THE ANCIENT FIRE – Book #1 in the Triple Goddess series.

A re-imagining of the Ancient Irish legend of Brigid, the Triple Goddess.

An enchantment protects her and imprisons her. Bree accepts her life. Áine, her aunt, has told her they must endure their quiet existence in their cave home to protect the ancient fire of the Tuatha Dé Danann, the race from whom she and Áine are descended. Bree enjoys reading of the exploits of the ancient people but their tales of heroism seem far removed from her life.

Then Bree’s world is torn apart. Lu, a god of the Tuatha Dé Danann, with his hound, Kuon, breach their cave’s enchantments and tells them they must go with him. The Outer Veil has been breached and Mór, an evil goddess, and her fiends, are determined to breach the Inner Veil.

Eighteen year old Bree finds herself thrust into the role of leader of her people. She has days to learn the ways of the Tuatha Dé Danann and become the Triple Goddess, so she can face Mór in battle.

To prove to her people of gods and goddesses, immortals, fairies, giants and centaurs, that she is worthy of ruling them, Bree must stand on the Stone of Fál – it will cry out if she is worthy of being the triple goddess. 

The day of battle arrives – Samhain. Bree and her army face the horde of the dead. Bree, using her powers, makes fire burn in her palms.

Yet she must face Mór once again in the ultimate struggle for her life.

https://mybook.to/theancientfire

https://linktr.ee/ellenreadauthor

The year is almost over…

This year has been an exciting one for me with the release of The Dragon Sleeps in November. It’s the first book in The Thornton Mysteries. A cosy mystery series with a tender love story.

 

Book 2 is with my publisher, with book 3 soon to follow. I’ve finished it except for a last read through.

In January, I’m starting book 4. The research is done. I’m looking forward to writing it.

Book 1 is set at Thornton Park, the family home in Victoria.

Book 2 is principally set in Daylesford, a small town in the Macedon Ranges of Victoria. Dayleford is a beautiful place, and today is known for its spas and for its natural mineral springs.

Book 3 is set at Thornton Park and the Barossa Valley in South Australia. The Barossa is prime wine country.

Book 4 will take us to Norfolk Island, a beautiful island in the South Pacific not far from Australia. I went there last year to do some research. I’m going back in 2020.

I hope you’ll come on this journey with me.

This year also saw the release of Broken, a story that is free on my website.

After the tragic death of her parents, Rachael Watson ran away, leaving her sister to manage the family lavender farm and shop. Three years later, crushed by her unrelenting grief, workplace bullying, and guilt and shame for letting her sister down, Rachael decides to return home.

There, Rachael meets Ebony, a black mare who has been mistreated and beaten. Rachael realises she is not the only one who has been broken.

The Treasure is also free on my website. It’s a novelette – short than a novella but longer than a short story. YA/NA Fantasy.

Lastly, I’d like to wish you a Merry Christmas – or Happy Holidays if you don’t celebrate Christmas – and a Happy, Healthy New Year.

 

The Book of the Day this week is Heart of a Warrior by Denna Holm

The Book of the Day this week is

Heart of a Warrior by Denna Holm.  

You can buy this fabulous eBook here: http://mybook.to/HeartWarrior

Elena Murphy is devastated when Gabriel walks out of her life. When her granddaughter is abducted by aliens and left to die on a hostile world, Gabriel is part of the rescue party sent out by his Council to find her. From the start, they both know there is a strong connection between them, but Elena fears that Gabriel is embarrassed that she is only half vampire while he is a powerful Hunter who has lived for over three thousand years. But when two children under her care are abducted, Elena will do everything in her power to get them back, including swallowing her pride to beg Gabriel to take her with him to track them down.

Gabriel has spent thousands of years searching for his destined mate, his eillelé. When he finally finds her in Elena, it is to learn she is half human. He knows this makes their options as a couple limited. If he takes her back to his world, Laizahlia, his Council will force him to convert her fully to vampire, and he knows she might not survive with her mind intact. And it is forbidden for their kind to live on Earth. Rather than risk her life, he chooses to turn and walk away . . . until two children under her care are taken by Slavers, and it’s him who led them directly to her.

About Denna Holm: An expert horsewoman from Oregon, now retired from training and showing horses, Denna has now devoted her whole attention to her second passion, writing novels.

https://www.facebook.com/denna.holm.author

https://twitter.com/dennaholm

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/denna-holm

https://dennaholm.net/

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/19628973-who-can-honestly-say-they-are-making-regular-profit-on-book-sales-and-ho?comment=197556980#comment_19755698

 

BOOK REVIEW: HEART OF A WARRIOR

 

Heart of a Warrior by Denna Holm

Heart of a Warrior is the fourth book by Denna Holm in her Immortal Warriors series.

Each book is definitely a standalone. I haven’t read the first three books and I followed this story without any difficulty.

The story, along with the engaging and well-drawn characters, drew me into its pages from the very first start.

In the beginning, we meet Elena Murphy as she prepares her ranch for an approaching storm, but not all of her chills are because of the thunder on the horizon. She thinks of Gabriel, the dark-haired, ancient vampire who often visits Earth from his home planet of Laizahlia. Elena can sense he’s close. Would he show himself to her? He watches over her and protects her, but from a distance.

Elena is expecting visitors – Cami Benton is sixteen and her brother Ryan, who is eight. They’re going to spend the weekend with her. She has a strong connection to the children, partly because their own home life is stressful, with their parents’ divorce. Only when their father Martin, who has driven them to Elena’s home, makes unwanted advances to Elena, does Gabriel appear, a tall, daunting figure, in his black leather of a Laizhalian Hunter.

Once Martin has run away, Gabriel helps Elena get her horses in before the storm hits. Once it hits, the storm brings more than thunder and lightning.

I don’t want to write any spoilers, so let me say from here on is a desperate and urgent journey across the universes, to strange planets with wonderful live forms, some more weird and dangerous than others. We also meet werewolves and shape-shifters.

Denna Holm has imagined these worlds and their inhabitants so fully that I slipped into them as if I were really there.

I also loved the romance and UST (unresolved sexual tension) between Elena and Gabriel.

I highly recommend this book to young adult (the older side of young adult as there are some detailed sexual scenes) and adult readers who love sci-fi, fantasy, vampires and a great love story. There’s plenty of action and excitement to please everyone.

I’ll certainly be going back to read the first three books.

A 5-star read.

Book Releases – Jenny Woolsey

I’m very pleased to have Jenny Woolsey, children’s author & speaker, and tutor,  as a guest on my blog. Jenny is also an advocate for facial differences, mental illness and inclusive education.

M Ed(Hons), Cert IV Youth Work, Cert IV TAE

Children’s Author & Speaker I Tutor I Advocate for facial differences, mental illness and inclusive education

 

Jenny Woolsey

In 2018 I published two children’s novels, Daniel Barker: By Power or Blight, and, Amy and Phoenix. These are two very different novels but exemplify my theme of difference, diversity and disability.

Daniel Barker could be classed as a fun horror, and Amy and Phoenix, a heart-warming fantasy. 

The books are about…

Thirteen-year-old Daniel Barker has a magical book from Egypt which gives him 99 wishes. The wishes must be used to make the world a better place. If not, the Mummy’s Blight will be awakened.

Dan is like a superhero, until he wishes for a fire at school to impress Charmaine, the cutest cheerleader. Things then start getting crazy and out-of-control.

Is it the Mummy’s Blight and how will Dan stop his favourite teacher from becoming a zombie? 

 

Eleven-year-old Amy Pringle lives on a farm. She knows all the animals by name and can talk to them like Doctor Doolittle. Amy is looking forward to her favourite ewe, Edna, giving birth. When she sees her dad with his gun, she knows something is wrong. 

Amy must think of a way to save Phoenix, the three-legged lamb’s life. 

After her sister Hannah, posts a video of Phoenix on YouTube and it goes viral, Amy thinks all her problems are solved. Little does she know what is about to happen. 

Will Amy be able to save Phoenix after all? 

********

Both of these books sound wonderful, Jenny. Thank you so much for chatting about them.

If you’d like to know more about Jenny Woolsey and her books, or would like to connect with Jenny, please visit her website and go to the social media places, below.

www.jennywoolsey.com

Facebook – @JennyWoolseyAuthor

Instagram – jennywoolseyauthor

Twitter – @Jenny_Woolsey

REVIEW: Wardens of Archos

Wardens of Archos is the second book in Sarina Langer’s Relics of Ar’Zac fantasy series.

I was so pleased to be back in Rifarne with Rachael and her colleagues. It was great to pick up the story from where it finished in the first book. New characters were introduced and joined Rachael on her journey to new lands in an attempt to find the answers to what is hidden beneath the ancient Krymistian ruins of Archos.

The story moves at a good pace and always left me wanting to turn the page. Sarina Langer’s world building is excellent, with plenty of description but nothing to slow the pace down. The new worlds came to life.

I loved the dynamic between Rachael and Cale. Their story develops further.
Thank you to the author for providing a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

If you enjoy fantasy, you’ll love this book.

REVIEW: Rise of the Sparrows by Sarina Langer

Rise of the Sparrows by Sarina Langer

I absolutely loved this book. Sarina Langer has masterfully created a new world filled with fantasy, prophecy and magic.

Rachel is a homeless orphan and is shunned for having ‘the gift’ – which in her case is visions of people dying. Cephy, who joins her, has a much more powerful and darker gift. When Cephy burns down her old home, the villagers of Blackrock respond with violence. The two flee and head into the forest, a world alien to them.

They encounter new dangers. The White Guard is chasing them. They meet a Mist Woman, who offers them shelter, but Rachel instinctively feels she can’t be trusted. Then a young rebel tells Rachel she must fulfil a prophecy. He takes her to meet the Sparrows; but can she trust him?

The story moves along at a great pace and the ending is action packed and filled with energy and excitement, with twists and turns.

The characters are well written. The story strongly crafted.

This is a fabulous first novel for Sarina Langer. I look forward to the next book.

REVIEW: CHAINS OF GAIA – 5 STARS

 

Chains of Gaia by James Fahy

(Book Three of The Changeling Series.)

With each book, I love returning to Erkling and the Netherworlde, to catch up with Robin, Henry, Karya, Woad and the other Erklingers.

This time, Robin and his friends have to retrieve the Shard of Earth from the heart of the Everhart Forest. A scourge lies over the great forest, as a rampaging beast lays waste to it, and to villages that border it.

Their journey is fraught with danger as they encounter centaurs, a minotaur in an ancient labyrinth, and let’s not forget the Grimms and Redcaps.

We meet new characters including Ffoulkes (with his affectations), a population of gentle green Dryads and a new Fae.

It’s wonderful to see Robin maturing and learning to be his true self. Henry and Karya are also growing up and there’s a lot more to learn yet about them, I’m certain. Woad keeps being Woad, which is just what I hoped.

James Fahy creates a very believable fantasy world. His writing is concise and his imagery is magical. I felt totally immersed in it. The characters are all well written and well rounded. The author’s wit shines through them.

I feel like I want to say more and more. The book has such depth but moved along at a cracking pace. I thoroughly enjoyed Chains of Gaia and can’t wait for the next instalment.

I’m sure you’ll enjoy it too.

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REVIEW: THE DROWNED TOMB by James Fahy

 

This is a fantastic second book in The Changeling Series. I loved the Isle of Winds, the first book, and I wasn’t disappointed with The Drowned Tomb.

I was excited to get back to Erkling Hall and the Netherworlde to meet favourite characters once again. Robin is as amazing as ever. Henry is a real favourite of mine, with his humour and easy-going manner, as is Woad and his new pet. Karya retains her aura of mystery but we are teased with some hints about her past. 

New characters are added seamlessly into the story. Some intriguing, some evil, some filled with menace. New and old, all are brilliantly written, well-rounded and believable, even the antiheroes.

The development of the story and the world building are superb. When I think of The Drowned Tomb, I think of Lords of the Rings, Harry Potter and The Chronicles of Narnia. Like these timeless favourites, The Changeling Series is for all ages.

James Fahy’s writing is witty, sincere, and concise, with a narrative that takes you on a fast and exciting ride, while at other times immerses you in scenes of beauty and magical wonder.

If you haven’t read it yet, I’d highly recommend you plunge into The Drowned Tomb soon, ready for Fahy’s third book, which is to be released on 12th June.

 

 

AGE OF THE ASHERS by DIANA TYLER and KINDLE SCOUT

 

One week ago I hadn’t heard of Kindle Scout. As an author, that is probably remiss of me. When my friend and fellow author Diana Tyler said she had submitted a book to Kindle Scout, I had to find out more about it.

What was even more important, I wanted to vote for Diana’s book.

If you follow the link, you can nominate Diana Tyler’s book too. There’s an excerpt for you to read. Believe me, you’ll love it.

https://kindlescout.amazon.com/p/ZJOJPC213UVS

Age of the Ashers (The Petros Chronicles Book 1)           By DIANA TYLER

What if all the ancient myths are true?

Eighteen-year-old Chloe Zacharias is perfectly content being an outsider. But an ancient prophecy has different plans, plans to catapult her into the middle of an ages-old war between beings she only thought were mythical. Filled with magic, mystery, and sprinklings of Greek mythology, Age of the Ashers is a powerful fantasy adventure for those who love to lose themselves in the world of make-believe.

 

There is one month, or 27 days left now, for you to nominate Age of the Ashers.

When the 30-day campaign ends, nominations are tallied and Diana will receive word if her book is to be published.

There something for you for nominating.

As a thank you from Kindle Scout and Diana Tyler, you will receive a free copy of Age of the Ashers.

Even if Kindle Scout don’t pick up the book, Diana will send you a free copy to thank you for supporting her.

 

About me

Diana has been writing all her life, starting with her own versions of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle comics when she was four. She’s always been fascinated with Greek mythology and comic book superheroes, all of which inspire her fantasy novels. She’s also a gym rat who loves to pretend she’s Wonder Woman while lifting heavy weights and swinging from rings and pull-up bars. She co-owns CrossFit 925 in San Antonio, Texas with her husband Ben.

 

Co-owner of CrossFit 925 (www.crossfit925.com) 

Contributing Writer to http://www.movieguide.org/

Contributing Writer to http://www.charismamag.com/

http://dianaandersontyler.com/

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