilogy of stories set in a fictional and fantastical version of southeast Asia. The stories and setting feel like they could be historical in some long forgotten part of our world.

Absolution follows Tulen, a young woman who has a special gift, which she uses in all the wrong ways. I really felt for Tulen. She is so relatable in her guilt. Tulen is sure she has committed an unforgivable crime, but the problem is, she’s the only one who believes she’s guilty. She dwells on it constantly always regretting her actions, never willing to forgive herself.

Since Absolution is a direct sequel to Amok, Mikal is back though not the POV character. He is on a mission to restore the covenant that was broken by his father. He is journeying in secret and it’s really fun knowing who he is while Tulen has no clue. I really like the way these two interact with each other. They are extremely shippable.

This book is the most spiritual of the three books in the Absolution series. Amok was mostly about having faith through adversity. The Tale of the Hostage Prince was about the importance of staying firm in your beliefs even when it might cost you everything. But Absolution takes it to the next level. It’s got so many themes, such as listening for the voice of God, forgiveness—even of oneself, and the most important lesson of all—leave the goat behind. (You’ll get it when you read it.)

the author gave me an ARC of this book for the purposes of review. My review here is my own honest opinion of the provided work

Absolution releases tomorrow.

Absolution pre-order links:

Amazon*: https://amzn.to/3TRFeCi

Other retailers: https://books2read.com/AbsolutionNovel 

Ebook pre-order price: USD $2.99 /

Absolution is the third book in Anna Tan’s Absolution series but even if you missed the first two books I feel like this one stands well on its own. But the first two books really are worth checking out. And right now you can get all three for $2.99 each.

Find Amok here*: https://amzn.to/3Fw7pCD

Find Tale of the Hostage Prince here*: https://amzn.to/3sGQRAj

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Anna Tan grew up in Malaysia, the country that is not Singapore. She is interested in Malay/Nusantara and Chinese legends and folklore in exploring the intersection of language, culture, and faith. 

Anna has an MA in Creative Writing: The Novel under a Chevening scholarship and is the President of the Malaysian Writers Society. She can be found tweeting as @natzers and forgetting to update annatsp.com.

Where to find Anna online:

Website: https://annatsp.com

Instagram: http://instagram.com/annatsp

Facebook: http://facebook.com/annatansp

Twitter: http://twitter.com/natzers

🙢

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*This website uses affiliate links through the Amazon Associates program. Every time you buy a book using one of these links the blogger gets pennies from Amazon at no cost to you. Those pennies will add up into nickels and eventually dimes.

Seaspoken Book Blitz!

08 Nov 2022 Leave a comment

by C.O. Bonham in book tours Tags: , , , , , ,

Hey I’m back again. I might actually get the hang of this posting regularly thing.

Today I am part of a book blitz. It’s like a blog tour but instead of being really organized and spread out, a bunch of book influencers just blast about the book all over the internet. This whole week is a blitz for Seaspoken by Sarah Delena White.

If the name Sarah Delena White sounds familiar, it’s because I’ve featured her on the blog before for her Star-fae trilogy. You can read an interview with her here.

I am crunched for time and feeling lazy so this is the post copy as provided. No affiliate links this time. Scroll all the way down for an excerpt and a giveaway.

Seaspoken
Sarah Delena White
Publication date: July 19th 2022
Genres: Fantasy, New Adult, Romance, Young Adult

An ocean consumed by rage. A challenge that demands blood. A love that defies everything.

Battle-hardened warrior Evya Atathari longs for a truce between her sea-dwelling tribe and the elven invaders. But her mother, the powerful and vengeful Seamother, will stop at nothing to see the elves destroyed.

Then the Seamother enacts a brutal rite of challenge for Evya’s hand to gain a powerful ally in the war. But even as the greatest warriors of the sea vie for her favor, her heart is captured by a man who should be her mortal enemy.

Keliveth Dalzana is a failed prophet of the elven king’s court—until a vision leads him to Evya and a chance at ending the war. Drawn to Keliveth’s idealism, Evya agrees to help him win the deadly contest for her hand and establish a peace treaty through their marriage. Together, they dare to dream of a better future.

But when their own peoples turn against them, Keliveth and Evya must find the courage to embrace their true destinies—and decide how great a price they can pay for their love.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

—

Only 99c for a limited time!

—

EXCERPT:

“Do you really believe we’re doomed to fight each other?”

“Yes.” A tear trickles down my cheek as I force the word out. Anything to keep him from taking one more step into the angry sea.

The singer’s laugh rolls through the mist. “I don’t believe that. Our peoples used to be friends. Tell me from your heart—do you believe the One Who Is has destined us only for war?”

The waves dance higher as his voice passes over them, and I shudder. The ocean is listening.

The Seamother is listening.

Depths take him, he’s going to get both of us killed if he doesn’t stop talking. I slip into the water, shifting back into my sea-dwelling form as I do. With a few flicks of my lithe tail, I speed through the shallows until I reach another large rock, this one only a few yards from the singer. I crouch behind it and speak in a whisper. “Please, leave before the Seamother hears you!”

“My name is Keliveth. Keliveth Dalzana.”

The singer’s simple words send ice through my veins. A Dalzana. A prophet of the elves, too powerful and dangerous to trust. And yet … this makes his claims about the Creator plausible. My head spins as I try to sort out what I dare believe about this man, and I say the first thing that comes to mind.

“I didn’t want to know that.” I would rather have gone on thinking of him as the dream-singer. As someone who didn’t have to be my enemy.

“Why not?” His voice is so earnest, so sincere, that it makes my next words all the more bitter.

“Because someday soon I will meet you on the battlefield.” My voice quavers. “And when that happens, either you’ll die with my spear through your chest, or I’ll be turned to ash by your magic.” I pause, gulping back sudden tears. “It’s worse when you know the names of the ones you kill.”

“Well, then, I guess you shouldn’t kill me.” I can almost hear a smile in his voice, and I clench my fists. Does he think I’m joking?

“I’m leaving,” I snap. “Don’t follow. My people will spear you and shred you to pieces.” I push away from the rock, ready to swim back down to the palace and leave this absurd dream world behind.

His voice cuts through the darkness again.

“Tell me your name. Then I won’t be able to kill you either.”

A pang shoots through my heart. If only it were that simple.

A wave swells before me, rising so much higher than the rest of the breakers that the stone outcroppings that dot the shallows are buried. I grip the rock I hide behind as the water rushes over my head. All thoughts are chased away by the sight of the wave as it arcs above me and crests in glittering white foam.

The Seamother has found me.

Author Bio:

Sarah Delena White writes eclectic speculative fiction that weaves world folklore and ancient concepts into vibrant, original story worlds, with a fine balance of poetry and snark. When she’s not writing, she can be found exploring nature, creating art, and seeking to make the perfect cup of coffee.

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