COVER REVEAL ~ Prophecy of Solstice's End by Diantha Jones

Prophecy of Solstice's End
Oracle of Delphi #3
By Diantha Jones 

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Summer Solstice is here. Let the games begin. Nothing but lies (some of them her own) and deceit have brought Chloe to Olympus for the Solstice Olympic Games. As the Oracle and the special guest of the King of Myth, Chloe becomes immersed in a life of unfathomable luxury, taunting history, and overwhelming excitement. Though scheming and untrustworthy, the gods remain on their best behavior as the tension and anticipation builds around the outcome of the Quest of the Twelve Labors, the deadliest competition of the Games. All seems well on the celestial front...until athletes start turning up dead and a philosopher missing for months returns with a most terrifying story... But that’s not all. As Strafford confronts his troubled past and more is learned about the Great Unknown Prophecy, Chloe grows close to another, setting off a chain of events that will bring her face-to-face with a truth that will rock both of her worlds to their core. And it’ll all happen before Solstice’s end... 

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Author Bio: Diantha Jones loves writing fantasy books filled with adventure, romance, and magic. She's the author of the Oracle of Delphi series, the Mythos series, and the Djinn Order series (as A. Star). When she isn’t writing or working, she is reading or being hypnotized by Netflix. She is a serious night-owl and while everyone else is grinning in the warmth and sunlight, she’s hoping for gloominess and rain. Yeah, she’s weird like that.

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Thieves Of Greatness by Emily C. Burger

Title: Thieves of Greatness
Author: Emily C. Burger
Genre:  YA Historical Fantasy
Length: 317 pages
Release Date: July 30, 2015
ISBN-13: 978-1511903714

Elizabeth, forgotten daughter of King Henry 8th, is trapped in her own world of bitter hatred over the traumatic events of her past. She longs for greatness and is un-expectantly given the chance to chase down her dreams when a mysterious flying pirate ship lands on the palace roof. Soon she finds herself entangled in a monstrous injustice, forced to face dangers and step out of her comfort zone along with other famous characters from history against a tyrant who knows only cruelty. Together, Elizabeth and her new friends must stand up for their own futures before their dreams are snatched away from them forever.

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Born in 1997, I spent my earliest years living on the East Coast of South Africa in the town of Pietermaritzburg. I spent my days climbing trees, on the beach or writing short stories for my younger brother. When I was eight years old, our family moved to England where I was exposed to a whole new melting pot of cultures. We travelled Europe as frequently as we could, fuelling my growing hunger to experience the world around me. When I was ten years old my sister was born, and my love for children and writing combined themselves into my imaginations. We returned to the tip of Africa just as I was entering my teen years, and since then we have explored our own country as well as our neighbouring ones. I started writing ‘Thieves of Greatness’ when I was fifteen, finished it by 16 and have now published at the age of 17.

The Zimmah Chronicles by Scott King

Welcome to my tour stop for the Zimmah Chronicles by Scott King! This is a middle grade fantasy series. The tour runs December 1-11 with reviews, interviews, guest posts and excerpts. Check out the tour page for the full schedule.

Cupcakes vs. Brownies

Zimmah the djinn isn't evil. He simply thinks the world would be more fun if everything was made of desserts. So when ten-year-old Karim Jacobs makes a wish to fix his parent's marriage it's not Zimmah's fault that he twists the wish. He couldn't help himself. Candypunk airships and cupcake castles are cool! Of course Karim isn't happy about his wish going astray, specially when running into fantastical creatures like gummy-grizzly-bears and rock candy beasts; and although he desperately wants to go home, he finds himself in the middle of a war between the Cupcake Kingdom and Brownie Kingdom. With his parents lives in danger, its up to him to stop Zimmah and restore the world to normal.  

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Excerpt

Karim scrambled onto Lion’s back, sinking into the dip between Lion’s shoulder blades and neck. He gripped clumps of the fur in Lion’s mane and held himself in place.

“Yoouuuu want…” Karim said into Lion’s ear.

Lion stiffened, going catatonic.

“You want bath?”

Lion didn’t move or make a sound.

“You want to go night-night?”

Lion whimpered. Karim knew that Lion hated going night-night.

“You want treat?”

Lion squeaked out a half-bark, half-roar that shook the ground.

“You want treat?” Karim asked again. He pointed past the inner wall of the castle toward the village. Peaking over the ramparts were the tips of gingerbread houses. “Go get it. Go get the cookie!”

“Do something, now!” Madam Loope yelled.

The soldiers threw a barrage of spinning nets, but Lion sprung forward, bursting through them. Lion had seen cookies, and nothing was going to stop him. In four leaps, Lion reached the perimeter of the inner wall.

As they grew closer, Karim scrunched deeper into Lion’s mane. He expected Lion to climb the twenty-foot wall. He didn’t want to fall off when that happened. Except, it didn’t happen. Instead of making use of his graceful, snow-lion body, Lion crashed into the wall.

A thunderclap ripped through the air as Lion slammed into the wall. The wall fractured and exploded. Chunks of hardened icing mushroomed into the sky, raining down on the pursuing soldiers. Lion and Karim erupted from the other side. In their wake, the ramparts quivered and collapsed, making it impossible for the soldiers to follow.

Even free of the soldiers, Lion didn’t stop running. At full speed, he charged the nearest gingerbread house. It was gothic with a Victorian wrap-around porch of salted-caramel pretzels. Lion ripped a section of the railing off the porch and held it in his mouth.

“Good boy.” Karim patted Lion’s head and nudged him forward. “Now we gotta go.”

The two made their way down the village street. Most adults screamed when they saw them, while most of the children laughed.

Near the town square, they passed a herd of animal cracker elephants. Having already finished his pretzel stick, Lion eyed them. Karim knew that dog-Lion would have wanted to play with the elephants. Lion always loved making new friends. However, he was concerned that snow lion–Lion might want to eat the creatures. In a stern voice, he ordered Lion to keep moving.

No one impeded their hike through the candypunk town. Within minutes they passed through the city gates and entered the candy forest.

Book Trailer

Mermaids vs. Unicorns

Zimmah the wicked djinn thought he was so smart. He thought nothing could stop him, let alone a mere child. That was until he met Whitney, a devilish girl who used his own powers against him. A wish gone wrong sends Zimmah, Whitney, and Karim to The Otherworld, a magical land where Mermaids and Unicorns are caught in an epic war. All Whitney wants is to save her sick mother, all Karim wants is to get home, and all Zimmah wants is revenge on the children who have tricked him.

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Genie vs. Djinn

The chaotic magic of hundreds of djinn are destroying San Francisco. Dinosaurs. Butterfly volcanos. Buildings made of jello– If someone can wish it, it’s happening. Unable to access his own powers, Zimmah the former djinn, must rely on Karim and Whitney’s help.

Standing in their way is Alkema, Zimmah’s murderous father, an almost omnipotent ifrit who enjoys watching the suffering of others. If not stopped he will not only destroy the city, but plunge the entire world into total madness.

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About the Author:

Scott King is a writer and photographer. He was born in Washington D.C. and raised in Ocean City, Maryland. He received his undergraduate degree in film from Towson University, and his M.F.A. in film from American University.

“DAD! A Documentary Graphic Novel,” King’s first book was published in Fall ’09. He is also the creator and writer of “Holiday Wars” and he is known for his board game photography, specifically his annual calendar that highlights tabletop and hobby games.

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Delano In Hollyhook by Cameron Glenn

Title: Delano in Hollyhook
Author: Cameron Glenn
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Length: 366 pages
Release Date: August 10, 2015
ISBN-13: 978-1512049411

Delano Farnsworth is one of the few ‘lucky unfortunates’ chosen to receive an invitation to the magical Camp Hollyhook. After he arrives, however, he quickly discovers that not is all as it seems. With his new camp friends the ‘quirky’ Jackie, the ‘dour’ Lenore and the ‘lonely’ Wheeze, Delano seeks to uncover the sinister true purpose of the camp, as well as learn about his missing parents who abandoned him when he was three, his kidnapped uncle as well as his own self and destiny.

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How I came up with the idea for “Delano in Hollyhook”.

I had finished my first attempt at a children’s novel called “The Glow Worm Gang” and queried it to lit agents and publishers.  I had hope for it, as I had more fun writing it than anything I had written in a long time and I thought it original and imaginative.  I’ve developed a tough skin and healthy perspective about writing, yet still when the polite rejections boomeranged back they stung a bit more than usual, leaving me in a bit of a discouraged and morose headspace for a little while. 

It was in this mood that I came across two letters by one of my favorite authors, F. Scott Fitzgerald which he wrote to his niece Frances about her story, in 1938.  They’re excellent written letters, of course, full of tough love, good advice and quotes, one being:

“Nobody ever becomes a writer just by wanting to be one.  If you have anything to say, anything you feel nobody has ever said before, you have got to feel it so desperately that you will find some way to say it that nobody has ever found before…”

This quote is a variation of his more famous quote: “You don’t write because you want to say something, you write because you have something to say.”  Such sentiments have become a bit of a cliché since Fitzgerald’s time, but the truth of it impacted me.  I wanted to give writing a children’s, or “young adult fantasy” novel another try, and it should be about something I feel and care about deeply. 

I’m not usually a morose person, and I think the best writing is light and vibrant, but what I was feeling most profoundly in that moment was a sense of loneliness.  It is a universal feeling everyone, even kids, and maybe especially teens, can relate to.  I decided to make loneliness one of the themes of Delano.  The theme came before the characters and plot development. 

Looking back, it does seem a bit strange that this was the genesis of Delano, as “loneliness” might not seem as a major or obvious theme, yet I do think that it is there underneath everything: not “loneliness” perhaps, as the desire to belong, to have friends, to find yourself, your purpose, and your true identity; the desire not to be lonely, and then ultimately to accept loneliness as a sacrifice to a greater purpose. 

That’s a pretty deep read though, and it’s my belief and hope that a reader will still enjoy “Delano in Hollyhook” without picking up on that interpretation or coming up with their own.  I do believe, in the case with this novel anyways, that a reader’s interpretation is just as valid as the authors. 

As for the plot and characters: a lot of brainstorming and trial and error went into the planning.  At first Delano was a time traveler in an organization tasked with preventing famous assassinations throughout history.  I still think that idea may not have been a bad one, just, going back to the Fitzgerald quote, I didn’t feel I had the passion to develop it further than I did, although I did waste some pages and time struggling with it.  I came up with the name “Delano” after watching the great Ken Burns documentary on the Roosevelt’s, and thinking “Delano” a great heroic game that has really been underused.  This was before I found out there was a casino in Las Vegas called “The Delano”.  Still, I think it’s a good name. 

In my brainstorming I wondered what some familiar themes in popular children and Young Adult novels were.  Two that jumped out to me were: orphans and the groupings or ‘sorting’ of young people.  I wondered what it was about these two tropes that so resonated with young readers, and then decided that I  would try to use those tropes as well, but in a way that subverted and commented on them, rather than simply trying to follow a trend and be a part of a cliché.  So that is where the ideas of Delano being (or considering himself as) an orphan came from, as well as the sorting of the campers of Camp Hollyhook into types. 

For the plot much of the inspiration came from mashing up the “Pleasure Island” aspect of Pinocchio with the “forgetting their moms” Lost Boys of “Peter Pan.”  The idea that the longer one is submerged in a fantasy, the more one forgets “the real world” is an interesting one to me.  Trying to imagine the story as both a video game and a movie (and sometimes even a Broadway musical) also served as goals and inspiration in the plot.   In the beginning stages, I was visited by my twin sister and her two daughters Jane and Emma, ages ten and twelve, and I bounced ideas off of them, which was really fun.  I just got an e-mail from my sister saying her daughter had just read it and gave it “two thumbs up” which made me happy and feel like anything else that happens with “Delano in Hollyhook” now will be added gravy (although of course I do want it to be as successful as it can be). 

Cameron Glenn grew up the third of seven children in Oregon. As a child he dedicated hours to the pursuits of basketball and cartooning, as well as waking up way too early for his paper route in order to earn money to buy toys, candy and comic books. He also loved to read and write, which he continues to do voraciously. He currently lives in Salt Lake City after having earned a BA in literature from Boise State.

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The Phoenix Born by Kaitlyn Davis

From bestselling author Kaitlyn Davis comes the final book in the thrilling A Dance of Dragons series—perfect for fans of Throne of Glass, Graceling, and Game of Thrones!

The Phoenix Born (A Dance of Dragons #3)

by Kaitlyn Davis

Release Date: November 17th 2015

For the first time in a thousand years, the fire dragon has been awakened and Rhen is its rider. But after destroying the armies that threatened the city of Rayfort, Rhen is shown a vision in flames that changes everything. The shadow's phantom armies are coming and the dragons are the only things that might stop them.

High in the castle at the top of the Gates, Jinji has learned something of her own. Janu, her long lost twin, is alive. And just as the spirit shares her body, the shadow shares his. In the blink of an eye, her quest for vengeance against the evil that killed her family has changed to one of protection. Because she knows that if Rhen learns the truth he will do what she cannot—end the shadow, and end her brother in the process.

As the shadow grows more aggressive, Jinji and Rhen fight to find the rest of the dragon riders. But with time running out, they are forced to face the impossible decision between honor and love. Alliances are formed, promises are broken, and the fate of the world hangs in the balance… 

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Jinji stopped him by grabbing his cheeks and pulling his face against hers, kissing him urgently. Rhen tried to pull away, to understand why she wasn't thrilled by the news, but her hands traveled to the back of his neck, grip tight, and he couldn't break her hold. Her lips moved fast against his, pleading with him silently. Everything about her was desperately trying to hold on to the moment, to stop time, as though she were drowning and the air from his lungs was the only thing that might save her, as though he were her tether to life. 

Rhen wanted to give in. More than anything, he wanted to melt beneath her touch and forget the world, to kiss her until the sun rose the next morning, and even then maybe not stop. He could so easily get lost in the fire of her touch, the silkiness of her skin.

But he couldn't let himself. 

The woman he loved was in pain.

Her kiss wasn't full of passion. It was full of dread. Rhen sensed the dark taste on his tongue. 

"Jin," he mumbled against her lips. 

But she didn't stop. 

Rhen reached back, unlatching her fingers, pulling her forcibly away from him, finding her eyes. "Jin?"

And with that word, she couldn't avoid what was in her heart any longer. A tear rolled down her cheek, and she gave in, collapsing against him as her body racked with sobs. The moans came from a dark place within her, ripping their way up her throat, making him wince at the sound. 

Rhen wanted to demand answers. 

He wanted to force her to explain, to let him in, to tell him what had her so distraught. 

But he didn't. 

He just held her, kissing her forehead and rubbing her back. Not questioning. Not demanding. There would be time for answers later. Right now, Jinji needed a shoulder to cry on and nothing more. He gave that to her, embracing her until sleep claimed them both.

Inspiration Board for A Dance of Dragons!

A snapshot of my inspiration board for A Dance of Dragons—just a little taste of the characters, settings, and mood of the series! To see all of the images and for original sources, please check out the board on Pinterest! 

A Dance of Dragons: Series Starter Bundle!

A FREE ebook bundle which includes the prequel novella, The Golden Cage, and the first full-length novel, The Shadow Soul! 

An ancient evil awakens.

 Three unlikely heroes rise.

An age of myth is reborn.

Try the A DANCE OF DRAGONS Series Starter Bundle today! This bundle includes the prequel novella, The Golden Cage, as well as the first full-length novel, The Shadow Soul.

RAVE REVIEWS for The A Dance of Dragons Series!

"Gorgeous writing (spellbinding is a word that fits well here), creative and unique world and characters that steal your heart away, this is an unbelievably fantastic beginning to what is sure to be a new favorite series. I'm so eager for more!" - Candace's Book Blog

"The writing is flawless. The story and plot line, and plot twists, had me captivated and enamored for the first words. I couldn't put this book down for anything, and I absolutely cannot wait for book two...It's an amazing start to a new series that is going to have people of all ages wanting so much more." - Happy Tails and Tales

"One word to describe this book: intense! Everything from the battles, to the secrets, to the descriptions of the characters and scenery, are all incredibly intense. This book had me biting my nails, stomach tided in knots, and completely entranced til the last word." - Desert Rose Reviews

"Mind. BLOWN. Do you know that one book that made you love a certain genre again because it was so amazingly & beautifully written?? Well, The Golden Cage is the book that made me realize how good Fantasy can be." - Spiced Latte Reads

"The Shadow Soul was positively transportive, left me feeling refreshed, and renewed my faith in symbolism, imagery, and the importance of world building and cultural preservation...If you want to set out on a journey, read this." - We Do Write

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Bestselling author Kaitlyn Davis writes young adult fantasy novels under the name Kaitlyn Davis and contemporary romance novels under the name Kay Marie. 

Always blessed with an overactive imagination, Kaitlyn has been writing ever since she picked up her first crayon and is overjoyed to share her work with the world. When she's not daydreaming, typing stories, or getting lost in fictional worlds, Kaitlyn can be found indulging in some puppy videos, watching a little too much television, or spending time with her family. If you have any questions for her--about her books, about scheduling an event, or just in general--you may contact her at: KaitlynDavisBooks@gmail.com

To stay up-to-date with all of Kaitlyn's new releases, sign up for her new release newsletter here: TinyLetter.com/KaitlynDavisBooks

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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.

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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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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)

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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

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