Sahara Foley's Blog

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This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. M.L. Knight will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Ashmore was like any other town.

It held secrets.

Legend says…only the blood of a Sanderson can revive it.

And it’s been sleeping for centuries.

Until Daisy.

When Creature awakens, the residents of Ashmore get more than they bargained for.

And he gets more than he can chew.

With every bite, he’s changing.

Into what?

The only thing he craves to be.

Daisy’s.

Read an Excerpt

Lucas waved a hand in a distinct direction she didn’t glance at. “Is it true, then? Y’all are the guardians or some shit over a petrified demon, and that’s why your mom needs to oversee the sale?” He tilted his blonde head. “You know, we used to come out here and dare each other to go up and touch it. The thing’s creepy as fuck.”

Sidney let out a nervous giggle, but she avoided looking where Lucas had gestured as well. “Very creepy. I don’t know how y’all sleep in the house knowing it’s in your yard.”

Daisy feigned nonchalance and shrugged, refusing to admit to herself or them that she found the thing fascinating in a macabre way

It truly looked like a demon from hell—minus the horns and tail. It possessed big, leathery wings that lay flush against its back, blending in with the black tattered clothes draping over its lean body, absent of any fat. Claws adorned its bird-like feet, the heels coming to a point that also had a claw.

Feet meant for grabbing prey off the ground.

She shook the thought off. Under the low moonlight, it would be hard to see the thing with its grey-black skin, arms tied and looped around the back of a twelve-foot-tall stake.

According to Mom, the thing had been there for generations, never moving and never changing. The townspeople knew all about it, and, obviously, the kids made a game out of approaching it.

About the Author [image error]

M.L. Knight is a self-published author who enjoys things that go bump in the night. Her favorite horror movie is Evil Dead 2 and her favorite holiday is Halloween. She channels her love for the strange and unusual by writing erotic, horror-inspired stories. When she’s not cooking up something dark and depraved, she’s tackling her never ending TBR, studying for her nursing degree or lifting heavy weights. And she’s got one question to ask you. What’s your favorite scary movie?

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A scandalous Top Secret Facility built on Sacred Ground 

triggers an ancient Cheyenne curse.

The Curse of DeadHorse Canyon: Cheyenne Spirits

Dead Horse Canyon Saga Book 1

by Marcha Fox & Pete Risingsun

Genre: Native American Cross-Cultural Conspiracy Thriller

GOVERNMENTCORRUPTION TRIGGERS AN ANCIENT CHEYENNE CURSE…

Greed and corruption have infiltrated the once-pristineColorado Rockies, echoes of years past when silver miners swarmed the area likevermin, precipitating a 19th Century curse. Now a new generation delivers adifferent form of pollution, among them the most corrupt entity of them all.

All Sara Reynolds remembers of the wreck that slammed their Silverado to thedepths of Dead Horse Canyon is Bryan’s dying plea to expose what he found. Whydid they kill him? What happened that fateful spring day? Will she and her deadhusband’s life-long Native American friend, Charlie Littlewolf, discover hissecret?

Ceremonies taught by Charlie’s Northern Cheyenne medicine man grandfatherdecades before can connect with the spirits and reveal all things. He shunnedthem then. He needs them now, like never before. Coupled with Sara’s etherealclues from the heavens can they find answers in time? Or will the same blackops raiders murder them, too?

READERS’ FAVORITE 5-STAR REVIEW

“Infused with a sense of danger, the intricate plot and dramaticstoryline create a breathtaking and intense story.…An exceptionalnovel complete with conspiracy, intrigue, and murder that will enthralleveryone who has an affinity for suspenseful thrillers with just a smidgen ofthe paranormal.” –Susan Sewell

THE BOOK COMMENTARY 5-STAR REVIEW

“A fascinating blend of historical mystery and the supernatural that isas suspenseful as it is entertaining. How the past affects the present is acleverly handled theme, and the narrative highlights the enduring consequencesof greed and disrespect for the land. Boldly written, tautly plotted, andexpertly delivered.” –George Buehlman

AWARDS

Page Turner Book Award
Silver Medal Global Book Awards
Pinnacle Book Achievement Award
Book Excellence Award Finalist
Readers’ Favorite 5-star Review

 

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PROLOGUE

—————-

COLORADO ROCKIES

April 17, Tuesday

4:17 p.m.

Breathtaking drops along the road that rimmed Colorado’sDead Horse Canyon terrified Sara Reynolds from the start. Cliffs and gorgesstretched on and off for miles, few protected by guardrails.

“Too expensive,” Bryan explained. “Not a priority for leancounty budgets.”

His advice for dealing with roadway-induced acrophobia was simple:

“Keep your eyes on the center line. Concentrate on the road. Whateveryou do, never, ever look down!”

His words sprang from memory, recommendations moot. Ignoring the threatdidn’t make it go away. Especially when someone T-boned your truck on a blindcurve.

Their mangled Silverado teetered on a ledge twenty feet below. She stared,incredulous, as steam twisted upward from its crumpled hood in a sultry,hypnotic dance. Vapors crawled along the shattered windshield, then teased theheart-shaped leaves of a young quaking aspen—the truck’s only ally against asheer drop of several hundred feet.

The realization she’d been the truck’s passenger only moments before sizzledthrough her like lightning. Why was she weightless, brunette tendrils floatingabout her shoulders like a storm cloud? Her horrified gaze shifted to herhusband, likewise weightless and wearing his signature crooked grin.

“What happened?” Her words were soundless, thought ratherthan speech.

“We’re dead.”

“What? Dead? What do you mean we’re dead?”

He pointed to their truck. She gasped. Their lifeless bodies were clearlyvisible through the cab’s passenger side window.

He was right—they were dead.

The tender expression in his hazel eyes embraced her heart as affectionflowed between them. An unexpected sense of peace  defied what lay below.Time froze, the forest hushed and serene as a leafy chorus offered a requiem inthe spring breeze.

What seemed an eternity later, sirens screamed through the canyon. Hisdemeanor shifted.

“I’m sorry, Sara. That didn’t exactly work out as planned. I know—Ishould have listened to you. I love you, sweetheart.”

Renewed panic surged. “What are you saying, Bryan?”

“You must go back. Promise me. Don’t let them get away with this.Please.”

He blew her a kiss, then his personage retreated, fading into a swirlingvortex of unearthly light.

“No! Wait. Don’t leave me! Bryan, please. Don’t go!”

He didn’t stop, her plea denied, his only response a wave of farewell as hevanished into the light.

* * *

She awoke to mind-numbing pain. Her shoulder, neck, and hip screamed, spasmstwisting every muscle as if some wild beast had torn them apart. There’d beenan ear-splitting crash, a brilliant flash of light. . .

Where was Bryan? Where was she?

Unless someone knew otherwise, surely it was hell.

Somewhere far away a muffled siren wailed. Fear of the truth conspired withher blood-crusted lashes not to open her eyes. Pain vetoed the refusal. Hereyelids trembled open.

A sandy haired, broad-shouldered man in a blue EMS uniform sat beside her,attention fixed on a beeping vital signs monitor. A metallic taste filled hermouth, lips swollen and heavy, her attempt to speak a scratchy whisper.

“What. . .happened? Wh-where’s Bryan? Is he h-here?”

The man turned her way, regarding her with dark, concerned eyes.

“It’s okay, ma’am. Don’t try to talk.” He placed a gentle hand onher shoulder. “We’re getting you to help as fast as we can.”

Her breathing quickened, ravaged muscles and nerves on fire, but the agonyconsuming her heart eclipsed it all. A sob caught in her throat, words anarticulated whimper.

“H-he left me. Here….”

“Just relax.” He emptied a syringe into the port of the IV lineembedded in her arm.

The pain ebbed. Again nothing. Only darkness.

* * *

BELTON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

April 17, Tuesday

5:37 p.m.

The sensation of motion breached the persistent fog. Her eyes cracked openas the gurney rumbled through a portal into blinding light. Electronicchirping, then muted voices, the smell of antiseptics.

She forced her query out from somewhere in her chest. “W-whath-happened?”

The pretty black nurse hanging a unit of blood looked her way. “Youwere in a bad wreck, darlin’. Just rest now. You’re in good hands. You’re awakeand that’s a really good sign.”

“But my husband—”

“I know, darlin’. Don’t worry about him. He’s in a better place.”Tears flowed unbidden. It had to be a nightmare. Willing herself awake,however, failed. Abandonment and confusion in the grip of agonizing painremained.

Return to Dead HorseCanyon: Grandfather Spirits

Dead Horse Canyon Saga Book 2

THE DEAD HORSECANYON SAGA CONTINUES. . .

READERS’ FAVORITE5-STAR REVIEW

“I went into ‘Return to Dead Horse Canyon’ not having read the firstbook and while it does read comfortably as a stand-alone, after just a coupleof chapters I actually went back to read ‘The Curse of Dead Horse Canyon’before restarting book two. It was an excellent decision. The building of theCheyenne history is critical to the story and had I not understood Sara’scomplete motivation and Charlie’s fully fleshed-out roots, I’d have missed outon so much more than just a good read. My gosh, the depth of ethnology packedinto both novels is meticulously researched and beautifully detailed.Co-authors Marcha Fox and Pete Risingsun are a dream team with this saga andI’m really looking forward to the third and final installment of theirtrilogy.” — Asher Syed


This epic modern Native American saga continues in this sequel to “TheCurse of Dead Horse Canyon” where Charlie Littlewolf and Sara Reynoldsdiscovered why her husband, Bryan, was murdered, changing their lives forever.While Charlie swore to avenge his white brother’s death, the path to do soremains unclear.

His job with Lone Star Operations allows him to use his college education andearn a generous income. However, it conflicts with everything he knows to beright, especially as he returns to the teachings of his medicine mangrandfather. Is violating the Earth wrong or not? Little does he realize thathis work will ultimately return him to the Northern Cheyenne reservation wherehis true destiny will manifest in ways he never imagined.

Sara is determined to fulfill Bryan’s last request to expose the governmentcorruption coupled with the lethal forces that stole his life. Releasing thescandalous Top Secret data via WikiLeaks infuriates those with much to lose,who place a high price on her demise. When her response gets too personal, thenext attempt to silence her forever comes close to home.

While miles apart, each struggles with life-threatening situations as a resultof their dedication to Bryan’s legacy. Their lives remain entangled through aseries of fateful decisions and circumstances that define a future fraught withdangerous unknowns for them both.

AWARDS

Pinnacle Book Achievement Award
Firebird Book Award
Book Excellence Award Finalist
5-star Readers’ Favorite Review
Page Turner Award Finalist

 

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The Revenge of DeadHorse Canyon: Sweet Medicine Spirits

Dead Horse Canyon Saga Book 3

The DEAD HORSECANYON Trilogy’s explosive conclusion!

Picking up where “Return to Dead Horse Canyon: Grandfather Spirits”left off, we find that much to her enemy’s dismay, Sara’s life is spared, butwith a steep price. A million dollar bounty remains on her demise, motivatinganother to threaten her life. Paralyzed by the last attempt to eliminate her,her Native American friend, Charlie, promises to help restore her health so shecan walk again. Before he can accomplish that, however, the unthinkable happens,which disrupts and redirects their plans.

To fulfill his promise to his Northern Cheyenne Grandfather to complete afour-day ceremonial fast at the Sacred Mountain, Charlie journeys to Bear Buttein South Dakota, known to his tribe as Novavose. A series ofstartling visions reveal the full scope of his destiny. Of prime importance isto restore the ancient Earth Giving Ceremony known as the Massaum, originally revealedthousands of years before by their prophet, Sweet Medicine.

Has the time come at last for Native People to unite and fulfill Black Cloud’scurse on Dead Horse Canyon? And what about those other 19th century propheciesdirected to the 7th Generation by Black Elk and Crazy Horse?

Phase I of the PURF complex is complete. A gala open house to celebrate isscheduled around the same time as the Gathering of Indigenous Leaders.While the underground facility is filled to the brim with corrupt lobbyists,contractors, and government officials, not far away a host of First NationAmericans is entrenched in a ceremony that promises to restore them to theirland.

What could possibly go wrong?

5-STAR EDITORIAL REVIEW FROM READERS’FAVORITE

“The Revenge of Dead Horse Canyon byMarcha Fox and Pete Risingsun stands out for its sharp writing and completeability to immerse readers, especially in Charlie’s spiritual transformation.Poor Sara just cannot get a break. Attacked, paralyzed, kidnapped, and thenlabeled a domestic terrorist and sanctioned! This isn’t just a fight forsurvival; this is about the power of truth in the face of overwhelmingopposition. Charlie fits into this description, with a spectacular ceremony forSara’s healing, but also as a powerful catalyst when he is in the presence ofGrandmother Earth and the consequences of his actions. Fox and Risingsun are adream writing team in every way, and, culturally, this portrayal of Charlie’sheritage is painted from the sky to the smallest pebble and the fire burning inbetween. The pacing is elevated by point of view shifts and all the drama, butalso a surprising relationship transformation as well. Ultimately, this finalesucceeds with a perfect 10 landing. Very, very highly recommended.”

AWARDS

Reader’s Favorite 5-stars
Book Excellence Award
Pinnacle Achievement Award

 

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** Get the trilogybox set! **

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Asweetgrass braid ordered in 2019 connected a NASA physicist in Texas with aCheyenne elder living on the Northern Cheyenne reservation in Montana. Thatrelationship evolved from a transaction to a consultation to a co-authorshipthat produced a culturally meticulous, spiritually grounded, award-winningconspiracy thriller trilogy.

Beforepublishing “The Curse of Dead Horse Canyon” Marcha wanted to confirmher portrayal of Native American culture and the story’s protagonist, CharlieLittlewolf, was accurate as well as respectful toward indigenous people.

Synchronicityintervened via that sweetgrass braid and connected her with Pete Risingsun, anenrolled member and elder in the Northern Cheyenne tribe. He offered insightsand changes, but best of all, was so taken with the story he ultimately becameits coauthor.

Marcha’sexperience as a retired NASA engineer and seasoned author of The Star TrailsTetralogy science fiction series, melded perfectly with Pete’s knowledge of histribe’s history and ceremonies.

Thepair, who has never met face to face, collaborated via phone calls, textmessages, and snail mail between her home in the Texas Hill Country and his onthe reservation in Montana.

Ittook five years to produce the trilogy that comprises “The Curse of DeadHorse Canyon Saga,” the three books of which have collected a total of 13awards.

Inpreparation for writing the saga’s explosive conclusion, Marcha and Peteconducted extensive research. In so doing, they were delighted to uncoverfascinating details of Norther Cheyenne history and ceremonies that dove-tailedperfectly with the complex story’s plot, tying it back to numerous events inthe 19th Century.

 

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When Casey’s mirror twin goes missing, 

she’s led to a darkand deadly paradise where nobody escapes…

The Good Sister

by Bonnie Traymore

Genre: Psychological Thriller

When her mirror twingoes missing, Casey is led to a deadly paradise where no one escapes…

Casey and Nora are mirror twins, identical—sort of. Casey isright-handed, Nora is left-handed. Their moles sit on opposite cheeks. In termsof personality, they are also diametrically opposed.

So, when her high-strung sister disappears after a fightwith her husband, Casey shouldn’t be as concerned as she is. Nora’s done itbefore.

But this time, things feel different. It’s a twin thing;Casey knows it in her bones. Something is terribly wrong.

Casey hires private investigator who discovers that Nora’sbeen on the dark web—lured by an entity that calls itself Switzerland,promising to take away your pain and leave you in a state of eternal bliss, fora hefty fee.

The trail leads to a luxury wellness retreat hidden in theMexican jungle. Determined to find her sister before it’s too late, Casey posesas a resort guest and heads to Mexico to rescue her sister.

As Casey digs deeper, she finds something far more sinisterthan she could have imagined, and it’s possible that neither of them will getout alive.

“Gripping, twisty,and impossible to put down. This one is a must-read for thriller fans with anending you won’t see coming!” – Caleb Stephens, bestselling author of You’llNever Know.

“What a thriller.Seriously. Mirror twins who could sense and feel each other’s pain andemotions. Just imagine where that could take you.” NetGalley

“A brilliant book.Just top tier brilliant kind of reading for me. I still feel excited andhumming from it even now thinking about it again just to write my review.” –NetGalley

“This novel is acompelling, high-stakes ride through deceit and psychological drama. I cannotrecommend this book highly enough for fans of intricate, character-driventhrillers.” -NetGalley

Perfect for fans ofgripping psychological thrillers, chilling domestic suspense, missing sistermysteries, dark web conspiracy novels, and mind-bending women’s fiction withshocking twist endings. If you love twisty, unputdownable thrillers with strongfemale leads, sinister secrets, and heart-pounding suspense — you won’t be ableto put this down.

 

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PROLOGUE

Move, my brain screams—my arms andlegs lag behind.

Blood pools behind herhead, oozing out over the tile floor. Her eyes roll back into a blank stare. IfI want to get out of here, this is my only chance. I don’t have much timebefore someone misses her.

I grab the key cardout of her coat pocket and gingerly pull off her lab coat, being careful not tostain it with the growing river of blood.

As I slip on her whitecoat, my head darts around for something I can use as a weapon–but this isn’t asurgical center. No scalpels. No razors. Nothing sharp.

Syringes.

Scads of them.

Yes, this can work.

I fumble through themedicine cabinet, and it’s like a candy store for drug addicts.

Ketamine.

Midazolam.

Haldol.

Potassium chloride,instantly deadly.

But only if I can hit a vein.

Nope. Too risky.

I rip a syringe openwith my teeth, push in the plunger, tear open the vial tabs, and stab theneedle into the first vial, then the second. I fill the syringe with a lethaldose of ketamine and midazolam, hoping that it will work fast enough, if itcomes to that.

Two or three minutes or so for onset, injectedinto a muscle.

I’ve never envisionedmyself as a murderer. But what choice do I have?

Footsteps outside thedoor stop me in my tracks.

Someone’s hovering,and I can only hope they don’t call out her name.

She moans.

She’s alive?

What if she cries out for help?

Sweat moistens mypalms as I wait. I wipe away the dampness, willing myself to calm down. I can’tafford to have slippery fingers with what I’m attempting.

Now it’s quiet. Tooquiet. I didn’t hear footsteps or anyone leaving.

Are they just standing there?

Maybe they heard our scuffle?

If she makes a sound,I’m as good as dead.

I rip open anothersyringe, grab a vial of potassium chloride out of the cabinet, and fill it. Onreflex, I tap it to get out the air bubbles, and a nervous chuckle slips out.

What’s the point ofthat?

I find a vein on thetop of her hand, which is creepily warm. She seems to have passed out again, orelse she’s dead. But I’m pretty sure she’s still alive, although I can alwaystell myself she wasn’t. But I’m not positive.

Can I actually do this?

For a split second, Ihesitate.

Before this moment, itwas self-defense.

It’s her or me,though, so I prepare to jab the needle into her vein.

Instead, I check againfor a pulse.

She’s dead … I’m pretty sure.

The door handle turns.

I rush behind the doorand ready my other syringe. My heart’s pounding so hard, I’m afraid someonewill hear it. My pulse thrums in my ears as I await what’s next.

Then the handlecatches, the lock saving me–or whoever’s on the other side.

I wait in stillness asthe sound of a woman’s heels click, click, clicking on the tile floor fades tosilence, willing my racing pulse to slow.

At least it’s notCameron.

Then I make my move.

 

PART ONE

One month earlier

ONE

Nora

The pain isunbearable, deep in the pit of my stomach, the scars of a lifetime suddenlyripped open. I haven’t slept for days. I don’t even know my own mind.

Dipping in and out ofconsciousness, I’m kept barely functional by little microsleeps. My head achesbehind my eyes. I’d give anything to fall into the black abyss, where all myproblems dissolve into the quiet darkness.

Soft meditation musicplays in the background.

“It’s not your fault,”a voice calls out to me. “Life is hard,” it continues, the ding … ding … ding of the bells hypnotic, comforting. “We can takeaway your pain. Come to Switzerland. Find your inner peace.”

Tears pool in my eyes.

“It’s all going to beokay,” I tell myself.

I click on the link.

It looks so peacefulthere.

For the first time inmonths, I have hope.

Tears stream down myface as I absorb it all.

Taking away my pain.

It sounds so tempting.

I want to believe.

I need to believe.

So, I do.

And that is my firstmistake.

Bonnie Traymore is the Amazon bestselling author of fourteendomestic/psychological thrillers. Her thrillers feature strong but relatablefemale protagonists who peel back the layers of suburban American life and givereaders a peek inside. The plots explore difficult topics such as jealousy,infidelity, murder, and the impact of psychological disorders, but she alsoincludes bits of romance and humor to lighten the mood from time totime.  

Bonnie loves Hitchcock movies, psychological thrillernovels, coffee, and dark chocolate, not necessarily in that order and sometimessimultaneously. She has a doctorate in United States history and resides inHonolulu with her family. She’s an active member of International ThrillerWriters and Mystery Writers of America.

 

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Enter The Good Sister Giveaway Here

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This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddes Fish Promotions. Beth Ford will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Ashley and Thomas, a medieval knight, are in 1377 England, escaping from present-day immigration authorities intent on capturing Thomas. Having fled to the past to ensure their togetherness, Ashley is faced with adapting to fourteenth-century life, while Thomas, new to his title as Baron after his older brother’s death, is called to Parliament, encountering enemies there and at court as he struggles to build his own alliances.

Ashley’s work at a monastic hospital is deemed “miraculous” but draws unwanted attention as potential witchcraft. Meanwhile, becoming embroiled in a political movement, she realizes too late it’s a plot against the King.

How can Ashley conform to social expectations, counter the plot, and still keep her relationship with Thomas, in all the turmoil?

Read an Excerpt

The scene at Newgate was much different than when they had left only a couple of hours before. The crowd of everyday travelers had dispersed, and de Landys’s men had been reinforced, though a few of them lay on the ground with arrows through their chests. Most of them stood with their backs to Ashley and her group, intent on countering the King’s men, who were heaving against the gate to break it down.

The two knights who had agreed to accompany her paused. Ashley glanced up at de la Garde. “This is your moment, Sir Matthew. Your future reputation will depend on what you choose to do now.”

Sir Matthew set his mouth in a grim line. He glanced at his fellow, who nodded at him. They roared past her and attacked the men from behind, slashing swords into backs and necks. Ashley used the distraction to dash into the gatehouse, where she paused only to slide the torch into a handy sconce on the wall. The King’s men were still tied up. She would have to trust that their loyalty to the King held true. Ashley knelt and used her dagger to cut through the ropes, starting with de Mantel.

“What’s the situation?” he asked as soon as he was free of his gag.

“The King’s men are on the other side of the gate. We’ve reinforced them from inside.”

“You? Are there any fighting men in your reinforceme

nts?”

“Yes. Two.” The bloody body of one of the traitors fell into the gatehouse doorway. Ashley forced a smile even though the sight made her gag. “See?”

About the Author

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Beth Ford writes historical and time travel stories that transport you in time. She is the author of the novels In the Times of Spirits, Love Between Times, Love Across, Time, and After the Spirits Come: A Continuation of Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. She also writes the Cassie Woods, Reporter historical mystery romance novella series. Her work has also appeared in a variety of literary journals. She lives in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.

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What they all feared became the fate of realms.

The Flames ofSoulflare

Hell’s Fire Dragon Series Book 2

by La Kayshal

Genre: Dark Paranormal Romantasy 

Dragons fearprophecy, and love may be the final weapon in this dark, multi-POV Romantasyperfect for fans of Fourth Wing and From Blood and Ash.

Feared as the harbinger of doom, Everin Haydon is stolen, broken, and reforgedby magic into a living weapon bound to a Dragon Council that calls its tyrannyjustice.

Across the realms, Lord Tynan, the Demon of Darkness and Chaos, returns. Hisawakening marks the coming of the three days of darkness, and he tears throughrealms to reclaim what fate binds to him, the Hell’s Fire Dragon.

But one question remains. If the demon rises, where is the immortal meant tostop him?

As the dragon world waits for divine intervention, Everin must decide whethershe remains a weapon or becomes the fate of the realms.

 

**NEW RELEASE May 27 2026!**

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Prologue:

Present Day

The moon hung quietly above Helldreth Fort, its pale glowspilling through the tall windows and brushing the chamber with soft silver. Acool breeze drifted in and stirred the white curtains, their edges sweepinglightly across Everin’s skin. She pulled her silk gown closer, grateful for thewarmth of the room. It felt comforting, far more so than the terrible, dark placeshe had left behind.

Her steps carried her to the mirror in the corner. Thereflection staring back looked thinner, as if her body had been carved down tosomething she hardly recognized.

The neckline of her nightie dipped too low to her liking,drawing her eye to the faint scars across her chest. The lamp light tracedtheir uneven lines, pale and unsettling.

She touched them gently. Everin barely remembered how orwhen she got the scars.

She pulled the outer robe around her until it covered moreof her chest. At least the scars were low enough to stay hidden unless she woresomething too revealing.

A sound of footsteps behind her made her turn.

Tariel Fenwick, her first love, stood at the doorway.

Everin froze for a moment. He looked different—stronger,more defined, more man than the boy she remembered. His dark hair rested justabove his shoulders with two thin braids at the

sides of his head, framing a face sharpened by a faintstubble. His amber eyes, once so warm, now carried a deeper, shadowedintensity. His shirt hung open across his chest, revealing sculpted muscle thatrose with each slow breath, and a leather gauntlet, more like an open fingerglove, hugged his left hand like a seamless extension of his skin.

Her gaze lingered longer than she meant it to. He saw that.A slow, knowing smirk touched his lips.

She straightened quickly. “We need to talk, Tariel.”

“Yes,” he replied, approaching her, “but not now.”

“There is a lot I want to understand,” she said quietly. “Somuch I don’t remember.”

“Later.” He reached her, lowering his voice. “I’ve longwaited for this moment with you.”

He stepped closer.

She stepped back.

“You waited for me?” she whispered, searching his face.

“I did,” he said. “More than you know.”

He brushed a fingertip along her arm. She stiffened but felta flicker of the old pull toward him, a warm memory trying to surface. Her eyesdrifted briefly to his lips, those that she had kissed in the past, before sheforced herself to look away.

His smirk deepened. “Are we shy now, Everin?” he murmured,amusement warm in his voice.

“It has been a while,” she managed. “Things are not thesame.”

“We are,” he said, touching her jaw. “You still feel this.”

She backed away again, but he followed, closing in until shehad no space left. Her leg hit the edge of the bed. She lost her balance andstumbled, falling backward onto the soft covers. Instantly, she pressed herelbow into the mattress as she tried to push herself upright and pull her shortnightie into place, but she barely had a second.

By the time she braced herself, Tariel was already on thebed. One knee pressed into the mattress, and in a swift movement, he trappedher between his legs. His body loomed over hers, leaving her nowhere to go. Hishand slid behind her back and pulled her closer. The other moved to her neck,his fingers settling at her pulse, firm enough to hold her from looking

away.

His control was precise and deliberate.

“Tariel—” She sucked in a breath, fear slipping into hervoice. “What are you doing?”

His lips hovered above hers, so close she could taste thehint of warmth in each breath he released.

“You belong to me,” he whispered, his voice shifting,deepening, curling around her like smoke. His eyes burned brighter, molten goldspilling across the darkness of his gaze. “You always have.”

Everin’s heart thrashed in her chest. Something ancientstared back at her through his eyes—something demanding, something claiming.

She tried to pull away. “You’re frightening me.”

He leaned closer, lips brushing the edge of her jaw. “Youlove me,” he whispered.

“You always have. And you will give yourself to me again.”

His mouth dragged slowly toward hers, teasing, commanding,his breath warm against her parted lips.

“I want you,” he said, low and certain. “I want all of you.”

“No.” Everin gasped, turning her head away as panic surged.

“Stop. You’re not—”

His fingers tightened at her neck.

He didn’t stop. The Tariel she loved would have.

“I am yours,” he murmured.

She squeezed her eyes shut. Then her voice broke in awhisper— “You’re not him. You’re not Tariel.”

The room fell silent. And everything inside her knew she wasright.

The Flames ofDarkness

Hell’s Fire Dragon Series Book 1

Harry Potter meets Fourth Wing in this clean, dual-POV teen Romantasy, where first lovecollides with dragons, prophecy, and a secret that could end the world.

A hidden power. A dreaded prophecy.
When Everin Haydon discovers she’s a dragon, she’s immediately summoned toDrakon Academy, only to learn she’s a late bloomer, unable to shapeshift, andunder the Council’s watchful eye.

Her only solace is Tariel Fenwick, a fellow late bloomer. Mocked for theirstruggles, they find strength in each other, and a first love begins to bloom.

But whispers of the Hell’s Fire Dragon, the Feared One, destined to awaken theDemon of Chaos, loom over them.
Will their fragile love survive when the evil they fear may live inside theperson they love?

 

**Get it FREE!!**

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La Kayshal is an Australian writer of romance, YA, andchildren’s fantasy novels. She lives with her husband, daughter, and a playfulMalshi puppy in the coastal plains of the Sunny State.

 

Her debut novel, The Lost Crown, is an adventure romance setin the exotic landscapes of India. She also created the much-loved SylphSeries, a whimsical children’s collection that introduces readers to theamazing world of Sylphs, with each book carrying a gentle moral lesson.

 

A lifelong fan of wizards, magic, dragons, swords, andelementals, she poured all these passions into her YA fantasy Ariston Baker inthe Weird Picture Book, a fast-paced journey filled with realms, riddles,action, and adventure.

 

Her latest project is the Hell’s Fire Dragon duology, aromantasy series filled with dragons, magic, and high-stakes conflict. Book 1,The Flames of Darkness, begins the story, followed by Book 2, The Flames ofSoulflare.

 

Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * TikTok * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

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The post Silver Dagger Book Tour: The Flames of Soulflare Release Tour & Giveaway – 5/27 to 6/3 appeared first on Author Sahara Foley.

 

Shade of Wings is a speculative young adult novel about afamily of New York City crows struggling to survive the outbreak of West Nilevirus during the sizzling summer of 1999.

Shade of Wings

by Pam McGaffin

Genre: YA Teen Animal Fiction

For fans of LalinePaull, a speculative young adult novel about a family of New York City crowsstruggling to survive the outbreak of West Nile virus during the sizzlingsummer of 1999.

Four-year-old Duncan needs to hurry up and find a mate—at least, according tohis sister, Cloud. But she doesn’t know about the mistake that’s preventing himfrom leaving their family to start another.

Though he’s the eldest, Duncan doesn’t see himself as a father. Yet that’s whathe must become when both his parents die of the mysterious illness that’skilling crows across New York City. He devotes himself to caring for hissiblings, including three fledglings—but he soon discovers he can’t protectthem from the “blind death.”

Meanwhile, a zoo pathologist’s worst fears are realized. It starts with deadflamingos. Then critically ill New Yorkers start showing up in hospitalemergency rooms.

Some blame the crows.

 

A profound storyof loved ones sticking together in the face of tragedy and hardship.” – KirkusReviews

 

An amazing andheartfelt read. McGaffin confirms what so many of us already know, that humansshould learn from the smart ones around us, even if they’re crows.” – LoriMatsukawa, TV News Anchor and author of Brave Mrs. Sato

 

“Utterlyoriginal! I’m in awe of Pam McGaffin’s deft storytelling—she makes a family ofcrows both fascinating and deeply relatable.  I love a book that leaves meseeing the world with fresh eyes, and Pam accomplishes that in spades.” –Andrea Ezerins, author of When the Forest Dreams

 

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Thehuman spoke to him as a mother to a nestling. She held his body so firmly hecould only move his head. The warm pressure combined with her soft voice calmedhim until she picked up a small tool with her other hand and pierced him withit. While he was still in the nest, Duncan had told him about bugs and beeswith “stingers” that could poke through skin. Some stingers held bad stuff thatmade the skin swell and itch. Others drew out blood as well. That’s what thishuman did with her stinger. He watched the thin tube in her hand fill with adark red liquid that reminded him of the bluish blood

runningdown the center of Lucas’s feathers. The human removed the stinger and the tubewith his blood. He doesn’t remember what came after.

Now he sits in a box looking out on a room thrummingwith humans and birds going every which way. It’s so loud and busy out therehe’s thankful for his own space and the soft lining in it. He tries to prophimself up without the use of his right leg, which pokes out from his body likea stiff white twig. He can’t feel the white leg It’s like a strange and uselessappendage growing from his body. The other leg is as it should be, but he needstwo legs to do anything but flop around.

The humans must have done this to him. The whiteappendage reminds him of the straight white stick they used to tap his beakopen. He’d tried to eat the fuzzy, rounded tip, but the mother human pulled itaway before he could clamp down. When she finally did feed him, it was througha clear, pointed thing, like a beak but not a beak, that dropped liquid downhis throat. He was disappointed not to get worms and insects, but the liquidtook the edge off his hunger. He doesn’t remember falling asleep. His dreamsbrought him back to the river, the water carrying him ever further away fromhis family. He cried out but there was no sound.

“Ah, you’re finally up where I can see you.” The voicecomes from a box across the corner from his. A female crow sticks her beakthrough the wires and then retracts it. She looks to be between Cloud andDuncan in age, but he can’t see all of her. “I’ve been waiting for someone totalk to. All the other crows have gone in that door.” She sticks her beakthrough the wires again, pointing toward a door at the back of the room.

“Thank your lucky stars you’re in this part, not inthere with the dying birds.”

Hisconfusion must show because she sighs. “Do you remember all the poking andprodding they did to you the day they brought you in? They were testing you tosee if you were sick. You’re in this room, so you’re not. Lucky you.”

“I don’t feel lucky.” He shows her his white twig.

“Aw, you just broke your leg. You’ll heal, and thenthey’ll let you go. Me? I plan to take my time. I don’t want to leave hereuntil this sickness goes away.” She pauses. “I’m called Bree. What’s yourname?”

“Worm.”

She snickers. “Cute.” 

Pam McGaffin always knew she would write books when she grewup.

So, at age 51, after a long career in journalism andpublic-relations, she quit her day job and went to work. After seven years,countless rewrites, and a seat-of-her-pants course in modern publishing, shereleased her debut novel, The Leaving Year, with SparkPress Aug. 14, 2018.

Set in the beautiful Pacific Northwest where she grew up,The Leaving Year, is a coming-of-age story about love and loyalty, family andfriendship, and the stories we tell ourselves in our search for meaning.

For her second novel, Shade of Wings, she looked to New YorkCity to tell the story of the West Nile virus outbreak from the point-of-viewof the first US victims – American crows. She hopes readers fall in love herhapless hero, Duncan, and his plucky crow family. She certainly loved givingthem life.

Before tackling novels, Pam wrote short stories andarticles. Her short fiction has appeared in the online literary journals,Eclectica and Amarillo Bay, and her articles have been published in many PugetSound-area publications and websites, including The Daily Herald (in Everett,WA), Bicycle Paper, the MS Connection newsletter, and Seattle Children’s StoryProject.

She has a BA degree in Communications Journalism from theUniversity of Washington and certificates in fiction writing and advancedliterary fiction from UW Extension.

When she isn’t writing or thinking about writing, she likesto read, walk the dog, swim, bike, garden, and watch birds.

 

Website * Facebook * Instagram * Bluesky * Amazon * Goodreads

 

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Waves of Light and Darkness challenges anddelights a reader’s perception with surreal and surprising world-building.

Waves of Light andDarkness

by John K Danenbarger

Genre: Speculative Short Stories

Waves of Light and Darkness challenges anddelights a reader’s perception with surreal and surprising world-building.

Whether they are set in the past or the future, in a Kansasfarmhouse or a potentially supernatural cave, these short stories share onecommonality: a search for something beyond what one knows is needed. Through amultitude of unexpected perspectives (a cat, a coma patient, a ventriloquist),this utterly novel collection of stories examines and reconfigures universalthemes of life, death, and human connection.

Several stories focus on finding identity amidst societalpressure, such as “Seduction,” and “Alexandria Her Smile,” while otherslike “A Pusillanimous Human” and “The Gift for AlbertSmoots” explore mortality and grief.

 

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An excerpt of “Death of Angst” from WAVES OF LIGHT ANDDARKNESS: STORIES

“When my eyes have the ember slits of a viper, some humansthink I must be plotting death and murder. Although it happens, out ofnecessity, most of the time I am merely researching, scrutinizing, andprocessing feline perfection, because I was found as an orphan under a box. Iknow now that I must have been in severe pain from having survived an attack bya thug, a ruffian tomcat that wanted to breed with my mother. I remember thesharp claws digging into my fur, the putrid breath hot on my neck. So, no wonderI am skittish; it just does not leave you. The trauma, I mean. My brothers andsisters, dead and gone. More to the point, leaving me with no one to learnfrom . . . to emulate.

I was certainly lucky to be found by Adele Petrini outsidethe building where I now live on the third floor. I think Adele was around fiveyears old back then. Human years, I’m talking about. Just a tiny, muddy thing,with messy braids and curious eyes. She wanted to name me Anxiety, but it gotshortened to Angst. I don’t mind; I am certainly happy with the name. I find itimportant that it’s easy for humans to call my name when it’s time to eat.”

John Danenbarger spends much of his time writing in Italy.Born in Atlanta, he graduated from University of Kansas with a degree inEnglish and Creative Writing. With a backlist of short stories, Danenbargerestablished the Salem Massachusetts Writers’ Club. After living in Oslo,Norway, Stockholm, Sweden, and Salem, MA, Danenbarger achieved a merchantmarine captain’s license, sailing for two years on the New England coastincluding two round-trips to Bermuda.

 

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The post Silver Dagger Book Tour: Waves of Light and Darkness Book Tour & Giveaway – 5/26 to 6/2 appeared first on Author Sahara Foley.

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This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. La Kayshal will be awarding $10 PayPal gift to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

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Dragons fear prophecy, and love may be the final weapon in this dark, multi-POV Romantasy perfect for fans of Fourth Wing and From Blood and Ash.

Feared as the harbinger of doom, Everin Haydon is stolen, broken, and reforged by magic into a living weapon bound to a Dragon Council that calls its tyranny justice.

Across the realms, Lord Tynan, the Demon of Darkness and Chaos, returns. His awakening marks the coming of the three days of darkness, and he tears through realms to reclaim what fate binds to him, the Hell’s Fire Dragon.

But one question remains. If the demon rises, where is the immortal meant to stop him?

As the dragon world waits for divine intervention, Everin must decide whether she remains a weapon or becomes the fate of the realms.

Read an Excerpt

His control was precise and deliberate.

“Tariel—” She sucked in a breath, fear slipping into her voice. “What are you doing?”

His lips hovered above hers, so close she could taste the hint of warmth in each breath he released.

“You belong to me,” he whispered, his voice shifting, deepening, curling around her like smoke. His eyes burned brighter, molten gold spilling across the darkness of his gaze. “You always have.”

Everin’s heart thrashed in her chest. Something ancient stared back at her through his eyes—something demanding, something claiming.

She tried to pull away. “You’re frightening me.”

He leaned closer, lips brushing the edge of her jaw. “You love me,” he whispered. “You always have. And you will give yourself to me again.”

His mouth dragged slowly toward hers, teasing, commanding, his breath warm against her parted lips.

“I want you,” he said, low and certain. “I want all of you.”

“No.” Everin gasped, turning her head away as panic surged. “Stop. You’re not—”

His fingers tightened at her neck.

He didn’t stop. The Tariel she loved would have.

“I am yours,” he murmured.

She squeezed her eyes shut. Then her voice broke in a whisper—

“You’re not the Tariel I knew.”

The room fell silent. And everything inside her knew she was right.

About the Author: La Kayshal is an Australian writer of romance, YA, and children’s fantasy novels. She lives with her husband, daughter, and a playful Malshi puppy in the coastal plains of the Sunny State.
br>Her debut novel, The Lost Crown, is an adventure romance set in the exotic landscapes of India. She also created the much-loved Sylph Series, a whimsical children’s collection that introduces readers to the amazing world of Sylphs, with each book carrying a gentle moral lesson.A lifelong fan of wizards, magic, dragons, swords, and elementals, she poured all these passions into her YA fantasy Ariston Baker in the Weird Picture Book, a fast-paced journey filled with realms, riddles, action, and adventure.

Her latest project is the Hell’s Fire Dragon duology, a romantasy series filled with dragons, magic, and high-stakes conflict. Book 1, The Flames of Darkness, begins the story, followed by Book 2, The Flames of Soulflare.

Website: http://lakayshal.wixsite.com/my-site-1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kaysreads1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lakayshalbooks
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaKayshal
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lakayshalbooks
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/La.Kayshal/
X: https://x.com/LaKayshal

The post Goddess Fish Promotions: THE FLAMES OF SOULFLARE Book Blast & Giveaway – 5/27 appeared first on Author Sahara Foley.

 

An alpha with a storied legacy. 

An independent womanrebuilding after grief. 

Forbidden desire—

for only one is human….

Marked by the Alpha

Tolstone Wolf Shifters Book 1

by Sheritta Bitikofer

Genre: Paranormal Fated Mates Romance

An alpha with a storied legacy. An independent womanrebuilding after grief. Forbidden desire—for only one is human….

After her mother’s death, photographer Erica Barrett, buys a home she and hermother obsessed over during her childhood in the quaintly historical town ofTolstone. Her magnetic next door neighbor intrigues and disturbs her. Thesensual pull feels otherworldly.

Wolf shifter DominicBeaumont never wanted to be the prime alpha of the sanctuary city,Tolstone, but when his father dies, he’s forced to step up as pack leader andprime alpha over all the wolf packs sheltering in his town. Erica’s arrival isdangerous. The attraction is fierce and instant, but duty comes first.

When revelations about Erica’s past and parentage createchaos, and she questions everything she thought she knew about herself, Dominicis her strength. But as tension builds in the pack, and his leadership ischallenged, love becomes a risk that could cost him his authority, hispeople, and everything he’s sworn to protect.

Perfect for readers craving illicit wolf-shifter romancefilled with fate, secrets, rebellion and an alpha willing to risk everythingfor love. 

 

**Releases June 11 – PreOrder Now!**

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“Why are you lying to me? Lying to yourself?” Dominicbeseeched, now his turn to interrupt. “I know you feel something between usbecause I feel it too.” He rushed forward, heedless of the consequences, andtook her hand to press it to his chest. “You can’t tell me this is allone-sided. I knew the moment you walked into this store that you were special.”

Erica rolled her eyes and slipped her hand out of his grasp.“Those lines are so old, Dominic. If you think saying all the right things isgoing to make me change my mind, you’re wrong.”

As if he had been physically slapped in the face, Dominicstaggered. “Lines? Is that what you think this is? Like I’m just playing you?”

“Aren’t you?” she sneered. “Isn’t that what guys like youdo? Say all those pretty things like ‘I read in my spare time’ and ‘It’s such aburden to be needed’ and all that bullshit. Then, when you have the girl, youdump her for the newest thing that comes along. You’re only interested becauseI’m something new in town, right? Someone new to win over.”

His mouth hung open. “Why would you—”

Then he stopped. He was going to ask why she would believesomething so heinous, so stereotypical and cynical. Then he remembered what shehad told him last night. She never grew up with a father, and if he could takea wild guess, he would have said that her mother planted those ideas in herhead. No man could be trusted. A woman should rely on herself and no one else.Erica’s entire childhood would have been one jaded, dysfunctional mess, andthis was the kind of baggage she carried into adulthood.

The mating bond was there and he knew everything out of hermouth was forced. She might have believed what she said, but her heart wasn’tin her accusations. Below the anger, below those hateful words, Erica reallydidn’t want this to end. The mating bond told him that much, otherwise, thisthing between them would have unraveled already, wouldn’t it?

Too dumbfounded, he just stared into her beautiful face, theone that was on the verge of bursting into fresh tears. Her pride denied herthe release. He would have loved for her to come apart in his hands, just so hecould have the privilege of comforting her when she needed it most and put thepieces back together the right way.

“What can I do to make you believe me?”

Erica looked away, and he saw her throat work. “I don’t knowif there is anything you could say.”

Just then, his pocket buzzed and chimed, and he was ready tosmash the damned cellphone.

“Go ahead,” she said as she marched away. “Go play hero forsomeone else.”

 

Sheritta Bitikofer writes paranormal romance with aparticular fondness for wolf shifters and witches. Her stories are driven byone guiding belief: love inspires courage. Through fierce romances, unbreakablepack bonds, and the magic of covens and family, her characters fight for thelives—and loves—they deserve. Sheritta lives in northwest Florida, where shedrinks far too much coffee and joyfully balances life as a wife and motherwhile crafting her next heartfelt paranormal love story.

 

When she’s not writing her next novel or taking care of herdaughter, Sheritta enjoys diving into the fascinating and complex history ofthe American Civil War. With a BA in American History from American PublicUniversity, her primary focus of study is the many human-interest stories thatembody the spirit of the mid-nineteenth century. 

 

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Witness the vile acts of a monstrous heart.

Feel the vicious clash of duality in conflict. Know the light of protection through valiant courage. 

The Chimera Snare:Reflections

The Chimera Snare Book 2

by S & E Black

Genre: Dark Epic Fantasy

-Winner: 2026Literary Titan Gold Book Awards: Fiction
-2nd Place: 2026 BookFest Awards – Fiction- Dark Fantasy
-Book Nerdection “Must Read”
-Readers’ Favorite: 5 Stars

 

Von is cast into the pages of Ananael, the Order’s tome ofsecret knowledge. However, his venture into the past takes an unexpected turnas he awakens within a cosmic void in the presence of the eternal being, whogrants him perspective through others woven through his existence. Yet beforehe may commence his time-altering quest, a trial of discovery, revelation, andhorror surrounding his origin awaits him.

Benson’s monstrous heart sews the seeds of a vile pastbrimming with betrayal and hate. Through unimaginable deceptions and buriedsecrets, familial bonds once forged from love, honor, and acceptance areupended and broken forever. The souls of integral births, sprouting frompillaged and neglected foundations, unfurl a path towards disarray.

Distorted memory fragments challenge Von’s grip on reality,and the reveal of a horrid truth ignites a vicious fury of vengeance. Thoughhis quest for answers falters along the way, he finds help from an unexpectedally. Meanwhile, a mysterious power awakens within Navaryn, putting her at oddswith both her friends and herself. And as the motivations of Celestine’s leaderbecome questionable, her suspicions involving her role within the Halryncontinue to grow.

As the disparate worlds of Celestine and Daeva teeter on thebrink of war, Von and Navaryn are drawn together by unseen forces. Twodestinies, once parallel, now collide. But where bloodshed beckons, a valiantact of courage challenges the course of their fates.

 

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At last, an uneasy silence fell upon the sopping wetgrounds, though the shambled arena creaked eerily. Von quickly Paralleled tothe ground and proceeded to walk toward Navaryn’s limp body lying in a muddycrater several meters away. As he gradually brought his power down, his clawsbegan to retract, and his horns receded into his skull. Clutching his side ashe trotted along, he heard clamoring voices in the distance and a distinctivepair of boots running through the mud towards him.

“Von!” shouted a sober Claymar. “Wow, you’re alright.” Heran to his side and acted as a crutch to hold him upright. “That was, uh,really something back there. Care to explain what all that was?”

“Later,” said Von exhaustedly. “Where’s your uncle?”

“On his way, most likely. He nabbed Illiya and had her scoutfor other Celestines while you were off playing with the shimmery blue one. Whydo you ask?”

“I need to know how much time I have,” Von replied.

“Time? For what?” he asked, peering ahead at Navaryn. Hiseyes widened as she slowly began to stir.

“Hold it, Clay,” ordered Von, pressing his hand against hischest to break his stride.

“What are you worried about? You got her!”

“It’s not that.”

Claymar scrunched his face and asked suspiciously, “Thenwhat is it?”

“She’s strong,” said Von. “Immensely strong. She very wellcould have killed me.”

“Uh, but you’re the one still standing, are you not? Can’tbe that strong,” he teased.

“Something happened, though. She lost control. Her powerspiked with mine, but didn’t stay with her.”

“Ha! You almost sound like you feel sorry for her.”

Von ignored Claymar’s remarks and walked towards Navaryn,who was slowly rising to her knees with her back to him. Claymar followedbehind, but Von turned to him with a furious eye.

Claymar folded his arms and asked, “W-what are you doing?”

The rain calmed, and the moon peeked through the partingclouds, casting a peaceful light onto the glistening, moist ground. Von drewcloser, catching silver scintillations atop the bloodied and scorched wounds onher back.

Navaryn winced in pain as she struggled to rise to her feet,chattering her teeth as the cold, wet mud chilled her bruised skin. Assquelching footsteps neared, she spun around. “W-who’s there?” she uttered,shielding the moonlight from her eyes with her forearm.

Navaryn’s inquisition made Von stop in his tracks. As hereyes adjusted to the razor-sharp rays of light over his silhouette, she quicklyrecognized the warm glow of his crimson eyes.

“Stop! Don’t hurt him!” Navaryn cried out.

Her strange and sudden outburst jolted Von. He looked aroundto find who she was pleading to, but saw no one.

“Wh-what happened to me?” Navaryn asked herself as she gazeddown at her hands.

The confusion in her voice affirmed Von’s earlierassessment. “You’re fine now,” he assured. “You’re back.”

Navaryn’s eyes widened as she looked back up at Von. Withthe simplest of words, uttered with a palpable coldness, he gave her comfortand validation. In him, she found the first person able to convey anunderstanding of what she was going through when all others couldn’t begin to.An essence dwelt within her. One that seized control of her body once triggeredinto play, and left her only with the ability to spectate. A similar plightrang true for Von regarding his notorious beastly transformation. Yet, as hissecond encounter with Navaryn unfolded, his energy had learned to work intandem with the essence that would otherwise overcome him. Von and Navarynbecame locked in a stare just as before, only this time without the presence ofaggression. They saw themselves in each other, in a reflection no longerdistorted.

“Hey, Von!” Claymar called out. “Um, not sure what you’redoing over there, but you should know the cavalry is incoming.”

Sidwell approached with his entourage of soldiers and avexed group of eastern Daeva in tow. As the last of his squadron funneled outof the arena, many of the ceremony attendees emerged from hiding within thesurrounding brush and trees. Mixed in among the crowd were the rest of Daeva’sleaders, Killian, Morgan, Adair, and Godric, with Merisek alongside them.Weaving through the approaching crowd was Joro, whose surreptitious footstepsevaded the spotlight. Although the chattering among the crowd was indistinct,even for Von’s hearing, he could feel the tension steadily rising.

Sidwell stroked his gray, scraggly goatee, suspicious of thepair’s peculiar exchange. Marching with mighty strides, flaunting his prowess,Illiya approached him from the side.

“Have you done what I asked?”

“Yes, sir,” Illiya replied. “I’ve scouted thoroughly, andthere’s no sign of any Celestine formations in the surrounding area. She seemsto be the only one.”

“A spy. Just as I suspected. And a dumb one at that. Shetipped a bartender with Celestine coin,” he replied with a chuckle as hedismissed his lieutenant.

Sidwell and his entourage moved in to surround Navaryn.

“Well, it took you long enough. But you managed to take downthe Celestine without incident to life. That’s as much of a ‘thank you’ thatyou’ll get out of me,” Sidwell uttered to Von before addressing the chatteringcrowd. “People of Daeva! You’ve now witnessed our realm’s very threat with yourown eyes…”

The Chimera Snare:Fragments

The Chimera Snare Book 1

-Winner: 2025International Impact Book Awards – Fantasy
-2nd Place: 2025 BookFest Awards – Fiction- Dark Fantasy
-Winner: 2024 Indies Today Awards – Best Urban Fantasy
-Winner: 2024 Literary Titan Gold Book Awards: Fiction
-Finalist: 2024 Literary Global Fiction/Debut & Dark Fantasy Sci-fi
-Book Nerdection “Excellent Read”

 

For Rayshell and her best friend Trish, senior year of highschool is going to hell in a handbasket. The feud between Celestine and Daevais bleeding into their world. When a mysterious visitor infiltrates her dreams,Rayshell is thrust into a realm of profound, otherworldly secrets. Together,Rayshell and Trish uncover the unbelievable—they are the living vessels for twobanished Celestine guardians.


Amidst mystical recollections and a wondrous magic system that shatters theveneer of their everyday lives, the two friends embark on a journey againsttime to connect with the Celestine guardians’ allies in hopes of freeing themfrom their imprisonment. Simultaneously, the shadows cast by Daeva darken. Thenotorious outlaw, Merisek, has positioned himself to claim dominion over theOrder of Existence—a trio of powerful artifacts capable of reshaping reality.Armed with two of these relics, Merisek races against the emergence of theCelestine guardians to claim the third. The stage is set for a showdown that willdetermine the fate of existence itself.


Rayshell and Trish are all that stand between Merisek and his unhinged desireto twist the fabric of reality into his making. As the threads of destinyunravel, the question looms: who will be the author of existence, and whatprofound truths will be unveiled in the final, decisive act?

 

Clay UrnPublishing * Amazon * Apple* B&N* Bookbub* Goodreads

 

Breathing anxiously, Navaryn clomped atop a patterned runnercarpet in her dirty boots. The gilded elements within the maroon corridorflashed as she passed under the waving candlelight of each chandelier. Thoughshe tried her hardest to refrain, her eyes wandered back to the series ofhaunting paintings hanging on the walls. From treasured times with Von,Lowenna, and Claymar to bouts of training and battles in Opiri and Celestine,each painting depicted a memory from Navaryn’s past, seen through her eyes.Brimming with tears, she continued down the damned corridor with no end insight and no way to turn back. Behind her, a cloud of darkness kept a closepace and consumed all that she passed.

Navaryn’s heart fell to her toes as the next painting cameinto view. Captured inside the ornate golden frame was Von lying shirtless onhis back, in a moment of ecstasy. His lips, delicately parted, wore the glossysheen of her passionate kiss, and his tense red eyes were rolled toward theheadboard behind him. The very memory was etched within her mind so profoundlythat looking upon it in such an outright fashion set her heart ablaze.Confused, distraught, and with no other choice but to press forward, Navarynsprinted ahead unheedingly.

The corridor eventually ended at a remarkably ornate, darkwooden door. With the cloud of looming darkness twisting behind her, Navarynwiped away her tears and steadied her breathing as she pushed it open. Amidstthe scant candlelight, the gilded elements within the capacious room twinkledlike gems inside a cave. She carefully scanned the room until she happened upona curvy figure cloaked in elegant red and golden brocade standing by the farwall.

“Hello?” she called, but no answer came.

Navaryn turned back to the door and found a wall in itsplace. Apprehensively, she placed her fingertips where she remembered thedoorjamb to be only moments before. As she motioned to approach her obscured,gilded companion, her gaze fell upon an immense painting hanging in the middleof the joining wall. One after another, the candles around the room caughtfire.

With a racing heart, Navaryn muttered, “What is this?”

Standing arm in arm in garish, clinquant garb, Navaryn sawherself beside Kumiko as they gestured proudly to a Celestine crowd below. Thefalse instance and her disturbing, unfamiliar expression, painted as ifcaptured through a spectator’s eyes, sent chills down her spine.

Navaryn turned away but found the very same toothy, pridefulsmile mocking her from within the other paintings hanging on the walls. Herface soured in disbelief as she skimmed over them. She was depictedprominently, boasting her pristine Celestine wings beside Benson and Kumiko,sitting tall above the Halryn council. Just as well, she found herself picturedbeside Kumiko in a catalog of moments when they had started a family. Yet, nota single painting in the cursed room housed her beloved friends Lowenna andClaymar, her dearest Von, Aalrija, Fallon, or the number of others who held aspecial place in her heart.

Dizzy from a fit of rapid respiration, Navaryn struggled tomaintain her composure. When her eyes fell back upon the painting of herpregnant belly, draped in fine silvery velvet and lace, she frantically rantoward the embellished figure. Through teary eyes, her vision quaked with awhite blur, and she lost her balance under her clumsy feet.

“What is this place?!” shouted Navaryn as she gripped theshimmery train of the woman’s dress.

The sound of Navaryn’s incessant crying filled the silentroom. Lost in her despair, she felt the fabric slip from her hands as the womanturned around, gently hushing her. Her eyes jolted open once the delicate cooscaught her ear. Fearful for what she knew she would see, she slowly raised herface to the woman.

“Everything that surrounds you here in this room will now beset into motion,” said the woman, placing her decorated hands upon Navaryn’scheeks. “For our imperator commands it.”

The gentle voice and placid countenance, framed in aheaddress of gemstones and twinkling gold, was undeniably her own.

Navaryn recoiled in disbelief. “Our imperator?Benson?”

She watched the sparkling ruby-painted lips of herdoppelganger curl into a smile. “Look around you. Your imperator is no longerBenson.”

The ominous statement immediately coaxed heavy tears to hereyes. “I want nothing to do with anything here!” she roared with flashing whiteeyes. “This is not my life!”

Navaryn’s decorated doppelganger gestured toward a multitudeof paintings that suddenly materialized from the shadows. Following a lightchuckle, she replied, “You’ve never had a choice in the matter. It’s a shameyou didn’t realize it sooner.”

One by one, the paintings morphed perspective, appearing asthough they were moments Navaryn had experienced firsthand, like the ones thathung in the corridor.

“What’s happening?!” Navaryn shouted, then jumped to herfeet.

One haunting image in the distance immediately grabbed herattention. While she approached the painting in disbelief, her doppelgangerstrolled to the far wall, placed her hand against a door concealed by darkness,then saw herself out of the room without another word.

Husband & Wife author duo Shannon Vierra & EdwardAyllon write under the pen name S &E Black. Together, they craft the award-winning series, The Chimera Snare.They share a deep appreciation for music and credit a great number of bands andartists for inspiring their writing journey. Currently, they live in thegreater Chicago area amidst a rich and diverse culture with their clowder ofrescue cats.

Shannon is anurban gardener and an avid seed collector. In the makeup community, she goes bythe moniker zoomzoommacaron and hosts an international, zombie-themed makeupcollab called the #zombabescollab. She also enjoys anime, horror movies, craftbeer & kombucha, cooking (and eating), sunbathing, photography, and singingbadly. Music fuels Shannon’s many passions, especially writing and creatingart. She credits music with saving her life on multiple occasions in herteenage and young adult years.

Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Edward first discovered the joys ofcreative writing through his early high school studies, and has spent manyyears exploring and developing a deep appreciation for the arts. Since firstcollaborating with his wife, Shannon, he has sprouted a passion and true affinityfor storytelling and crafting literature. In addition to refining his skill increating written works, his other interests include playing bass guitar,listening to music, and dabbling in photography.

 

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