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 Mistto continue the DestinyTrilogy and I'm thrilled to announce was shortlisted for the R.N.A. RoNAAwards 2017, awarded 2nd Runner up in the RONE Awards 2017 and was the winner in the SF/Fantasy category of the 'Best Banter Contest'.
As
young gods fall to the Worlds from the stars they are born in,
appearing as comets streaking across the sky; sentient magical
artifacts call to the minds of men: calling with images and promises
of power from Wild Worlds. Massive and strange they hold gigantic
monsters and wonders that are beyond the scope of the imaginations of
the fearless Tribe of warriors that dare to magically travel to them!
Deep
in the heart of a colossal blue giant star Something
stirred suddenly in the rotating light and fire of the stars core. A
little girl clothed in dense layers of blue light, wearing a gleaming
white locket around her neck, sat up, slowly coming awake, her eyes
popping open to reveal the same blue light that rotated around her;
burning in her eyes. She looked around at the star’s heart blazing
all around her curiously for a moment before yawning and exploding
off into space in a blue blur looking for someplace to play.
The
tiny toddler lifted her little fingers out in front of her as she
streaked through the void, grasping the liquid fabric of space and
time and pushing it out ahead of her, warping it until it formed a
tunnel stretching away around her: allowing her to travel across
thousands of stars in moments.
C.W.
Holcomb's writing style and major influences include a wide variety
of well known novelists that came before him including, J.R.R
Tolkien, Mary Stewart, Raymond E. Feist, C.S. Lewis, Robert Jordan,
Elizabeth Hayden and Frank Herbert. The biggest influences on his
style were Terry Brooks and Terry Goodkind. He has drawn inspiration
for his novels from other areas as well including, animated shows and
video games.
His
debut novel, Dark Moon Book one of the Brotherhood of the Moon, is
inspired by ancient Celtic legends about Werebeasts that stalked the
forests of the Scottish Highlands on the full moon. His newly
released novel, Chaos:Worlds Beyond Book one of the Reflections of
Infinity Saga is deeply inspired by Ancient Greek Mythology and Lore.
His works contain endearing characters that always have something
special and unique that helps them survive in the brutal and
unrelenting Worlds that he creates.
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 Every new subscriber will get a FREEdownload of my fantasy novella 'Dancing With Fate' (If this doesn't arrive within two days just email me at hywelalyn@btinternet.com)
I am thrilled to announce that BELOVED ENEMY is shortlisted in the Paranormal or Speculative Romance Novel category, of the Romantic Novelists Association's Romance Novel Of The Year Award. There are seven categories and the Paranormal/Speculative Romance one is for romantic novels that include elements beyond the range of scientific explanation, whether paranormal, fantasy, science fiction, time slip or worlds that include ghosts, vampires or creatures of legend. I don't for a minute expect to get any further, the other writers shortlisted are all amazing, but I'm really happy to be included in such prestigious company and looking forward to the Awards Ceremony in London on 13th March, when I will be able to meet many of the RNA members for the first time. Here is a link to the Facebook announcement. 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 Every new subscriber will get a FREEdownload of my fantasy novella 'Dancing With Fate' (If this doesn't arrive within two days just email me at hywelalyn@btinternet.com)
Happy 'Valentines' Day! No, I haven't got my dates mixed up, January 25th is St Dwynwen's Day - the Welsh Valentine's Day!
There are several legends about St Dwynwen, this is one of the most popular:
Dwynwen was the beautiful daughter of Brychan Brycheiniog. She fell in love with a prince called Maelon Dafodrill, but unfortunately her father had already arranged that she should marry someone else.
Dwynwen was so upset that she could not marry Maelon that she begged God to make her forget him. After falling asleep, Dwynwen was visited by an angel, who appeared carrying a sweet potion designed to erase all memory of Maelon and turn him into a block of ice. He then gave three wishes to Dwynwen.
Her first wish was that Maelon be thawed; her second that God meet the hopes and dreams of true lovers; and third, that she should never marry.
Dwynwen became a nun, fulfilling her wish to never marry, and left for the island of Anglesey to build a Church. This is referred to as Llanddwynwen, literally meaning 'Church of Dwynwen'.
Isn't that a romantic (if rather sad) story?
Happy St Dwynwen's Day!
The lighthouse and cross at Llanddwynwen
(Picture courtesy of Wikipaedia)
The remains of St Dwynwen's Church today
Oh, and of course Happy Burns Night to our friends North of the Border!
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 Every new subscriber will get a FREEdownload of my fantasy novella 'Dancing With Fate' (If this doesn't arrive within two days just email me at hywelalyn@btinternet.com)
Doctor
Abbigail Sutherland is used to being alone. Between twelve hour
shifts at the hospital and looking after her eccentric father, she
has very little time for much else. Until an unexpected call one
night, sends her racing to the lab where she discovers a secret that
could change the world forever.
Hauke
awakens after an underwater explosion, strapped to a bed and on his
way to a site known as Area 51. His only hope for survival lies in
Abbie Sutherland, the beautiful doctor that saved his life. Amidst a
deadly virus, seemingly impossible to stop, and a corrupt Government
placing a price on their heads, Hauke and Abbie run for their lives,
uncovering conspiracies, deceptions, and a love that won't be
denied...
Recommend
reading the books in order. This is not a serial, and it does have a
happy ever after, but the story moves forward with a new hero and
heroine in the next book.
As
a Bracadyte Princess, Naura is forbidden to visit the surface. Until
an explosion near her home in Aukrabah, leaves her injured and in the
arms of a land walker named Anthony Vaughn. Recognizing him as her
mate, Naura will stop at nothing to be with Tony. Even if it means
her life.
Anthony
Vaughn doesn't exist. Having his family tortured before his eyes, and
his past erased by the CIA, he no longer has a soul. The last thing
he wants or needs is the responsibility of protecting the beautifully
naive Naura from a ruthless Government that wants her head. Danger
and seduction become a constant companion in a world of intrigue,
conspiracy and a deadly epidemic that threatens to destroy them all.
On
a mission to save his people from being destroyed, Vaulcron must team
up with a human reporter known as the Great White Shark. She's
beautiful, cunning, and definitely hiding something. Vaulcron will do
anything for his family, even if it means breeding with the one woman
who can destroy them all.
Mallory
Cahill hasn't become the lead reporter of Channel Eight News by being
weak. Feared by some and hated by many, she'll do anything to get the
story, no matter whose toes she has to step on to achieve it. When
Vaulcron, a Bracadyte prince, virtually falls into her lap, Mallory
jumps at the chance to interview him. She doesn't count on falling
for the gorgeous alien any more than she expects to be running for
her life from the very government who had promised to protect her.
A
legendary healer fully devoted to his people, Zaureth is one of the
most powerful Bracadytes in Aukrabah. But his gifts come with
enormous responsibilities and a heavy price—a vow of peace and
celibacy. From the moment he meets Amy, a tiny human female born
without sight, those vows are threatened. She calls forth every
protective instinct he possesses, along with a desire he is powerless
to deny.
Amy
Brighton may have been born blind, but she doesn't need sight to know
how she feels about the Bracadyte healer. Their first touch forges a
connection between them too strong to resist. Now Amy must overcome a
lifetime of dark uncertainty if she wants to live, and turn to the
only light she will ever know. Zaureth...
Raised
by the Cuban cartel, Nicho “Oz” Ozele learned early on that it
was far better to be feared than loved. Now he’ll use everything in
his formidable arsenal to stay alive. Even if it means abducting the
incredibly enticing sister of his most hated enemy. Wanted by the mob
and running from the deadly Incola virus, Oz turns to the only family
he has left—the Bracadytes.
Taken
hostage by her father's killer, Maria wants nothing more than to see
Oz dead for his crimes against her family. With all she has, she
fights Oz at every turn. Until one night on the open water, he risks
his life to save hers, forcing Maria to choose between the need for
revenge and her heart’s strongest desire.
Half
human, half alien, Gryke is the most vicious Bracadyte in Aukrabah.
His hatred and distrust for the land walkers runs deep—especially
for Fiona Henagar. The female Marine is smart, gorgeous, and
self-sufficient. With every breath, she confounds him and attracts
him. But when she steals the ancient Bracadyte scrolls, Gryke has no
choice but to confront his feelings for her and go after her.
Fiona
Henagar doesn’t have time for love. She lives a life of duty to her
country until her son, Andrew, is kidnapped by the government.
Stealing the Bracadyte scrolls to pay off her son’s kidnappers,
Fiona vows to stay one step ahead of Gryke—and her growing feelings
for him. As they fight against government plots and spies, will they
succumb to their deepest desires or will old prejudices tear them
apart?
As
the daughter of the vice president of the United States, Josie
Reynolds must adhere to certain rules; very little interaction with
the outside world, and definitely no contact with the deadly
Bracadytes that live beneath. Until a chance meeting in the halls of
the White House brings her face to face with the giant alien known as
Braum. He's gorgeous, mysterious and undeniably dangerous. But the
forbidden had always been Josie's weakness...
Watching
the beautiful Josie from a distance is no longer enough for Braum.
Though his head demands he stay away, his heart refuses to listen.
Braum's entire world is turned upside down when he leaves with the
vice president's daughter, and returns to Aukrabah. Danger, jealousy
and desire all war together to create an explosion of passion that
threatens to burn them alive. If they survive...
Ditter
Kellen has been in love with romance for over twenty years. To say
she's addicted to reading is an understatement. Her eBook reader is
an extension of her and holds many of her fantasies and secrets. It's
filled with dragons, shifters, vampires, ghosts and many more
jaw-dropping characters who keep her entertained on a daily basis.
Ditter's
love of paranormal and outrageous imagination have conspired together
to bring her where she is today...sitting in front of her computer
allowing them free rein. Writing is her passion, what she was born to
do. I hope you will enjoy reading her stories as much as she loves
spinning them.
Ditter
resides in Florida with her husband and many unique farm animals. She
adores French fries and her phone is permanently attached to her ear.
THREE
- 100.00 Gift Cards to the winner's choice of Amazon-Barnes and
Noble-Kobo or iTunes.
Five-
50.00 Gift Cards
Five-
25.00 Gift Cards
Five
15.00 Gift Cards
Five
10.00 Gift Cards
Personalized
Signed Copies of your Choice of one of Ditter Kellen's Books to 10
winners!
That's
a total of 33 winners in all!
I
am asking readers to help me meet my pre- order goal!
One
Winner will be selected for each of the above prizes!
Please
spread the word. If I hit my goal, I'll double the prizes!
To
Enter: Pre-Order Braum - Book 7 in the Bestselling Enigma Series. If
you miss the pre-order date, you can still purchase a copy until Feb
20th. Same rules apply.
Email
the Publisher- DK Media at dkmedia15@gmail.com with the order number
found on your purchase receipt or a screenshot of your purchase.
***Entries
accepted until Feb 20, 2017***
***Winners
announced Feb 28, 2017***
Good
luck and thank you for being so awesome!
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 Every new subscriber will get a FREEdownload of my fantasy novella 'Dancing With Fate' (If this doesn't arrive within two days just email me at hywelalyn@btinternet.com)
A change from S.F. Romance today - we're going back in time to show off the cover for:
ONLY A MISTRESS WILL DO
by Jenna Jaxon
ISBN:
9781516102822
Publish
Date: 4/4/2017
Format:
ePub
Genre:Historical
Romance
The man of her
dreams . . . belongs to another woman.
Destitute and without friends, Violet Carlton is forced to seek
employment at the House of Pleasure in London. She steels herself for
her first customer and is shocked when the man rescues her instead of
ravishing her. A grateful Violet cannot help but admire the handsome
Viscount Trevor. But she must curb her desire for the dashing
nobleman she can never have because he is already betrothed to
another . . .
Tristan had gone to the House of Pleasure for a last bit of fun
before he became a faithful married man. But when he recognizes the
woman in his bed, he becomes determined to save her instead. Now, his
heart wars with his head as he falls for the vulnerable courtesan.
Unable to break his betrothal without a scandal, Tris resolves to
find Violet proper employment or a husband of her own. Still, his
arms ache for Violet, urging him to abandon propriety and sacrifice
everything to be with the woman he loves. . . .
Jenna Jaxonis a
multi-published author of historical and contemporary romance. She
has been reading and writing historical romance since she was a
teenager. A romantic herself, she has always loved a dark side to the
genre, a twist, suspense, a surprise—so expect her to incorporate
these elements into her work! She lives in Virginia with her family
and a small menagerie of pets where she is currently working on the
next House of Pleasure book, Only A Mistress Will Do, as well as a
Regency series. When not reading or writing, she indulges her passion
for the theatre, working with local theatres as a director. She often
feels she is directing her characters on their own private stage when
she writes. Jenna equates her writing to an addiction to
chocolate—once she starts she just can’t stop!
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 Every new subscriber will get a FREEdownload of my fantasy novella 'Dancing With Fate' (If this doesn't arrive within two days just email me at hywelalyn@btinternet.com)
Michael published his
first novel in September 2015 and he is now excited to release his new novel.
Emissary is his second novel and it is very different from Cubeball. Where
Cubeball explored themes of sport, drugs and gambling, targeting mostly a male
demographic, Emissary journeys into the realm of romance in an expansive
backdrop of the multiverse (multiple universes).
"I believe this
novel will appeal to a wider demographic than Cubeball. Both male and female
fans of sci-fi should find this novel an intriguing and enjoyable read."
Emissary tells the
tale of Vincent, a scientist plagued with strange nightmares since childhood.
He has successfully treated his mental illness with drugs and kept it hidden
from his colleagues, particularly Ella, the beautiful and intelligent scientist
from whom he also struggles to hide his affection. But what if his experiences
were real and the dark energy that crawls inside him now threatens the
existence of the universe?
As his nightmares
return, Vincent unravels the secrets of his past, with the help of Ella and
ever-guarded Constantine. Revealing their other-world origins, they need his
help to destroy the Entity that was created when Ella created a portal to
Vincent’s universe. As Vincent grapples with his love for Ella, he traverses
Europe in pursuit of answers, learns how to travel at the speed of light and
confronts his perception of what is real. But can he trust his friends? Could he
ever truly be with Ella, and what is his scientific destiny so revered by his
colleagues.
Emissary is a
science-fiction adventure novel that travels at the speed of light, where
multiverse theory collides with quantum mechanics on the dark side of Saturn’s
moon.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
EXCERPT:
Vincent willed himself to see her true appearance, feeling
her presence all around him, hovering close. Yet his gaze remained thwarted by
the radiance.
“I feel you, but the light blinds me.”
“Look within. Believe and you will see. Trust your senses
and listen to the sound the light makes. Then follow its rhythm.”
Vincent stepped closer into the glow, letting go his
instinct to find Ella’s melodies. It was then he heard her real voice, not
human, indescribable. He could not understand but he felt fragments of her
alien core. The falling snow’s vibrations gathered strength, revealing rainbow
colours of such clarity he wanted to stroke their soothing rhythms.
The patterns on each vibrating snow-drop linked, taking
form. A presence slowly formed, circling him, building his desires, like an
elusive drop of water in the desert. Vincent reached out to touch the
mirage-like form and caressed the desert gold shadow before him. He felt an
energy surge through his body, creating a subtle shift in his awareness, as if
he were no longer in his body. The force drew him toward its centre. In that
place, he felt Ella’s warmth. His mind’s eye floated, circling his body as if
dancing around it. He felt an intense urge to look up. He was hungry to find
Ella, to be with her.
And then his feelings willed him higher above the soft
powdered landscape. He was bathed in a warm gold lit fountain of energy. There
he saw an outline of Ella, like a rough sketch of her true self. She shimmered
around him, gliding her light web softly across his face. Vincent felt her
sweet force ripple across his skin. Its soothing sensation made him want more.
“I love you Ella. I always have,” he said, desperate to show
his true feelings for her. Ella laughed softly as she drew her force closer to
him.
“I believe you do, my Earth friend. I think this is what
Constantine dreamt of. Our developing bond here on the mountain top,” she
whispered in a musical tone so close to him he desired more.
“Is our love meant to be?” he said, hoping to hear her
melodic tones concur. But instead Ella released Vincent from the gold lit
fountain, returning him to the cool snow covered ground.
He looked to the sky. Clouds swirled above him, driven by
soft winds. High above him was the eagle he heard earlier, now in clear sight,
circling. At first he wondered if it might be Ella, but those soaring wings
shimmered amongst the turbulence, a vibration he well recognised. For around it
formed a grey mist, from which other shapes formed, until a flock of eagles
gathered.
Vincent knew this was not Ella. It was her antithesis.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My Review
There are some really original and fascinating concepts raised in this novel, and some wonderfully authentic feeling descriptions of the 'multiverse'. I enjoyed reading it and it made me re-think some of my previous ideas and contemplate and sympathise with the issues and dilemmas encountered by the main protagonists.
'Emissary is a love story as well as a Science Fiction adventure. I did not find it as easy to relate to the characters as I might have owing to the mixture of omnipotent and single character P.O.V. As one who prefers deep point of view this did draw me out of the story somewhat and made the characters less 'real' than they might otherwise have been, although I did feel drawn to them and felt I knew them better by the end of the book. There is a wealth of scientific detail and beautifully drawn landscapes and scenarios which kept me intrigued throughout the book. There are some interesting twists and poignant moments to the story and the ending, although it still posed some questions, was satisfying and I would recommend 'Emissary' to all SF fans who like some romance served up with their Science Fiction, as well as some intriguing and unpredictable ideas and speculations.
Four Stars ****
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Michael Leon is a science fiction writer with two
published novels: Cubeball and Emissary. Besides those, Michael has written
Extinction and Adaption and is currently writing Alive, which will be released
in late 2017. His work blends speculative fiction with a social voice. Michael
was born in Melbourne, Australia and pursued careers in retailing and
international business. Michael Leon's work has been labelled by reviewers as
science fiction thrillers.
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 Every new subscriber will get a FREEdownload of my fantasy novella 'Dancing With Fate' (If this doesn't arrive within two days just email me at hywelalyn@btinternet.com)
As
young gods fall to the Worlds from the stars they are born in,
appearing as comets streaking across the sky; sentient magical
artifacts call to the minds of men: calling with images and promises
of power from Wild Worlds. Massive and strange they hold gigantic
monsters and wonders that are beyond the scope of the imaginations of
the fearless Tribe of warriors that dare to magically travel to them!
