Caroline Sciriha's Blog

Hello!

Today’s fantasy creature is the brownie, one of my favourite characters. If you’ve ever hoped to have a secret helper around the house—someone who tidies up while you’re asleep or finishes the chores you didn’t have the energy to do—then you’re wishing for a brownie. These tiny household spirits come from Scottish and English tradition, and they’re often described as shy, ragged little beings who work quietly in the night, asking for nothing more than a bowl of cream, a bit of bread and maybe some honey in return.

The charm of the brownie lies in that mix of helpfulness and mystery. They don’t show themselves often, and when they do, it’s usually at the edge of lamplight or just before dawn. People used to say that brownies hated being given clothes or treated with too much fuss. Offer them fine garments or insult their work, and they’d vanish, sometimes for good, sometimes to turn troublesome instead of helpful.

Writers have reimagined brownies in different ways, of course. In some modern tales, they could be mischievous little pranksters, while in others they’re gentle protectors, almost guardian spirits of the home. But whatever the version, they always reflect an aspect of domestic magic so that the warmth of your rooms and the food on your table seem touched by something unseen and kind.

So next time you wake up to find things a little tidier than you left them, or you catch that odd feeling of being watched when you’re alone in the kitchen, you could put it down to your imagination. Or, just maybe, there’s a brownie slipping back into the shadows, pleased with a job well done. Wouldn’t that make the world—and your life—feel a bit more magical?

Reference and further reading: https://mythus.fandom.com/wiki/Brownie; https://scotlands-stories.com/scottish-brownie/

Review of The Hyllethan Gifts Trilogy

I have to take a moment to share what a reader sent me about The Hyllethan Gifts Trilogy. There are no words to describe the joy one feels when a complete stranger reaches out to let you know that your words touched their heart.

Books You Might Like

For lovers of all things fantasy… FREE BOOKS

  

And Free through KU…

And audiobooks 

Some self-promo…

The Hyllethan Gifts Trilogy: (Dawn of Purple and Grey, Days of Wind and Snow, Night of Rites and Wraiths)

When sixteen-year-old Shael helps a mortally wounded messenger, he entrusts her with delivering to the queen three magical statuettes stolen from the Hyllethans, her country’s feared enemies. But Shael accidentally cuts her fingers while handling the statuettes and magic links her to them—any breakage or pressure on the clay is felt on her flesh. Shael’s fate is now inexorably tied to the Hyllethans, the statuettes, and the political turmoil in the land.

Fire Dance

In the sacred temple of Basica, Maia is about to achieve everything she has worked for: becoming a Sentinel, one of the Goddess’s elite protectors. But she harbours a dangerous secret—fire bends to her will, a power that would see her condemned as demon-born if discovered. Worse still, the flames carry echoes of memories that are not her own, whispering of a past she cannot remember and a destiny she never chose.

When an Imperial envoy arrives for the Summer Solstice ceremony, he claims to know who she is and what she is capable of, threatening to unravel everything Maia has built. His knowledge could shatter her future—or unlock a destiny greater than she ever imagined.

Torn between the lure of safety and power within the temple and the dangerous truths hidden in her past, Maia must decide: will she cling to the life she has fought for, or risk everything to uncover the truth? And when the boy who has always stood by her offers a different kind of future, will she follow duty—or her heart?

Perfect for fans of An Ember in the Ashes and From Blood and Ash, Fire Dance is a tale of ambition, tainted love, and the fire that burns within.

Fire Storm

Haunted by memories that are not her own, Maia and her love, Ryse, are desperate to leave the world that has shaped her and return to Phaen. Only their presence there can stop their homelands from plunging into a devastating war. But duty comes at an unbearable cost: losing a brother who refuses to flee, a child who carries the past in his veins, and an enemy who wields a stolen weapon that could change the fate of civilizations.

But when she risks their cover to save a galley under attack, an Imperial princess and a ruthless general entangle Maia in a dangerous game of power and betrayal. In a world of shifting allegiances, hidden truths, and long-buried treachery, the race to escape turns into a battle of wits, deception, and impossible choices.

With time running out, Maia must choose: surrender to the lure of power which this world offers and risk losing those she loves, or reclaim the future that was stolen from her.

Perfect for fans of An Ember in the Ashes and From Blood and Ash, Fire Storm is a tale of fate, forbidden power, and the fire that binds past and future.

Colours of Fantasy (FREE DOWNLOAD)

Not enough time to read, but love fantasy?

Colours of Fantasy is an anthology of short stories that range from magical realism to sci-fi fantasy. They are short enough to be easily read while commuting or during a lunch break. Read about paintings that are truer than true-to-life, or the heart-wrenching decision Poseidon’s human son-in-law has to take, or perhaps you’ll prefer a glimpse of life after an apocalypse, or a story about a space pirate with an uncomfortable past. 

And if you like longer reads, Colours of Fantasy gives you a taste of Book One of two series: The Hyllethan Gifts Trilogy and Fire Dance Chronicles.

Till next time! Wishing you a great two weeks with a good book!

Caroline

Hello!

If you’ve ever heard odd creaks in the house when no one else is home, or found something mysteriously misplaced even though you were sure you left it on the table, you might have jokingly blamed a ghost. But in old English folklore, it would more likely have been a boggart—the mischievous, sometimes downright nasty spirit that lives in houses, barns, or even fields.

What makes boggarts so fun to talk about is that they don’t have a single fixed form. In fact, they’re usually invisible, more a sense of menace than a creature you can point to. Some tales describe them as squat, ugly little goblin-like figures, while others insist you’d never see them at all—just their handiwork, which is usually mischief: spoiling milk, tangling hair, stealing small objects, frightening animals, or just creating a general atmosphere of unease. Imagine a poltergeist with a sense of humour and a mean streak, and you’re basically there.

In some stories, families actually try to appease their resident boggart with offerings of food or milk. The idea is that, if you kept the boggart happy, it might leave you in peace—or at least not go out of its way to torment you. Other tales, however, describe them as impossible to please: no matter how much you gave, they would always demand more, until life with a boggart became unbearable.

Of course, if you’ve grown up with modern fantasy, you might think of a boggart in a slightly different way. J.K. Rowling famously reimagined the creature in Harry Potter as a shape-shifter that takes the form of your greatest fear. That’s not a traditional version of the myth, but it cleverly captures the essence of what a boggart represents: fear, unease, and the way imagination fills in the blanks when something feels “off.”

I think that’s why boggarts stick around in stories and folklore—they embody the unsettling side of everyday life. They don’t belong in epic battles or sprawling quests; they belong in kitchens, attics, and farms, where people live their lives and tell stories around the fire. They’re the whispers in the dark corners, the explanation for the small, maddening things you can’t quite explain.

So, the next time the door creaks open by itself or something falls off the shelf in the middle of the night, you could shrug it off. Or, you could blame it on the house boggart and imagine it laughing quietly to itself in the shadows. After all, every home has its mysteries—and the boggart helps add to them.

Do you know any other stories about the boggart? Please share in the comments. I’d love to hear about them.

Reference and further reading: https://mythus.fandom.com/wiki/Boggart ;

What is a Boggart? Uncover Its Mythology & Mystery

Books You Might Like

Betrayal never smelled so sweet . . .
Or hurt a queen so deeply.

Margot Hearth is the only daughter of the King of Mournstead Sands, and the sole heir. After a devastating loss and her time comes to take the throne, she brings her long-time best friend, Terese, with her as her closest adviser to reign over this lost wonderland. Terese — her confidant, her best friend, her sister that Margot never had. Someone has to support the queen of broken hearts.

Yet not everyone is pleased with Margot’s rise to power, and the lords and subject who defy her clamor for an alliance with the prince across the water to unite their two kingdoms. The strife leads to violence and that breath of a bloody coup, bringing Margot and her reign to the brink.

Her royal guard, however, always has her under their protection, taking slings and wounds at her defense. When one of her guards is seriously wounded in a battle that never should have been, a solution to the rising conflict appears. Margot knows exactly who should sit on the throne next to her as king consort — someone she can trust and rely on above all others.

Queens in games have all the power, after all.

Finally she has hope that the madness gripping her kingdom will subside once this betrothal is made. But madness is a tricky thing. Nothing is as it seems. And not everyone is a loyal as Margot, the Queen of Hearts, would believe.

Before the Queen of Hearts is a dark, gothic fairy tale villain retelling of the timeless tale of Alice in Wonderland, low steam romantasy book with ominous tones, betrayal, and dark secrets.

What drives a warrior to fight?

Some take up arms to protect their homeland, while others seek glory and riches. For Charlaine and Ludwig, it’s the result of a love that can never be!

Charlaine deShandria has never questioned what her future holds. For years, she’s been training to take over her father’s smithy, spending her every waking hour toiling at the forge.

Ludwig Altenburg loathes his role as the baron’s son. Always dreaming of fighting battles, he must now surrender himself to the inevitability of his future.

Duty is all they’ve known, but when they meet, they begin to question if there is more to life. Before they can even make a choice, they find themselves surrounded by those who are determined to tear them apart.

Lives are changed forever when family secrets are revealed in this clash of classes that propels two people towards their destiny!

Travel back to the origins of these soon to be mighty warriors in Tempered Steel, the prequel of Paul J Bennett’s newest epic fantasy series, Power Ascending.

For lovers of all things fantasy… FREE BOOKS

And Free through KU…

Some self-promo…

The Hyllethan Gifts Trilogy: (Dawn of Purple and Grey, Days of Wind and Snow, Night of Rites and Wraiths)

When sixteen-year-old Shael helps a mortally wounded messenger, he entrusts her with delivering to the queen three magical statuettes stolen from the Hyllethans, her country’s feared enemies. But Shael accidentally cuts her fingers while handling the statuettes and magic links her to them—any breakage or pressure on the clay is felt on her flesh. Shael’s fate is now inexorably tied to the Hyllethans, the statuettes, and the political turmoil in the land.

Fire Dance

In the sacred temple of Basica, Maia is about to achieve everything she has worked for: becoming a Sentinel, one of the Goddess’s elite protectors. But she harbours a dangerous secret—fire bends to her will, a power that would see her condemned as demon-born if discovered. Worse still, the flames carry echoes of memories that are not her own, whispering of a past she cannot remember and a destiny she never chose.

When an Imperial envoy arrives for the Summer Solstice ceremony, he claims to know who she is and what she is capable of, threatening to unravel everything Maia has built. His knowledge could shatter her future—or unlock a destiny greater than she ever imagined.

Torn between the lure of safety and power within the temple and the dangerous truths hidden in her past, Maia must decide: will she cling to the life she has fought for, or risk everything to uncover the truth? And when the boy who has always stood by her offers a different kind of future, will she follow duty—or her heart?

Perfect for fans of An Ember in the Ashes and From Blood and Ash, Fire Dance is a tale of ambition, tainted love, and the fire that burns within.

Fire Storm

Haunted by memories that are not her own, Maia and her love, Ryse, are desperate to leave the world that has shaped her and return to Phaen. Only their presence there can stop their homelands from plunging into a devastating war. But duty comes at an unbearable cost: losing a brother who refuses to flee, a child who carries the past in his veins, and an enemy who wields a stolen weapon that could change the fate of civilizations.

But when she risks their cover to save a galley under attack, an Imperial princess and a ruthless general entangle Maia in a dangerous game of power and betrayal. In a world of shifting allegiances, hidden truths, and long-buried treachery, the race to escape turns into a battle of wits, deception, and impossible choices.

With time running out, Maia must choose: surrender to the lure of power which this world offers and risk losing those she loves, or reclaim the future that was stolen from her.

Perfect for fans of An Ember in the Ashes and From Blood and Ash, Fire Storm is a tale of fate, forbidden power, and the fire that binds past and future.

Colours of Fantasy (FREE DOWNLOAD)

Not enough time to read, but love fantasy?

Colours of Fantasy is an anthology of short stories that range from magical realism to sci-fi fantasy. They are short enough to be easily read while commuting or during a lunch break. Read about paintings that are truer than true-to-life, or the heart-wrenching decision Poseidon’s human son-in-law has to take, or perhaps you’ll prefer a glimpse of life after an apocalypse, or a story about a space pirate with an uncomfortable past. 

And if you like longer reads, Colours of Fantasy gives you a taste of Book One of two series: The Hyllethan Gifts Trilogy and Fire Dance Chronicles.

Till next time! Wishing you a great two weeks with a good book!

Caroline

Hello!

The bogeyman is surely the monster every child has heard of. He’s that shadow in the corner, the creak on the stairs at night, the threat parents whisper when bedtime comes and goes.

Parents might warn children that the bogeyman will come if they misbehave, but they rarely describe him in detail. And maybe that’s what makes him so effective—the imagination fills in the blanks, and what we picture is always scarier than what we’re told.

What makes the bogeyman so fascinating is that he shifts and changes from culture to culture, but always embodies the same basic idea: a creature that keeps children in line and lurks just beyond the light. In Spain and Portugal, there’s El Coco (or El Cuco), a shadowy figure that hides in closets or under beds, waiting to snatch away disobedient children. In Germany, there’s Der schwarze Mann (“the black man”), referring to darkness and not race, a figure who embodies the fear of night and the unknown. In the Slavic world, there’s Baba Yaga, a witch-like creature who rides in a mortar and pestle, terrifying and perhaps quite comically, yet undeniably one of the child-frighteners of folklore.

Here in Malta, we have our very own version of the bogeyman: il-Babaw. If you grew up hearing Maltese folktales, chances are you were warned about him at least once. Il-Babaw is said to lurk in dark places, waiting for naughty children. For generations, Maltese parents used him to scare kids into behaving—much like other cultures did with their own bogeyman figures. The interesting thing for me is how similar il-Babaw is to other versions around the world, even though Malta is such a small island. It shows how universal this fear of the lurking, faceless monster really is.

What ties all these creatures together is not what they look like, but what they represent: the fear of the dark, the unknown, and the consequences of stepping out of line. They can be seen as reflecting each society’s values and anxieties while still tapping into something primal that all children understand.

The bogeyman may change names and appearances, but he’s always there, crouching at the edge of bedtime, a reminder that fear can be both a teaching tool and a universal language.

Do you know of any other versions of the bogeyman, perhaps from your country? Please share in the comments. I’d love to know about them.

Reference and further reading: https://mythus.fandom.com/wiki/Bogeyman;  https://lovinmalta.com/malta/9-maltese-monsters-straight-out-of-your-nightmares/

P.S. If anyone is wondering about the bogeyman image – these last couple of weeks I’ve had some fun creating pictures using AI in which I included my novels in different (epic) settings as part of a competition. I’m also using AI to generate background images for snippets from my stories, which I’m uploading on TikTok posts. You might like to check them out here and let me know what you think. So all this to say… I thought, why not generate pictures for this newsletter too?

Books You Might Like

Lost memories. Supernatural powers. A daughter taken by shadows. One woman’s world shatters as she discovers her true identity as a winged warrior sworn to protect humanity from soul-devouring creatures.

A police officer wakes up with no memories of her past life. When Zera witnesses her colleagues transform into magnificent winged warriors during a hostage situation, her reality crumbles. Her boss, Sam, reveals an impossible truth: she is a Volcan Knight, a supernatural protector of humanity, and his soulmate. Together, they had a daughter who was stolen by shadow creatures that feed on human souls. As Zera struggles to accept her newfound identity, she finds herself drawn deeper into a world of ancient powers and deadly enemies. The shadow creatures are hunting her, drawn to her unique status as the first female Volcan Knight. With her powers awakening and her scar burning with supernatural energy, she must decide whether to embrace her destiny or run from it. But can she afford to deny who she truly is when the shadows are closing in?

This captivating urban fantasy romance delivers a unique twist on supernatural warrior tales. If you love soul-stirring romance, heart-pounding action, and dark supernatural mysteries, then you’ll be captivated by this mesmerising urban fantasy.

For lovers of all things fantasy… FREE BOOKS

The clock is ticking to stop a second asteroid from striking Earth, and Elliot Adams is humanity’s only chance. But saving his home world will push him and his friends to their limits as they return to a planet torn apart by devastation. Beneath the ruins, salvation may lie—if they can survive long enough to find it. Earth, however, isn’t the only battleground. On Lunar, strange occurrences threaten the fragile peace, and the Telvanni’s thirst for vengeance burns brighter than ever. With deadly secrets uncovered and enemies closer than they appear, Elliot must face the terrifying truth: death is just the beginning. Packed with pulse-pounding action, high-stakes intrigue, and a race against time, The Aftermath: Terra is a thrilling sci-fi epic where survival demands more than courage—it demands sacrifice.

 

And Free through KU…

 

Some self-promo…

The Hyllethan Gifts Trilogy: (Dawn of Purple and Grey, Days of Wind and Snow, Night of Rites and Wraiths)

When sixteen-year-old Shael helps a mortally wounded messenger, he entrusts her with delivering to the queen three magical statuettes stolen from the Hyllethans, her country’s feared enemies. But Shael accidentally cuts her fingers while handling the statuettes and magic links her to them—any breakage or pressure on the clay is felt on her flesh. Shael’s fate is now inexorably tied to the Hyllethans, the statuettes, and the political turmoil in the land.

Fire Dance

In the sacred temple of Basica, Maia is about to achieve everything she has worked for: becoming a Sentinel, one of the Goddess’s elite protectors. But she harbours a dangerous secret—fire bends to her will, a power that would see her condemned as demon-born if discovered. Worse still, the flames carry echoes of memories that are not her own, whispering of a past she cannot remember and a destiny she never chose.

When an Imperial envoy arrives for the Summer Solstice ceremony, he claims to know who she is and what she is capable of, threatening to unravel everything Maia has built. His knowledge could shatter her future—or unlock a destiny greater than she ever imagined.

Torn between the lure of safety and power within the temple and the dangerous truths hidden in her past, Maia must decide: will she cling to the life she has fought for, or risk everything to uncover the truth? And when the boy who has always stood by her offers a different kind of future, will she follow duty—or her heart?

Perfect for fans of An Ember in the Ashes and From Blood and Ash, Fire Dance is a tale of ambition, tainted love, and the fire that burns within.

Fire Storm

Haunted by memories that are not her own, Maia and her love, Ryse, are desperate to leave the world that has shaped her and return to Phaen. Only their presence there can stop their homelands from plunging into a devastating war. But duty comes at an unbearable cost: losing a brother who refuses to flee, a child who carries the past in his veins, and an enemy who wields a stolen weapon that could change the fate of civilizations.

But when she risks their cover to save a galley under attack, an Imperial princess and a ruthless general entangle Maia in a dangerous game of power and betrayal. In a world of shifting allegiances, hidden truths, and long-buried treachery, the race to escape turns into a battle of wits, deception, and impossible choices.

With time running out, Maia must choose: surrender to the lure of power which this world offers and risk losing those she loves, or reclaim the future that was stolen from her.

Perfect for fans of An Ember in the Ashes and From Blood and Ash, Fire Storm is a tale of fate, forbidden power, and the fire that binds past and future.

Colours of Fantasy (FREE DOWNLOAD)

Not enough time to read, but love fantasy?

Colours of Fantasy is an anthology of short stories that range from magical realism to sci-fi fantasy. They are short enough to be easily read while commuting or during a lunch break. Read about paintings that are truer than true-to-life, or the heart-wrenching decision Poseidon’s human son-in-law has to take, or perhaps you’ll prefer a glimpse of life after an apocalypse, or a story about a space pirate with an uncomfortable past. 

And if you like longer reads, Colours of Fantasy gives you a taste of Book One of two series: The Hyllethan Gifts Trilogy and Fire Dance Chronicles.

Till next time! Wishing you a great two weeks with a good book!

Caroline

Today’s creature is a fun one. The basilisk is the so-called “king of serpents.” The basilisk isn’t just dangerous because of fangs or venom—it can also kill with a single glance. That’s right: one look, and you’re done. No second chances, no heroic sword fighting. Just instant petrification or death.

The legend of the basilisk goes way back, with roots in European folklore. Different stories describe it in different ways—sometimes as a huge snake, sometimes as part reptile and part rooster, and occasionally as a lizard with a crown-like crest. But whatever the version, the key detail is always the same: it’s lethal. Its breath is said to wither plants; its very presence poisons the ground, and of course, that deadly stare turned living creatures into stone or leaves them lifeless on the spot.

But… as terrifying as the basilisk is, it also has a surprisingly silly weakness. In many old tales, the crowing of a rooster can kill it instantly. Imagine being the most feared serpent in legend, only to be taken out by a chicken. It’s both tragic and a little bit hilarious, in my opinion. Later versions of the myth also claim that weasels, of all creatures, could fight and defeat a basilisk. Clearly, even the scariest of monsters have some humbling Achilles heels.

The basilisk has made its way into modern fantasy, most famously in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. That giant snake slithering through the pipes is a perfect example of how the creature is reimagined in contemporary stories—still deadly, still mysterious, and still enough to give you chills.

What I love about the basilisk is how it straddles the line between absolute terror and odd folklore whimsy. On one hand, it embodies the ancient fear of snakes—creatures that humans have always regarded with caution and downright terror. On the other hand, the detail about roosters and weasels gives the myth an ironic twist, as if storytellers couldn’t resist softening the horror with a touch of humour.

So, don’t forget the basilisk and maybe glance twice at that snake in the garden. After all, you never know where the serpent king has made its home.

Reference and further reading/watching: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9wKP5bEujA; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmZrQUNkopI

Books You Might Like

A coming-of-age fantasy steeped in magic, political intrigue and romance (Chronicles of the Divided Isle, Book One) 

Solar Carpenter is the first girl to study magic in a hundred years. And maybe the last.

For over a century, only high-born men have wielded magic in Ashwood. The nobility’s youngest sons are taught by the kingdom’s wizards in roving magic encampments. Witchcraft is forbidden, and the women who practise it persecuted.

Yet change is coming.

Solar Carpenter, a girl providing for her family any way she can, is plucked from her life of menial work and petty theft to study at an elite encampment. Under the guidance of one of Ashwood’s greatest wizards, she will learn in the field as a witch-in-training, using her powers to protect the kingdom.

Or die trying.

But what if something other than destiny lies behind her rise to magical prominence? Is Solar merely a pawn in an intricate game of thrones and power? Or the greatest force for change in a hundred years?

The answer lies in the Chronicles of the Divided Isle, an epic saga of high politics, deception and romance.

For lovers of all things fantasy… FREE BOOKS

And Free through KU…

And audiobooks 

Some self-promo!

The Hyllethan Gifts Trilogy: (Dawn of Purple and Grey, Days of Wind and Snow, Night of Rites and Wraiths)

When sixteen-year-old Shael helps a mortally wounded messenger, he entrusts her with delivering to the queen three magical statuettes stolen from the Hyllethans, her country’s feared enemies. But Shael accidentally cuts her fingers while handling the statuettes and magic links her to them—any breakage or pressure on the clay is felt on her flesh. Shael’s fate is now inexorably tied to the Hyllethans, the statuettes, and the political turmoil in the land.

Fire Dance

In the sacred temple of Basica, Maia is about to achieve everything she has worked for: becoming a Sentinel, one of the Goddess’s elite protectors. But she harbours a dangerous secret—fire bends to her will, a power that would see her condemned as demon-born if discovered. Worse still, the flames carry echoes of memories that are not her own, whispering of a past she cannot remember and a destiny she never chose.

When an Imperial envoy arrives for the Summer Solstice ceremony, he claims to know who she is and what she is capable of, threatening to unravel everything Maia has built. His knowledge could shatter her future—or unlock a destiny greater than she ever imagined.

Torn between the lure of safety and power within the temple and the dangerous truths hidden in her past, Maia must decide: will she cling to the life she has fought for, or risk everything to uncover the truth? And when the boy who has always stood by her offers a different kind of future, will she follow duty—or her heart?

Perfect for fans of An Ember in the Ashes and From Blood and Ash, Fire Dance is a tale of ambition, tainted love, and the fire that burns within.

Fire Storm

Haunted by memories that are not her own, Maia and her love, Ryse, are desperate to leave the world that has shaped her and return to Phaen. Only their presence there can stop their homelands from plunging into a devastating war. But duty comes at an unbearable cost: losing a brother who refuses to flee, a child who carries the past in his veins, and an enemy who wields a stolen weapon that could change the fate of civilizations.

But when she risks their cover to save a galley under attack, an Imperial princess and a ruthless general entangle Maia in a dangerous game of power and betrayal. In a world of shifting allegiances, hidden truths, and long-buried treachery, the race to escape turns into a battle of wits, deception, and impossible choices.

With time running out, Maia must choose: surrender to the lure of power which this world offers and risk losing those she loves, or reclaim the future that was stolen from her.

Perfect for fans of An Ember in the Ashes and From Blood and Ash, Fire Storm is a tale of fate, forbidden power, and the fire that binds past and future.

Colours of Fantasy (FREE DOWNLOAD)

Not enough time to read, but love fantasy?

Colours of Fantasy is an anthology of short stories that range from magical realism to sci-fi fantasy. They are short enough to be easily read while commuting or during a lunch break. Read about paintings that are truer than true-to-life, or the heart-wrenching decision Poseidon’s human son-in-law has to take, or perhaps you’ll prefer a glimpse of life after an apocalypse, or a story about a space pirate with an uncomfortable past. 

And if you like longer reads, Colours of Fantasy gives you a taste of Book One of two series: The Hyllethan Gifts Trilogy and Fire Dance Chronicles.

Till next time! Wishing you a great two weeks with a good book!

Caroline

Hello,

Some fantasy creatures are all sparkle and magic, like unicorns or fairies. The banshee is more of the goosebumps on your arms type of creature. But her story is fascinating, and not nearly as one-note (forgive the pun) as people make it out to be.

The banshee comes from Irish and Scottish folklore, and her name in Irish literally means “fairy woman.” But instead of granting wishes or guarding treasure, the banshee is known for her eerie wail, which is said to foretell death. She’s basically the ultimate spoiler alert for tragedy.

She’s often described as a pale woman with long hair, sometimes beautiful and ethereal, other times wild and ghostly. You might find her combing her hair by a river, or drifting along in the mist. And if you hear her cry? Well… folklore says it means someone in your family might be about to pass away. Comforting, right?

Here’s where it gets interesting: the banshee isn’t actually out to hurt anyone. She doesn’t cause the death—she just warns of it. In some tales, she’s even seen as a kind of guardian spirit, attached to certain families for generations. Her wail isn’t meant to be cruel—she’s grieving alongside you, in her own way. It’s a bit like she’s the otherworld’s messenger. Creepy? Sure. But also strangely caring, if you think about it.

In modern fantasy, banshees pop up in books, games, and movies—sometimes as ghostly assassins, sometimes as tragic spirits, sometimes just as singers of doom. Fantasy writers love using her to evoke a sense of fear and mystery.

So, the next time you come across a banshee in a story, remember: she’s not just there to scare you or the protagonist. She’s part of a much older tradition, a whisper from Celtic folklore that reminds us that death has always been wrapped in mystery. And if you ever do hear a strange, sorrowful wail on a misty night…maybe just pull the blankets over your head and pretend it’s the wind.

Reference and further reading/watching: https://mythus.fandom.com/wiki/Banshee ; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLL_vur1Ol8

Books You Might Like

★The beginnings of 4 Fantasy Romance series, spanning from RH to Epic Fantasy to Urban Fantasy and Dark Fantasy.

Soul Mates (A RH Fantasy)
Nia’s long-awaited day is coming: her marriage to her betrothed, Celyn. So when news of Celyn’s death reach her, she is willing to do anything to bring him back, even venture to the forbidden Annwn, where the power to bring the dead back to life lies…

Mermaid’s Destiny (A Mermaid & Dragon Shifter Epic Fantasy)
Cirona is the royal heir of the Merfolk, locked up in a dark prison. The last thing she recalls is a strong and handsome man falling into the sea from above before the ominous black clouds closed in.
In the prison with her is a large and mighty dragon, Argun. He is the mighty prince of the Dragons, whose strength is as legendary as their pride. But even strength alone is no match for the evil that has arisen…

Fae’s Queen
If school is hell, Sophia and Audrey are definitely demons. There’s no point staying. One more step off the cliff and all this hell would end. No harm making one last wish, Myth thought. It’s supposedly just a dumb legend: when one wishes upon a full moon, one’s dream will come true. But when a fae appears and escorts her to an alternate world where a hot fae prince awaits, Myth knows it’s more than a legend…

Rebirth (Land of Shifters)
“They will kill us all! Leave Strangeville now! Don’t come back!” It’s Mom’s note… She’s gone, vanished into thin air. It happened around the same time I found that strange-looking stone and terrifying creature in the woods. Ever since, mysterious deaths and sightings of shape-shifting creatures began surfacing across town. Just when I thought I was going crazy, I saw him. Trevor. The charming guy from my school that no one seems to know much about, but he knows about the stone I took…

A world ruled by magic. A palace full of secrets. A girl who refuses to back down.
Seventeen-year-old Alice Harper had her future mapped out—win an archery scholarship, protect her friends, and stay in control. But when a portal hurls her into a kingdom where magic rules and obedience means survival, she lands in a palace gripped by fear—and under the eye of the most powerful man in the realm.

The Royal Mage doesn’t just control the court—he controls people. With power, with fear, with enchantments no one dares resist. And for reasons Alice can’t explain, he’s taken a disturbing interest in her.

The only person who seems to want to help is the prince. He’s charming, clever—and very possibly lying. Caught between dangerous truths and beautiful deceits, Alice must decide who to trust before her friends are lost forever.

The Discovery of Magic is the thrilling first book in The Intrigue of Magic, a YA epic fantasy series perfect for fans of court intrigue, character-driven fantasy, and bold heroines who don’t just survive—they fight for each other.

Reeling from the recent civil war, Hadenfeld requires a firm hand to unite it.

Now crowned king, Ludwig must deal with those amongst his followers who are determined to take revenge on all who oppose his rule.

After two civil wars, the realms to the south are nervous, requiring him to visit there to assure them he intends no hostilities. While he is away, a new crisis emerges with the Church, leaving Queen Charlotte to deal with their demands. Dare she refuse their offer?

Upon his return, the unexpected arrival of renegade temple knights compels him to take action, leading to further conflict with the Church. Must he sacrifice honour to preserve his kingdom?

As chaos erupts, an even greater threat watches, ready to take advantage. Can Ludwig save his kingdom, or is he destined to be the next king to be overthrown?

Find out in Warrior King, the eighth and final book in Paul J Bennett’s Power Ascending series.

For lovers of all things fantasy… FREE BOOKS

Some self-promo!

The Hyllethan Gifts Trilogy: (Dawn of Purple and Grey, Days of Wind and Snow, Night of Rites and Wraiths)

When sixteen-year-old Shael helps a mortally wounded messenger, he entrusts her with delivering to the queen three magical statuettes stolen from the Hyllethans, her country’s feared enemies. But Shael accidentally cuts her fingers while handling the statuettes and magic links her to them—any breakage or pressure on the clay is felt on her flesh. Shael’s fate is now inexorably tied to the Hyllethans, the statuettes, and the political turmoil in the land.

Fire Dance

In the sacred temple of Basica, Maia is about to achieve everything she has worked for: becoming a Sentinel, one of the Goddess’s elite protectors. But she harbours a dangerous secret—fire bends to her will, a power that would see her condemned as demon-born if discovered. Worse still, the flames carry echoes of memories that are not her own, whispering of a past she cannot remember and a destiny she never chose.

When an Imperial envoy arrives for the Summer Solstice ceremony, he claims to know who she is and what she is capable of, threatening to unravel everything Maia has built. His knowledge could shatter her future—or unlock a destiny greater than she ever imagined.

Torn between the lure of safety and power within the temple and the dangerous truths hidden in her past, Maia must decide: will she cling to the life she has fought for, or risk everything to uncover the truth? And when the boy who has always stood by her offers a different kind of future, will she follow duty—or her heart?

Perfect for fans of An Ember in the Ashes and From Blood and Ash, Fire Dance is a tale of ambition, tainted love, and the fire that burns within.

Fire Storm

Haunted by memories that are not her own, Maia and her love, Ryse, are desperate to leave the world that has shaped her and return to Phaen. Only their presence there can stop their homelands from plunging into a devastating war. But duty comes at an unbearable cost: losing a brother who refuses to flee, a child who carries the past in his veins, and an enemy who wields a stolen weapon that could change the fate of civilizations.

But when she risks their cover to save a galley under attack, an Imperial princess and a ruthless general entangle Maia in a dangerous game of power and betrayal. In a world of shifting allegiances, hidden truths, and long-buried treachery, the race to escape turns into a battle of wits, deception, and impossible choices.

With time running out, Maia must choose: surrender to the lure of power which this world offers and risk losing those she loves, or reclaim the future that was stolen from her.

Perfect for fans of An Ember in the Ashes and From Blood and Ash, Fire Storm is a tale of fate, forbidden power, and the fire that binds past and future.

Colours of Fantasy (FREE DOWNLOAD)

Not enough time to read, but love fantasy?

Colours of Fantasy is an anthology of short stories that range from magical realism to sci-fi fantasy. They are short enough to be easily read while commuting or during a lunch break. Read about paintings that are truer than true-to-life, or the heart-wrenching decision Poseidon’s human son-in-law has to take, or perhaps you’ll prefer a glimpse of life after an apocalypse, or a story about a space pirate with an uncomfortable past. 

And if you like longer reads, Colours of Fantasy gives you a taste of Book One of two series: The Hyllethan Gifts Trilogy and Fire Dance Chronicles.

Till next time! Wishing you a great two weeks with a good book!

Caroline

Hello,

“You shall not pass!”

Each time I read The Lord of the Rings or watch Peter Jackson’s cinematic adaptation, my breath hitches at those words. Few creatures in fantasy have left such a lasting impression as J.R.R. Tolkien’s demon-like creature cloaked in fire and darkness.

Balrogs are ancient beings who served the dark lord Morgoth in the First Age. They are intelligent, commanding, and immensely powerful. Balrogs are described as massive figures wreathed in shadow and flame, wielding fiery whips and swords. This gives them a fearsome, almost otherworldly presence.

The most famous Balrog is Durin’s Bane, of course, the creature that lurked deep beneath the Mines of Moria. When it emerges to confront the Fellowship, and Gandalf in particular, its arrival is a moment of pure dread, where the heroes’ lives and quest are seriously in jeopardy.

The terror and awe which the Balrog provokes is due both to its physical might as well as its ancient, supernatural power. It is not only strong but also cunning. And as we saw in the battle in the Mines of Moria, Balrogs are not creatures that can be defeated easily. Gandalf’s confrontation with Durin’s Bane is one of the most intense battles in fantasy. The fact that a wizard of Gandalf’s stature barely managed to take one down, and it cost him his life, or at least the first version of it, only adds to their legendary status.

Although  Balrogs are unique to Tolkien’s world, similar creatures appear across modern fantasy. Fiery demons take clear inspiration from the Balrog. Whatever name they are given, these fiery demons embody the kind of power that can’t be reasoned with and often serve as the ultimate foes heroes must face when the stakes are highest.

Reference and further reading (or rather watching in this case ): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yM_MqWAqD7A; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLBd1Z4ktL8

Books You Might Like

For lovers of all things fantasy… FREE BOOKS

Isme made a single mistake.

She lived secretly on an island with her father, preparing for the end of the world. An apocalypse was a big deal, of course, but it had happened before: everyone knew that the gods had destroyed and rebuilt the world several times… So when she sang to the sea, it was just a momentary flash of teenage rebellion. Hardly anything to be concerned about. But now she has blood on her hands. Driven by blood guilt, Isme must leave the safety of her island and travel to the other side of Greece. Only the famed Oracle of Delphi can tell her how to escape the fate of a murderer. But highway robbers are the least of Isme’s worries. She lives in a world of dangerous spirits and quarrelsome gods, who are more likely to carry her off than help her… and worst of all is the strange invisible monster that stalks her every move… Isme knows she is risking everything to save herself. And time is running out.

Daughter of Orpheus is a rousing apocalypse dark fantasy set in ancient Greece before Homer put pen to paper, following a young woman of divine parentage as she seeks her place in the coming new world.

And Free through KU…

And audiobooks

Some self-promo!

The Hyllethan Gifts Trilogy: (Dawn of Purple and Grey, Days of Wind and Snow, Night of Rites and Wraiths)

When sixteen-year-old Shael helps a mortally wounded messenger, he entrusts her with delivering to the queen three magical statuettes stolen from the Hyllethans, her country’s feared enemies. But Shael accidentally cuts her fingers while handling the statuettes and magic links her to them—any breakage or pressure on the clay is felt on her flesh. Shael’s fate is now inexorably tied to the Hyllethans, the statuettes, and the political turmoil in the land.

Fire Dance

In the sacred temple of Basica, Maia is about to achieve everything she has worked for: becoming a Sentinel, one of the Goddess’s elite protectors. But she harbours a dangerous secret—fire bends to her will, a power that would see her condemned as demon-born if discovered. Worse still, the flames carry echoes of memories that are not her own, whispering of a past she cannot remember and a destiny she never chose.

When an Imperial envoy arrives for the Summer Solstice ceremony, he claims to know who she is and what she is capable of, threatening to unravel everything Maia has built. His knowledge could shatter her future—or unlock a destiny greater than she ever imagined.

Torn between the lure of safety and power within the temple and the dangerous truths hidden in her past, Maia must decide: will she cling to the life she has fought for, or risk everything to uncover the truth? And when the boy who has always stood by her offers a different kind of future, will she follow duty—or her heart?

Perfect for fans of An Ember in the Ashes and From Blood and Ash, Fire Dance is a tale of ambition, tainted love, and the fire that burns within.

Fire Storm

Haunted by memories that are not her own, Maia and her love, Ryse, are desperate to leave the world that has shaped her and return to Phaen. Only their presence there can stop their homelands from plunging into a devastating war. But duty comes at an unbearable cost: losing a brother who refuses to flee, a child who carries the past in his veins, and an enemy who wields a stolen weapon that could change the fate of civilizations.

But when she risks their cover to save a galley under attack, an Imperial princess and a ruthless general entangle Maia in a dangerous game of power and betrayal. In a world of shifting allegiances, hidden truths, and long-buried treachery, the race to escape turns into a battle of wits, deception, and impossible choices.

With time running out, Maia must choose: surrender to the lure of power which this world offers and risk losing those she loves, or reclaim the future that was stolen from her.

Perfect for fans of An Ember in the Ashes and From Blood and Ash, Fire Storm is a tale of fate, forbidden power, and the fire that binds past and future.

Colours of Fantasy (FREE DOWNLOAD)

Not enough time to read, but love fantasy?

Colours of Fantasy is an anthology of short stories that range from magical realism to sci-fi fantasy. They are short enough to be easily read while commuting or during a lunch break. Read about paintings that are truer than true-to-life, or the heart-wrenching decision Poseidon’s human son-in-law has to take, or perhaps you’ll prefer a glimpse of life after an apocalypse, or a story about a space pirate with an uncomfortable past. 

And if you like longer reads, Colours of Fantasy gives you a taste of Book One of two series: The Hyllethan Gifts Trilogy and Fire Dance Chronicles.

Till next time! Wishing you a great two weeks with a good book!

Caroline

Hello,

I hope these couple of weeks have treated you well and that you’ve had time to dip into your copy of Fire Dance (Hint: it’s free for my readers for a limited time). If so, may I ask a favour? If you could spare a couple of minutes, I’d really appreciate an honest review on Amazon or Goodreads. I’ve only 12 reviews on Amazon for this book and with your help that might become 20. Reviews make a great difference both for Amazon’s bots and to attract new readers.

One review I love is the one below:

Now on to today’s fantasy creature:

As you may have realised, in the last newsletter I tackled Z (for Zombie). This week, I’m restarting from A with more detailed content on some creatures I’ve already tackled and other creatures I didn’t mention in the last round. So without further ado, here’s today’s creature…

A is for Angel

When I think of angels, images of glowing wings and heavenly choirs come to mind. I have to say upfront that this is one of my least favourite fantasy creatures perhaps because it’s too closely tied to real-world religions.But in fantasy fiction, angels are far more than messengers from the sky who serve a higher power. They can be warriors, watchers, rebels, harbingers of destruction…

Angels in fantasy can take the form of ‘good’ angels helping characters, or as the offspring of celestial angels who therefore inherit particular powers, or as ‘fallen’ angels living among humans. Many are tragic or conflicted creatures—questioning their loyalty, struggling with duty, or hiding ancient secrets.

Angels come in all physical forms too: some have wings, some have ‘cool’ powers but no wings, some are centuries old, others newborn. The list and variety are only limited by a writer’s imagination.

Books like His Dark Materials, Good Omens, and The Mortal Instruments series all play with angelic lore, using it to explore themes of freedom, morality, and rebellion. In fact, angels in fantasy may symbolise:

Judgment and justice – as divine enforcers, they represent a cosmic balance or provide moral consequences.Purity and orderRebellion and free will – especially in stories of fallen angels or divine wars.Unreachable perfection – characters that highlight the flaws and struggles of mortals by contrast.

Angels in fantasy are therefore often complex, contradictory beings—embodying the eternal struggle between duty and desire, faith and freedom. Whether descending from the heavens with divine purpose or walking among mortals in secret, angels could add a rich layer of myth, mystery, and moral tension to a fantasy world. So next time you read about a figure with wings and a sword, don’t assume they’re there to save the day.

Reference and further reading: https://mythus.fandom.com/wiki/Angel; https://makebelieve-fantasy.fandom.com/wiki/

Books You Might Like

After uncovering the secrets of who he is, Will only wants life to go back to what it was. But, his fourth year of training to be a knight takes a turn for the dangerous far too soonafter his return to Alamore when mysterious riders arrive, not to capture him, but with a request: their leader wants to speak with him.

Now rogues cause chaos through Alamore, a familiar noble has arrived to lodge their complaints, the protection of the Queen and Princess are paramount, and the Ranger of Kings has returned to take on a squire of his own.

But there are new questions, new secrets, and Will must find the answers that will keep Alamore from descending into civil war. Time is running out, though, as the Royal amongst Rogues rises with the fury of vengeance and intent to seize power once and for all.

Rogue Amongst Royals is the fourth installment in the William of Alamore series.

An Enemies to Lovers Fantasy Romance

Protect my rank in the Scarlet League or save my mortal mate. Those are my only choices.

I left an offering to the Fates. But when Anya took it, that made her my mate. Except she’s a human with no connection to my world. Leaving me no choice but to drag her back to my dhampir city, kicking and screaming.

Even though she never stops trying, after centuries alone, I can’t let her escape. I rescue her from the dangers of my world every time she makes a run for it, even if it makes her hate me even more. I also have a traitor among my allies, who seems determined to undermine me on all fronts. Anya is just a mortal, but refuses to cower to me. And I cannot show weakness by submitting to a human.

The heat between us intensifies like a raging inferno, scorching everything in its path. And when I finally heed the siren’s call of love, the consequences could reach further than I ever imagined.

The North Pacific, April 7, 2006
Despondent after his wife’s death, retired Navy-SEAL Shin Takeda jumps from his sailboat into frigid waters, miles from land. As he slips into unconsciousness, he hears a strange voice and feels his body lifted.

Discovered on a beach clinging to life, Shin is medevaced to a hospital where he recovers. As his memory returns, he faces a bizarre realization: an orca carried him to shore — and it spoke.

Desperate to solve the mystery, Shin returns to the ocean in scuba gear where he encounters his rescuer, Mothersong the matriarch — and is astonished to discover that he can freely communicate with the entire orca pod.

But Shin learns a disturbing tale. Hunters on the far side of the Pacific are capturing orcas. He promises to help, but his peaceful mission to stop the hunters takes a deep and dark turn as he becomes embroiled in espionage — and a warrior past long buried.

For lovers of all things fantasy… FREE BOOKS

   

And Free through KU…

Some self-promo!

The Hyllethan Gifts Trilogy: (Dawn of Purple and Grey, Days of Wind and Snow, Night of Rites and Wraiths)

When sixteen-year-old Shael helps a mortally wounded messenger, he entrusts her with delivering to the queen three magical statuettes stolen from the Hyllethans, her country’s feared enemies. But Shael accidentally cuts her fingers while handling the statuettes and magic links her to them—any breakage or pressure on the clay is felt on her flesh. Shael’s fate is now inexorably tied to the Hyllethans, the statuettes, and the political turmoil in the land.

Fire Dance

In the sacred temple of Basica, Maia is about to achieve everything she has worked for: becoming a Sentinel, one of the Goddess’s elite protectors. But she harbours a dangerous secret—fire bends to her will, a power that would see her condemned as demon-born if discovered. Worse still, the flames carry echoes of memories that are not her own, whispering of a past she cannot remember and a destiny she never chose.

When an Imperial envoy arrives for the Summer Solstice ceremony, he claims to know who she is and what she is capable of, threatening to unravel everything Maia has built. His knowledge could shatter her future—or unlock a destiny greater than she ever imagined.

Torn between the lure of safety and power within the temple and the dangerous truths hidden in her past, Maia must decide: will she cling to the life she has fought for, or risk everything to uncover the truth? And when the boy who has always stood by her offers a different kind of future, will she follow duty—or her heart?

Perfect for fans of An Ember in the Ashes and From Blood and Ash, Fire Dance is a tale of ambition, tainted love, and the fire that burns within.

Fire Storm

Haunted by memories that are not her own, Maia and her love, Ryse, are desperate to leave the world that has shaped her and return to Phaen. Only their presence there can stop their homelands from plunging into a devastating war. But duty comes at an unbearable cost: losing a brother who refuses to flee, a child who carries the past in his veins, and an enemy who wields a stolen weapon that could change the fate of civilizations.

But when she risks their cover to save a galley under attack, an Imperial princess and a ruthless general entangle Maia in a dangerous game of power and betrayal. In a world of shifting allegiances, hidden truths, and long-buried treachery, the race to escape turns into a battle of wits, deception, and impossible choices.

With time running out, Maia must choose: surrender to the lure of power which this world offers and risk losing those she loves, or reclaim the future that was stolen from her.

Perfect for fans of An Ember in the Ashes and From Blood and Ash, Fire Storm is a tale of fate, forbidden power, and the fire that binds past and future.

Colours of Fantasy (FREE DOWNLOAD)

Not enough time to read, but love fantasy?

Colours of Fantasy is an anthology of short stories that range from magical realism to sci-fi fantasy. They are short enough to be easily read while commuting or during a lunch break. Read about paintings that are truer than true-to-life, or the heart-wrenching decision Poseidon’s human son-in-law has to take, or perhaps you’ll prefer a glimpse of life after an apocalypse, or a story about a space pirate with an uncomfortable past. 

And if you like longer reads, Colours of Fantasy gives you a taste of Book One of two series: The Hyllethan Gifts Trilogy and Fire Dance Chronicles.

Till next time! Wishing you a great two weeks with a good book!

Caroline

Hello!

It’s my birthday next week, and I’m excited to offer you a free gift.

For a limited time, Fire Dance is free for my newsletter readers. If you’ve ever wished to read it, grab your copy now as it won’t remain free for long. Fire Dance has Epic Fantasy vibes meshed with SF and Romance – perhaps not the most conventional of genre merges! So, please do drop me a line to let me know what you think of the story. Among other things, this could motivate me to write another book in the Fire Dance world as so far the story is just a stack of notes and ideas.

And now on to today’s Creature…

Z is for Zombie

Whether shuffling through graveyards or lumbering through post-apocalyptic cities, zombies are one of the most recognisable monsters in modern storytelling.

The concept of the zombie originates in Haitian folklore, where it was believed that a dead person could be revived by a sorcerer and forced to serve as a mindless slave. In this form, the zombie was not a flesh-eating monster, but a tragic figure—stripped of agency and trapped in a living death. This origin story gave rise to the modern zombie archetype: a creature whose humanity has been erased.

The zombie as we know it today—undead, flesh-hungry, often contagious—owes much to 20th-century horror fiction and cinema, especially George A. Romero’s Night of the Living Dead (1968), which introduced the idea of the zombie apocalypse and defined the creature as a symbol of societal collapse. In fantasy, zombies often appear as:

Necromancers’ minions – creatures raised from the dead to serve dark magic users in battles or rituals.Cursed beings – Victims of ancient plagues, forbidden spells, or divine punishments.Expendable armies – zombies are sent to march in hordes, overwhelming cities by sheer numbers and fear.

Unlike vampires or werewolves, zombies lack individuality. This makes them perfect antagonists in large-scale stories where the threat is not one monster but many.

Zombies are terrifying not just because they’re undead, but because they embody several primal fears such as the idea that one can die and return with no memory, soul, or purpose; another fear they project is zombie infections reflecting real-world fears of pandemics. Zombie stories often also involve the breakdown of order, which forces survivors to struggle in a lawless, brutal world.

In fantasy, zombies often remind us that playing with life and death can have horrific consequences. Whether cursed by a necromancer or risen by a viral outbreak, zombies ask an unsettling question: what happens when the body outlives the soul? And the answer, more often than not, is terrifying.

Reference: https://mythus.fandom.com/wiki/Zombie ; https://mythical-creatures.com/glossary/north-america/zombie/

Books You Might Like

For lovers of all things fantasy… FREE BOOKS

And Free through KU…

Audiobooks

Some self-promo!

The Hyllethan Gifts Trilogy: (Dawn of Purple and Grey, Days of Wind and Snow, Night of Rites and Wraiths)

When sixteen-year-old Shael helps a mortally wounded messenger, he entrusts her with delivering to the queen three magical statuettes stolen from the Hyllethans, her country’s feared enemies. But Shael accidentally cuts her fingers while handling the statuettes and magic links her to them—any breakage or pressure on the clay is felt on her flesh. Shael’s fate is now inexorably tied to the Hyllethans, the statuettes, and the political turmoil in the land.

Fire Dance

In the sacred temple of Basica, Maia is about to achieve everything she has worked for: becoming a Sentinel, one of the Goddess’s elite protectors. But she harbours a dangerous secret—fire bends to her will, a power that would see her condemned as demon-born if discovered. Worse still, the flames carry echoes of memories that are not her own, whispering of a past she cannot remember and a destiny she never chose.

When an Imperial envoy arrives for the Summer Solstice ceremony, he claims to know who she is and what she is capable of, threatening to unravel everything Maia has built. His knowledge could shatter her future—or unlock a destiny greater than she ever imagined.

Torn between the lure of safety and power within the temple and the dangerous truths hidden in her past, Maia must decide: will she cling to the life she has fought for, or risk everything to uncover the truth? And when the boy who has always stood by her offers a different kind of future, will she follow duty—or her heart?

Perfect for fans of An Ember in the Ashes and From Blood and Ash, Fire Dance is a tale of ambition, tainted love, and the fire that burns within.

Fire Storm

Haunted by memories that are not her own, Maia and her love, Ryse, are desperate to leave the world that has shaped her and return to Phaen. Only their presence there can stop their homelands from plunging into a devastating war. But duty comes at an unbearable cost: losing a brother who refuses to flee, a child who carries the past in his veins, and an enemy who wields a stolen weapon that could change the fate of civilizations.

But when she risks their cover to save a galley under attack, an Imperial princess and a ruthless general entangle Maia in a dangerous game of power and betrayal. In a world of shifting allegiances, hidden truths, and long-buried treachery, the race to escape turns into a battle of wits, deception, and impossible choices.

With time running out, Maia must choose: surrender to the lure of power which this world offers and risk losing those she loves, or reclaim the future that was stolen from her.

Perfect for fans of An Ember in the Ashes and From Blood and Ash, Fire Storm is a tale of fate, forbidden power, and the fire that binds past and future.

Colours of Fantasy (FREE DOWNLOAD)

Not enough time to read, but love fantasy?

Colours of Fantasy is an anthology of short stories that range from magical realism to sci-fi fantasy. They are short enough to be easily read while commuting or during a lunch break. Read about paintings that are truer than true-to-life, or the heart-wrenching decision Poseidon’s human son-in-law has to take, or perhaps you’ll prefer a glimpse of life after an apocalypse, or a story about a space pirate with an uncomfortable past. 

And if you like longer reads, Colours of Fantasy gives you a taste of Book One of two series: The Hyllethan Gifts Trilogy and Fire Dance Chronicles.

Till next time! Wishing you a great two weeks with a good book!

Caroline

Hello!

Some great news – at least for me . The second draft of my latest work in progress, Lady of Hereafter, is finally in the hands of my critique partners. I’m looking forward to their comments because this is the last stage before I finalise the story.

Lady of Hereafter is set in the world of the Hyllethan Gifts Trilogy but takes place years before the events in the Trilogy. The protagonist is Kari, a seventeen-year-old girl with a banned gift. She can see the dead in a kingdom that executes seers.

When Kari’s grandmother is murdered and her ghost lingers on, Kari risks revealing her secret to bring the killers to justice—as well as adding treason to her list of ‘crimes’ by crossing enemy borders and allying with a mage from a nation sworn to destroy her own.

And that brings in the love interest: he’s secretive. Sharp-tongued. And far too easy to fall for.

But the deeper they dig, the darker the secrets they uncover become… and the more Kari begins to question whom she can trust—especially when the only person standing by her side might be her greatest threat.

If you’re interested in finding out more about the Hyllethans, and about my books, now is the best time to read the Hyllethan Gifts Trilogy as the price of book #1 Dawn of Purple and Grey has dropped to $0.99.

And now on to today’s Creature…

Y is for Yeti

Known as the “Abominable Snowman” in Western folklore, the Yeti is a mysterious, ape-like creature which roams the snowy slopes and forests of the Himalayas.

For centuries, local Himalayan communities—particularly the Sherpa people of Nepal and Tibet—have passed down tales of the Yeti as a powerful, sometimes spiritual creature. Rather than a mindless monster, the Yeti is often seen as a guardian of nature or a divine presence, meant to be respected, not feared.

The name “Yeti” comes from the Tibetan words yeh (“rocky place”) and teh (“bear”), though the creature is distinct from any known bear species. Western explorers and mountaineers in the 19th and 20th centuries encountered these stories and began referring to the creature as the “Abominable Snowman”—a name that stuck, even if it distorted the original folklore.

Descriptions of the Yeti vary, but common traits include a tall, muscular build, of between 6 to 10 feet in height, with thick white or grey fur, large, human-like footprints and a deep, resonant call or growl said to echo across the mountains.

The Yeti is often compared to creatures like Bigfoot or Sasquatch, but its habitat—the harsh, icy environment of the Himalayas—adds a layer of mystique and survivalist power to the legend.

In fantasy literature, the Yeti is sometimes portrayed as an ice elemental, a guardian of sacred peaks, or a beast slumbering in ancient temples buried beneath snow. The Yeti can serve as a terrifying challenge for the heroes crossing a mountain pass, as a misunderstood loner protecting ancient secrets, or as a wise and ancient being with knowledge lost to humans.

Reference: https://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/strange-creatures/yeti.htm ; https://villains.fandom.com/wiki/Yeti_(cryptozoology)

Books You Might Like

Princess Rio feared for her future when her father, King Aldis, arranged for her to marry a stranger, Crown Prince Geoff, in a faraway land.

As she embarks on a dangerous journey to the kingdom of Zastrona to seal the alliance between their countries and protect her people from the warlike Marauders, she wonders what her new role and husband will hold for her. Will she find love and happiness, or will she be broken by her new husband’s cruelty? This is the first book in the fantasy romance series, Romances of The Chivalrous, where princesses are brave and princes are noble knights who will do anything for the queens of their hearts.

Set in an imaginary medieval world, Princess Rio is a tale of true love, loyalty and sacrifice. But it also features love rivals, political tensions, and a battle of wills between a father and daughter. If you enjoy medieval fantasy with a strong romantic element, this book is for you.

For lovers of all things fantasy… FREE BOOKS

Some fairy tales aren’t what they seem…

A young adult dark portal fantasy

It’s said that when one makes a wish under the full moon, one’s dream will come true. It’s supposedly just a dumb legend. But when a fae appears and escorts her to a dazzling fairy tale world where a charming fae prince awaits her, Myth knows it’s more than a legend. Myth is foretold to be the princess of the fairy tale kingdom called Yearning. However, her new role is not as simple as it seems, and secrets and dangers lurk behind this new world. Will Myth uncover the truth in time or be doomed to a fate worse than death?

Four strangers caught in a freak winter storm find themselves entwined in a quest that could reshape the world.

A humorous, epic fantasy tale

Four strangers caught in a freak winter storm find themselves entwined in a quest that could reshape the world. A disgraced mercenary, a crippled Magus, a middle-aged priest, and an enigmatic woman with secrets—are all that stand between the living and the God of Death. As they race against time and enemies at every turn, they must unravel the mysteries of the Stone of Death. Will they harness its ancient power to save their world, or will their internal conflicts doom their quest?

Dive into ‘The Stone of Death’ for an epic adventure filled with intrigue, betrayal, and a battle for redemption.

(Review copy)

Those who play with magic face the executioner’s blade. No exceptions. No hope. No mercy. Until now.

An Epic Romantic Fantasy With Dragons and Deadly Magic

Those who play with magic face the executioner’s blade. No exceptions. No hope. No mercy. Until now.

Eryanne has spent her life hiding what she is—a persecuted Spirit Weaver whose every act of magic drains life force from others, even when healing those in desperate need. When the Queen suddenly begins hunting someone with powers like hers, Eryanne knows her carefully constructed world is about to shatter. Worse, keeping her magic secret means pushing away Abbott, the one person who’s always seen past her masks—and the man she can never allow herself to love.

In the royal palace, Princess Calliope uncovers evidence of her stepmother’s deadly plot—one that threatens her beloved brother’s claim to the throne and the fate of the entire kingdom. Meanwhile, in a quiet farming village, Jerra’s own dormant, lethal powers awaken, drawing the attention of the Queen and a commander whose piercing eyes see straight through her false bravado. As ancient prophecies stir and dragons long thought extinct cast shadows over the realm, these three women must navigate secrets, lies, and forbidden attraction. In a kingdom where trust means death, opening your heart could be the deadliest magic of all.

And Free through KU…

Some self-promo!

The Hyllethan Gifts Trilogy: (Dawn of Purple and Grey, Days of Wind and Snow, Night of Rites and Wraiths)

When sixteen-year-old Shael helps a mortally wounded messenger, he entrusts her with delivering to the queen three magical statuettes stolen from the Hyllethans, her country’s feared enemies. But Shael accidentally cuts her fingers while handling the statuettes and magic links her to them—any breakage or pressure on the clay is felt on her flesh. Shael’s fate is now inexorably tied to the Hyllethans, the statuettes, and the political turmoil in the land.

Fire Dance

In the sacred temple of Basica, Maia is about to achieve everything she has worked for: becoming a Sentinel, one of the Goddess’s elite protectors. But she harbours a dangerous secret—fire bends to her will, a power that would see her condemned as demon-born if discovered. Worse still, the flames carry echoes of memories that are not her own, whispering of a past she cannot remember and a destiny she never chose.

When an Imperial envoy arrives for the Summer Solstice ceremony, he claims to know who she is and what she is capable of, threatening to unravel everything Maia has built. His knowledge could shatter her future—or unlock a destiny greater than she ever imagined.

Torn between the lure of safety and power within the temple and the dangerous truths hidden in her past, Maia must decide: will she cling to the life she has fought for, or risk everything to uncover the truth? And when the boy who has always stood by her offers a different kind of future, will she follow duty—or her heart?

Perfect for fans of An Ember in the Ashes and From Blood and Ash, Fire Dance is a tale of ambition, tainted love, and the fire that burns within.

Fire Storm

Haunted by memories that are not her own, Maia and her love, Ryse, are desperate to leave the world that has shaped her and return to Phaen. Only their presence there can stop their homelands from plunging into a devastating war. But duty comes at an unbearable cost: losing a brother who refuses to flee, a child who carries the past in his veins, and an enemy who wields a stolen weapon that could change the fate of civilizations.

But when she risks their cover to save a galley under attack, an Imperial princess and a ruthless general entangle Maia in a dangerous game of power and betrayal. In a world of shifting allegiances, hidden truths, and long-buried treachery, the race to escape turns into a battle of wits, deception, and impossible choices.

With time running out, Maia must choose: surrender to the lure of power which this world offers and risk losing those she loves, or reclaim the future that was stolen from her.

Perfect for fans of An Ember in the Ashes and From Blood and Ash, Fire Storm is a tale of fate, forbidden power, and the fire that binds past and future.

Colours of Fantasy (FREE DOWNLOAD)

Not enough time to read, but love fantasy?

Colours of Fantasy is an anthology of short stories that range from magical realism to sci-fi fantasy. They are short enough to be easily read while commuting or during a lunch break. Read about paintings that are truer than true-to-life, or the heart-wrenching decision Poseidon’s human son-in-law has to take, or perhaps you’ll prefer a glimpse of life after an apocalypse, or a story about a space pirate with an uncomfortable past. 

And if you like longer reads, Colours of Fantasy gives you a taste of Book One of two series: The Hyllethan Gifts Trilogy and Fire Dance Chronicles.

Till next time! Wishing you a great two weeks with a good book!

Caroline

Hello!

I was going to skip X as the few fantasy creatures whose name begins with x were all new to me, but then I came across a reference to Xana and this creature really grabbed my attention.

Let’s start with the basics: xanas are water-dwelling, nymph-like beings from Asturian folklore (that I learnt is in northern Spain). They’re always female, always beautiful, and always tied to nature—especially springs, rivers, and fountains. Her voice is high and clear. Sometimes she’s seen combing her hair with a golden comb (a classic trope, honestly), or singing lullabies (another trope) so sweet they make your heart ache.

But xanas aren’t just pretty females humming by the riverbank. In Asturian folklore, they are both a symbol of nature’s gentle allure and a powerful, sometimes dangerous, magical presence. They can be benevolent—rewarding those who treat their domain with kindness—or fiercely vengeful to those who disturb their peace.

Xanas are often guardians. Of treasure, of course, but also of secrets. Some tales say xanas reward kindness, often offering precious items to those they deem pure of heart or noble in spirit. The treasure may be in the form of gold or magical items; or the reward can be more symbolic—healing, fertility, or protection, for example.

In some stories, however, zanas can be very dangerous, cursing those who disturb them.

Some other stories suggest they’re illusions—glamours designed to lead people off course.

Sometimes, the xana appears with a mysterious child in her arms. This child may be a changeling, which the xana is attempting to exchange for a human baby.

The xana is the kind of character that could sneak into a book without warning. Not quite ghost, not quite goddess, she doesn’t demand to be the centre of the story. Which, honestly, is worse. Because then you start asking questions like:

What does she want? Who’s she singing to?
Whose baby is it?
Why is she crying at midnight?

And if you’re writing epic fantasy and like me braiding mystery and magic into the world—those questions are gold. Emotional gold, which is the best kind. Because xanas aren’t just mood-setting minor characters. They represent longing. The ache of things lost. The eerie and beautiful that never change.

Readers might like characters, even minor characters, to be a little more active these days, but part of me thinks a passive, dangerous, still creature—can be far more unnerving.

So if you ever find yourself wandering near a quiet stream in the mountains of northern Spain, and hear a distant song on the wind—be careful. The xana may be near.

Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xana; https://mythus.fandom.com/wiki/Xana

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Some self-promo!

The Hyllethan Gifts Trilogy: (Dawn of Purple and Grey, Days of Wind and Snow, Night of Rites and Wraiths)

When sixteen-year-old Shael helps a mortally wounded messenger, he entrusts her with delivering to the queen three magical statuettes stolen from the Hyllethans, her country’s feared enemies. But Shael accidentally cuts her fingers while handling the statuettes and magic links her to them—any breakage or pressure on the clay is felt on her flesh. Shael’s fate is now inexorably tied to the Hyllethans, the statuettes, and the political turmoil in the land.

Fire Dance

In the sacred temple of Basica, Maia is about to achieve everything she has worked for: becoming a Sentinel, one of the Goddess’s elite protectors. But she harbours a dangerous secret—fire bends to her will, a power that would see her condemned as demon-born if discovered. Worse still, the flames carry echoes of memories that are not her own, whispering of a past she cannot remember and a destiny she never chose.

When an Imperial envoy arrives for the Summer Solstice ceremony, he claims to know who she is and what she is capable of, threatening to unravel everything Maia has built. His knowledge could shatter her future—or unlock a destiny greater than she ever imagined.

Torn between the lure of safety and power within the temple and the dangerous truths hidden in her past, Maia must decide: will she cling to the life she has fought for, or risk everything to uncover the truth? And when the boy who has always stood by her offers a different kind of future, will she follow duty—or her heart?

Perfect for fans of An Ember in the Ashes and From Blood and Ash, Fire Dance is a tale of ambition, tainted love, and the fire that burns within.

Fire Storm

Haunted by memories that are not her own, Maia and her love, Ryse, are desperate to leave the world that has shaped her and return to Phaen. Only their presence there can stop their homelands from plunging into a devastating war. But duty comes at an unbearable cost: losing a brother who refuses to flee, a child who carries the past in his veins, and an enemy who wields a stolen weapon that could change the fate of civilizations.

But when she risks their cover to save a galley under attack, an Imperial princess and a ruthless general entangle Maia in a dangerous game of power and betrayal. In a world of shifting allegiances, hidden truths, and long-buried treachery, the race to escape turns into a battle of wits, deception, and impossible choices.

With time running out, Maia must choose: surrender to the lure of power which this world offers and risk losing those she loves, or reclaim the future that was stolen from her.

Perfect for fans of An Ember in the Ashes and From Blood and Ash, Fire Storm is a tale of fate, forbidden power, and the fire that binds past and future.

Colours of Fantasy (FREE DOWNLOAD)

Not enough time to read, but love fantasy?

Colours of Fantasy is an anthology of short stories that range from magical realism to sci-fi fantasy. They are short enough to be easily read while commuting or during a lunch break. Read about paintings that are truer than true-to-life, or the heart-wrenching decision Poseidon’s human son-in-law has to take, or perhaps you’ll prefer a glimpse of life after an apocalypse, or a story about a space pirate with an uncomfortable past. 

And if you like longer reads, Colours of Fantasy gives you a taste of Book One of two series: The Hyllethan Gifts Trilogy and Fire Dance Chronicles.

Till next time! Wishing you a great two weeks with a good book!

Caroline