Congratulations Mom Blogger winner of our 3 Year Blogoversary Giveaway at From the Shadows! Mom Blogger will receive an ebook copy of my new novel Shadow Sight, the first book in the Ivy Granger urban fantasy series, and a $10 Amazon Gift Card (or book from The Book Depository up to $10 value).
Thank you to all who entered.
**Giveaway winners selected using Random.org unless otherwise specified**
Friday, September 28, 2012
Cover Reveal: Release by M.R. Merrick (Protector #3)
Time for a cover reveal! Feast your eyes on the cover for Release, the third book in the Protector series by M.R. Merrick.
Release (Protector #3) by M.R. Merrick.
Release available December 10, 2012.
Release (Protector #3) by M.R. Merrick.
After uniting the shifters and calling in
reinforcements, Chase has to face his toughest challenge yet: learning to
control his emotions. But as tensions rise and his powers grow, controlling his
emotions becomes the least of his problems.
Terrorized by a multi-shifter who is
hell-bent on turning him, Chase questions just how far he’s willing to go to
stop his father. Meanwhile, Tiki’s
virtuous nature has placed him in the middle of Vincent’s past, leaving Chase to
oppose a senate of vampires and defend a demon he hates.
Trying to balance his friends, his enemies,
and his inner demons, Chase is left searching for answers about the Mark, his
destiny, and where he can find the next soul piece. Stopping Riley is his top
priority, but as more obstacles arise, he finds himself doubting all the
decisions he’s made - especially regarding Rayna.
One thing is for certain: Chase has finally
realized that he doesn’t know anything. The light doesn’t always quell the
darkness, the monsters don’t always stay in the shadows, and the past doesn’t
always stay in the past - sometimes, the demons inside are the hardest to
fight.
Release available December 10, 2012.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Ivy Granger at Snowdrop Dreams
Ivy Granger and her best friend Jinx take over today's Deserted Island post at Snowdrop Dreams.
Visit Snowdrop Dreams to learn what Ivy would bring if stranded on a deserted island. Ivy and Jinx are characters from Shadow Sight, the first novel in the Ivy Granger urban fantasy series by E.J. Stevens. More Ivy and Jinx adventures coming soon in Blood and Mistletoe, an Ivy Granger novella, releasing November 20th!
Visit Snowdrop Dreams to learn what Ivy would bring if stranded on a deserted island. Ivy and Jinx are characters from Shadow Sight, the first novel in the Ivy Granger urban fantasy series by E.J. Stevens. More Ivy and Jinx adventures coming soon in Blood and Mistletoe, an Ivy Granger novella, releasing November 20th!
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
A Dawn of Dragonfire Character Interview + Giveaway
Please welcome today's returning guest author Daniel Arenson. Daniel is the author of Firefly Island, Flaming Dove, Eye of the Wizard, Blood of Requiem, Tears of Requiem, Light of Requiem, and A Dawn of Dragonfire.
Keep reading for a chance to win A Dawn of Dragonfire by Daniel Arenson.
EJ: Today we welcome Lyana and Bayrin, siblings from Requiem, a land of people who can become dragons. Lyana, let's start with you. Tell us about yourself.
Lyana: First of all, you may call me Lady Lyana Eleison. I am a knight of Requiem, a member of the ancient order of bellators. I know many people these days no longer bother with titles – my oaf a brother, for example – but I still care about tradition.
Bayrin: You care about your big head, more like.
Lyana: Bayrin! Be quiet! You will have a turn to speak. *sigh* Do you see what I must deal with? Where was I? Oh yes, as I said, I am Lady Lyana, a knight of Requiem, one of only fifty who guard the realm. In human form, I have red hair and green eyes. I turn into a blue dragon with golden horns. In addition to being a knight, I am betrothed to Prince Orin Aeternum, and will soon be a princess, then a queen consort one day.
Bayrin: Imagine the size of her head then! No crown would fit her.
Lyana: Bayrin! I might have a big head, but yours is completely hollow! Will you please be quiet?
Bayrin: Me? Be quiet? How little you know me, dear sister. In fact, I will now tell the readers a little about myself. Well... I'm Bayrin. And... hmmm...
Lyana: Nothing much to speak of, is there?
Bayrin: Lyana, quiet! I didn't interrupt you, did I?
Lyana: What? You—
Bayrin: AHEM! As I was saying, dear readers, I am Bayrin Eleison. I can turn into a green dragon (one much faster and stronger than Lyana). I'm older than Lyana, and much better looking, and quite smarter too, and overall better liked and—
Lyana: BAYRIN! Don't lie to people. I will tell them the truth. Bayrin, my oaf of a brother, is the biggest blockhead in Requiem. He is the son of great parents – our father is captain of the City Guard, and our mother is the High Priestess – but do you think he cares? Do you think he ever tried to become a knight or priest? No. He spends his days singing in alehouses, or chasing girls, or sleeping past noon. The only time he enters the armory is to draw rude drawings on shields.
Bayrin: Not true! I’ve entered the armory for more than that. I once also placed a frog in your helmet.
Lyana: Place some sense in your head instead! Bayrin, you are five years older than me. When will you grow up? When will you make something of your life? Come to court now and then! Pick up a sword and join the army! Pick up a book and learn to read and write!
Bayrin: I know how to read and write!
Lyana: Scribbling rude limericks on alehouse walls doesn't count, Bayrin. Won't you ever do something with yourself? At least get a haircut and a shave, you look like a sheepdog. I swear, Bayrin, if you weren't my brother, I would punch some sense into your hollow skull.
Bayrin: Ladies and gentlemen, this is the real Lyana. Forget knighthood or betrothals to princes – it's mostly lectures.
Lyana: That does it. It's time for punching!
Bayrin: Ouch! Lyana, stop that!
EJ: I think this interview is over... We hope you enjoyed meeting Bayrin and Lyana. You can read more about them in A Dawn of Dragonfire, the first volume of Dragonlore, a new epic fantasy series.
A Dawn of Dragonfire (Dragonlore #1) by Daniel Arenson.
The people of Requiem, an ancient kingdom, can grow wings and scales, breathe fire, and take flight as dragons. Their hearts are noble, their wisdom great, their kingdom a land of beauty and peace.
This peace will soon burn. From the south, a fire rises. Birds of flame take flight. The phoenixes soar, beasts of heat and wrath, large as dragons and cruel as wildfire. Their purpose is one: destroy the land of dragons.
Requiem's dragons have defeated countless enemies. Their claws are sharp and their flames bright. But how can they fight the phoenixes, creatures woven of sunfire itself?
In 2011, the Song of Dragons trilogy introduced readers to mythical Requiem. Today, after 100,000 copies sold, a new dawn rises. Dragonlore returns to Requiem with an epic story—for both new readers and old fans—of blood, steel, and dragonfire.
Thank you Daniel, Lyana, and Bayrin for joining us here today at From the Shadows!
To learn more about Daniel Arenson and his books, please visit his website. Check our sidebar for links to past interviews with Daniel and his characters.
**A Dawn of Dragonfire Giveaway**
We are giving away an ebook copy of A Dawn of Dragonfire by Daniel Arenson to one lucky winner.
To enter, please leave a comment on this post (include your email address so we may contact you if you win). This giveaway is INTERNATIONAL. Giveaway ends October 11, 2012 midnight EST.
Keep reading for a chance to win A Dawn of Dragonfire by Daniel Arenson.
Character interview: Lyana and Bayrin from A Dawn of Dragonfire
EJ: Today we welcome Lyana and Bayrin, siblings from Requiem, a land of people who can become dragons. Lyana, let's start with you. Tell us about yourself.
Lyana: First of all, you may call me Lady Lyana Eleison. I am a knight of Requiem, a member of the ancient order of bellators. I know many people these days no longer bother with titles – my oaf a brother, for example – but I still care about tradition.
Bayrin: You care about your big head, more like.
Lyana: Bayrin! Be quiet! You will have a turn to speak. *sigh* Do you see what I must deal with? Where was I? Oh yes, as I said, I am Lady Lyana, a knight of Requiem, one of only fifty who guard the realm. In human form, I have red hair and green eyes. I turn into a blue dragon with golden horns. In addition to being a knight, I am betrothed to Prince Orin Aeternum, and will soon be a princess, then a queen consort one day.
Bayrin: Imagine the size of her head then! No crown would fit her.
Lyana: Bayrin! I might have a big head, but yours is completely hollow! Will you please be quiet?
Bayrin: Me? Be quiet? How little you know me, dear sister. In fact, I will now tell the readers a little about myself. Well... I'm Bayrin. And... hmmm...
Lyana: Nothing much to speak of, is there?
Bayrin: Lyana, quiet! I didn't interrupt you, did I?
Lyana: What? You—
Bayrin: AHEM! As I was saying, dear readers, I am Bayrin Eleison. I can turn into a green dragon (one much faster and stronger than Lyana). I'm older than Lyana, and much better looking, and quite smarter too, and overall better liked and—
Lyana: BAYRIN! Don't lie to people. I will tell them the truth. Bayrin, my oaf of a brother, is the biggest blockhead in Requiem. He is the son of great parents – our father is captain of the City Guard, and our mother is the High Priestess – but do you think he cares? Do you think he ever tried to become a knight or priest? No. He spends his days singing in alehouses, or chasing girls, or sleeping past noon. The only time he enters the armory is to draw rude drawings on shields.
Bayrin: Not true! I’ve entered the armory for more than that. I once also placed a frog in your helmet.
Lyana: Place some sense in your head instead! Bayrin, you are five years older than me. When will you grow up? When will you make something of your life? Come to court now and then! Pick up a sword and join the army! Pick up a book and learn to read and write!
Bayrin: I know how to read and write!
Lyana: Scribbling rude limericks on alehouse walls doesn't count, Bayrin. Won't you ever do something with yourself? At least get a haircut and a shave, you look like a sheepdog. I swear, Bayrin, if you weren't my brother, I would punch some sense into your hollow skull.
Bayrin: Ladies and gentlemen, this is the real Lyana. Forget knighthood or betrothals to princes – it's mostly lectures.
Lyana: That does it. It's time for punching!
Bayrin: Ouch! Lyana, stop that!
EJ: I think this interview is over... We hope you enjoyed meeting Bayrin and Lyana. You can read more about them in A Dawn of Dragonfire, the first volume of Dragonlore, a new epic fantasy series.
A Dawn of Dragonfire (Dragonlore #1) by Daniel Arenson.
The people of Requiem, an ancient kingdom, can grow wings and scales, breathe fire, and take flight as dragons. Their hearts are noble, their wisdom great, their kingdom a land of beauty and peace.
This peace will soon burn. From the south, a fire rises. Birds of flame take flight. The phoenixes soar, beasts of heat and wrath, large as dragons and cruel as wildfire. Their purpose is one: destroy the land of dragons.
Requiem's dragons have defeated countless enemies. Their claws are sharp and their flames bright. But how can they fight the phoenixes, creatures woven of sunfire itself?
In 2011, the Song of Dragons trilogy introduced readers to mythical Requiem. Today, after 100,000 copies sold, a new dawn rises. Dragonlore returns to Requiem with an epic story—for both new readers and old fans—of blood, steel, and dragonfire.
Thank you Daniel, Lyana, and Bayrin for joining us here today at From the Shadows!
To learn more about Daniel Arenson and his books, please visit his website. Check our sidebar for links to past interviews with Daniel and his characters.
**A Dawn of Dragonfire Giveaway**
We are giving away an ebook copy of A Dawn of Dragonfire by Daniel Arenson to one lucky winner.
To enter, please leave a comment on this post (include your email address so we may contact you if you win). This giveaway is INTERNATIONAL. Giveaway ends October 11, 2012 midnight EST.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Q+A with James Lyon (Kiss of the Butterfly)
Please welcome today's paranormal guest author James Lyon. James is the author Kiss of the Butterfly.
EJ: When did you begin writing?
James: At age 19 I began keeping a diary, which helped me discover the magic of the written word. On a whim I entered a creative writing contest in college and won an award. Since then, my work as an historian and political analyst meant that I was constantly writing Op/Ed pieces, long analytical reports, book chapters, and even entire books, as well as editing other people’s work. At one point I noticed that about 90% of published fiction is poorly written insults the intelligence, and I decided I could do better. At the time I was living in Belgrade, Serbia, which provides great inspiration for a writer. I began writing “Kiss of the Butterfly” in 2005 and finished 120,000 words within 6 months.
EJ: What brought you to the paranormal genre?
James: Long ago and far away across an ocean, a most curious anecdote from a dusty old book grabbed my attention while I was writing my doctoral dissertation at UCLA. In 1476, Vlad III (Dracula) committed atrocities under the cloak of medieval Bosnia’s forested mountains, culminating in a bloody massacre in the mining town of Srebrenica. A little over 500 years later, in July 1995, history repeated itself when troops commanded by General Ratko Mladic entered Srebrenica and slaughtered nearly 8,000 people, making it the worst massacre Europe had seen since the Second World War. For most people, the two events seemed unconnected. I, however, wondered if there might be a metaphysical connection.
As I worked and lived in Bosnia and Serbia and travelled throughout Montenegro, Croatia, Macedonia, Kosovo, and Slovenia, it soon became apparent that vampires were embedded in the culture. I began studying Balkan vampires in folklore, and soon discovered that we get our English word “vampire” from the Serbo-Croatian “vampir”. Then I discovered even greater peculiarities, such as vampire trials in Croatia, vampire autopsies by Austrian Army military surgeons in Serbia, laws against killing vampires dating from the 1300s, etc. Even today you can read reports in the local language newspapers about vampires being reported in certain villages. Clearly, something was going on. I began to put two and two together, and “Kiss of the Butterfly” was born.
But just because there happen to be vampires (and a couple of mangy werewolves) in “Kiss of the Butterfly” doesn’t mean it’s paranormal. Here in the Balkans such creatures seem to lurk in the background of everyday life: in politics, the economy, society, the arts, etc. In fact, they lurk quite nicely, thank you. And it’s not as if just anyone can lurk: inexperienced lurkers usually get arrested for stalking.
EJ: If you could be any paranormal or have any one supernatural talent, what would it be? Why?
James: X-Ray vision. I could microwave food with a single glance, and read books without turning the pages.
EJ: Tell us why readers will enjoy your new release.
James: Gee, let’s see…love triangles, a car chase in a Yugo, fanged blood-suckers, naïve stake-wielders, epic love that spans the centuries, sexy foreign accents, fine wines in exotic locations, and crumbling communism. And no sparkly vampires! Who could ask for anything more?
“Kiss of the Butterfly” has something for everyone and doesn’t fit into any particular genre: there is romance, adventure, and it is definitely a thriller. Readers will enjoy the fast-paced “Da Vinci Code” style of action and discovery. And there are a few places where it gets just a teensy bit scary, but not Steven King scary.
Along the way you’ll find out about “real” Balkan vampires, their characteristics, and how they differ from the pop culture vampires we see in today’s books and films. You’ll find out the answers to questions such as: what shape and color are a vampire’s eyes?; where does a vampire’s power lie?; where do vampires sleep on Good Friday?; what is the relationship between vampires and butterflies?; and what happens if a vampire bites you?. Spoiler alert – just any old stake won’t kill a vampire.
EJ: If your book(s) were being made into a movie, who would you cast for the leading roles? Why?
James: Steven -- Andrew Garfield (Spiderman 2012); Mrs. Lazarevic -- Angelina Jolie. Marko Slatina -- Jude Law; Ian McKellen -- Professor Nagy. Rade Serbedzija -- Professor Ljubovic; Hugh Laurie -- Professor Stojadinovic; Ralph Fiennes -- Lynx. The roles of Vesna, Katarina, Bear and Tamara should all be played by actors and actresses from Serbia, Croatia and Bosnia.
Who do I not want in the movie? Kristin Stewart… Robert Pattinson… Tom Cruise… Shia LaBeouf… Megan Fox… Kate Hudson… Matthew McConaughey, to name a few.
Kiss of the Butterfly by James Lyon.
In the year of his death, 1476, the Vojvoda of Wallachia -- Vlad III (Dracula) -- committed atrocities under the cloak of medieval Bosnia’s forested mountains, culminating in a bloody massacre in the mining town of Srebrenica.
A little over 500 years later, in July 1995, history repeated itself when troops commanded by General Ratko Mladic entered Srebrenica and slaughtered nearly 8,000 people, making it the worst massacre Europe had seen since the Second World War.
For most people, the two events seemed unconnected…
Meticulously researched and based on real events, “Kiss” descends into the chaos of Yugoslavia's breakup, creating a phantasmagorical tapestry of allegory and reality,divided loyalties, friendship and betrayal, Good vs. Evil, virtue and innocence lost, obsession and devotion, desire and denial, lust and rejection. It is about the thirst for life and the hunger for death, rebirth and salvation, and the search for faith. From Bosnia to California, to Belgrade, Budapest, Novi Sad, and back to ethnic cleansing in Bosnia, “Kiss” blends history and the terrors of the Balkans as it explores the darker corners of the human soul.
And there just may be some vampires. But not the sparkly, gothic romance kind. These are "real", Balkan vampires, based on authentic folklore from the region that first introduced the word "vampir" to the world.
Thank you James for joining us here today at From the Shadows!
James Lyon is an accidental Balkanologist, having spent the better part of 32 years studying and working with the lands of the former Yugoslavia. He has a Ph.D. in Modern Balkan History from UCLA and a B.A. in Russian from BYU. He has lived in Germany, Russia, England, Massachusetts, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Utah, and California, and spent the better part of 18 years living in the lands of the former Yugoslavia, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, and Serbia, and has worked in Macedonia and Kosovo. He has traveled widely, from Africa to Latin America to the Middle East, and all over Europe. He currently works in Sarajevo and bounces back and forth to Belgrade. In his spare time he likes sailing through the Dalmatian islands and eating Sachertorte in Vienna at the old Habsburg Imperial Court’s Confectionary Bakery, Demel. He lost his cat in the forests of Bosnia and can’t find it. If you see a black and white cat that ignores you when you call the name “Cile II”, a reward is being offered…provided the cat hasn’t turned into a vampire.
EJ: When did you begin writing?
James: At age 19 I began keeping a diary, which helped me discover the magic of the written word. On a whim I entered a creative writing contest in college and won an award. Since then, my work as an historian and political analyst meant that I was constantly writing Op/Ed pieces, long analytical reports, book chapters, and even entire books, as well as editing other people’s work. At one point I noticed that about 90% of published fiction is poorly written insults the intelligence, and I decided I could do better. At the time I was living in Belgrade, Serbia, which provides great inspiration for a writer. I began writing “Kiss of the Butterfly” in 2005 and finished 120,000 words within 6 months.
EJ: What brought you to the paranormal genre?
James: Long ago and far away across an ocean, a most curious anecdote from a dusty old book grabbed my attention while I was writing my doctoral dissertation at UCLA. In 1476, Vlad III (Dracula) committed atrocities under the cloak of medieval Bosnia’s forested mountains, culminating in a bloody massacre in the mining town of Srebrenica. A little over 500 years later, in July 1995, history repeated itself when troops commanded by General Ratko Mladic entered Srebrenica and slaughtered nearly 8,000 people, making it the worst massacre Europe had seen since the Second World War. For most people, the two events seemed unconnected. I, however, wondered if there might be a metaphysical connection.
As I worked and lived in Bosnia and Serbia and travelled throughout Montenegro, Croatia, Macedonia, Kosovo, and Slovenia, it soon became apparent that vampires were embedded in the culture. I began studying Balkan vampires in folklore, and soon discovered that we get our English word “vampire” from the Serbo-Croatian “vampir”. Then I discovered even greater peculiarities, such as vampire trials in Croatia, vampire autopsies by Austrian Army military surgeons in Serbia, laws against killing vampires dating from the 1300s, etc. Even today you can read reports in the local language newspapers about vampires being reported in certain villages. Clearly, something was going on. I began to put two and two together, and “Kiss of the Butterfly” was born.
But just because there happen to be vampires (and a couple of mangy werewolves) in “Kiss of the Butterfly” doesn’t mean it’s paranormal. Here in the Balkans such creatures seem to lurk in the background of everyday life: in politics, the economy, society, the arts, etc. In fact, they lurk quite nicely, thank you. And it’s not as if just anyone can lurk: inexperienced lurkers usually get arrested for stalking.
EJ: If you could be any paranormal or have any one supernatural talent, what would it be? Why?
James: X-Ray vision. I could microwave food with a single glance, and read books without turning the pages.
EJ: Tell us why readers will enjoy your new release.
James: Gee, let’s see…love triangles, a car chase in a Yugo, fanged blood-suckers, naïve stake-wielders, epic love that spans the centuries, sexy foreign accents, fine wines in exotic locations, and crumbling communism. And no sparkly vampires! Who could ask for anything more?
“Kiss of the Butterfly” has something for everyone and doesn’t fit into any particular genre: there is romance, adventure, and it is definitely a thriller. Readers will enjoy the fast-paced “Da Vinci Code” style of action and discovery. And there are a few places where it gets just a teensy bit scary, but not Steven King scary.
Along the way you’ll find out about “real” Balkan vampires, their characteristics, and how they differ from the pop culture vampires we see in today’s books and films. You’ll find out the answers to questions such as: what shape and color are a vampire’s eyes?; where does a vampire’s power lie?; where do vampires sleep on Good Friday?; what is the relationship between vampires and butterflies?; and what happens if a vampire bites you?. Spoiler alert – just any old stake won’t kill a vampire.
EJ: If your book(s) were being made into a movie, who would you cast for the leading roles? Why?
James: Steven -- Andrew Garfield (Spiderman 2012); Mrs. Lazarevic -- Angelina Jolie. Marko Slatina -- Jude Law; Ian McKellen -- Professor Nagy. Rade Serbedzija -- Professor Ljubovic; Hugh Laurie -- Professor Stojadinovic; Ralph Fiennes -- Lynx. The roles of Vesna, Katarina, Bear and Tamara should all be played by actors and actresses from Serbia, Croatia and Bosnia.
Who do I not want in the movie? Kristin Stewart… Robert Pattinson… Tom Cruise… Shia LaBeouf… Megan Fox… Kate Hudson… Matthew McConaughey, to name a few.
Kiss of the Butterfly by James Lyon.
In the year of his death, 1476, the Vojvoda of Wallachia -- Vlad III (Dracula) -- committed atrocities under the cloak of medieval Bosnia’s forested mountains, culminating in a bloody massacre in the mining town of Srebrenica.
A little over 500 years later, in July 1995, history repeated itself when troops commanded by General Ratko Mladic entered Srebrenica and slaughtered nearly 8,000 people, making it the worst massacre Europe had seen since the Second World War.
For most people, the two events seemed unconnected…
Meticulously researched and based on real events, “Kiss” descends into the chaos of Yugoslavia's breakup, creating a phantasmagorical tapestry of allegory and reality,divided loyalties, friendship and betrayal, Good vs. Evil, virtue and innocence lost, obsession and devotion, desire and denial, lust and rejection. It is about the thirst for life and the hunger for death, rebirth and salvation, and the search for faith. From Bosnia to California, to Belgrade, Budapest, Novi Sad, and back to ethnic cleansing in Bosnia, “Kiss” blends history and the terrors of the Balkans as it explores the darker corners of the human soul.
And there just may be some vampires. But not the sparkly, gothic romance kind. These are "real", Balkan vampires, based on authentic folklore from the region that first introduced the word "vampir" to the world.
Thank you James for joining us here today at From the Shadows!
James Lyon is an accidental Balkanologist, having spent the better part of 32 years studying and working with the lands of the former Yugoslavia. He has a Ph.D. in Modern Balkan History from UCLA and a B.A. in Russian from BYU. He has lived in Germany, Russia, England, Massachusetts, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Utah, and California, and spent the better part of 18 years living in the lands of the former Yugoslavia, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, and Serbia, and has worked in Macedonia and Kosovo. He has traveled widely, from Africa to Latin America to the Middle East, and all over Europe. He currently works in Sarajevo and bounces back and forth to Belgrade. In his spare time he likes sailing through the Dalmatian islands and eating Sachertorte in Vienna at the old Habsburg Imperial Court’s Confectionary Bakery, Demel. He lost his cat in the forests of Bosnia and can’t find it. If you see a black and white cat that ignores you when you call the name “Cile II”, a reward is being offered…provided the cat hasn’t turned into a vampire.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Cover Reveal: Brush with Death
Time for a cover reveal! Feast your eyes on the cover for Brush with Death, the fourth book in the young adult paranormal Spirit Guide series.
Brush with Death (Spirit Guide #4) by E.J. Stevens.
Samhain was scary, but graduation is downright terrifying.
Yuki and Emma's recent brush with death has unexpected consequences.
Until last winter Yuki could only smell the dead, but the touch of death's embrace has awakened latent powers. With the help of her friends, Yuki must face her new abilities. Will her psychic powers become the curse they all have feared? Curse or gift, Yuki's new vision begins leading her down an unknown path, but is it a road that only she can follow?
Emma's close encounter of the death kind has her questioning her future as well. Until now she had it all; brains, beauty, conviction, fabulous friends, and a scholarship to Tufts Veterinary School. She knew exactly what she wanted and how to get it. Emma had a plan for everything, but she never bargained for her own traitorous emotions. When graduation comes, will Emma follow her dreams...or follow her heart?
Brush with Death available in trade paperback and ebook October 23, 2012.
Brush with Death (Spirit Guide #4) by E.J. Stevens.
Samhain was scary, but graduation is downright terrifying.
Yuki and Emma's recent brush with death has unexpected consequences.
Until last winter Yuki could only smell the dead, but the touch of death's embrace has awakened latent powers. With the help of her friends, Yuki must face her new abilities. Will her psychic powers become the curse they all have feared? Curse or gift, Yuki's new vision begins leading her down an unknown path, but is it a road that only she can follow?
Emma's close encounter of the death kind has her questioning her future as well. Until now she had it all; brains, beauty, conviction, fabulous friends, and a scholarship to Tufts Veterinary School. She knew exactly what she wanted and how to get it. Emma had a plan for everything, but she never bargained for her own traitorous emotions. When graduation comes, will Emma follow her dreams...or follow her heart?
Brush with Death available in trade paperback and ebook October 23, 2012.
Unusual Creatures
Join E.J. today at Wren Doloro as she discusses the unusual creatures from her writing.
Friday, September 14, 2012
The Treachery of Beautiful Things Swag Giveaway Winner
Congratulations States of Decay winner of our The Treachery of Beautiful Things Swag Giveaway at From the Shadows! States of Decay will receive a The Treachery of Beautiful Things bookmark and postcard.
Thank you to all who entered.
**Giveaway winners selected using Random.org unless otherwise specified**
Thank you to all who entered.
**Giveaway winners selected using Random.org unless otherwise specified**
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Cover Reveal: Reaping Me Softly
Time for a cover reveal! Feast your eyes on the cover for Reaping Me Softly by Kate Evangelista.
Reaping Me Softly by Kate Evangelista.
Ever since a near-death-experience on the operating table, seventeen-year-old Arianne Wilson can see dead people. Just as she’s learned to accept her new-found talents, she discovers that the boy she’s had a crush on since freshman year, Niko Clark, is a Reaper.
At last they have something in common, but that doesn’t mean life is getting any easier. All while facing merciless bullying from the most powerful girl in school, Arianne’s world is turned upside down after Niko accidentally reaps the soul of someone she loves. This sends them both into a spiral that threatens to end Arianne’s life. But will Niko break his own Reaper’s code to save her? And what would the consequences be if he did?
Reaping Me Softly scheduled to release October 30, 2012.
Reaping Me Softly by Kate Evangelista.
Ever since a near-death-experience on the operating table, seventeen-year-old Arianne Wilson can see dead people. Just as she’s learned to accept her new-found talents, she discovers that the boy she’s had a crush on since freshman year, Niko Clark, is a Reaper.
At last they have something in common, but that doesn’t mean life is getting any easier. All while facing merciless bullying from the most powerful girl in school, Arianne’s world is turned upside down after Niko accidentally reaps the soul of someone she loves. This sends them both into a spiral that threatens to end Arianne’s life. But will Niko break his own Reaper’s code to save her? And what would the consequences be if he did?
Reaping Me Softly scheduled to release October 30, 2012.
Blogoversary Giveaway
Wow! I have been blogging here at From the Shadows for 3 years. Thank you, my dedicated readers, for continuing to read/follow/subscribe. You ROCK!
To celebrate, I am throwing a blogoversary giveaway.
**3 Year Blogoversary Giveaway**
I am giving away an ebook copy of my new novel Shadow Sight, the first book in the Ivy Granger urban fantasy series, and a $10 Amazon Gift Card (or book from The Book Depository up to $10 value for international readers).
To enter, please leave a comment on this post and include your email address so we may contact you if you win. This giveaway is INTERNATIONAL to anywhere The Book Depository Ships (international winners will receive Shadow Sight and a book up to $10 value at The Book Depository). Giveaway ends September 27th midnight EST.
Bonus Entry:
Since we're celebrating 3 years of blogging here at From the Shadows, there will be a rare chance for a bonus entry (as you may know, I like to keep my giveaways simple).
+1 Entry = Follow or Subscribe to From the Shadows.
To celebrate, I am throwing a blogoversary giveaway.
**3 Year Blogoversary Giveaway**
I am giving away an ebook copy of my new novel Shadow Sight, the first book in the Ivy Granger urban fantasy series, and a $10 Amazon Gift Card (or book from The Book Depository up to $10 value for international readers).
To enter, please leave a comment on this post and include your email address so we may contact you if you win. This giveaway is INTERNATIONAL to anywhere The Book Depository Ships (international winners will receive Shadow Sight and a book up to $10 value at The Book Depository). Giveaway ends September 27th midnight EST.
Bonus Entry:
Since we're celebrating 3 years of blogging here at From the Shadows, there will be a rare chance for a bonus entry (as you may know, I like to keep my giveaways simple).
+1 Entry = Follow or Subscribe to From the Shadows.
Friday, September 7, 2012
E.J.'s Birthday Bash Giveaway Winner
Congratulations Abby Flores winner of E.J's Birthday Bash Giveaway at From the Shadows! Abby will receive ebook copies of She Smells the Dead
, Spirit Storm
, Legend of Witchtrot Road
,
the first three books in the Spirit Guide young adult paranormal
series, and Shadow Sight, the first novel in the Ivy Granger urban
fantasy series.Thank you to all who entered.
**Giveaway winners selected using Random.org unless otherwise specified**
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Reich Character Interview With Donald Allen Kirch
Please welcome today's guest author Donald Allen Kirch. Donald is the author of Manchester House
, Still Waters
, The Silent Pulpit
, and Reich.
Reich by Donald Allen Kirch
“Once he stretched out his hand and Europe trembled.”
Adolf Hitler, the “Supreme Warlord” of Germany’s Third Reich ruled Europe with an iron fist. With his political promises to a desperate people, he spoke of a reign that would last a thousand years. Under his command humanity had entered a new dark age. Tales were told of horrors taking place in the East – of railroad cars, of ovens, and death. Still, there was one little secret he had kept to himself.
When Hitler survived an assassination attempt upon his life his secret was discovered by those in command. Something had to be done!
A German U-boat Captain is ordered to transport Adolf Hitler to a secret military base in Norway, during the closing days of the Second World War. While on this mission, he discovers that there is more to Germany’s “Supreme Warlord” than meets the eye. To his horror, the Captain discovers the Third Reich’s darkest secret: Hitler was a vampire!
Thank you Donald for joining us here today at From the Shadows!
To learn more about Donald Allen Kirch and his books, please visit his website. Also, don't miss our author interview with Donald here at From the Shadows.
, Still Waters, The Silent Pulpit, and Reich.
(From "STARS & BARS" Vol. 6, Issue 14
- March 8, 1949)
Editor's Note: With thanks due to the official News Agency
of Norway and the British Broadcasting System for help in research.
LILYHAMMER, NORWAY - The nation and people of Norway,
recovering from the invasion and takeover by the Axis Powers, has within its
dark caverns serious rumors and secrets that have only recently come to
light. From the land of Norsemen, daring
voyagers, and mythology, there are whispers of a more recent monster - Adolf
Hitler.
The "Stars & Bars" is dedicated to the truth,
but when it came to seeking the facts on this one, our reporters had a
difficult time trying to accept what was being sold to them.
The town's name is not known. If it were, the people would not relate it to
this reporter.
All that is known, and had been felt, was an abject
horror. The kind of feeling one tries to
ignore, telling them that it never happened, or worse, that it couldn't happen
here.
The rumor? That Adolf
Hitler did not die within the depths of his bunker, as the Soviet Army has
testified. The leader of Germany's Third
Reich perished within the cold waters of Norway.
On any other given week, this information would have been
laughed out of an editor's office.
However, not too long ago, a wine bottle had washed up upon the Danish
coast, containing inside of it, a torn-out page from a German u-boat's
captain's log. A fantastic tale had been
written on this page - Hitler died within the hull of a submarine called
"NAUCELIUS."
Facts...seemed to point to Berlin.
Testimony...pointed to six people killed in Norway,
including the mysterious and bloodied death of that nation's greatest traitor -
Quisling!
At first, no one would talk about the rumors.
Some pointed our attention to a retired priest named Father
Francis Donavon.
Father Donavon looks, by all accounts, to be a passive
follower of the Catholic Church. He is a
native of Ireland, and has seen his fair share of blood and death before being
assigned by his faith to these foreign shores.
After careful diplomacy with the Holy See, in Rome, this paper was
allowed a visit with the priest in question.
Note: Father Donavon did not agree to this interview, but
was ordered by his offices to oblige. We
thank him for his efforts and wish him well in his retiring years.
STARS & BARS: Father Donavon...I understand that you had
taken part in a fantastic adventure during the closing days of the last war.
DONAVON: I agreed to this interview, Mister Reporter, to put
aside all this nonsense I have been hearing since last week. If that is what you want to know.
STARS & BARS: Father, is there any facts to the rumor
that the Nazis had secretly sent Adolf Hitler to this nation before his final
demise, and that he truly died within a u-boat off Norway's coast?
The priest sat silent, almost in shock. It was this reporter's opinion that Father
Donavon was taken by surprise.
DONAVON: I have no idea what you are talking about,
son. As far as I know, he was killed by
the Russians in his bunker, in Berlin.
STARS & BARS: He committed suicide, sir.
DONAVON: What was that?
STARS & BARS: According to the Russians, Hitler
committed suicide before he could be taken prisoner.
DONAVON: Well, couldn't have happened to a nicer man!
Looking around the priest's humble quarters, one got the
impression that he lived alone. Books lined his walls of ancient texts on
religion, and family pictures of his niece, Kate, standing next to a young man
the priest claimed to be her husband. He
would not give the man's name, nor would he say anything about them, except
that they had both "moved to the States."
STARS & BARS: Father Donavon, have you ever heard of a
German u-boat called the "Nauecilus?"
DONAVON: Never.
STARS & BARS: Never?
There are records from the military bases, that a priest named Donavon
had been questioned by the Norwegian Home Guard, after both he and two men had
been discovered coming ashore right after the alleged theft of such a
submarine.
DONAVON: I was out fishing with a few lads, and we tipped
over. If it had not been for the fast
thinking of my friend, we would have all drowned. Now, if you knew about that, you certainly
read our statements from the event. The
government believed the story.
STARS & BARS: Was it that, father? A story?
DONAVON: I am not in the habit of being called a liar in my
home, son. One more remark such as that
and Christian or no, I'll show you both the door and the back of me hand!
STARS & BARS: I am just looking for the facts here, sir.
DONAVON: Oh, sir, is it, now?
A child roared down the hallway of the housing complex we
were in, flapping a homemade kite behind her.
This reporter had noticed a certain amount of fear raise within the old
priest's eyes upon hearing the noise.
This was not the look of a common man's fear, but that of a man who had
seen and survived pure evil. A certain
"distance" was observed within his stare, only associated with those
in combat.
STARS & BARS: Father, there were listed, within the
official records of the Norwegian Gestapo, six associated deaths, connected
with the rumor of Hitler's visit.
DONAVON: The man never came here! Have you not been listening to me?
STARS & BARS: (We produced a copy of a secret order,
signed by Himmler) I have an executive order, here, signed by Himmler, ordering
a submarine, named "Nauecilus" to Norway, carrying within "an
important diplomat." Or course,
this u-boat is registered as destroyed in the North Atlantic, but others claim
it did arrive, and it carried Adolf Hitler.
Question: did you make contact with this crew?
Donavon refused to answer.
However, he remained remarkably calm, considering his actions from
before. This reporter was well prepared
for the "back of his hand," upon asking such an inquiry.
Nothing.
DONAVON: Why are you here?
STARS & BARS: To seek the truth on our story, sir.
DONAVON: No. WHY are YOU here? I have done my duty for both king and
church. I need not listen to silly
stories about monsters.
STARS & BARS: Monsters, Father? We claimed nothing about monsters. Since you brought it up, we have heard stories
from the locals about...vampires. Are
there such things as vampires, Father Donavon?
At this time, the priest shouted and threw this reporter out
of the small apartment. A week later,
while preparing to fly back to London, and then to Europe, Father Donavon
called to apologize. This reporter was
sent back to the old warrior's home.
Father Donavon should not be looked upon as an Old Catholic
Priest who has gone mad, but as a hero.
He worked closely with the Norwegian underground, and played a part in
the general freedom of her people. One
of his closest friends, a fisherman by the name of "John" called him
"a guiding influence in his life."
And, so, the interview concluded with these exchanges...
DONAVON: I would like to begin by apologizing for my
behavior last. The war was hard on most
of us here, in Norway. The Nazis were a
cruel landlord.
STARS & BARS: Think nothing of it. Perhaps it was an awkward moment best left
alone.
DONAVON: You made reference to the claim of vampires.
STARS & BARS: Yes.
DONAVON: Well, they do exist. There is evil in this world.
STARS & BARS: And...Hitler? Was he ever here in Norway?
DONAVON: As I have stated from before, I have never met,
seen, nor heard from Adolf Hitler. I am
just thankful that he is gone. Hidden in
the deep and cold where all good secrets should be.
STARS & BARS: Hidden?
DONAVON: Hidden. And that's
the end of the questioning. God be with
you, my son.
One curious note: About a week after this interview, both
Father Donavon and his fisherman friend "John" left for London. It was explained by the offices of the Holy
See, that Donavon had been asked to return home to Ireland. As a matter of record "John" took
up the job of assistant, helping the priest with his next mission.
We wish him the best in his future endeavors.
The rumors of a visit by Adolf Hitler still persists. Records show medical doctors trying to save
several attacked German soldiers, who all suffered from a massive loss of
blood; some had broken necks, and even evidence of having been eaten upon. There were stories of young couples being
killed in barns and of family dogs lost - never to be seen again.
Is there evil left in this "atomic" world we have
inherited after the Japanese surrender?
Yes...there is.
Could Hitler have been this "monster?" This "vampire?"
Highly unlikely.
Adolf Hitler killed himself in the dark confines of his
bunker in Berlin. The Soviets took over
the remnants of his broken empire shortly after the coward pulled the trigger.
End of story.
For more, read the horror novel "REICH" by Donald
Allen Kirch.
Reich by Donald Allen Kirch
“Once he stretched out his hand and Europe trembled.”
Adolf Hitler, the “Supreme Warlord” of Germany’s Third Reich ruled Europe with an iron fist. With his political promises to a desperate people, he spoke of a reign that would last a thousand years. Under his command humanity had entered a new dark age. Tales were told of horrors taking place in the East – of railroad cars, of ovens, and death. Still, there was one little secret he had kept to himself.
When Hitler survived an assassination attempt upon his life his secret was discovered by those in command. Something had to be done!
A German U-boat Captain is ordered to transport Adolf Hitler to a secret military base in Norway, during the closing days of the Second World War. While on this mission, he discovers that there is more to Germany’s “Supreme Warlord” than meets the eye. To his horror, the Captain discovers the Third Reich’s darkest secret: Hitler was a vampire!
Thank you Donald for joining us here today at From the Shadows!
To learn more about Donald Allen Kirch and his books, please visit his website. Also, don't miss our author interview with Donald here at From the Shadows.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw: Morgan Sisters Cover Reveal
Time for a cover reveal! Feast your eyes on the cover for The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw, a Morgan Sisters novel by Suzy Turner.
The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw (Morgan Sisters #1) by Suzy Turner.
Adopted sisters Lana Beth and Emma Jane are polar opposites, but when the same strange 'tattoo' suddenly appears and winds its way up their bodies within days of each other, they realise there's more to their relationship than they could ever have imagined.
Sent off to London for two weeks of work experience, the Morgan Sisters soon find themselves being initiated into the ancient Praxos Foundation, one that protects the innocent while fighting evil, both human and supernatural.
At the same time, Lana Beth and Emma Jane must also investigate why the sweet but sometimes pesky ghost of Josiah Grimshaw just won't leave them alone.
The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw is due to be released on November 14, 2012.
To learn more about Suzy Turner and her books, please visit her website or check out our interview with Suzy here at From the Shadows.
The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw (Morgan Sisters #1) by Suzy Turner.
Adopted sisters Lana Beth and Emma Jane are polar opposites, but when the same strange 'tattoo' suddenly appears and winds its way up their bodies within days of each other, they realise there's more to their relationship than they could ever have imagined.
Sent off to London for two weeks of work experience, the Morgan Sisters soon find themselves being initiated into the ancient Praxos Foundation, one that protects the innocent while fighting evil, both human and supernatural.
At the same time, Lana Beth and Emma Jane must also investigate why the sweet but sometimes pesky ghost of Josiah Grimshaw just won't leave them alone.
The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw is due to be released on November 14, 2012.
To learn more about Suzy Turner and her books, please visit her website or check out our interview with Suzy here at From the Shadows.