The Road to Dark Hope. Uphill Both Ways.

Anyone who has tried to work while going back to college can tell you it's hard to find time for anything else. Making time to write and edit and promote books isn't easy, but it isn't something I do for money or fame. Though I certainly wouldn't turn down a bit of extra cash right now. That going to school stuff is expensive. Do you know they expect you to pay for the privilege of doing homework and not having a life?

Kidding aside, my books are a labor of love and one I refuse to give up. So, with that in mind, I have somehow managed to release a new book into the world. 

I have to admit, one of the best things about publishing a book is getting to work with so many great people, including an array of beta readers, my format designer, and my wonderful editor at Chimera Editing. My favorite part, however, outside of writing the book itself, is seeing the cover come to life. I was fortunate to work with an incredibly talented artist, Robert Crescenzio, on this book (as well as some other projects that I can't wait to share with you).

I give you, Dark Hope of the Dragons. A dark fantasy novel. The book will be on sale for $.99 August 31st through September 2nd. Click here for purchase links or to read the first chapter.

After over a century imprisoned in stone statues, the dragons have devised a plan to regain their freedom. Unbeknownst to humankind, they placed the power to begin that process in Dephithus, the beloved heir to the throne of Imperious.

Followers of the daenox—a dark power that was also imprisoned—have learned of the dragons’ plans.On his sixteenth birthday, they give Dephithus a cruel gift of their own. A gift meant to thwart the dragons. A gift that will change his life, and his world, forever.

Happy reading!

*This story contains a plot line involving sexual assault that may be difficult for some readers.*

Official Release! Apostate (Forbidden Things book 3)!

I'm very excited to announce the official release of Apostate, the final book in my Forbidden Things series. Visit the Apostate page to read the first chapter and find links to order. Also, keep an eye out this week for free promotions on my short stories, In Silence Waiting and Making Monsters, and a Kindle Countdown Deal running the 20th through the 27th on Dissident, Forbidden Things book one.

Being rejected by the man she loves hasn’t stopped Indigo from trying to save his country. Since her own country now sees her as a traitor, she must look elsewhere for help. While Yiloch rushes back to the capital to prepare his empire for battle against an enemy that appears untouchable, Indigo turns to the least likely place to build an army of her own.

The Kudaness, split apart by intertribal rivalries, are bound together in several things, not the least of which are their hatred of her people and their belief that using ascard is an affront to their gods. If she can convince them to excuse her those sins, she still faces the challenge of persuading them to go to war on behalf of their Lyran neighbors. Even if she succeeds, they must defeat a powerful army and then she will have to find a way to clear Yiloch’s name and prove to her country that she is no traitor.

And somewhere out there, Myac is still hunting them both.

Happy reading!

Apostate (Forbidden Things #3) cover reveal!

It's that time again.

In spite of an extraordinary amount of crazy in my 2016 so far, I'm excited to share with you the cover art for the upcoming third book in my Forbidden Things epic fantasy series! Before I show you this newest fantastic cover by Raquel Neira, however, here is the list of great blogs that are also hosting the cover reveal arranged by Masquerade Book Tours.

Now, here is the cover for Forbidden Things book three, Apostate!

Happy reading!

Exile Release and Other Happy News!

As I was sitting down to write this blog post, I got a bit of happy news. My young adult novel, The Girl and the Clockwork Cat (the first book in the Clockwork Enterprises series), made the finalist list for the Dante Rossetti Awards. They're still judging for First in Category and Grand Prize. Congratulations to all the other finalists.

Ganbatte Clockwork Cat!

Now to the announcement of the official release of Exile, the second book in the Forbidden Things series. For links to order and a look at the first chapter, visit the Exile book page. Stay tuned for the blog tour January 4th through 8th, hosted by Masquerade Book Tours.

Yiloch, the newly crowned Emperor of Lyra, stands accused of arranging the assassination of the Caithin royal family. Torn between love for Yiloch and her close ties with the royal family, Indigo wants nothing more than to prove the accusation false, but the evidence puts the blood of the family on his hands.

Trying to protect the Lyran prince from the swift descent of Caithin justice, Indigo exposes the workings of an enemy who is willing to kill to protect his secrets. In desperation, she unleashes magic that sends Yiloch deep into the desert of Kudan before fleeing for her life. She must find him again to save his life as well as her own.

Betrayed by ally and by love, stranded by uncontrollable magic, Yiloch struggles to make his way back to the Lyran capital before Caithin can declare war, but standing between him and his empire is a lethal new enemy, wielding magic unlike anything his people have faced before.

Happy Holidays!!!

It’s a Kind of Magic

Books truly are a kind of magic. So writing them makes us magicians of a sort. The same magic can be found in many forms of art from the visual arts, like painting and cinema, to music (one of my personal favorites). I am happy today to bring to my blog a fellow writer, Catherine Johnson, who also sees magic all around us. Her blog is a wonderful collection of book reviews, fun stuff, and delightful creativity that I encourage you to visit. Here is Catherine with an enjoyable piece on magic.

Whether you are a writer or a reader, the word magic conjures up all sorts of fun things (pun intended). For some the word magic means a guy in a black cape waving a wand and producing a white rabbit out of his sleeve. For others it may be a guy in a purple cape with stars on waving a wand and turning you into a rabbit. Whatever perception you have, it is likely that you enjoy the image that the word Magic represents.

Read the rest on her blog here. Thanks Catherine

To wrap up, a little song that always comes to mind whenever I talk about magic. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvFyYjUW9JE&feature=related