And the winners are...

I hope everyone had fun at Halloween and enjoyed all the brilliant Blog Hops that were going on. I took part in three of them and thank you so much to everyone who took part, left comments and followed this blog. I chose the winners by 'Random Generator' to make sure it was fair and there were no spells left in my witches hat, and the following are the winners.

 
SNARKOLOGY PARANORMAL BLOG HOP

Mer
(black cat crystal earrings)

 
 
HALLOWEEN FLASH FICTION

Emily

($10 WRP Gift Card)

 
TRICK OR TREAT BLOG HOP -


Meghan
 (Download of 'Dancing With Fate' or one of my other books)

CONGRATULATIONS to all the winners! I hope you enjoy your prizes.
 I'll be contacting you by email soon.

Trick Or Treat Halloween Blog Hop

For the Snarkology Blog post click HERE
 or see post below

Whoops! Sorry folks, my little dog is ill and I've been so worried about it, I clean forgot about the Blog Hop today.

Thanks to author Francine Howarth for organizing this spooky event. I'm also taking party in the Snarkology Paranormal Blog Hop, so why not take a look at the post below as well if you fancy winning EVEN MORE PRIZES!


Anyway. on to 'Trick Or Treat''. I'm promoting my Greek Muse novella 'Dancing With Fate' for Halloween this year.  Here is a different excerpt to the one on my SNARKOLOGY post.  This novella was first published as part of the Wild Rose Press's 'Song Of The Muses' series and when I regained my Rights to the story I self published it and it is available from Smashwords, or as a Kindle or Paperback edition on Amazon.

BLURB
When Terpsichore, the Greek Muse of Dance, is assigned to revisit 5th Century Wales, and help the people regain their love of dancing, her task seems simple enough. She is unaware there is a hidden agenda. Before she can return to Olympus her path crosses that of the mysterious Myrddin, and her heart is lost.

But Myrddin is promised to another. His mind is set on the dangerous task that lies before him, and the woman he has sworn to save. Nevertheless, he cannot deny the growing attraction between him and the beautiful stranger he meets along the way.

Terpsichore and Myrddin face a deadly force that threatens to part them forever. She seems destined to lose the only man she has ever truly loved. Finally, when all seems lost, in desperation she finds herself DANCING WITH FATE.

EXCERPT

She peered into the shadows at the side of the throne. They were there. Klotho, the youngest, fair hair piled on top of her head, spun the thread of life. Lakhesis, middle-aged but still comely, measured the thread with her rod, and decreed the quality of each life. The most fearsome of all, the ancient Atropos, cut the thread with her shears. Each snip meant a mortal met his death. Terpsichore drew a deep breath. Please. Let me not be too late, let his thread be still uncut.

Atropos looked up, sheers poised. “‘Tis one of the young muses, Terpsichore. If you come seeking Zeus, you are too late. He is not here.”

“Thank you, I know he’s not. It’s the three of you I wish to speak to.”

Something like a cackle escaped the old crone’s lips. “Indeed? It is rare for anyone to come looking for us, especially the muse of dance. Would you not be better inspiring mortals instead of bothering us at our labor?”

“Oh, let her speak, Mother,” Lakhesis broke in, not for an instant taking her eyes off the thread she measured. “Terpsichore, what do you want with us child?”

Terpsichore drew herself to her full height. She would not allow Atropos to intimidate her. “I wish to ask a favor. I am willing to pay.”

“Pray, what have you that would be of value to us?” Atropos interrupted.

“What—what would you wish me to give?” Terpsichore asked, realizing she trod dangerous ground. She shrugged inwardly. No matter. She would give anything, even her immortality, if only Myrddin could live.

DANCING WITH FATE - Available from AMAZON  or SMASHWORDS
http://www.hywelalyn.co.uk  

You'd much prefer a treat wouldn't you.  So use your imagination to ask me for a treat and I'll put your name in the hat to win Dancing With Fate or one of my other two books Starquest or Children Of The Mist if you've already read it,

These are all the other blogs taking part in this event:

1.	Francine	9.	Denise Covey	17.	Susan Hanniford Crowley
2.	Marie Laval	10.	Grace Elliot	18.	Stephen Tremp
3.	NancyJ	11.	Gilli Allan	19.	Hywela Lyn
4.	N. R. Williams	12.	Alison Stuart	20.	Iyana Jenna
5.	Alison Morton	13.	Mary Pax	21.	Vala Kaye
6.	Karen Aminadra	14.	Natalie-Nicole Bates	22.	Yolanda Renee
7.	Lori Crane	15.	Douglas Boren
8.	Derek Birks	16.	Anna Belfrage

Snarkology Paranormal Blog Hop

Welcome to the Flightdeck.  We've dressed the place up with spiders webs and pumpkins just for Halloween and The Snarkology Paranormal Bloghop! So ... help yourself to something strange and sparkling from the replicator and prepare to be scaaaaaeeeeerd.  (Manical laughter is heard from somewhere behind one of the control panels and red eyes glow in the semi darkness - the starship has pretty good sound effects -  or is it really haunted?) 

 

 An eerie glow lights up the bulkhead and a glittering message gradually forms - it says:

 

 (And there will be news of prizes to follow, so read on...)

As often happens when I take part in this type of event, my thoughts turn to my homeland, the Principality of Wales, so for the  Snarkology Paranormal Bloghop, I thought I'd tell you a little about the origins of the traditional Welsh Halloween in days gone by.

All Hallow’s Eve, also known as Ysbrydnos (Spirit Night) or Halloween, has its roots in the pagan tradition, called Nos Galan Gaeaf,  which is Welsh for 'the first night of winter', or Samhain, which is a Gaelic word meaning ‘Summer’s End. November 1st was considered to be the start of the New Year, the date on which the herds were returned from summer pasture and land tenancies were renewed. The Welsh word for November is Tachwedd  which means 'The month of slaughter' because on the 1st November, after the harvest, it was also time to cull the livestock. The prime animal stock were selected and would remain to be wintered over to the forthcoming spring. The remaining stock were slaughtered to supply the meat over the coming winter months.
 
The Celts dressed in animal skins and made Jack O lanterns from turnips (pumpkins were unknown until brought to Britain from America) to ward off evil spirts. Sometimes they wore masks and other disguises to avoid being recognized by the spirits believed to be present. In time witches, fairies, hobgoblins, and demons came to be associated with the day.


Halloween, was a time to remember the dead,  when their souls were believed to return to visit their homes.  In folklore these spirits were believed to congregate at crossroads and stiles and these were strongly avoided. On this night, gifts of food were left out for the dead, or a place laid at the table for them.

Bonfires, or Coelcerth, would be built on hilltops, to frighten away evil spirits, and from which each villager would light their  hearth fires  for the winter. Stones with names on would be cast into the fire, and if someone found the theirs the following day, it was considered good luck. However, if the stone with one's name on was missing it was a portent of death! As the fire burned down,and the darkness returned, the villagers would run back to their hearth to escape  the nwch ddu gwta, a demon in the shape of a black, tailess sow.

Halloween was thought to be favourable for foreseeing such matters as marriage, and death.An unmarried girl would throw the peel of an apple over her shoulder and whichever letter it most resembled would be the initial of the one she would marry. Another custom involving apples was 'bobbing for apples' where young folk would try to grab an apple from a tub filled with water, using their teeth.

Another tradition connected with the end of the harvest at Nos Galan Gaeaf,  was the 'harvest mare' or caseg fedi. This was a 'corn dolly' formed from the very last sheaf of corn, and  would eventually take pride of place above the fire hearth as a sign that all the corn was gathered in. The women would have been preparing the harvest feast as the harvest finished. The men would throw their reaping hooks at  The Mare and the one who was first to hit it would have the honour of bringing it into into the house with much merriment and jollity, past the women who would attempt to prevent its entry by trying to soak the mare with water, while the men did their best to keep it dry until they had entered the house with it. If successful, the reaper who had brought down the mare and carried it in would be rewarded with beer, if not he would have to sit at the end of the table in disgrace.

These days most of these customs have largely died out, replaced by the more modern ways of celebrating Halloween, although some, like 'bobbing for apples' still remain.

Because Halloween is associated with spirits and demons, I thought I'd end with a short excerpt from my fantasy novella 'Dancing With Fate', which is set in 5th Century Wales and features the scary Ellylldan, Goblin Fire.

The glowing red sparks appeared a few hours before dawn. Terpsichore looked across to where she could just make out Myrddin, lying close to the fire, apparently asleep. She stood and wrapped her brat around her shoulders. What unearthly lights were these? In the name of Hades, she had never seen anything like this before. She watched them as they advanced and retreated, advanced and retreated. They seemed to beckon to her. She walked forward a few steps. 

This was not natural. She sensed evil, but of a kind she had never come across before. 

She tried to turn her head, to look away and move back to the fire. Some force compelled her to keep staring at them, to move forward. Further and further from the campfire she wandered. The air grew chill and she pulled her brat more closely around her. The flickering lights gyrated in a wild dance, inviting her to follow them. Dawn was approaching. In the dim early morning light, she could make out demon faces, red glowing eyes, hands outstretched, with flames at their fingertips. 

She recoiled in horror. Somewhere in her subconscious, she knew she was in deadly danger, but still she moved forward. They summoned her to follow and she could not help but obey. She tried to call to Apollo, and her father, but her mind was numb. She could reach no one on Olympus. 

“Myrddin!” No sound came from her lips. Still, a strange unearthly power obliged her to walk forward toward those eerie, mesmerizing points of light.

The ground grew soft beneath her feet. Cold mud oozed between her bare toes. The further she walked, the deeper the mud became; eventually, she realized she was up to her waist in chill, muddy water, and she was powerless to turn back, or even to move any more. 

“Zeus, oh, Father, please help me...don’t desert me now.” For the first time in her immortal  life, she knew fear. These creatures of nameless evil had her trapped. They would drag her down to the underworld and she would never see Olympus or her family again.

Then strong arms encircled her, swung her round. 

“Cora, look at me.” She gazed into two pools of azure blue, filled with concern, and a pale face set in resolve. Still she had an irresistible urge to look at those weird, flickering lights. She turned her head, and at the same moment, there was a flash like lightning. The ground behind her burst into a wall of blue flame. It blotted out everything, engulfing the demon lights and the hideous forms that a moment before had lured her onward. 

“Look at me. Look at me...don’t look back again.”
 Before she could reply, he swept her up and carried her back toward the campfire.

Eos in her chariot had started her journey across the sky and the pearly light showed their camp and the two horses grazing nearby. Never had anything looked so welcome. Never had Terpsichore felt so safe in a man’s arms.

He set her down, near the fire, and wrapped his own brat around her. He wore only his truis, and was bare-chested. “You’re trembling, you’ll catch your death of cold...but that would be better than the fate which almost befell you.”

DANCING WITH FATE - Available from AMAZON  or SMASHWORDS
http://www.hywelalyn.co.uk  

YOU CAN FOLLOW THE OTHER BLOGS PARTICIPATING IN THIS EVENT BELOW:

     CONTESTS     

BLOGHOPWIDE GRAND PRIZE GIVEAWAY IS A $60 AMAZON GIFT CARD 
Rafflecopter entry below

a Rafflecopter giveaway and my this is my Halloween 'trick or treat' prize:

Black cats are synonymous with Halloween, and when I saw this gorgeous pair, I just couldn't resist them! These delightful Charm Drop Round Black Crystal Cublic Zirconia Sexy Cat Bead Dangle Sterling Silver Earrings are perfect for Halloween but nice enough to wear on other occasions too.

To be in with a chance for winning please follow my Blog then leave a comment mentioning that you are following me  and at the end of the Blog Hop I'll put all the comments in my witch's hat.  Because these earrings will be quite light to post, the contest is open to everyone wherever the live! If you already follow my blog, just leave a comment to that effect and I'll make sure you're entered too.  I had to re-do my blog a month or two back, so I'm hoping to regain some followers since all my other ones disappeared!

Good luck!

And if you're still in the mood for blog hopping, don't forget to visit http://kmnbooks.blogspot.co.uk/ where I'm featured today on Karen Michelle Nutt's blog with a short story specially written by me for Halloween - and you could win a $10 Amazon Gift Card just for leaving a comment.

Melissa Douthit - interview

The Legend of Raie'Chaelia Trilogy is just about complete and Melissa Douthit wants to share it with YA/Fantasy Lovers.


Book Description:
  
 Publisher: Couronne Press (August 1, 2013)
Series: Legend of the Raie'Chaelia, Book Three
Category: YA Fantasy, Futuristic Fantasy, Fantasy
Tour Date: Mid October-November
Available in: ebook, 300 Pages

After the fall from the Maaldan cliff, Chalice is reunited with her friends on a journey that takes them to the coastline of Ielieria.  Little do Vlaad and his Fierain know what is in store for them as, bit by bit, their plans are thwarted by this blond-haired, blue-eyed beauty.

The small band of rebels then travels across the Realm, preparing it for war, while Chalice herself is brewing plans of her own that may just land her in the hot seat.  What will happen when she returns her father to the throne?  What will happen when he finds out what she has done?  And ... what will happen once Dar'Maalda learns of the rebels' location?

In the third and final novel of the trilogy, The Legend of the Raie'Chaelia, you find out.  It is a dramatic finish to an epic story of action, adventure, betrayal, forgiveness and love.

It's my great pleasure to welcome Melissa Douthit back to the Flight Deck and to congratulate her on the third and final book in her wonderful epic fantasy series, 'The Return'.  Well Melissa, this is a 'return' for you as well, and I always enjoy having you as my special guest.  Help yourself to your favourite sparkling drink from the auto-dispenser and tell the readers a little more about yourself , with three things not many people know about you.

I work a lot.

I like wine way too much.
And I grew up on a ranch with horses.

HL:  Well I'm not too surprised by the first two, and I'm really envious of the third fact about you.  I love horses and always dreamed of having a horse ranch.  One of the reasons I've enjoyed yur books so much is that as well as wonderful human characters, Banner, Sunny and Nipha are such lovely horse characters.  So what do you do for fun when not writing?

I like to cook while listening to audiobooks while my Coonhound lays nearby hoping to get a morsel, which he usually does.  :)  I also like to swim during the summer and ski during the winter.

HL:  Sounds good. When did you start writing?

I started writing in high school.  Then I stopped when I went to college.  I just recently started writing again in 2007.

HL: So what comes first: the plot or the characters?

The characters.  Once they are in place and the setting established, they make the plot.  I’m a discovery writer.  Much of the story surprises me as I go along and it grows with the telling.

HL:   I'm glad you said that - I'm exactly the same and love it whe my characters dictate the plot. Tell us about your latest release and what you think readers will enjoy about it.

The Return is the third book of the trilogy, The Legend of the Raie’Chaelia.  In it, Chalice finishes what she started and really pushes the envelope to the point where she finds herself in hot water. Even though I knew where and how the story would end, it was interesting to see where the characters led me.  Some of the events that happen in book three were as much a surprise to me as they are to the reader. The Return really is my favorite book of the whole trilogy because so much happens in it.  All the burning questions get answered, the mysteries get solved, and the big reveal at the end ties everything back to the very beginning of the first book.  This what I think readers will like.

HL:   If someone were to play one of  your characters in a movie, which character and what actor would it be and why?

Chris Hemsworth as Duquaine.  Duquaine is exactly like Chris (Thor) in the Dark World.  When I wrote Duquaine, I envisioned him.

HL:  Mmmm, I can see why. Have you a favourite actor/hunk?  Would this be the same guy?

Yep!  :)

HL: Lyn pauses to fan herself, while passing Melissa another glass of 'something sparkling.' So what have you learned about writing since you were published that surprised you the most?

Writing a book is easy.  Doing everything else (publishing, marketing, etc.) is the hard part.

HL:  Isn't that the truth! What’s you’re writing process? Has it changed since writing your first book?

My writing process never changes.  Ideas and words hit me at the most inconvenient times.  When I’m driving in the car or when I’m bone tired and just lie down to sleep.  Ugh, that’s annoying, but that’s why I always keep my iPhone with me, so I can jot down notes.  I usually write in binges. I’ll go for a while without writing and then all the sudden, bam!  A flood of words and ideas come to me and I have to write them down before I forget.  When I’m in that mode, my favorite spot to write is at the living room table, right next to the fire, with Copper curled up at my feet.  He’s my writing partner and gives me lots of advice :), as well as keeping my feet warm.

HL:  My  doggy writing partner does that too! Do you listen to music when you write and if so, what kind of music – or do you find it  distracts you?

I write in silence.  I listen to music when I envision scenes.  For example, the scene where Chalice burns down Ielieria popped in my head when I was listening to Burn It to the Ground by Nickelback.

HL:  Yes, I find music can be very inspirational, too.Do you have a support system? Do you have a writing community? What valuable lessons have you learned from them?

Just my pup.  :)  My writing community is comprised of the characters who appear in my head.  I just write what they show me.

HL:  I love the way characters can do that. What is your personal definition of success?

If you wake in the morning and you’re healthy and you’re happy, doing what you love, then you’ve succeeded

HL:   Great answer. What is your favourite source of inspiration?

Dreams.  So many ideas have come to me in dreams and they’re usually the best ideas.

HL:  Is there any advice, as a new writer, that you were either given, or wish you had been given?

Beware of internet trolls.  Research their hangouts and then stay away from those places online. That’s the best advice anyone could have given me.

HL:    Excellent advice, and  something not everyone is aware of. What sort of research do you do for your books and what’s your favourite source of information.

Google usually.  In fantasy, you usually make up your own rules, but in some cases you have to do research.  In those cases, Google is your friend.

HL:    LOL, I've spent many happy hours on Google myself, in the name of 'Research.'  Tell me, Melissa, just for fun, if you were an animal, which one do you think you would be, and why?

A lion.  Because he’s king of jungle.  :)

HL:  That's a good choice. Many authors model their characters on people they know.  Is this the case with your characters and do you see yourself in any of them?
    
Absolutely! Chalice inherits my determination and stubbornness and Jeremiah, my love of reading, writing, and studying.

HL:  That must be why those two seem so well suited. Who is your favorite character in your book and why?

Duquaine.  Because he is so much like Chalice.  The two of them make for very interesting scenes!

HL:  Yes, I love the way those two interacat in 'The Return.' Who is your most favorite character of all time from any book, thn?
   
Dobby in Harry Potter.  I love Dobby!

HL:  He's great isn't he! Sadly our interview is nearing it's close.  Before I programme your shuttle back to Earth, where can readers connect with you?
   
My website: www.melissadouthit.com
 
HL:  And finally, there a question you really, really wish someone would ask, but they never do?  If so what would be your reply?
          
I always wanted to be asked about where I would want to be at this very moment.  If I was asked that, my reply would be, “Right where I am.”  :)

What a great question and answer! Thank you so much for taking time to visit my blog, Melissa, it’s been a thrill having you here and learning more about you and your writing. I wish you much success now and in the future.

ABOUT MELISSA DOUTHIT

Melissa Douthit grew up in North County of San Diego, California. After graduating with a Computer Science degree in Southern California, and working for a summer at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in New Mexico, she moved to the Bay Area to work at NASA Ames Research Center for a year and then at Lawrence Livermore National Lab for another four years. From there, she moved to Monterey, California, to work at the Naval Postgraduate School on a government project for two years.

She currently lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, working as a software engineer. Since high school, she has been a voracious reader of books of all genres, with an emphasis in fantasy and science fiction. Her literary work is strongly influenced by her professional experience and includes many elements of her scientific background. You can find out more about Melissa on her website: http://melissadouthit.com

Melissa on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Melissa-Douthit/164124433645392
Melissa on Twitter: https://twitter.com/melissadouthit

Praise for Legend of the Raie'Chaelia, Book One:

"Douthit's love of words is apparent and her use of language highly inventive. She has a firm grip on believable dialogue."-Kirkus Reviews
  
"Lively, fast-paced and satisfyingly complex! Can't wait for the second in the trilogy!"-Diane Donovan, eBook Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
  
"I really liked this book! If you love adventure books and romance books this is the story for you!!! First off, the romance between Jeremiah and Chalice is super cute! They are really such a good couple. I like how after all the time that they hadn't seen each other they still had feelings for each other. I also loved Buney! He's so cute, he reminds me of a little stuffed animal. As for the adventure, this book is full of it! There are many twists and turns throughout the book that always keeps you wanting more. This is an adventure that will definitely keep you reading with a little romance thrown into the mix also. I can seriously see this as a movie."-Books Ahoy Website
  
"This was SUCH an epic fantasy. I felt that same "childhood" feeling I've felt while reading countless fantasy books, such as C.S. Lewis' and J.R.R. Tolkein.
This story was so original! Loved everything about it. I fell in love with the characters, the setting was INCREDIBLE, and the background story was so magical. You immediately get pulled in by the mystery and the curious feeling you get that there's more to this story...
I really loved how Douthit described the scenery. I could imagine myself in the "ghost town" which Chalice travels to first, or the Chinuk village that they stay in overnight. Love the detail, you can really feel a part of the journey which Chalice and her friends take.
The Raie'Chaelia is an amazing journey of which one girl, with the help of her friends, finds out about her past. The ending, was AMAZING. God, I really want to find out more now! That was such a big cliffhanger. The Firelight of Maalda, the second book, will be coming out in maybe around October 2011. Can't wait!"- Rabiah, I Live For Reading Website
  
"I really enjoyed The Raie'Chaelia. I liked both Chalice and Jeremiah. Especially Jeremiah. I'm not really sure why I think so highly of Jeremiah other than he is just a really great guy and an incredibly likable character. Chalice is quite likable too although she did do a couple of things that I thought were a little silly at times. The supporting cast were all very cool too.
The Raie'Chaelia is definitely a really intriguing story and I had a lot of fun reading through it. 
 I definitely enjoyed reading The Raie'Chaelia and I had a little sneak peak at the next book in the series in the back of The Raie'Chaelia and it definitely looks interesting. I really enjoyed The Raie'Chaelia and I think that any fans of fantasy would definitely enjoy it."-Rebecca, Everything To Do With Books
  
Praise for The Firelight of Maalda, Raie'Chaelia, Book Two:

"What I really like about these books is the amount of fantasy. It reminds me of (and I know I said this in the review of the first book) childhood fantasy stories, like C.S. Lewis. Completely magical, and Douthit has really created a fantastic world. You don't see that too much in YA these days.

The romance in this book has improved since the last one! Chalice and Jeremiah develop even more from the first book, and I found it really sweet and not-rushed-into at all. The action and thrill of what's to happen next is really amazing too. I had to keep reading to find out what happens next.

 I found that the story was great. Lovers of fantasy, with plenty of action, suspense and of course, the blooming romance, will definitely need to pick this one up. A great follow-up from the first book, this one will leave readers hanging on for more. Looking forward to reading book 3!" - Rabiah, I Live For Reading Website
  
"The Firelight of Maalda: A story that unites the real with the fantastical and turns science into magic. It is a tale of intrigue and wonder where two opposite worlds collide in an explosive journey that leads Chalice and her friends to the dark islands lurking just beyond the horizon of Ielieria, where the Firelight of Maalda sits ... and waits.

This is a YA series for age 13 upwards. Having said that, I'm sure many 'older' readers will enjoy it as much as I did. The story continues the story begun in The RaieChaelia and reveals more of the characters and the wonderful world Melissa Douthit has created. I really enjoyed reading the first book, The Raie Chaelia, as well as the sequel.
This story continues Chalice's journey to fulfil her destiny, and the growing romance between her and Jeremiah. She and Jeremiah knew each other as children, and meet up again at the beginning of The Raie Chaelia. Their friendship has grown into something deeper and in The Firelight of Maalda both characters, but especially Chalice, have grown and matured emotionally and I found it particularly satisfying that their love is not only acknowledged but their sweet romance seems completely natural and uncontrived. 

There is a touching tenderness between them, they are both strong characters but neither feels complete without the other and their love and respect for each other shines through even when they are not entirely in agreement.

There is a lot more to this story than romance though, there is plenty of action and suspense. There is a large cast of characters, and some of those from the first book make a welcome re-appearance. 

The story moves at a fast pace to the nail biting climax and a cliffhanger of an ending - I'm really glad Melissa gave us a taste of the next book to answer at least one of my questions, and I can't wait for the third in the series."-  Hywela Lyn Website
  
"After reading The Raie'Chaelia last year I was so excited to be able to read the second book, The Firelight of Maalda. Needless to say, I loved The Firelight of Maalda just as much as I loved The Raie'Chaelia.

The story was really good and I had a lot of fun learning more about the world and the goings on. There were the highs and lows in the book and I was really excited to see the return of some really awesome characters from the first book.

Then there was the ending. Oh my goodness! I don't want to spoil anything but can I just say, that is one huge cliffhanger. UGH! Can I have the next book now please?
I absolutely love The Firelight of Maalda and the entire Raie'Chaelia series. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy story and I know I definitely can't wait to continue the series."- Rebecca, Everything To Do With Books

Follow Melissa on her book Tour HERE

Melissa Douthit - Review of 'The Return'

I am thrilled to be part of Melissa Douthit's blog tour - and to have had the chance to review 'The Return' the third and final part of the series that started with 'The Raie'Chaelia.'


After the fall from the Maaldan cliff, Chalice is reunited with her friends on a journey that takes them to the coastline of Ielieria.  Little do Vlaad and his Fierain know what is in store for them , as bit by bit, their plans are thwarted by this blond-haired, blue-eyed beauty.

The small band of rebels then travels across the Realm, preparing it for war, while Chalice herself is brewing plans of her own that may just land her in the hot seat.  What will happen when she returns her father to the throne?  What will happen when he finds out what she has done?  And ... what will happen once Dar'Maalda learns of the rebels' location? In the third and final novel of the trilogy, The Legend of the Raie'Chaelia, you find out.  It is a dramatic finish to an epic story of action, adventure, betrayal, forgiveness and love.

My Review

I was looking forward to reading this story and I was not disappointed. It continues where the last book 'The Firelight Of Maalda' finished and is an exciting, breathtaking ride. Chalice  is eighteen in this story and it is interesting to see how much she has changed and grown up since the first book.  She is still feisty, very independent and at times fiercely stubborn and firm in her resolve when she believes a certain course of action is the right one, despite misgivings from those around her, even her one true love, Jeremiah.

She makes mistakes, she is not perfect, or always right, despite her special abilities, and this is one of the things that make her  very easy to like and to relate to. Jeremiah is strong, sweet and gentle, and knows just how to handle her. Their mutual respect and affection comes through the pages very clearly and they are perfectly suited. Sadly, their differing cultures mean they cannot marry, but they are in every other way man and wife, and the dilemma is resolved in a surprising manner at the end.The love scenes are hinted at without actually being described and this is a great read, suitable for any age group from Young Adult upwards.

The story is by turns, gripping, exciting and moving. It kept me turning the pages and much as I wanted to discover how it all turned out, I did not want it to end.  This is  an epic story, spanning three volumes,  I think  you could read 'The Return' without reading the other stories in the series, and still enjoy it, but they are all three worth the read and the various characters and groups will  be much easier to follow if they are all read, chronologically.)  The series  has a 'Tolkeinesque' feel but is completely fresh and original and Melissa has created a world in which the reader can feel completely at home. The fantasy and magical elements in it are have a rationale and are therefore believable, and there are familiar animals as well as imaginary ones.

I was sorry that Chalice lost 'Sunny' the beloved palomino horse given her by her father, but the beautiful horse that graces the cover, Nipha, is a worthy successor and an important character herself. There are several twists and turns to this exciting story, and the climax had me on the edge of my seat. As the story concludes there is an unexpected but satisfying twist.

I really enjoyed 'The Return' and felt sorry that there would be no more - or will there?

I think perhaps there's scope for at least one more episode, Ms Douthit?

A Review copy of this book was provided by the author. No compensation was received for this review and it is my own personal and unbiased opinion.

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