The Theft of Sunlight (and a giveaway!)

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Cover Reveal, Fantasy, Giveaway, YA Fantasy, Young Adult

Today I’m thrilled to show you all the cover reveal for “The Theft of Sunlight”.  An incredible YA fantasy written by Intisar Khanani – a dear friend and an amazing author – this is without a doubt one of my favorite stories (the world! the characters! BREN FOREVER!!)

But first, the cover……

Cover Artist: Jenny Zemanek

The Synopsis:

I did not choose this fate. But I will not walk away if I can make a difference.

Children have been disappearing from Menaiya for longer than Amraeya ni Ansarim can remember. When her best friend’s sister disappears, Rae knows she can’t stay silent any longer. She finds the chance to make a difference in an invitation to the palace. But Rae struggles to fit in with the lords and ladies of the court. Instead, she finds unexpected help in a rough-around-the-edges thief named Bren who always seems to have her best interests at heart. Soon even Bren can’t help her, and Rae must risk her life and well-being to face an evil that lurks in the shadows of the darkest hearts.

Sounds good, doesn’t it?? You’re gonna want to add this to your Goodreads shelf. Book 1 in a duology in the “Dauntless Path” world, “The Theft of Sunlight release is slated for March 23, 2021 by Harper Teen (US/CA), Hot Key (UK)

The Giveaway:

In celebration of the cover reveal, there’s an awesome giveaway prize – FREE to enter. Head over to the Rafflecopter entry page (or the author’s website) for a chance to win $25 of books from The Book Depository (open to folks anywhere The Book Depository ships, winner chooses the books, yay!).

The Excerpt

Read on for a sneak peek from the book!

***

I wait, listening for the sound of someone entering the house. Anything to indicate I need to hide what Niya’s doing. I can hear a woman calling to her children somewhere in the distance, and the general sounds of the town: a wagon creaking its way down the road, chickens clucking in someone’s backyard, and, faintly, people calling Seri’s name. I swallow and glance back at Niya.

She looks up. “It’s not working. I don’t know if it’s me or . . .”

“Here,” I say, catching the end of one of my braids. “Try my hair. See if that works.”

Niya takes the bit of hair I snap off and bends over her bowl again. I grip my skirt with my fists and hope, hope that it’s Niya’s magic that isn’t working, and not . . . not that Seri is truly beyond our reach.

“It’s working,” Niya says, her voice flat. I look down to see the leaf has turned, the silver needle glinting brighter than it should as it points straight toward me.

I raise my eyes to Niya’s. Seri isn’t just missing. She’s somewhere even magic can’t find her.

She’s been snatched.

***

If you’d like to read more about Rae, she stars in The Bone Knife, a short story found at the end of “Thorn”, another book in the Dauntless Path world – which is on sale for only 2.99 right now! I’ve read it and it’s a gorgeous fairy tale retelling of The Goose Girl that I’ve reread at least twice.

Grab a copy before the sale ends! and don’t forget to enter the giveaway!

About The Author

Intisar Khanani grew up a nomad and world traveler. She has lived in five different states as well as in Jeddah on the coast of the Red Sea. Intisar used to write grants and develop projects to address community health with the Cincinnati Health Department, which was as close as she could get to saving the world. Now she focuses her time on her two passions: raising her family and writing fantasy.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Cover Reveal Giveaway – Ends Today!!

Tags

Book Covers, Cover Reveal, Fantasy, Giveaway

I’ve been dying to show you all the cover for Between Savage Tides, the sequel to Beneath Cruel Fathoms, designed again by the incomparable Jenny Zemanak of Seedlings Design Studio.

Take a look!!

I’m so excited about this cover!! It’s absolutely perfect and I’m IN LOVE ♥♥♥

Currently, there’s no pre-order link, but you can add the book to your Goodreads list HERE. With the pandemic still in full force, I’m holding off on setting up the preorder until closer to release date – planned for August 31, yay! I’ll let you know when the buy link is ready to go.

However, I am celebrating this gorgeous new cover with…

A GIVEAWAY!!

This ends at midnight central-standard-time of Wednesday, June 17 (so, by the end of today)

FREE TO ENTER – international entries welcome

The Prizes:
Silver Glow-in-the-Dark Dolphin Bookmark
Red Sirens Book Sleeve
Signed Paperback Copy of Book One – Beneath Cruel Fathoms

I’m so sorry about the quick deadline. I intended to post this sooner but my brains have been really scattered with all that’s happening. The good news? Whoever wins will get their prizes really quick 😉

Click HERE to enter and good luck!

Cover Reveal & Giveaway Contest!!

Tags

Book Covers, Book Swag, Cover Reveal, Giveaway, Indie Author, Urban Fantasy

The cover reveal for my new urban fantasy novel, NIGHT LATCH is here!!!!!!

Check out the spectacular cover art Seedlings Design Studio created for the book, including an original illustration of the novel’s main character. I am out of my mind ecstatic about it!!

What’s the story between this gorgeous cover about? I’m glad you asked:

Sam Alvarez doesn’t just open locks. He’s the key.

Living in Bellemer, Iowa, Sam leads a typical small-town life. When he’s not looking after his Nana or dealing with his mother’s expectations, he runs a one-man locksmith company. Unlike regular locksmiths, he can open anything with a touch and a wish, but Sam keeps that secret to himself. No reason to alarm the neighbors, after all. And if he sometimes feels an indefinable pull to do more with his life, well, that’s probably just indigestion.

Then one day, an unsettlingly beautiful out-of-towner asks for Sam’s help to open a door. Only one problem: The job’s in a graveyard. And the client? Turns out she’s Death.

Maybe that’s two problems.

When Sam unlocks more than he intended and demons come out to play, he discovers he’s far more than a locksmith with a hidden quirk. Now, he needs to figure out who he is and what he’s been called to do before darker forces close the door on him for good. 

RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 1st

***

Yes, you saw that release date correctly. NIGHT LATCH will be out in the world in no time at all and to celebrate I’ve set up an awesome giveaway contest. This is open internationally!

Preorder/order the book by October 8th for a chance to win…

– Fingerless Reading/Writing Gloves showcasing Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven” (From Storiarts)

– An adorable keychain with the words “Once Upon A Time…”

– A gorgeous writing journal from Barnes & Noble

– A postcard from the imagined city: Bellemer, Iowa – Sam’s hometown

P L U S

** A $25 Amazon Gift Card **

HOW TO ENTER:

1. Pre-order/Order the book on Amazon by October 8th (Tuesday)

2. Fill out the Google Form with your details*

And that’s it!!

*Hold on to your proof-of-purchase! The winner drawn will need to email a copy of their receipt to receive the prize (Can be a photo/scan/screenshot).

There’s no limit to how many times you can enter. If you buy three copies, make a note of that in the form and you’ll be entered three times. AND, I’ll send you big hugs for buying so many ♥♥♥

NOTE: I will accept entries until 11:59pm CST on October 8th, 2019. Again, this is open internationally.

Notification will be sent to the winner on Oct. 9, the day after the giveaway ends.

Cover Reveal & Fairytale Giveaway!

Tags

Cover Reveal, Fantasy, Giveaway, Young Adult

Good friend and author Intisar Khanani’s book Thorn is set to release in March of 2020 and I’m super excited to give you a look at the new cover!!

I LOVE IT SO MUUUUCH! And the story is just as beautiful as the art. A Grimm-inspired fairytale retelling of The Goose Girl, this world is full of intrigue, magic, and a princess faced with a choice between two very different paths.

Official Synopsis:

A princess with two futures. A destiny all her own.

Between her cruel family and the contempt she faces at court, Princess Alyrra has always longed to escape the confines of her royal life. But when she’s betrothed to the powerful prince Kestrin, Alyrra embarks on a journey to his land with little hope for a better future.

When a mysterious and terrifying sorceress robs Alyrra of both her identity and her role as princess, Alyrra seizes the opportunity to start a new life for herself as a goose girl. 

But Alyrra soon finds that Kestrin is not what she expected. The more Alyrra learns of this new kingdom, the pain and suffering its people endure, as well as the danger facing Kestrin from the sorceress herself, the more she knows she can’t remain the goose girl forever.

With the fate of the kingdom at stake, Alyrra is caught between two worlds and ultimately must decide who she is, and what she stands for.

The Pre-order is available HERE

Add to Goodreads HERE

***

Now, about that G I V E A W A Y

In celebration of the cover reveal, the author has set up a FAIRYTALE GIVEAWAY with some seriously awesome swag. The prize pack includes:

• A snowy owl enamel pin
• A gorgeous quill pen set
• A “Fairy Dust” candle
• And a goose feather watercolor painting made by the author on a page from the book
• PLUS a US $25 Gift Card to a book retailer of your choice.

The prize pack is U.S. only, but there’s also a $25 gift card for those who are outside of the US. Entry is done the same way for both.

HOW TO ENTER:

A Rafflecopter page has been set up to enter in the giveaway which ENDS ON JULY 18TH (next week Thursday!!) so hurry over there now!!

Once again:

The Pre-order is available HERE

Add to Goodreads HERE

This is a truly beautiful story, everyone. If you love fantasy, this is definitely a book you want to get your hands on.

Check out an excerpt below:

At the far end of the corral I spot the white. He watches me, head raised, bright eyes alert. My heart aches for him.

“I don’t know how I’m going to free you,” I say, resting my hand on the wooden rail. Tonight there’ll be a guard posted, and even now the kitchen staff pass the door at intervals, just enough of a presence that I dare not let him out. “Valka’s the sort that will send you to the knacker when she realizes she can’t ride you. I wish you’d gotten away when you could.”

“I chose to stay, princess,” he replies, his voice deep and gentle.

My mouth drops open. What? “Did you—did you just speak?”

The horse seems mildly gratified by my shock. “Yes,” he says.

I can see his mouth move, though his lips don’t quite shape the word that rings in my ears. He’s speaking, out loud, shaping sounds a horse’s mouth has no ability to make.

“But how?”

“I expect that should be obvious.”

I press my hand against the top of my head, as if I might thereby straighten my thoughts. Nothing makes any sense at all, except, perhaps: “Magic?”

He dips his head, for all the world as if he were a courtier.

“Are you cursed?” I demand, letting go of my head to catch the rail between us.

“No,” he says, his voice lightening with amusement. “Not at all. It is my nature to be able to speak. I merely prefer not to flaunt it before your kind.”

An Urban Fantasy Series Coming Soon!

Tags

Cover Reveal, Indie Author, Urban Fantasy

Author and good friend A. C. Spahn has a new urban fantasy series coming March, 2019 that should immediately be added to your TBR list. I am one of a lucky handful of folks who got to read an advanced copy of book one and believe me when I tell you that you NEED this book! A unique magic system, an awesome group of characters, loads of action, conflicted heroes, frightening adversaries – It’s all here!

I give you the cover reveal and synopsis for Enchantress Undercover, Book One of the Arcane Artisans Series

Adrienne Morales is a hunted woman.

Stalked by Voids—people immune to magic—and pursued by a deadly past, Adrienne wants nothing more than to avoid spells and sorcery. Her powers as an enchantress make that impossible. Every few days she must release the magic gathering around her, or it’ll steal her sanity. The only way to stay alive is to practice her magic in secret, hiding enchantments in works of art she sells in her craft store.

When a firebreathing psychopath controlled by enchantment tries to burn down her store, Adrienne unleashes her powers to stop him. Unfortunately her battle has a witness—Adrienne’s handsome business partner. Turns out he’s a Void, and sworn to a Union that executes rogue magic users. Worse, the firebreather isn’t the only victim to pop up around San Francisco. Someone is using magic to create monsters and destroy minds, and the Void Union wants them dead.

Now Adrienne must capture the rogue enchanter before they ruin more innocent lives—and before the Voids punish her for the rogue’s crimes. But Voids aren’t the worst thing chasing her. Every enchantment she crafts makes it more likely her past will track her down. And if it does, madness will be the kindest fate awaiting her.

***

I mean, LOOK AT THAT COVER, right?? And the story is as delicious as it sounds. Scheduled publication is March 18, 2019. Don’t wait – Add this one to your Want-To-Read shelf on Goodreads right away!

Cover Reveal! New Series! Fantasy!!

Tags

Book Covers, Cover Reveal, Fantasy, Fantasy Art, Indie Author, Self-Publishing

I’ve been waiting to share the cover and synopsis for book one of The Bitter Sea Trilogy, my upcoming fantasy series. I’m so excited it’s finally time!!

 

Without further delay, have a look!!

 

After a violent storm destroys her ship, Isaura Johansdottir knows better than to hope she’ll be rescued from Eisland’s vast Failock Sea. Adrift and alone, her plans to start over lost, it’s a tragic conclusion after the disastrous end of her marriage—until she’s saved by Leonel, one of the merfolk, a creature long believed extinct. In repayment for her life, Leonel enlists her help to investigate the Failock’s mysterious and deadly plague of squalls. But when Isaura discovers Eisland’s ruthless new Lord commands the storms, her life will be in more danger on land than it ever was at sea.

As guardian of the Fathoms, Leonel must find the cause of unnatural storms ravaging the tidal currents and destroying the sea life. There are rumors of dark magic stirring in the Orom Abyss, the resting place of old, vanquished gods who tried to submerge the land millennia ago. Yet without proof, no one in King Ægir’s court will listen to him. And if it’s discovered he broke the Blue Laws to save a shipwrecked landweller, he might not survive the consequences.

As storms spread, Leonel and Isaura uncover secrets as forbidden as the bond that grows between them. Betrayal lurks in the restless sea, and when ancient powers lay siege to Eisland’s coast, the truth may be drowned along with everything else. 

***

This cover is another masterpiece of the amazingly talented artist at Seedlings Design Studio. I am in awe of Jenny’s work and I honestly can’t rave enough about it. Everything she touches becomes a stunning work of art.

Based on Norse ocean mythology, Beneath Cruel Fathoms is scheduled for release in the spring of 2019. There will be teasers and fun pre-release goodies leading up to it! I’ve updated the book’s page on Goodreads and you can add it to your TBR list today :):):)

 

Cover Reveal! New Book! Cyberpunk!!

Tags

Cover Reveal, Cyberpunk, Indie Author, Self Published Book, YA Sci-Fi

A while back I mentioned I have a cyberpunk novel planned for 2018. My newsletter subscribers were the first to get these details and I’m super excited to now share the cover and synopsis on the blog!

There is only one rule: Never leave the settlement

Nobody remembers when human civilization fell to the living computer known as the Interspace. Trapped within its massive expanse, what remains of humanity struggles to survive. There are no maps to the outer grids, and drones patrol the network. Escape is impossible.

Except seventeen-year-old Sol can access the network’s secrets in her dreams. The information comes at a physical cost, but with food and medical shortages threatening her community, it’s a small price to pay for survival. The supply runs are also the best way to prove she can still contribute, especially after her recent epilepsy diagnosis took away the role she’d been training for.

When a grave mistake alerts the drones to her trespassing, Sol finds herself running for her life. She never expects to encounter Echo, a stranger who may hold the key to humanity’s freedom.

Together, Sol and Echo will attempt to reach the central core of the Interspace and shut down the system. To survive the journey, they will need to evade drones, signal towers, and a dangerous enemy known only as the Override. Even with Sol’s access to the network and Echo’s incredible abilities, they may still fail. The Interspace is always watching, and if they’re discovered, it will mean the final extermination of all mankind.

The book is available for pre-order for only 99¢ on Amazon.

Add it to your Goodreads shelf here

Publication date: May 20th

Not all books are fun to write but this one was the exception. Echo and Sol’s quirky dynamic and the dangers they faced together in their bid to save humanity was a joy to write. Teaser coming soon:)

Big props to Jenny at Seedlings Design Studio for creating that awesome cover! Her work is amazing, as is her talent with dealing with writers who flap around helplessly when asked what they’re looking for in a cover (Not me, um…it was someone I know who goes to another school…)