Demons by Ednah Walters

 

Demons by Ednah Walters 

 Demons continues the Runes series by USA Today bestselling author Ednah Walters. What happened to Eirik after he left his friends on Earth and went to Hel? Eirik Baldurson—son of Baldur, God of Light—failed living as a Mortal. He lost the girl of his dreams and nearly got his friends killed. Now, he's gone to the underworld to meet the mother he’s never known. Torn between his duty to her and the man he used to be, Eirik struggles to find himself, until a witch appears in his world. Feisty and stubborn, she is a reminder of everything good he left behind. Celestia Devereaux proudly attends a charter high school for “gifted” teenagers who embrace magic. Witches. However, she keeps a terrible secret—a prediction that she would one day be responsible for massive destruction and death. Though Celestia uses her clairvoyant abilities to help people, she worries that it is just a matter of time before she goes over to the dark side. Her world changes when she unexpectedly astral projects to a place she didn’t believe existed and meets a tortured man who needs her help. Will helping him cause her fears to come true, or will he sacrifice everything to save her?

   

  Praise for Demons Ednah Walters just keeps getting better. Demons is one Hel of a ride! ~ Karen Lynch, USA Today Bestselling author of Relentless series A beautiful addition to an already mesmerizing world. Be ready to obsess over a new book boyfriend! ~ Melissa Haag, Bestselling author Judgement of 6 series

   

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

 EDNAH WALTERS grew up reading Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys and dreaming of one day writing her own stories. She is a stay-at-home mother of five humans and two American short-hair cats (one of which has ADHD) and a husband. When she is not writing, she’s at the gym doing Zumba or doing things with her family, reading, traveling or online chatting with fans.

Website * Blog * Facebook * Twitter

    

  Book Blast Giveaway - $100 Amazon Gift Card or $100 in Paypal Cash 

Ends 1/1/16 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. 

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Rebecca's Initiation by Gary Green

Title: Rebecca’s Initiation
Author: Gary Green
Genre: YA Fantasy

Rebecca’s Initiation is a fast paced fantasy adventure about a young girl who loses her mother in a car accident and has to go live with her grandmother. Her grandmother, Naomi, is an extraordinary woman who lets Rebecca in on her secret and initiates her into a world of magic populated with fairies, gnomes, elves and a dragon. Rebecca soon learns that her mother’s death was not an accident and that she was the intended victim. An ancient god has marked her for death and without the help of her new magical friends she is doomed. She has to learn how to defend herself—and learn fast. Rebecca’s Initiation will keep you guessing from beginning to end. 

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As got deeper and deeper into the woods, Rebecca found herself staring up into the tree tops. The trees were tall, really tall; with long straight trunks and no limbs until way at the top. She was staring up as she walked—not really looking where she was going—when she walked right smack into Pip.

“Hey, look where you’re going.” Pip said. He had, in fact, deliberately stepped in front of her when he noticed her looking into the tree tops because he thought it would be funny. He still thought it was.

“Oh, sorry.”

Pip chuckled then replied, “No harm done. Magnificent, aren’t they?”

Rebecca looked up too. “Yes, they’re so tall.”

“Yes, and look at how big around they are. I bet you couldn’t even reach around one. Go ahead and try, It’ll be fun.”

Rebecca, feeling kind of dubious about this suggestion because she clearly could not reach around any of these trees, decided to humor Pip. She stepped up to the nearest tree and wrapped her arms around it—barely reaching half way. Then she felt it. The tree started to vibrate. She jumped back. Then she heard it. It was like a low hum, then it got louder.

“Mmmmmm . . . . . thank you.” It was a deep quiet voice.

Rebecca looked at Pip, who was cackling with laughter. She started to suspect something was up, so she asked, “What’s going on?”

The deep voice again, “I was thanking you for the hug.”

Pip paused his laughing long enough to say, “You’re a tree hugger!”

Rebecca, who was a sharp kid by anyone’s standards, stared quizzically at Pip for a moment, then said, “Was that the tree? The tree is talking?”

“I knew it. You are a smarty-pants. I don’t care what anyone says. Yup, it was the tree.”

“Trees can talk?”

“Well, obviously.” Pip quipped, wiping tears from his eyes—his laughter finally subsiding. 

“Well, not all trees. It has to be an old one.”

“What do you mean, old?” The tree rumbled.

“Oh, sorry, mature then—no sense of humor, really. Anyway, Rebecca, forgive me. I just couldn’t resist. Opportunities to play that joke are almost nonexistent. I thought you should know. All things, living or otherwise, have Spirit. Trees, for example, can live so long that they develop personalities and the ability to talk. Although, they don’t talk to many people. So, I don’t want you to be surprised if you discover that babbling brook is actually babbling.”

It has been a long journey from depressed, lonely and alcoholic farm-boy to internationally known, award winning author. Using insight he gained from his own struggle he helped hundreds of individuals move from misery to joy during the many years he worked in the human services field. During his journey he also taught many other care-givers how to improve their ability to help others. 

During this time he became a practiced listener and a good story teller.

Now he divides his time between his small farm and writing inspiring and educational books.

His writings have helped many learn the skills needed to:

~ Reduce feelings of worthlessness and isolation

~ Increase feelings of happiness

~ Conquer addictions

~ Reach new levels of spiritual understanding

~ Improve relationships

~ Find hope

He has long lived by the motto “Inspire Joyful Sanity”. So, what the heck does that mean? Well, the inspire part is obvious. His definition of sanity is to understand and accept the universe and the rules that make it work. The joyful part refers to the idea that joy is the default state of the human mind. The idea is that as you understand and accept the rules of the universe you remove the barriers to being in a joyful state. His goal is to inspire joyful sanity in himself and others.

His first books were inspirational self-help. However, all his life he has been a fan of sci-fi and fantasy. Rebecca’s Initiation is his first attempt at writing fiction and the first of a planned series called Redemption.

Author Links:

Website | Facebook | Goodreads

Cinderella Countdown: Cinderella Series ~ The Collection by Kae Elle Wheeler

Welcome to the Cinderella Countdown!

At the stroke of midnight New Year's Eve, The Glass Slipper Sisters will present their new book, Cinderella Treasure Trove.

Fifteen romance authors have served up delicious samples of their modern Cinderella-themed stories, along with a feast of tasty treats and glitzy party ideas.

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Cinderella Series ~ the collection By Kae Elle Wheeler 

Genre: historical

Enjoy Kae Elle Wheeler's twist on Cinderella all in one set. 

The Wronged Princess – book i 

Finding his mysterious princess by trying her glass slipper on every maiden in Chalmers Kingdom sounded like a brilliant scheme until the silly thing slid quite easily on the foot of the wrong girl. Now how is Prince Charming supposed to find his true love? Unbeknownst to either, his mother, the queen and her feisty twin (Cinderella’s infamous fairy godmother) have a lesson to impart—impulsive decisions, do not a future king make! 

The Unlikely Heroine – book ii 

Lady Pricilla is a modern woman. Marriage and children? Hah! She has brains and intends to use them. But Sir Arnald is different. Isn’t he? And how will they survive when they discover villains embroiled with smuggled goods and danger? 

The Surprising Enchantress – book iii 

Delusions of grandeur? Happily-ever-after? Lady Esmeralda is destined for life with a fluttering eye syndrome—a deterrent to any prospective intended. Alessandro de Lecce’s efforts to save Chalmers Kingdom and future heir are nil without Lady Esmeralda’s assistance. There is more to this fluttering-eye miss than meets the . . . eye! 

The Price of Scorn – book iv 

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0103IA1IE 

Fourteen years after Prince Charming and Cinderella are crowned as King and Queen of Chalmers, Cinderella and her sisters gather at their mother’s deathbed. Lady Hildegard Roche has nothing but resentment and scorn for the stepchild who culminates all that was stolen from her. 

Stunned to silence, the sisters learn how tragedy shaped their mother into the woman she became. The question is: Can they forgive her? 

***

"Sweetly Enchanting." – Rita Nominee, Amanda McCabe 

"The timeless Cinderella tale travels in a whole new direction." Silver James - Two time IDA Winner 

“A delightful twist on a classic fairytale.” Award winning author, Alicia Dean

***

 

Cinderella snatched one arm and Essie the other as they dragged Pricilla into the first unlocked chamber they could find. Lucky for them, Pricilla’s amusement was so great it lessened her resistance.

“What?” Pricilla choked out, laughing so hard she bent at the waist. “I am just having a bit of fun.”

“You terrified that poor chambermaid out of her wits,” Essie accused.

“We shall never survive the aftermath,” Cinderella muttered. Her heart pounded furiously against her chest. She had to get that stick out of Pricilla’s hands, and soon, before she set the entire castle afire or turned everyone into chirping crickets.

“Where are we?” Pricilla asked, swiping tears from her eyes. Once she’d finally calmed enough to pose the question.

“Some poor unfortunate’s sitting room from the looks of it,” Essie said.

“Well, poor they are not, I would venture.” Cinderella cast a nervous glance round. Heavy brocaded drapes blocked out a good portion of the daylight but for a parted sliver. Heated coals smoldered in the hearth, and an empty brandy glass sat on a nearby table.

Cinderella had trouble believing Pricilla bore a single stint of remorse for her theft of the magic stick. In retrospect, it had mattered naught for Pricilla to steal the bread from Cinderella’s plate. She supposed that could not compare to a powerful silver baton.

Why, the two carried on as if Pricilla had not just whipped up a flock of butterflies scurrying round the palace, worthy of Essie’s batting eyes. Thousands of them: monarchs, tiger swallowtails, gossamers of every shape, size and color, all flitting about, covering every conceivable surface. Sending the servants into a horrific frenzy, with the betrothal ball just days away.

Cinderella had to admit, the situation would be outrageously comical, but for the consequences of their shenanigans. She, apparently, harbored enough terror for the three of them. “Do not touch a thing,” Cinderella hissed as Essie picked up the empty brandy glass and brought it to her nose. 

Unfortunately, Cinderella’s stark command managed to trigger the opposite effect. Startled, the glass slipped from Essie’s finders. Thankfully, the elaborate rug padded the fall, and the glass rolled to a slow stop.

Cinderella stilled, breath stuck in her throat. Her pulse flailed wildly against the open palm she laid across her neck. Pricilla and Essie froze too. Not for long, however.

“Watch this,” Pricilla whispered, grinning. She extended the silver bar towards the glass, now laying on its side. 

Cinderella watched, enthralled, in spite of her misgivings. The glass levitated from the floor and floated to mid-air, swaying precariously under Pricilla’s concentration. 

Under her carefully guided journey, the glass was near complete to the table, a spectacular sight—until an adjoining door to the chamber burst open. 

Pricilla and Essie’s gasps drowned Cinderella’s. Pricilla snatched her hand behind her back and the glass crashed against the edge. No graceful set down this time as it shattered in pieces when it hit the floor. 

“Good afternoon, ladies. To what do I owe the pleasure?” Prince smirked from the doorjamb his arms folded across his chest.

Cinderella could not have moved had someone set her feet afire. He moved to the windows and whipped the drapes aside, flooding his features with late afternoon sun. The effect accentuated chiseled cheek bones and streaks of dirt over shirt open at the neck. His hair was plastered against his head in an unsightly, quite un-princely manner. He reeked of rich soil and fresh air. He was the most beautiful sight she’d ever laid eyes on. Her breath caught in her throat.

“Please tell me you had nothing to do with the mayhem thundering the halls?” Amusement colored his tone. 

Heat that flamed Cinderella’s cheeks. Dear heavens, they were sunk. If Pricilla was able to keep the silver baton hidden, mayhap they could escape any real dire consequences. It took every ounce of restraint Cinderella could muster to not drop to her knees and beg for mercy. 

She snuck a peek at Pricilla. But before Cinderella could screech out a warning, Pricilla whipped the cursed stick from behind and it slanted to the prince. 

Her Prince. How could she!

Rendered immobile, Cinderella’s life flashed before her eyes in a series of dark stone dungeons equipped with a stretching rack, or worse—The Wheel. Administered by an evil, mustached-man armed with a leather strap to snap across her bare back. Essie’s cries would bounce off the dank walls she’d be manacled to. Rodents and other vile critters would pick over their broken bones. The pictured, so vivid, had her gasping for air.

Riveted and unmoving, except for a furious blinking that had the drapes fluttering with the shift in current, showed Essie suffered a similar vision. 

Pricilla, however, was not to be deterred. Arm raised, she wore a vague smile on her lips. “My apologies, Sire,” she said softly. She flicked her wrist.

Prince—her wonderful, beloved, Prince—slumped to the floor like a lump of coal.

MoB

Interested in helping with the release tour for the Cinderella Treasure Trove tour (January 1-7, 2015)

Sign up here.

Cover Reveal: Curses & Ash by Tiffany Daune

Curses & Ash (Book Two)

by Tiffany Daune 

Release Date:  January 2016

Jester Ink Press

Discover the spellbinding sequel to Coral & Bone...

A demented twin sister, a demon hijacking her powers, and a mysterious journal filled with more questions than answers—Halen needs her Guardian Dax more than ever. But if she confides in Dax, she fears he will never forgive her, not after all he sacrificed to help her vanquish Asair.Halen drowned Asair in a tornado of wings—at least, she thought she killed him. Why then does his mocking voice snake through her thoughts, enticing her to surrender her power?

Maybe she screwed up—big time—but she will never allow Asair to control her magick. And when Etils' fires threaten the Earth, suspicions surrounding Asair's death rise, igniting restlessness within the realms. Her life in balance, Halen must race time, purge the demon's soul before flames consume the Earth or the Tari strike first. 

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Coral & Bone (Book One)

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Halen knows the sparks igniting under her fingertips are dangerous. She has spent her entire life trying to quell the tingly feelings that make her destroy things, but now that she is back in Rockaway Beach, where she watched her father drown, the flames have become impossible to tame. 

Halen is trying to hold on, but when she is thrust into a mysterious new world, the underwater realm of Elosia, she unravels the secrets of her past and can't help but ignite. As she explores Elosia, she realizes her life has been a lie. And when those who have deceived her come to her for help, Halen must choose—walk away or unleash the magick that could destroy them all. 

I write stories about magick, love and dark creatures lurking in the shadows. When I’m not lost in Editland you can find me reading a book from my towering TBR pile or at the movie theater nibbling licorice. I don’t have a lucky number, but my favorite time is 11:11. I completely believe that the fortunes found inside cookies will come true and that you must be careful when wishing on stars. I live on an island, so if you want to visit you’ll need a boat, and if you want to survive the passage, be sure to bring candy for the mermaids.

Website * Goodreads * Twitter * Facebook

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Sword by Realm Lovejoy

Sword (Le Fay #2)

by Realm Lovejoy

Release Date: November 10th 2015

Evil lurks. Camelot sits, vulnerable. The fate of a future king hangs in the balance.

After surviving a string of brutal trials, sixteen-year-old Morgan le Fay is an official member of Camelot. But beneath its shining façade, Camelot is a crumbling government where loyalties are divided.

Nobody believes Morgan’s suspicions that enemies are closing in. Prince Arthur, a boy more interested in playing video games than ruling, will not listen to her, and neither will Lancelot, Camelot’s head of security. Even Morgan's friend Merlin refuses to take action.

When Morgan discovers that someone is plotting to assassinate the future king, she must take her destiny—and his—into her own hands. With the sword Excalibur beckoning in the distance, Morgan embarks on a seemingly impossible mission. And before her journey ends, everyone will know what she is truly capable of . . .

In this second book in the LE FAY series, author Realm Lovejoy takes readers deep into the heart of a splintering Camelot.

***

Praise for the first book in the LE FAY series, Henge:

"Camelot meets Hogwarts meets Panem in this intriguing, well-written beginning to a planned YA series."--Kirkus Reviews 

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AMAZON

When I glance at Lancelot, he is studying me like he thinks I’ve gone mad, and it occurs to me I probably have a dark expression over my face. 

“Look,” Lancelot says, bowing his head slightly. “Before the final trial, I told you that I wanted you to not think of me as the High Knight behind closed doors. That maybe we could be friends. I’m not sure if what I thought at the time is possible, but for one minute, let me be an ordinary person interested in your well-being. You are too hard on yourself. You have a bright future, though you may not see it right now. I see it.” He puts his hand on his chest to emphasize his conviction. 

Seeing him friendlier makes me squirm—it’s somehow worse than when he’s being tough on me. I want to scream and run out of the room and over the hills.

He walks closer to me and I’m afraid he’ll smell my sweat.

“You’re tortured to hear this,” he says as if he can see through me. “I don’t know what happened to you in the past and what you’re suffering from, but if you could just trust me, I’ll prove to you that you’ll find a fulfilling career in Camelot.”

Turning my head, I hold my thin gown closer against my chest, afraid that it’s not enough cover.  

“Please,” I say. “I appreciate your words, but you don’t understand—”

There is a knock at the opened door. Father peers in.

“Everything okay?” he asks sharply. 

He glances at me before eyeing Lancelot.

“Everything is fine, sir,” Lancelot replies and steps away from me. “Good day, Ms. Le Fay. Glad we have an understanding.”

I catch the questioning look Father gives Lancelot. For a second Lancelot looks insecure as he slumps his shoulders just a tiny bit. I realize then that Father intimidates Lancelot. Father was once a highly respected knight himself. Lancelot is still young after all, especially for the High Knight.

Lancelot gives me a curt nod as Father guides him out. 

“Apologies for the intrusion, sir,” Lancelot says.

Father doesn’t look happy. “I understand your job. I once had to do similar tasks myself.”

As I hear their footsteps recede, I am left to face dread. I don’t know what ideas will spring from my mind to deal with this conundrum. But I know whatever course of action I choose to take will be my worst and best idea—terrible and unstoppable, like a forest fire. I know this but cannot do anything about it, just as a drowning person cannot help but try to stay afloat to breathe. This is my attempt to take a breath before sinking. To push past that strong current that keeps me in one place. 

I take the statue of Astolat off my nightstand and hold on to her. 

“Please… please,” I whisper to her. “Don’t let me…”

Don’t let me what? 

What am I afraid of doing? 

As my room darkens, the question haunts me.

HENGE (LE FAY #1)

Goodreads | Amazon

Inspired by one of the greatest legends of all time… 

Modern-day Camelot. Where knights no longer carry swords. Magic is dangerous. And those who seek control are not to be trusted. 

Sixteen-year-old Morgan le Fay is a fire user. An ordinary girl with an extraordinary skill, she has the ability to create and command fire at will. Her dream is to become the Maven—the right hand of the future King Arthur. In the chance of a lifetime, Morgan is selected to join Arthur’s Round, an elite group of young magic users from which the new Maven will be chosen. 

Along with the other fire, water, and wind users in Arthur’s Round, Morgan is rigorously trained and tested. The handsome Merlin, a brilliant water user, takes a particular interest in her. Is his friendship to be trusted, or is Merlin simply trying to win the position of Maven for himself? Among the many rivals Morgan faces is the current Maven, Mordred, who seems determined to see her fail. 

But Morgan has a secret—years ago, her mother was executed for using fire magic, and Morgan’s desire for justice makes her more than ready to take on the challenge before her. Can she prevail in Camelot’s tests of survival and magic? Only time—and Morgan’s powerful fire—will tell.

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Realm Lovejoy is an American writer and an artist. She grew up in both Washington State and the Japanese Alps of Nagano, Japan. Currently she lives in Seattle and works as an artist in the video game industry. CLAN is her first book. Her second book is HENGE (Le Fay Series). You can find out more about her and her books at: www.realmlovejoy.com

Author Links:

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

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The Chronicles of the Stone by Fiona Ingram

Mother Daughter Book Reviews is pleased to be coordinating a Book Blast for the middle grade adventure series "The Chronicles of the Stone" by Fiona Ingram.

Book 2 "The Search for the Stone of Excalibur" is available for FREE from Amazon (e-copy) between November 18 to 20, 2015.

 

About the Books

Book 1: The Secret of the Sacred Scarab

Title: The Secret of the Sacred Scarab

Author: Fiona Ingram

Publication Date: December 30, 2008

Publisher: iUniverse

Pages: 272

Recommended Age: 10+

Amazon (U.S. Print) * Amazon (U.S. Kindle)

Book Depository * Barnes & Noble

  

In this exciting Middle Grade adventure set in Egypt, a 5000-year-old mystery comes to life. A scruffy peddler gives Adam and Justin Sincl air an old Egyptian scarab on their very first day in Egypt. Only when the evil Dr. Faisal Khalid shows a particular interest in the cousins and their scarab, do the boys realise they are in terrible danger. Dr. Khalid wants the relic at all costs. Justin and Adam embark upon the adventure of a lifetime, taking them down the Nile and across the harsh desert in their search for the legendary tomb of the Scarab King, an ancient Egyptian ruler. They are plunged into a whirlpool of hazardous and mysterious events when Dr. Khalid kidnaps them. They learn more about the ancient Seven Stones of Power and the mysterious Shemsu-Hor. They must translate the hieroglyphic clues on the underside of the scarab, as well as rescue the missing archaeologist James Kinnaird, and their friend, the Egyptologist Ebrahim Faza, before time runs out!

Awards:

• Finalist Children's Fiction USA Next Generation 2009 Indie Book Awards
• Finalist Juvenile Fiction USA National Best Books 2009 Awards
• Winner Pre-Teen USA 2009 Readers' Favorites Awards
• Number 2 in the USA Children's & Teens Book Connection Top Ten Favourite Books of 2009 for Kids, Tweens & Teens
• Winner Silver Medal Teen Fiction 2010 Nautilus Book Awards
• Finalist Children's Fiction 2010 International Book Awards
• Winner Bronze Medal Pre-Teen Fiction 2010 Moonbeam Book Awards
• Finalist 2011 Rubery Book Awards
• Winner Gold Award Mystery Pre-Teen 2011 Children's Literary Classics Awards
• 2nd Place in the 2011 YA Sharpwrit Book Awards
• Winner Gold medal 2013 Wise Bear Book Awards

   

Book 2: The Search for the Stone of Excalibur

Title: The Search for the Stone of Excalibur (The Chronicles of the Stone, Book 2) 

Author: Fiona Ingram 

Publication Date: October 6, 2014 

Publisher: The Educational Publisher / Biblio Publishing 

Pages: 376 

Recommended Ages: 10+

GRAB A COPY FOR FREE FROM AMAZON - Nov 18 to 20, 2015

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A modern-day adventure as our protagonists search for Excalibur and the treasures it holds! Continuing the adventure that began in Egypt a few months prior in The Secret of the Sacred Scarab, cousins Adam and Justin Sinclair are hot on the trail of the second Stone of Power, one of seven ancient stones lost centuries ago. This stone might be embedded in the hilt of a newly discovered sword that archaeologists believe belonged to King Arthur: Excalibur. However, their long-standing enemy, Dr. Khalid, is following them as they travel to Scotland to investigate an old castle. Little do they know there is another deadly force, the Eaters of Poison, who have their own mission to complete. Time is running out as the confluence of the planets draws closer. Can Justin and Adam find the second Stone of Power and survive? And why did Aunt Isabel send a girl with them? Join Justin and Adam as they search not only for the second Stone of Power, but also for the Scroll of the Ancients, a mysterious document that holds imp ortant clues to the Seven Stones of Power. As their adventure unfolds, they learn many things and face dangers that make even their perils in Egypt look tame. And how annoying for them that their tag-along companion, Kim, seems to have such good ideas when they are stumped. 

  Awards:

• 2015 Children’s Literary Classics Award Seal of Approval and finalist
• 2015 Children’s Literary Classic Silver Medal (Pre-teen & Tween)

 

The Buzz About "The Chronicles of the Stone"

The Secret of the Sacred Scarab:

"Wow! That was an action-packed story! I loved how Ms. Ingram just dove right into the story. From the time that Adam is given the scarab to the time that Adam and Justin return home, there is non-stop action. Through Ms. Ingram’s fantastic writing skills, I was able to visualize all of the events as they were occurring. I can totally see the story in this book transformed into a screenplay for the big screen. I think it’s a fabulous story filled with mystery, intrigue, and action." ~ Renee @ Mother Daughter Book Reviews

"Author Fiona Ingram mixes history and legends in this fast action adventure that keeps you reading till the very end. The characters are cleverly written. Young readers can easily step into the shoes of these two cousins and experienced this exciting adventure that takes you into the heart of Egypt. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery..." ~ 5-Star review from Coffee Ramblings "Billy", Amazon (US)

"This story ROCKED! It was exciting, action-filled, adventurous and history filled book! It pretty much had everything me (as a boy) would want in a book - danger, mystery, legends, exciting setting, myths and much more. The story was written really well and it kept me reading page after page. I really liked the simple penci l illustrations in the book. I liked the characters of Justin and Adam. They were both nice, smart and brave. The book has no bad language or graphic violence in it..." ~ Tween Review, Erik @ This Kid Reviews Books

The Search for the Stone of Excalibur:

"The Search for the Stone of Excalibur is an enthralling sequel to The Secret of the Sacred Scarab and features strong character development; an exciting, action-filled adventure; an unpredictable plot featuring many twists and turns; and many interesting and educational historical facts seeking to clarify Arthurian legend and folklore." ~ Renee @ Mother Daughter Book Reviews

"Character development is the key to the story, and the dialogue is snappy... If there are young rel uctant readers in your family, this might just be the kick they need to get over that hump. (5 Stars)" ~ Lit Amri, Readers Favorite

"Fiona Ingram has once again taken myth and legend and blended it into an exciting page turner. The mystery will keep the reader on the edge of their seats as they follow the cousins in their search for clues in old books and on the grounds of a Scottish castle. The story is well told and is suitable for tweens and up. (5 stars)" ~ K. Springs, Amazon

Fiona Ingram is the author of the middle grade adventure series The Chronicles of the Stone, which includes the multi award winning The Secret of the Sacred Scarab, The Search for the Stone of Excalibur2C and soon to be published The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

     

** Book Blast Giveaway **

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice 

Giveaway ends: December 2, 11:59 pm, 2015 

Open to: Internationally 

How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. 

Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. 

A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by Fiona Ingram and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send an email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. 

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Pre-Order Promo: Dragon Thief by Marc Secchia

Most especially, he was not planning for any treasure to steal him.

To Be Published: December 12, 2015

Genre: Fantasy

From Marc Secchia, bestselling author of five rip-roaring dragon fantasy adventures, comes a tale of dragons and treasure, and a pilfering rascal who has his eye set on rewriting history – only, the treasure has other ideas. And fate? That will sweep him away to a destiny far more precious than he ever dreamed.

Kal was not a thief. He certainly did not intend to steal any dragon’s treasure.

He was an adventurer. Avid art collector. Incurable wealth adjuster and risk-taker. Kal had legendary expertise in the security arrangements of palaces and noble houses the world over. He hankered for remote, craggy mountaintops and the dragon hoards he might find hidden beneath them. Besides, what harm was there in looking? Dragon gold was so very … shiny.

Most especially, he was not planning for any treasure to steal him.

That was a little awkward, to say the least.

Soul Warrior by Falguni Kothari w/ Exclusive Excerpt

Soul Warrior by Falguni Kothari

The Age of Kali, Book 1

Date of Publication: November 5, 2015

Fight fate, or succumb to destiny?

In the dark Age of Kali, the Soul Warrior alone stands guard over the Human Realm, protecting its denizens from evil-willed asuras or demons. When a trick of fate appoints him guru to a motley crew of godlings, he agrees to train them as demon hunters against his better judgment. Suddenly, Lord Karna is not only battling the usual asuras with sinister agendas, but also rebellious students and a fault-ridden past.

Spanning the Cosmic realms of mythic India, here is a tale of a band of supernatural warriors who come together over a singular purpose: the salvation of Karna's secret child.

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CHAPTER THREE

LOK: REALMS OF CONFUSION

The ancient, nomadic cavalcade of Lok Vitalas had staked down for the night in the Mojave Desert. Circus tents of all shapes and sizes, bursting with the kind of temptations the mortals called entertainment, thrived within a thirty-kilometer radius. All were halfway decent establishments run by relatively law-abiding nonhumans who dwelled seamlessly, and with apt mystique, in the Human Realm—as in, different enough to be an attraction, but not sufficiently different to scare away paying customers. As humans were their primary source of income and subsistence, the denizens of Vitalas had little desire, even if they had ample opportunity, to make mischief with them. 

Seven loks or territories of authorized iniquity had sprung up across the Human Realm in the Dark Age, since the human world was the easiest realm to breach, and stake a claim on, as were the human souls. The loks had been created as a harbor to the mixed breeds, the outcasts, souls who didn’t completely belong on any one realm. Each lok thrived within its own set of rules or anarchy. Lok Vitalas, besides being the least dangerous to humans because its leader ran a tight ship, also had the dubious honor of being the only aboveground one. The other loks existed many meters below the Earth’s crust or submerged deep in its waters. Gypsy-like in attitude and business tactics, Vitalas relocated to a new location nightly. The transient state of affairs meant the lok had limited sanitation facilities and a nonexistent sewage system, and hence smelled terrible.

For nearly two hours, Karna had zigzagged through the bylanes of the encampment, hopping in and out of tents in search of the godlings. Salabha, the leader of Vitalas, had confirmed that some eighteen Celestials had come slumming in the last two days, and he had immediately begun the process of tracking them down. Too restless to sit and wait for results, Karna had set off to do his own reconnaissance. His efforts had reaped zero fruits so far. 

He’d run through the list of potentials Salabha had texted to him, the last of whom had turned out to be an old acquaintance of Karna’s. Clothal was a Celestial cloth merchant and was in Vitalas on business. Quite obviously, he was not a godling.

What if they were wrong and the godlings weren’t in Vitalas at all? What if Draupadi had thwarted her summons and gone into hiding with her brood again? What if the sons of Kunti had created a stink about him being their offspring’s guru and stopped their banishment in time? Well, good riddance to the lot of them then. But what about his son?

Karna wound his way back to the heart of the encampment with his thoughts in a jumble. It was just after midnight, and Vitalas pulsed with life and activity. He snaked his way through the throngs of merrymakers queued up around the corner of a massive red-and-yellow pavilion with a flashing neon-green head-sign: The Shrieking Sura—Salabha’s bar, and the only karaoke club in the encampment. Shifts had changed sometime during his search. And a fresh face with whom he was well-acquainted was on bouncer duty at the entrance. 

 “Yo-ho-ho! It’s the Boodah Man. How you doin’, brother?” said Roy, a former professional wrestler. 

Roy knew Karna had personally known the bona fide Buddha. On any other night, Karna would’ve responded to the witty greeting with a laugh and a joke of his own. But he was too wound up to crack jokes tonight.

Boots planted hip-distance apart, tattooed arms crossed over a barrel chest, Roy looked fit and fierce in a camouflage T-shirt and pants. Roy was good people. His soul was aquamarine, and Karna had no problem being his brother. 

“Not bad, Roy. How about yourself?” Karna bumped his right fist and shoulder with the human. They were both sizable, though Karna was two inches taller and a dozen inches leaner. 

“Guess who’s a married man now?” Roy’s fierce expression didn’t waver when his lips spread wide in a grin. 

“That’s fantastic, man. Congratulations.” Karna thumped Roy on his back, genuinely happy for the man. “Who’s the bride?” he asked.

“Tara,” came the prompt and proud answer.

Karna blinked slowly. “Psycho Salabha’s Tara? I didn’t know you were dating.” 

“Yeah. I know. It all happened like a Big Bang boom. We eloped. To Vegas,” Roy said, tongue-in-cheek. 

Karna gave the big man a considering look. “And Salabha didn’t go ballistic?” 

Roy shrugged. “Didn’t really have a choice, did he? Tara thought it best to marry first and announce later.”

Which was sound handling on Tara’s part. Psycho Salabha was nuts about his daughter, possessive and insanely protective. He was nuts about other things too, like his job as Vitalas’s leader, and woe to any soul who brought trouble in Salabha’s territory. He wasn’t called psycho for nothing. Karna couldn’t begin to imagine how Salabha must’ve reacted to Tara’s elopement, but presumably all was well, as Roy still lived and remained in one piece.

Salabha and Tara were shape-shifters. They morphed into giant butterfly-like creatures when needed. Around a century ago, a nasty band of asuras had laid waste to Salabha’s home realm, destroying or enslaving most of the indigenous beings. Crown Prince Salabha had escaped with his baby daughter and a handful of his kith. He’d sought asylum with Lord Yama, who’d granted it in exchange for their allegiance and services to maintain Cosmic Order.

For the Soul Warrior, the pact was a blessing—not that he’d ever label the extermination of a species a blessing—but in truth, he was damn glad he no longer had to monitor the gateway. Honestly, Salabha was doing a much better job of running Lok Vitalas than Karna ever had. 

“Your wife is a wise female. Congrats again,” Karna said, and stepped forward to go inside the tent.

Falguni Kothari is a New York-based hybrid author, and an amateur Latin and Ballroom dance silver medalist with a semi-professional background in Indian Classical dance. She writes in a variety of genres sewn together by the colorful and cultural threads of her South Asian heritage and expat experiences. She's published in India in contemporary fiction with global e-book availability, and will launch her mythic fantasy series, The Age of Kali, in November of 2015. When not writing or dancing or being house-wifey, she fools around on all manner of social media, and loves to connect with readers.

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