THE RECLAIMED KINGDOM - Review, Excerpt and Giveaway

 

 I'm thrilled to feature Dana Claire's Reclaimed Kingdom on my blog today. Enjoy reading about his great book and don't forget to enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway towards the end!

 

 

The Reclaimed Kingdom by Dana Claire Publisher:  Chamberlain Publishing House (February 14, 2021) Category: Young Adult, Fantasy/Romance Tour dates: April 9-May 31, 2021 ISBN: 978-1792361357 Available in Print and ebook, 310 pages

 Description Reclaimed Kingdom by Dana Claire The Legend is true. The Fear is real.

                            

Under the cruel ministrations of its Queen, the Kingdom of D’Land is in peril. With King Harrison away in foreign lands and neighboring Kingdoms unwilling to intervene, there is no one to protect the people from poverty, harsh punishment, and unreasonable rules of law – except for the Band of Brothers. Struggling with the death of her mother and the legendary Syphon powers she inherited, seventeen year old Dru wants nothing more than to escape her old life and join the motley crew of ruffians, pilfering from the rich to feed the poor and pay their taxes. She’s able to do just that disguised as a lad, and even when her nature is discovered, nothing changes – except for the way her friend Hawkin treats her. But Dru’s new world is overturned when she and the Brothers seize the treasures of a Prince who threatens to reveal her identity. Together, Dru and her chosen family must find a way to reclaim her destiny and bring balance to the Kingdom. If not, there may be no hope left for anyone.

 

EXCERPT From Chapter 1

"Houses, towns, drinking holes have all been burned to the ground as examples of what can happen if we do not obey. If we don’t fill the queen’s coffers, she fills our caskets.” I laughed mockingly. “She’s a fool, trying to drain dry udders. And you’re a fool blind to the truth.”

Anger rose inside of me, and it wasn’t drawn from the men. This time it ignited from the soles of my heels to the crown of my skull as I relived all that I have known, done, been through, but mostly all I have lost. I shook my head. I didn’t know this man in front of me anymore, and he didn’t know me. “No, you do not care. You lie at night on plush beds, inhaling the scent of fresh linens. You dine on hot savory meals prepared by your servants. You have shelter to shield you from nature’s many moods. Hah! Your purpose today is not to be enlightened but to save your life and those of your men. We are not jesters, here for your entertainment. So how about you save your miserable life, hand over your coinage, and let us on our merry way?”

Advance reviews for Reclaimed Kingdom by Dana Claire

"Ms. Claire has such a talent for imaginative magic systems. The Syphon in this series has abilities I have not encountered before. The ability to take emotions and how she deals with them are quite intriguing. In this story, Dru makes an interesting heroine with her contrasts of her life as a brigand and thief with her previous life. She is very much a Robin Hood character without falling into the tired tropes that can come with that. The male main characters are so different. Hawkin is intense and unrefined. Dodge is softer and somewhat of a dreamer. They are both fiercely loyal and capable. The progression of their relationships with each other and Dru has made this a fabulous and compelling story."- Aizlynne, Goodreads 

 

What an exciting, fast paced adventure! I loved this escape into a Robin Hood type world which had a refreshingly different twist. I was drawn into Dru's world from the first page and felt I  was still there when the book ended. 

Courageous   and independent, Dru has a unique talent, which is as much a burden as a gift. I don't want to give too much away, as it would spoil it for anyone who has yet to read the book, but there are many twists and turns before the climax. The two main male characters, Hawkin and Dodge, are so different to each other, but each is charismatic in his own way, and each would do anything to protect Dru. As their past and present relationship with Dru gradually unfolded, I could not help wondering which one of the two Dru would choose - or if she would have either one!

For me, this was a real page turner and I found it hard to put it down. I didn't want the story to end, and when it did, it left me wanting more - a lot more. It's not quite a cliffhanger ending, but it does leave a few questions to be answered, and I will happily be looking forward to reading the second book in the series. (Five Comets)

 

 

About Dana Claire

Author, Dana Claire, believes that a good story is made through strong character development. When readers become attached to the characters’ emotional state and are invested in their objectives, the readers are there for the long haul backing the characters and their emotions. How cool is it to read a book and think about the characters long after you’ve read the last page? She believes that the beauty of reading is that one can live a hundred lives within the stories of books. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to be a vampire, slay a dragon, or use a time machine, there’s a book for that. Website: https://danaclairebooks.com/ Twitter:

https://twitter.com/danaclaire143 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanaClaireBooks/

Buy Reclaimed Kingdom by Dana Claire

Amazon IndieBound

 

 

 

 

 

 

Giveaway Reclaimed Kingdom by Dana Claire

This giveaway is open to Canada and the U.S. only and ends on May 28, 2021 at midnight pacific.  Entries are accepted via Rafflecopter only. a Rafflecopter giveaway

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I have also read the SF Fantasy novel Connection, by the same author, and it is just as exciting and intriguing as 'The Reclaimed Kingdom' although completely different. The characters are just as real and the world-building just as brilliant.

Praise for Connection by Dana Claire

“To begin with The Connection is an interesting book to wrap your head around, the opening chapter leaves patches and mystery which I find a good thing, it dragged me in and made me want to figure out why this dystopian time was like what it was. The main characters name is Beatrice Walker and the story, though not followed from her perspective, is based all around her. After the next couple of chapters, you get the concept of the whole new world and its so bitter sweet and beautifully unusual that you just want to discover more and more about this story. The made-up memories that are written have so much meaning and you get to experience these moments all over again. Then ending is so amazing, Dana Claire really knows how to leave a reader wanting more.”-John Kerry, Let’s Talk Knowledge 

“After the first chapter, I could tell that this book was going to resemble The Lux Series. The lux series is one of my all-time favorites, so I was genuinely interested in seeing where the author takes this story. I’m happy to say that I was not disappointed. I honestly couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. One thing I was not anticipating was the never-ending action. I loved how there was never a dull moment, as our main characters seemed to never catch a break.  Dana Claire has a way of getting under your skin because Beatrice and Cash have made it to my favourite characters list. I can’t wait to see what the author does next! I really hope it’s the sequel to this novel. That cliff-hanger at the end makes me want to read book two as soon as possible.”- Jessica Marie, The Mermaid Reader 

“Enthralling and well- crafted story. The author’s descriptions are so vivid you feel as though you are in the book. The plot of the story is suspenseful and hard to predict the next move because right when you think you know what is going to happen the story goes into a different direction. Dana Claire took me on a roller coaster of emotions all the way from the first page. I found myself not being able to stop until I completed the book. The Connection is indeed an outstanding and ingenious read. I eagerly look forward to reading more of her books.”- Chinnie N., Amazon 

“Sci-fi fantasy can be challenging, but Author Dana Claire did a fabulous job with this novel. The characters are great. They develop throughout the book in such a powerful way. I love Bea, AND I love her with Cash. The Connection is a book I could not wait to read every day. I loved falling into this story because I thought about the plot even when I wasn’t reading it. A telling sign it’s a great novel!”-Hey It’s Carly Rae

 

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King Arthur's Sister in Washington's Court by Kim Iverson Headlee - Spotlight and #Giveaway

King Arthur's Sister in Washington's Court

by
Kim Iverson Headlee

Genre: SF Time Travel Fantasy

How sick are you of US politics? How doomed is the world because of who has claimed the Oval Office throne—er, chair?

Refresh your spirit by laughing along with what Mark Twain might have written about today’s political falderal.

“Solidly entertaining.” —Publishers Weekly

WINNER 2016 IBPA Benjamin Franklin Gold Medal for Science Fiction & Fantasy.

Morgan le Fay, sixth-century Queen of Gore and the only major character not killed off by Mark Twain in A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, vows revenge upon the Yankee Hank Morgan. She casts a spell to take her to 1879 Connecticut so she may waylay Sir Boss before he can travel back in time to destroy her world. But the spell misses by 300 miles and 200 years, landing her in the Washington, D.C., of 2079, replete with flying limousines, hovering office buildings, virtual reality television, and sundry other technological marvels.

Whatever is a time-displaced queen of magic and minions to do? Why, rebuild her kingdom, of course—two kingdoms, in fact: as Campaign Boss for the reelection of American President MaloryBeckham Hinton, and as owner of the London Knights world-champion baseball franchise.

Written as though by the old master himself, King Arthur’s Sister in Washington’s Court by Mark Twain as channeled by Kim Iverson Headlee offers laughs, love, and a candid look at American society, popular culture, politics, baseball… and the human heart.

Mark Twain began work on A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court in 1879—the same year the Yankee Hank Morgan departed for his sojourn in sixth-century Britain. The first edition was published in 1889 and features more than 200 illustrations by the man who later would become founder of the Boy Scouts of America, Daniel Carter Beard. These illustrations are now in the public domain, and a handful have been incorporated into King Arthur's Sister in Washington's Court as
an artistic homage to this classic edition of the first time travel story in all literature.

  **On Sale for only 99 cents!!**

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Kim Headlee lives on a farm in southwestern Virginia with her family, cats, goats, Great Pyrenees goat guards, and assorted wildlife.
People and creatures come and go, but the cave and the 250-year-old house ruins--the latter having been occupied as recently as the mid-twentieth century--seem to be sticking around for a while yet.

Kim has been a published novelist since 1999 with the first edition of Dawnflight (Sonnet Books, Simon & Schuster) and has been studying the Arthurian legends for nigh on half a century.

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For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! I also promise that I never have and never will share your information or email address with anyone or any organisation.  http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

The Circle of conspiracy by Cas Peace - Spotlight and #Giveaway

I'm thrilled to be part of fellow Brit, Cas Peace's book tour. I love fantasy, adventure and horses and really enjoyed the Artesans of Albia Trilogy. Sullyan is a brilliant heroine, I've rarely been able to empathise with a female lead character in the way I did with her. She is such a strong, courageous, charismatic person, and yet very vulnerable and sensitive beneath the tough exterior. The other characters are all excellently written too, including the horses. I'm sure I will enjoy The Circle of Conspiracy just as much as I did Artesans. Congratulations on the release of this new boxset Cas. Now let's find out more about the book:

Nine months have passed since Brynne Sullyan helped forge an alliance between the realms of Albia and Andaryon. A fragile peace reigns as both sides recover from the events of the previous year. Then mysterious raiders strike Andaryon villages. 

Attempts are made on the life of Albia’s High King. As Sullyan scrambles to find those responsible, unseen enemies threaten to pull apart everything she has worked for, including her marriage.

The alliance begins to crumble, and Sullyan finds herself caught between two monarchs: the king she’s sworn allegiance to, and the man she loves as a father. To betray either one would break her heart, but if conflict is inevitable, she must make a choice…

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~ Universal Amazon Link Artisans of Albia ~

Book Buy Links

Amazon: https://geni.us/wMnaO

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44078471-circle-of-conspiracy

Cas lives in the lovely county of Hampshire, southern UK, where she was born. On leaving school she trained for two years before qualifying as horse-riding instructor. During this time she also learned to carriage-drive. She spent thirteen years in the British Civil Service before moving to Rome, Italy, where she and her husband, Dave, lived for three years. They enjoy returning whenever they can. 
Cas supports many animal charities and owns two rescue dogs. She has a large collection of cacti and loves gardening. She is also a folk singer/songwriter and is currently writing and recording nine folk-style songs to accompany each of her fantasy books. You can listen to and download all the songs from her website: www.caspeace.com 

See the video of her performing live at the King’s Envoy book launch here: http://www.caspeace.com/cas-peace/the-wheel-will-turn

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Author Social Media Links:

Reverbnation: https://www.reverbnation.com/caspeacewithntn?profile_view_source=header_icon_nav

Facebook: (Cas Peace): https://www.facebook.com/cas.peace  (Artesans of Albia):https://www.facebook.com/artesansofalbia/?ref=hl

Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/artesansofalbia/?ref=hl

Blog: http://peacewrites.blogspot.co.uk/

Website: http://www.caspeace.com/

Excerpt #3 - from Book 3 Full Circle:

Sullyan turned at last to the one who waited patiently beside her, watching her quietly. Jessy’s warm blue eyes, lighter in shade than her brother’s, sparkled with the life she’d lost too soon, and they smiled her love into the golden eyes that gazed back in wonder. She stood happy and proud, as she’d never been in life, radiating thankfulness, approval and … something else. Anticipation?

Jessy?

We greet you, Brynne Sullyan. We’re very pleased you’ve come back.

Jessy’s gentle voice, a treasured memory for so long, broke another barrier within Sullyan. She accepted back her name, and all that went with it. She felt whole again, although until now she hadn’t been aware of her fragmentation. She raised tear-filled eyes.

Oh, Jessy!

Two arms came around her and held her tight as she wept out all her despair, all the self-blame, all the regret, the longing, the fear, and the shame. In a cleansing rush it came out, and when it was gone, it left her spent and helpless. She was held all the while, although it was the sense of presence in her heart, now beating again with warm lifeblood, that gave her the most comfort. And she realized, with a start of shock, that they had always been there, those comforting influences, the source of her strength and control.

Then the pressure of the arms eased and the spirit of Robin’s sister stepped back.

Come, Sullyan. Time grows short and there is someone yet you must speak with.

The words sounded in her mind—Jessy’s smiling lips didn’t move. Sullyan felt her hand clasped and she didn’t resist the gentle tug. She followed Jessy and, although her surroundings didn’t change, they left the others behind, their eyes watchful. She felt no sense of loss as their figures faded. They were always with her.

Then another presence appeared before her. A thrill of recognition and shock ran the full length of her soul. A woman, delicate and slim, like herself. A fine mane of tawny hair, although not as long as her own. A fine-featured, oval face. Beautiful, warm brown eyes. A welcoming smile that said more than words could ever express. The woman stepped two paces forward, her arms held wide.

Sullyan stopped dead. It just couldn’t be.

Song List:  

Circle of Conspiracy Songlist.

From The Challenge: Meadowsweet. https://www.reverbnation.com/caspeacewithntn/song/21511143-meadowsweet

From The Circle: Larksong. https://www.reverbnation.com/caspeacewithntn/song/22333132-larksong

To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! I also promise that I never have and never will share your information or email address with anyone or any organisation.  http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join