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Welcome to my place in the blogosphere!
feel free to explore the Flight Deck and check out my books and website.
Then fasten your seatbelts, sip a glass of something sparkling and let's chat awhile!
I hope you'll stop by again for guest authors and spotlights from time to time.

Beloved Enemy joined Starquest and Children of the Mist to continue the Destiny Trilogy and I'm thrilled to announce was shortlisted for the R.N.A. RoNA Awards 2017, awarded 2nd Runner up in the RONE Awards 2017 and was the winner in the SF/Fantasy category of the 'Best Banter Contest'.

Thursday 2 November 2017

Exciting news!

I hate to ask for votes again - and thank you if you voted in the first round. I'm thrilled to say that the cover of Beloved Enemy by WRP cover artist Rae Monet,  is a semi finalist and if you could possibly give it another quick vote I would be hugely  grateful. Thanks so much in advance, I really appreciate all your support!

(Voting closes on Sunday 5th November)

There are so many lovely covers in this contest and I'd really love to get an award for my lovely cover artist!





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! http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

Saturday 28 October 2017

#WeWriWar - Children Of The Mist - Tamarith has something she wants to ask Vidarh


Welcome to Weekend Writing Warrior and 8 Sentence Sunday, the weekly hop for everyone who loves to read and write! We've got a variety of genres and talented writers just waiting for you to come sample their work.

Writers share an 8 to 10 sentence snippet on Sunday each week. Be sure to visit the other writers - they're listed below:

If you'd to share your own 8-10 sentence snippet, whether published or not, follow the link and sign up. It's a great community to be a part of! 


Thank you so much to everyone who voted for the cover of BELOVED ENEMY, the third book in the Destiny series. I really, really appreciate your support.

I'm currently sharing excerpts from Children Of The Mist the second book. For those who aren't familiar with my excerpts, this story is set on Niflheim, a planet close to the heart of Jess, who features in the first book, whose inhabitants are telepathic. The heroine is one of her closest friends, Tamarith.Tamarith is currently nursing a broken heart, but since Vidarh is a guest in her house she can hardly avoid talking to him can she?

This week's snippet takes place on the day following his arrival. Well fed and rested, he goes outside into the morning sunshine and spots Tamarith.

 Thanks to everyone who has been following this series, and left comments xx


You can read  last week's excerpt HERE 


She sensed his mind discreetly touch hers and realized he was staring at her keenly. She turned back to face him, returning his questioning glance and studying him in turn. 

Taller than average, and broad-shouldered, today he wore a sleeveless, belted leather shirt over thick breeches, with long, icecat-wool lined boots. His upper arms were well muscled, his skin tanned as if he were used to working outdoors. His curly, dark auburn hair, kept away from his face with a plain leather band, reached almost to his shoulders, it caught the sun's rays and gleamed like the polished dark red wood of the trees that flanked the feet of the mountains. 
She took in his clear, hazel eyes, with their friendly twinkle, strong jaw line and smiling mouth. He would have been fighting off the local unattached young women if the situation they found themselves in were not so serious. 

Not that she was particularly interested in his looks, or those of any other man, for that matter. No, something else about Vidarh of Ragnak excited her curiosity. 

It's about yesterday... 



I'm no cartographer but here's a map I made for Children Of The Mist. It was a great aid in keeping track of who journeyed where!

BLURB


Two minds united against a common foe. Two hearts afraid to show their love: Long ago Tamarith fell in love with a man she can never have, and is convinced she will never love another. However, she cannot help but be intrigued by a handsome stranger whose psychic powers exceed even her own.

Vidarh seeks only to find his true purpose in life and to win the regard of his father, who eschews his son’s psychic abilities. Thrown together by a common threat to their planet, then torn apart by an evil greater than any they could have imagined, can Vidarh save the lovely Nifl woman who has captivated him, before it is too late?

Will Tamarith and Vidarh overcome the deadly enemy who threatens to destroy all they know and love? Will they find the happiness they both seek? Or are they fated to live their lives alone?

***
Purchase all three books (or just one, they stand alone, while sharing some of the same characters)  at https://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B01MRY3XXT












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! http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/joinFor 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! http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

Thursday 26 October 2017

John Jackson - Heart Of Stone



I'm thrilled to be part of the book tour for HEART OF STONE,  by fellow RNA member, John Jackson. Congratulations on your new release, John.

Heart of Stone

Genre: Historic Fiction
Release Date: 24th October 2017
Publisher: Crooked Cat Books
Dublin, 1730

When young and beautiful Mary Molesworth is forced to marry Robert Rochford, widowed heir to the earldom of Belfield, she finds that her idea of love is not returned. Jealous, cruel and manipulative, Robert ignores her after she has provided him with a male heir, preferring to spend his nights with his mistress. Power-hungry, Robert builds up a reputation that sees him reach for the highest positions in Ireland.

Caught in an unhappy marriage, Mary begins to grow closer to Robert’s younger brother, Arthur. Acknowledging their love for each other, they will risk everything to be together. But Robert’s revenge threatens their lives and tears them apart.

Will Mary and Arthur find a way to escape Robert’s clutches?

Based on real events, Heart of Stone is a tale of power, jealousy, imprisonment, and love, set in 1740s Ireland.
BUY LINKS

ABOUT JOHN JACKSON

Following a lifetime at sea, John Jackson has now retired and lives in York and has now turned his hand to writing fiction.

An avid genealogist, he found a rich vein of ancestors. They included Irish peers, country parsons, and army and navy officers. They opened up Canada and Australia and fought at Waterloo.

John is a keen member of the Romantic Novelists Association and graduated through their New Writers Scheme. He is also a member of the Historic Novel Society and an enthusiastic conference-goer for both.

He describes himself as being "Brought up on Georgette Heyer from an early age, and, like many of my age devoured R L Stevenson, Jane Austen, Edgar Allen Poe and the like."

His modern favorite authors include Bernard Cornwell, Simon Scarrow, Lindsey Davis, Liz Fenwick and Kate Mosse.
Twitter: @jjackson42








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! http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

Wednesday 25 October 2017

The Achlivan Cycle Spotlight and #Giveaway


Displaced
The Achlivan Cycle Book 1
by
Cloud S. Riser
Genre:
Science Fiction, YA Romance

Chevelle  Donahue thought going into work would be just like any other boring
day at the mall. Sure, there was her annoying co-worker Wicken Sanders, and a promotional visit from teen heartthrob Timber Hudson, to watch and keep her entertained. But who was she kidding? Working retail was lame no matter what happened. A terrorist attack changes everything - an attack from aliens of all things. The patrons are given two options: comply or else. Complying means giving in to a new set of rules and changing her entire life. "Or else" means
she has no chance of going home again. She must figure out the truth
behind why the aliens are holding everyone hostage. In doing so, she
risks her chance at freedom - but by the time she learns what's
really happening, she might not want it.

**FREE on Amazon!**


Invited
The Achlivan Cycle Book 2

It's been three months since Chevelle Donahue, Wicken Sanders, and Timber
Hudson were taken from Earth by the Achlivans - an alien race kidnapping humans in the name of preserving as much of Earth as possible before it is  Destroyed.


Wicken has been sold to another alien race - The Gorgachan - and their way of life is no where near as peaceful as the Utopia the Achlivans have set up. While he tries to figure out a way back home to his beloved Chevelle, he is caught in the middle of a fight that shouldn't involve him. 


Meanwhile,  Chevelle and Timber work together to find a way to bring Wicken back home again, along with how they can save their families back on Earth. Someone on the Achlivan ship is working against them and their happily ever after. Timber and Chevelle must choose between their own desires and doing the right thing - and each must prepare to give the performance of their lives if  They're going to survive.


**On Sale for the tour!!**


Sheltered
The Achlivan Cycle Book 3

The exciting conclusion to the Achlivan Cycle!

Timber Hudson must come to terms with the loss of his family and friends while at the same time being tasked with his greatest challenge: saving humanity from becoming mindless drones. It'd be a lot easier if Rumor would keep her nose in  her own business and in prison where it belongs.


Meanwhile, Chevelle and Wicken must choose sides. One offers them the  chance to rebuild Earth from the ground up, and the other will return them to Sanctuary to be with their family and friends. Neither choice is as black and white as it seems.


And all must face great dangers.



Cloud S. Riser is a Minnesota native. She has lived in Minnesota her whole
life. She will probably remain there for her whole life too. The mother of The Squid, Skyscraper, and two cats, her life is definitely never dull. An adventure she braves with her husband. In order to stay sane, she creates massive amounts of fiction which she has decided to share with the rest of the world for the simple reason of: she is a storyteller.

Follow
the tour HERE
for exclusive excerpts, guest posts and a 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! http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

Saturday 21 October 2017

#WeWriWar - Children Of The Mist At last - Vidarh can indulge in a few home comforts!


Welcome to Weekend Writing Warrior and 8 Sentence Sunday, the weekly hop for everyone who loves to read and write! We've got a variety of genres and talented writers just waiting for you to come sample their work.

Writers share an 8 to 10 sentence snippet on Sunday each week. Be sure to visit the other writers - they're listed below:

If you'd to share your own 8-10 sentence snippet, whether published or not, follow the link and sign up. It's a great community to be a part of! 


Before I get to the excerpt, as some of you may know, my science fiction romance, BELOVED ENEMY (the third novel in the Destiny trilogy) was a finalist for the RONE award, and was the second  runner up (after fellow WeWRiWar member Ed Hoonaert, congrats Ed!) I have just realised the cover for Beloved Enemy is also entered in the Authors database cover contest - could I beg you for a vote if you think it deserves it (it was designed by Rae Monet and I love it!) Voting finishes on Monday 23rd October, so there's not much time!
This is the link and you don't have to register, just fill in your name and a star rating.If you have a few moments to spare I would be eternally grateful and will give out virtual chocolate kisses 💖


Back to the snippet
I'm currently sharing excerpts from Children Of The Mist the second book in The Destiny Trilogy. This is set on Niflheim, a planet close to the heart of Jess, who features in the first book. The heroine is one of her closest friends, Tamarith.

 Thanks so much to everyone who has been following this series, and left comments xx


This snippet carries on a bit further from last week's snippet which you can read 
HERE 


Vidarh was still gazing around in awe, when Gullin came to his pony's head and held the bridle for him to dismount. 

Come, you must be tired after your journey. You need to change and then we'll eat, and you can meet everyone. 

Vidarh was happy to alight from the saddle and hand the reins to a girl, who also held Tamarith's pony. As she and a young man led their mounts away, Vidarh followed Gullin and Tamarith across the delicate bridge, which spanned the lake. Unseen bells tinkled, the sound drifting on the slight wind, and the bridge itself coruscated with all the colours of the spectrum, in the radiance of the two sunsets. When they reached the far side, Tamarith led him to one of the houses overlooking the lake. 

I'll take you to your room. You can bathe before we have our meal. 

BLURB


Two minds united against a common foe. Two hearts afraid to show their love: Long ago Tamarith fell in love with a man she can never have, and is convinced she will never love another. However, she cannot help but be intrigued by a handsome stranger whose psychic powers exceed even her own.

Vidarh seeks only to find his true purpose in life and to win the regard of his father, who eschews his son’s psychic abilities. Thrown together by a common threat to their planet, then torn apart by an evil greater than any they could have imagined, can Vidarh save the lovely Nifl woman who has captivated him, before it is too late?

Will Tamarith and Vidarh overcome the deadly enemy who threatens to destroy all they know and love? Will they find the happiness they both seek? Or are they fated to live their lives alone?

***
Purchase all three books (or just one, they stand alone, while sharing some of the same characters)  at https://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B01MRY3XXT












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! http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

Tuesday 17 October 2017

The Quintaglio Ascension, Spotlight and #Giveaway


Far-Seer
The Quintaglio Ascension Book 1
by
Robert J. Sawyer
Genre: Science Fiction Fantasy 

Sixty-five million years ago, aliens transplanted Earth's dinosaurs to another
world. Now, intelligent saurians -- the Quintaglios -- have emerged.
Afsan, the Quintaglio counterpart of Galileo, must convince his
people of the truth about their place in the universe before
astronomical forces rip the dinosaurs' new home apart.


The Face of God is what every young saurian learns to call the immense,
glowing object which fills the night sky on the far side of the
world. Young Afsan is privileged, called to the distant Capital City
to apprentice with Saleed the court astrologer. But when the time
comes for Afsan to make his coming-of-age pilgrimage, to gaze upon
the Face of God, his world is changed forever- for what he sees will
test his faith... and may save his world from disaster!





Fossil
Hunter
The
Quintaglio Ascension Book 2

Toroca, a Quintaglio geologist, is under attack for his controversial new
theory of evolution. But the origins of his people turn out to be
more complex than even he imagined, for he soon discovers the
wreckage of an ancient starship -- a relic of the aliens who
transplanted Earth's dinosaurs to this solar system. Now Toroca must
convince Emperor Dybo that evolution is true; otherwise, the
territorial violence the Quintaglios inherited from their tyrannosaur
ancestors will destroy the last survivors of Earth's prehistoric past.




Foreigner
The Quintaglio Ascension Book 3

In Far-Seer and Fossil Hunter, we met the Quintaglios, a race of
intelligent dinosaurs (evolved descendants of dinosaurs rescued in
prehistory from Earth), and learned of the threat to their very
existence. Now they must quickly advance from a culture equivalent to
our Renaissance to the point where they can leave their planet.

While the Quintaglios rush to develop space travel, the discovery of a
second species of intelligent dinosaurs rocks their most fundamental
beliefs. Meanwhile, blind Afsan -- the Quintaglio Galileo -- undergoes the newfangled treatment of psychoanalysis, throwing everything he thought he knew about his violent people into a startling new light.





Robert J. Sawyer — called "the dean of Canadian science fiction" by The Ottawa Citizen and "just about the best science-fiction writer out there these days" 

by The Denver Rocky Mountain News — is one of only eight writers in history (and the only Canadian) to win all three of the science-fiction field's top honors for best novel of the year: the World Science Fiction Society's Hugo Award, which he won in 2003 for his novel Hominidsthe Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America's Nebula Awardwhich he won in 1996 for his novel The Terminal Experimentand the John W. Campbell Memorial Award, which he won in 2006 for his novel MindscanAccording to the US trade journal LocusRob is the #1 all-time worldwide leader in number of award wins as a science fiction or fantasy novelist. Recent honors include the first-ever Humanism in the Arts Award from Humanist Canada, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal from the Governor General of Canada, the Hal

Clement Award for Best Young Adult Novel of the Year (for Watch), and   Lifetime Achievement Aurora Award from the Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy Association — the first such award given to an author in thirty years, and only the fourth such ever bestowed. The 2009-2010 ABC TV series FlashForward was based on his novel of the same name, and Rob was a scriptwriter for that series. Maclean's: Canada's Weekly Newsmagazine says, "By any reckoning, Sawyer is among the most successful Canadian authors ever," and The New York Times calls him "a writer of boundless confidence and bold scientific extrapolation." The Canadian publishing trade journal Quill & Quire named Rob one of "the thirty most influential, innovative, and just plain powerful people in Canadian publishing" (the only other authors making the list were Margaret Atwood and Douglas Coupland). Rob's novels are top-ten national mainstream bestsellers in Canada, appearing on the Globe and Mail and Maclean'sbestsellers' lists, and they've hit #1 on the science-fiction bestsellers' lists published by LocusAmazon.comAmazon.caAmazon.co.uk,
and Audible.com. His twenty-three novels include 

Red Planet BluesTriggersCalculating Godand the "WWW" trilogy of WakeWatch, and Wondereach volume of which separately won the Aurora Award — Canada's top honor in science fiction — for Best Novel of the Year.  Rob — who holds honorary doctorates from the University of Winnipeg and Laurentian University — has taught writing at the University

of TorontoRyerson UniversityHumber College, and The Banff Centre.
He has been Writer-in-Residence at the Richmond Hill (Ontario) Public
Library, the Kitchener (Ontario) Public Library, the Toronto Public
Library's Merril Collection of Science Fiction, Speculation and FantasyBerton House in Dawson City, the Canadian Light Source synchrotron, and the Odyssey WorkshopRob has given talks at hundreds of venues including the Library ofCongress and the National Library of Canadaand been keynote speaker at dozens of events in places as diverse as Los Angeles, Boston, Tokyo, Beijing, and Barcelona. He was born in Ottawa in 1960, and now lives just west of Toronto.


Follow
the tour HERE
for exclusive excerpts, guest posts and a 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! http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join