Endeavours of the Unsung (Aeldynn Lore) by Melissa A. Joy

From Armaran in the west to Icetaihn in the north and Zaern’Kairnell in the east, 

there are 10 unsung tales to be told. 

A crystalline fortress in the farthest reaches of a treacherous glacier. A demonic fissure in the depths of a formidable gorge. 

Long kept secrets in a forest cloaked in fog. One pint-sized bookworm with a penchant for adventure. Covert operations at a vampire soirée. 

Many are the tales of Aeldynn. 

Here are the Endeavours of the Unsung 

Rating: 5 stars
Review 
If you're not familiar with Melissa Joy's work, this the perfect introduction.
If you are currently craving for her next book, as I am, then Endeavours is for you too.
The stories are perfectly paced and show a glimpse of the lore of my favorite fantasy world, Aeldynn. 
A love story with a heartbreaking background. 
The tale of an unorthodox bookworm.
An ancient forest with a magical secret.
And much more.
I can't choose a favorite, each story is unique on its own. Love, loss, mystery, action; I devoured it in no time.
Some stories tie to the plot of The Scions of Balance Saga, it's first book Keys of the Origin has been published and I highly recommend it.

Read the spoiler free review of Keys of the Origin: 
https://selenekallanfantasywriter.blogspot.com/2017/10/keys-of-origin-book-1-scions-of-balance.html

Read an excerpt of Endeavours of the Unsung:
https://amzn.to/2VklUz6

Hunting Night

Hunting Night 

The pub was crowded. Electro-pop loud enough to make conversation impossible, red and blue lights flickering psychedelically. Couples, and groups of women moving to the beat on the dance floor, careless. He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. The scent of fresh sweat and expensive perfume reached his nostrils; his throat closing with the burning pain he could never quench, mouth watering. 
‘So much to choose from,’ he mused. 
He opened his red-rimmed eyes, his lips stretching in a half-smile half-snarl. 
‘Why choosing at all?’ he wondered, making his way through the dance floor, delighting in the sea of potential preys.
Some women looked at him with open interest; he smiled nonchalantly casting an aura of allure around him, no that he needed it. He was 6-foot-1, with pale skin, dark eyes, and brown hair; his features resembling those of an ancient Greek statue. A few men and women moved out of his way with frantic heartbeats. Their unconscious mind warning them of the threat, the bloodlust he hid under his charm. 
‘It’s a good thing most are stupid enough,’ he thought ruefully. 
He sat at the bar watching, choosing; the pain in his gut was not strong enough to make him lose focus, yet. No, he wanted to take his time, make the night count. 
His eyes landed on a pair of impossibly long tanned legs, covered partially by black, knee-high boots. He slowly trailed his eyes up the perfect feminine figure barely hidden by a short, strapless black dress. Something stirred inside him, a faint echo of what used to be his obsession, many years back. He had tried a couple times to give in to lust, but it wasn’t the same anymore, not after knowing what true pleasure was. His eyes scanned her collarbone and swan neck, her blood-red lips. His mouth watered again, he swallowed feeling parched as her light blue eyes locked with his black stare. 
He felt his cheeks lift as she smiled timidly at him; she was perfect, long raven hair falling free to her waist, her skin unmarred and chiseled features. He got up walking towards her; she kept her eyes on him as she danced, lifting her arms above her head, half-hiding behind her hair.
He grasped her waist pulling her towards him, her eyes leveled with him. She was a tall woman, and even taller on 4-inch heeled boots. 
“Hello, gorgeous,” he purred. 
She smiled, biting down her full lip. “Hello.”  
He leaned in pressing her tighter against him; his cold nose trailing a path from her exposed shoulder up to her neck. Her scent was intoxicating, molasses and almond, almost too sweet, but perfect nevertheless. He swallowed hard enjoying the sight of goosebumps on her silk-soft skin.
“Let’s get out of here, baby,” he whispered looking directly into her eyes. She nodded immediately, her face devoid of emotion, hypnotized. He took her hand and pulled them both out of the crowd, heading for the rear exit. 
Cold night air welcomed them; the odor of burned fuel and garbage made him wrinkle his nose. He pulled her closer inhaling deeply. 
‘Much better,’ he thought, taking her to another alley, a more secluded one, without exit.
She panted when he roughly pushed her against the wall; his cold hands wrapping firmly, almost painfully on her hips.
“M-maybe we can find a better place?” she suggested with whisper-like voice. 
He laughed softly trailing his hands up to her waist, pressing her against his body.
“No, I’ve waited long enough,” he growled.
His sight sharpened, making her the central focus; he ignored the pain caused by the descent of his sharp fangs. He smiled showing the doe-eyed girl the truth about what he was, knowing she wouldn’t live to tell his secret. 
Her wide eyes regained focus, full lips pressing on a wry smile.
“Oh well, if you insist,” she purred. 
Her pupils stretched into vertical cat-like slits, the blue color melted into a silver-white hue; the opposite of his crimson feline stare. He let her go stepping back, seething with surprise. 
“Now, now, it looks like you’ve seen a ghost,” she mocked taking a step towards him. Her voice cold, unearthly.
He stepped back automatically feeling cold, raw power ooze from her. His otherwise impassive heart fluttered, his breath coming in slow bursts. Every cell in his body screaming he should run, blocking the desire of breaking her neck. A part of him wondered if the limb-numbing fear was her doing, or his instincts.
Regaining some control he squared his shoulders, looking into the burning eyes of the female; fighting to shut off the alarms ringing in his head. Run, run, run! 
“What do you say if we part ways?” he asked with feigned nonchalance. “You are no longer… appealing.”
She shook her head, a lock of raven hair falling from her shoulder. “I don’t think so.”
He clenched his jaw not to swallow his frustration. His fangs cutting the inside of his mouth.
“What do you want?” he demanded with equal parts of dread and anger.
She took a measured step towards him. “You have killed a woman a night in the last week, leaving their dry corpses to be found.” She shook her head, eyes blazing with anger. “A careless blood-addict, taking innocent lives, risking us all.”
He hissed, recoiling. “I have covered my tracks.”
She snarled, white fangs visible through her lips. “You call decapitation covering your tracks?”
His fear subsided when anger flared. “And who are you to point your finger?”
She clenched her fists taking a step towards him. “Your executioner.”
He threw his fist at her face, almost losing his footing as he swung at thin air. She had moved faster than even his eyes could register.
She smiled wickedly showing him her longer, sharper, white fangs. “Pathetic.”
His anger evaporated, swallowed by instinct. He turned to run at full speed, only to fly backward, his back slamming hard against the musty brick wall. He stayed down for a second, the alarms in his head ringing louder. 
‘No! This can’t be happening! I will kill her!’ he thought desperately.
She allowed him to stand and fight. Every single one of his blows missed his target, she either moved or blocked him effortlessly. Her silver feline eyes dead, not showing anger, pleasure or fear; and he knew it then, his life was truly over. 
He thought about that fateful night ten years before, the last time he had enjoyed sex. He couldn’t believe his luck when the most beautiful woman in the party had taken him to her hotel room. Her almond black eyes and porcelain face were carved in his memory. She had given him pleasure and then caused him pain so intense he begged for a quick death. Instead, she cursed him, making him like her. A monster.
The sickening sound of his sternum breaking brought him back to the present. He fell on the dirty, humid floor, the roar of his heart on his ears. He almost laughed at the irony of feeling more alive than he had in a long decade just when he was about to die. The last thing he saw was the female beauty taking his head in her hands.
She didn’t have to use her full strength to break his neck. Even for a low-class vampire, he was weak; at least compared to her. She straightened looking down at the unconscious blood-addict sprawled on the ground, opening her senses to confirm no-one was near. Her eyes returned to the pale-blue color, fangs retracting causing an unpleasant sensation she had grown accustomed to over the centuries. She slid her fingers inside her right boot, pulling out a sharp, foot-long blade. Her stomach clenched with disgust, not at him, but at the one that had turned him into that. A second class vampire with a penchant for wickedness, no doubt. 
She hated having to destroy his kind, knowing there was no other way to stop them. Low-class blood addicts could not be taught or threatened to stop. She had tried that once, and the subject of her experiment had broken her heart and almost killed her. Only born purebloods like her, and the ones turned by the purebloods -second class vampires- had some semblance of self-control. 
‘Not all of them, clearly,’ she thought angrily. 
Ignoring her clenching stomach she brandished the blade, cutting his head off in a swift motion that barely produced a splatter. She cleaned the blade on his clothing before sheathing it back in her boot.
She picked up her purse and took out a small perfume-like vial, and a lighter. Carefully, she sprayed his remains, taking a few steps back before tossing the lighter. Orange-red flames erupted violently, the scent of rapidly burning flesh made her nauseated; but she had to endure it, had to make sure his nature remained a secret. It was bad enough there was an organized group of humans hunting down her kind. The last thing they needed was for the whole human population to know the truth.
In less than a minute, flesh and muscle had disappeared, the bones breaking due to the alchemical heat. It was a good thing he’d chosen such a secluded place. The flames died out quickly; after less than 5 minutes the remaining bones were churned beyond any recognition, the rest was only ash. She got close enough to make sure the fangs had wasted away erasing all evidence. Satisfied, she moved fast, becoming a blur as she almost flew through the dim alleys back to where her car was parked. 
She slumped against the leather seat taking a deep breath; hating the taste of his burnt flesh behind her tongue. She could remember every face, every blood-addict vampire she had killed. The events of that night were bound to be repeated, sooner or later. 
She straightened, bringing the roaring engine back to life. She knew who had made him, she had felt her corrupted scent on him.
‘That crazy bitch! When will she stop?’ 
The answer was, of course, never. Not unless she made her. And that she would do.
‘After all, what’s immortality good for if I don’t make some enemies?’ she mused, feeling a smile spread across her face. 

BEYOND THE BLACK - Heart Of The Hurricane

"I can feel the thunder

Running through my veins

Running through my veins..."

Bloodlines: A Forget Me Not Origin Story by C.L. Cannon

C.L. Cannon is pleased to present the official cover for her new series starter Bloodlines: A Forget Me Not Origin Story. 

Blurb:

Bloodlines follows fraternal twins Anso and Ava at the very start of magic itself.

When Anso discovers there’s something different about him, something inhuman, he knows he must keep it a secret. His father, his entire village would disown him, or worse. There’s one person, however, who he cannot hide from, his twin sister, Ava. Ava sees right through Anso’s distress and promises to keep his secret while yearning for a power of her very own. 

As Anso explores his newfound abilities, he also finds a friend with a similar problem. Could there be more like him?

This is the story of how an ordinary boy became a legend, a leader, the sister who stood by him through it all, and the best friend who taught him to embrace his differences. 

Fans of X-Men, Harry Potter, and The Mortal Instruments will enjoy this series starter.

Buying info:

You can pre-order Bloodlines for just .99!

Preorder from Amazon

Add it to your Goodreads TBR list

About C.L. Cannon

C.L. Cannon is a wife, mother, book nerd, publisher, author, designer, editor, and just about any other thing with an -er sound at the end! She loves music, and frequently sings in the car, much to the dismay of the other cars surrounding her! Her favorite thing to write about is the relationship between friends, both romantically and platonically.  She’s also a huge anglophile! She enjoys networking with other authors and making new friends! 

You can find C.L. Cannon at the following links:

http://clcannon.net/

https://www.facebook.com/clcannonauthor/

https://twitter.com/CLCannonAuthor

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/c-l-cannon

https://www.instagram.com/cl_cannon

http://amazon.com/author/clcannon

https://www.goodreads.com/CLCannon

http://youtube.com/c/clcannonauthor

DARK SARAH - Trespasser - with JP Leppäluoto

"And I feel alive with you, how strange and new for me!

For years I kept inside the darkness I know too well but now there´s light!

Don't you play with me, don't lie!"

The Complete Four Worlds Series by Angela J Ford

Special Release price!

Blurb:

A deep evil awakened. An ancient power stolen. The fate of the world at stake.

The Complete Four Worlds Series includes:

The Five Warriors

The Blended Ones

Eliesmore and the Green Stone

Eliesmore and the Jeweled Sword

When the Green People awaken an age old evil, they ignite the flame in the war between the mortals and immortals.

The consequences are felt through the Four Worlds, from the rise of the Five Warriors in the Western World to the whirlwind quest of the Blended Ones in the Eastern World.

But there is only one who can stop the turn of the tide and the rise of the Changers. Eliesmore. 

Eliesmore is a Blended One, growing up on the edge of the forest of the creatures of the wood. Young, headstrong, and inspired by magical rituals, he spends his time between his overprotective mother and sneaking out to dance with the wild things.

His courage is tested when Eliesmore discovers that he is the One who is meant to save the Four Worlds from the Changers. Unwilling to accept his fate, he turns his back on the prophecy and the futile quest to dissolve the Green Stone.

After accomplishing his first quest and winning a great victory, Eliesmore believes it will be easy to take back the world from the forces of darkness. As he travels east with a small group of companions, all kinds of people and animals are drawn to his unique power and the world rejoices.

However, when he faces down the greatest enemy of the Four Worlds, he finds his woes have just begun. Dark secrets of the past are revealed and hidden motives from friends Eliesmore thought he could trust. Unsure how to distinguish between myth and truth, Eliesmore channels the power of creation to start a revolution against the forces of evil.

As Eliesmore conquers the world, he discovers the truth behind the secrets and lies that have been spun across the Four Worlds.

Will Eliesmore save the world from dark forces of evil? Or will he become the evil he’s fighting to save the world from?

This unforgettable adventure combines bravery, epic battles, romance, magic, mayhem, mortals, immortals and the revelation of a deadly secret which will haunt the world for an eternity.

Grab it at only $0.99 right here:

https://amzn.to/2EF7vF2

More from Angela J ford in all these links:

Interview: https://selenekallanfantasywriter.blogspot.com.co/2018/04/interview-with-angela-j-ford.html

The Five Warriors: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012WXD8AQ

The Blended Ones: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZZ1D35Q 

Eliesmore and the Green Stone: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075MPCKDD 

Eliesmore and the Jeweled Sword: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078XQPJKY 

Myran: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074VD3RM4 

The Complete Four Worlds Series: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C4RVCY7 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefourworldsseries/ 

Fan Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thefourworldsseriesclub/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/aford21 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aford21/

Interview with Angela J Ford

When did you write your first book and how old were you?
When I was 12 I wrote my first novel, The Five Warriors. It was the first time I’d finished something that was quite lengthy and it felt like a huge accomplishment. 

Does writing energize or exhaust you?
Writing tends to energize me! I love creating a story from nothing or just glimpses of ideas that dance in my head. 

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing? 
One of the things I’ve struggled with and worked really hard on is character development. I want my characters to be flawed, make real choices, and become someone the reader roots for, despite their good and bad decisions. 

What motivated you to become an indie author? 
When I was a teenager I submitted query letters to publishing houses, and it was depressing just sitting around waiting for a response. I got five or six rejection letters, which was awesome, it mean people heard me and were polite enough to write back. However, in my early 20s I started working with entrepreneurs and was able to see their self-publishing journey. It inspired me to forgo the traditional methods and publishing and do it myself because it’s faster and I have more control over the process. At the end of the day I just want to get my books into the hands of readers as soon as possible!

Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
I write the story I want to read. Most of the time it’s something other people want to read too which works well for me. I also draw my inspiration from classic fantasy because those were the kinds of books I enjoyed growing up. 

What’s your favorite under-appreciated novel?
The Forgotten Beasts of Eld by Patricia A. McKillip, I adore that book! It’s one I finished and turned over and started again because I loved it! I’ve read it three or four times now. 

Do you find difficult writing characters of the opposite sex?
No I don’t. For some reason I tend to have more male main characters. 

Why naming your Saga The Four Worlds? 
The Four Worlds is not a very fantasy name, but I chose it because I have four continents within the planet. The Western World, the Eastern World, the North World and the South World. There are adventures that take place in each world and I wanted each book to focus on a world. The North World was intentionally left out of the main series but will be included in spin-offs and stand alone tales from the Four Worlds. 

Do you have a favorite world?
I adore the South World! It’s where all my fantasy dreams came into play which is why I’ve written three books that take place within the South World and am working on an entire series that takes place there. The South World is also the largest world and leaves more to the imagination and gives more room for insane adventures!

Let's talk about the Five Warriors.

What is their mission?
The Five Warriors. I was inspired by the Bible for this one, and King David and his Mighty Men. I wanted a group of warriors who were invincible and could complete the impossible. Strange creatures are crossing into their land and the Five Warriors take it upon themselves to root out the cause of evil once and for all. However, their quest doesn’t go as expected...

My favorite character in The Five Warriors is Alaireia. Where do you get the inspiration to write strong female characters?
It’s strange to say but I don’t have many inspirations for Alaireia. I’ve always seen females as they are, which happens to be strong and independent. That’s just how I see females which, I was surprised to find, is now a common viewpoint. I think I was blessed to be surrounded by strong females growing up and that only led to my writing of strong females. 

The Green People. Would you describe them as good bad or neutral?
Oh now this is a spoiler! The Green People have good intentions...good intentions for whom? I’ll just leave it at that. You can decide for yourself! 

You have several weapons that bring power to the bearer. Which one would you like to have? 
Can I have all of them? I think though, I would take the bow of Marklus the Healer because he never misses, and I see myself as more of an archer than someone who wields a sword! 

Who is Sarhorr?
Sarhorr is a Changer...I suppose we would call him a demon if he showed up on earth...or perhaps a combination of an angel and a demon. He is an immortal with a unique power and an uncanny demeanour. One thing about Sarhorr is that he is driven, and he doesn’t give up, I think that’s one thing that makes him so attractive. He’s a strong male who is goal-oriented and determined to get what he wants, regardless of what it takes and who he has to go through to get it. 

Let’s talk about the Blended Ones.

How long has it passed since The Five Warriors?
Let’s see, The Blended Ones takes place about 150ish years after The Five Warriors. The story ties in with what’s coming next but seems quite a change after The Five Warriors. 

Who was your favorite character to write in The Blended Ones?
I loved writing about Cuthan! He’s just mischievous and bad and a whole lot of fun. It was a bit of a challenge for me to write outside of my comfort zone but so worth it! 

Why are the Blended Ones considered dangerous? 
People tend to look down on things they don’t understand, and the Blended Ones happen to be an oddity. There are four main people groups and they tend to have pure bloodlines, and intermarrying is frowned upon because of the power that can transfer through bloodlines. I really enjoyed writing about The Blended Ones because I wanted to bring up racial stereotypes and debunk them, or at least get people talking. 

Let’s talk About Eliesmore and the Green Stone.

Who is Eliesmore? 
For a while I’ve been wanting to write a story about the Chosen One, the person who is the answer to a prophecy. Eliesmore is a reluctant hero fantasy trope with a fun twist...because I like to keep people guessing! 

What’s the Green Stone?
The Green Stone is the power of creation waiting to be unleashed. What does that mean exactly? You’ll have to read to find out more, but it’s the ultimate power of the Four Worlds. 

Who will accompany Eliesmore in his journey?
Eliesmore is young and naive and naturally he will need mentors with experience to assist in his quest. The Green Company is a group of eleven who come together to assist in completing the three deeds. 

Why are the immortals helping more openly this time? 
Ah well...there is a spoiler in all this. There’s a reason why the immortals choose to help. They claim it’s because mortals and immortals must work together to save the world…

Are the Green People up to something? 
Yes! Watch out!!
In Eliesmore and the Jeweled Sword, Chapter 101 revels all. 

One of my fave bad boys is back! Do you enjoy writing his POV?
I loved it! He was supposed to be very dead but he ran away with the story and developed a life of his own. It worked out quite well and I’m so excited for people to freak out about the plot twist!!

Who is Myran?
Myran is Eliesmore’s mother. She has a very emotional tale but she was pivotal in shaping Eliesmore’s childhood and helping him become the person he is. 

So that was a mean cliffhanger at the at the end of The Green Stone. What can we expect of Eliesmore now that he’s faced such battle?
I can’t help it! It was a terrible cliffhanger and my beta readers asked for it. No worries though, all books are now available and you can read them all without worrying! 

Tell us about your latest release.
The Complete Four Worlds Series Box Set is now available! It includes all four books:

The Five Warriors
The Blended Ones
Eliesmore and the Green Stone
Eliesmore and the Jeweled Sword

The Four Worlds Series is a collection of epic fantasy novels with enchanted weapons, magical powers, epic battles, deadly armies and a hint of romance. Grab your copy today and dive into an action-packed adventure.

https://amzn.to/2EF7vF2 

Thanks for being here. 

The Lost Years by Romarin Demetri

Blurb:

“What’s in the dark, dark box?” 

“Answers,” he said slyly, “ones to the life you lived before.”

When the donor blood that saved her life starts rejecting, Romarin is left with two choices—drink or die. With her old friends silent about the past, she can only rely on clues from her reluctant mentor as she learns that answers and secrets are the same thing. Can Romarin balance being a Bathory with attending University, while dealing with the bombshell of her biological father being brought into her life? Well… It couldn’t be any easier than getting the opportunity to compare scars with a stranger who doesn’t know if he’s a hero or a thief. 

Get it here: https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Years-Supernatural-London-Underground-ebook/dp/B07BPR1B7W