Time's Tempest

The Chronicles of Xannia #1

by M.J. Moores

When time is your enemy and the truth will only get you killed, who’s left to trust as the world threatens to crumble around you?

Embarking as a guide into the death zones that are the Deserts, Taya leads a group of civilians who blindly follow a prophet obsessed with preventing the planet Xannia from environmental self-destruction. Here, Fate and Destiny wage war propelling an epic search for truth amidst 2000 year old lies, in opposition to a government bent on burying ancient secrets and anyone who goes looking for them.

As Taya desperately attempts to keep the prophet and his followers alive, this journey forces her to grapple with the circumstances of her past which have aligned to hurdle her into her darkest memories; making choices she never wanted to consider; learning truths she was never meant to know.

Genres: Science Fiction

376 pages, Paperback

First published September 24, 2014

About the author

Growing up in Ontario, Canada, MJ was the only child of a single mom. MJ’s passion for the arts ignited at a young age as she wrote adventure stories and read them aloud to close family and friends. The dramatic arts became a focus in high school as an aid to understanding character motivation in her writing. Majoring in Theatre Production at University, with a minor in English, she went on to teach both elementary and high school for 10 years throughout Simcoe County.

MJ currently lives with her husband and son in Ontario, Canada. She keeps busy these days writing, helping Indie Authors, and talking about books as a local librarian. She firmly believes that if she hadn’t been born a Virgo, she would not be half as organized as necessary to accomplish everything in her daily agenda.

Connect With MJ Online -
http://mjmoores.com
http://facebook.com/AuthorMJMoores
http://infinite-pathways.org

Reviews

[Melissa Barker-Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Time’s Tempest is an epic journey, with so many twists and turns my head is still spinning. There is action throughout, and the intrigue, the sheer excitement of the journey had me completely hooked.

I love conspiracy theories, so add in science fiction, prophecies, destiny and a fight for the truth, and it equals one grand adventure. One which is too good to miss. I found myself immersed in a new world, and life on Xannia was extraordinary. The hierarchy is well established in the beginning, introducing the Kronik and their own brand of government. M.J. describes the world beautifully; the descriptions are well written and the colour she provides is exquisite.

The novel is told from Taya’s point of view and I really loved her character. It’s not only her strength and resilience, her sense of authority. It is her quirky ways and the fact she has real heart – that’s what really draws a reader in.

Taya is a government contractor who accepts a mission to guide a prophet and his followers into the Deserts. What begins is more than a journey of discovery. The group face danger at every turn, but within the danger, the conflict and the quest to find the ultimate truth, there is a deep sense of connection. In its essence, it is a beautiful love story.

The relationship between all the characters is engaging, often electric. The first time Taya meets the prophet, Dezmind (face to face), I could feel the power in them, and the more time I spent with them, the more I grew to love them. But I liked getting to know each member of the group as they journeyed together, fought for each other, and drew on each others strength. I can’t say too much about what they faced in the desert, without giving too much away. I enjoyed it so much I don’t want to spoil it for you.

I said it earlier – this story is too good to miss.

[A.A. Jankiewicz · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s funny how sometimes an email that was originally in your junk mail folder can lead to a great book and that is exactly what happened at The Bookshelf in Newmarket last summer when I grabbed a copy of Time’s Tempest: The Chronicles of Xannia by MJ Moores after having received an invite from her for the event.

The novel follows the story of Jutaya ‘Taya’ Fyce, a Contractor (in the novels a position referring to an adventurer for hire) who is thrust into the midst of a government conspiracy attempting to hide the causes of climate change on the planet. Assigned to lead a group of truth seekers across the desert who put their faith man whom they view as their prophet, Taya and the others uncover the truth of these rumors. In the course of these events, Taya also discovers the truth of her own origins.

Despite never having been much of a hard sci-fi reader, I found myself being able to immerse in the world after only a few chapters, a feat not easily accomplished. The pacing and use of language were such that each chapter left me wanting to progress further in the story. More importantly, the world building was never forced. MJ managed to always include enough in a passage that either it was assumed you knew what was going on (a ploy I wish more sci-fi and fantasy writers would use now at days) or was explained in such a way that it was not an information overload. The characters themselves were also written in a rich and three dimensional manner, that left me wanting to know more about them.

I recommend this book to both new adult and young adult readers who enjoy adventure, sci-fi and fantasy books. I think this one has a lot to offer in all three genres. It’s safe to say also that I’ve already picked up the next book in the series and I heard some rumors that a third is on the way after.

[M.J. Moores · Rating 5 out of 5]

Time's Tempest is the first book in The Chronicles of Xannia series. As my debut science fiction novel with GWL Publishing, I am holding a cover reveal on September 1st, 2014 between 6:30pm - 7:30pm EST (Eastern Standard Time).

Anyone who RSVPs or adds the book to their To Read shelf by August 31st at 11:59pm will be entered to win a limited edition print copy of the prequel stories for Time's Tempest called The Lost Chapters - which are currently available as free e-books via Smashwords. US/UK/CAN residents qualify for free shipping should you win the draw.

The cover will be revealed here, on my book page, and on my Goodreads blog. I will be available for the hour to chat about the book, the cover, writing, reading, and life.

I hope to see you there!
M.J.

[Cameron Currie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read... Moores manages to put forth a truly alien world with a unique culture that works without any hitches... I was fooled a couple of times with apparent plot holes, but the book was just messing with me. An impressive exercise in world-building, and a good story to boot.

[gj indieBRAG · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are proud to announce that TIME’S TEMPEST (THE CHRONICLES OF XANNIA, BOOK ONE) by MJ Moores is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!

[Connor · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh.
I have a friend who recommended this book to me. She said that she had really loved it and was adamant that I would too. From the get-go, however, I really struggled to push my way through it.

There was some sound ideas and the worldbuilding seemed promising. Based on an alien planet occupied by a species with 9 different races of vivid colors. This species requires the nutrients found in verrin (a substance native to this planet) to survive. This society is suffering from earthquakes and verrin is disappearing. The main character, Taya, accompanies a group of zealots into the Deserts in their quest to find an answer to these problems. The believe that the answer lies in a long buried Ancient City.

Now the issues I had with this book:
The worldbuilding was mostly really quite bland. There were sometimes good descriptions but mostly I found myself struggling to visualize this world.
The development of this species society was confusing. There was many contradictory aspects to this society and I found the development of the 9 races and their abilities to interbreed confusing and full of information gaps.
The character development was bland. There's no better way to describe it. I found myself unable to care what happened to Taya or the other characters. She had no personality, no drive, no reasons behind anything she did. It seemed that the few times she showed some amount of personality it was constantly changing.
You can't write a book in first-person narrative if the character telling the story is this incredibly fucking boring!!! I actually wanted her to die in dangerous situations! I was like, "Yeah! Now she'll finally shut up!"
All the spelling and grammar mistakes. There are so many. My god. I couldn't handle it at all. Apparently the author has no idea whatsoever how commas, colons, and semicolons work. Her solution? Just don't fricking write any! Wow!

Yeah, this wasn't a good book. At all.
It had some small amount of promise but yeah. Just no.

[Serguei · Rating 5 out of 5]

Time's Tempest takes place on a planet of Xannia which faces a dangerous environmental threat, a subject that is certain to resonate with any young adult today. A strong female protagonist, a dangerous quest, unexpected plot twists, and scientific mysteries - this book has a knack for holding your attention. Because the book is not set on Earth, M.J. Moores is free to introduce us to a world with alien species and technologies, and she really delivers. The book's characters are explorers of their own world - the deserts they traverse are terra incognita to them, so they discover the dangers that lie within them at the same time as the reader, immersing us in their story. On the other hand, the politics and intrigue surrounding the main characters are undeniably human: their challenges and struggles are very much like our own and it's easy to identify and sympathize with them.

Even though this book is the first part of a series, it is quite good as a standalone novel. This is not simply a set-up for the books that will follow. The book does a good job of introducing us to a new world, and every important character has an arc. While there are enough unanswered questions at the end to make me want to read the rest of the chronicles, the story does have a satisfying conclusion which is something I really appreciate as a reader.

[Diana Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a new direction for me since Sci Fi is not the type of novel I naturally turn to but I got to know MJ Moores through her wonderful blog. MJ’s colourful description of the protagonist Taya soon drew me in to care for her, admire her extraordinary capabilities and want to know more about her life. It was an action packed novel with many twists and turns as she follows a zealous group into the death zones of the Deserts, with their weird and dangerous creatures and landscape phenomena, in an attempt to save Xannia from destruction. Taya’s scepticism, in contrast to the group’s blind faith, keeps most of them alive, which is her impossible task on this almost suicide mission.

Lies, truth and authority cover-ups are uncovered both personally and affecting the world they have left behind, making it even more dangerous to return. An emotional bond developing between Taya and Dezmind, the prophet she is destined to protect, all adds to the nail-biting novel, which I enjoyed to the end.

To all Sci Fi enthusiasts out there I am sure you would love this book, but I can also recommend it to anyone, especially book groups, who enjoy a well written, excellent tale. I look forward to the next episode – I’m hooked.

[Nanci Pattenden · Rating 4 out of 5]

The lead in this series is a strong willed young woman - Taya. Her job in book one is to guide a group of people across the deserts looking for the lost chronicals. Something she personally does not believe in, but someone has to keep these peope alive. She's trained to do that so she agrees to take the job guiding the group into the unknown.

MJ has created a believable world on another planet that is similar to earth in some ways. Not being a Sci-Fi/Fantasy reader, I found this book very easy to follow. Other Sci-Fi books just lose me wih their weird words and names. MJ paints a wonderfully visual picture of the planet, its deserts, and the inhabitants. Her characters have depth and they grow throughout the story. The journey turns out to be quite different from what Taya expected and she uncovers some interesting things about herself and her friends.

Thoroughly enjoyable book. Looking forward to reading book two. MJ just might have made a bit of a Sci-Fi/Fantasy fan out of this reader.

[D.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Time’s Tempest (The Chronicles of Xannia, #1)’ by M. J. Moores is a well written, action packed, science fiction story. The book held me captive from beginning to end. The author writes descriptive action and adventure throughout the story.

M. J. Moores does a great job building and describing the world of Xannia. Moores writes her characters in depth, drawing the reader into each one. Taya, the main character, tells the story from her point of view. The author takes the reader into Taya’s head where the reader hears Taya’s thoughts and feels her doubts, fears, and uncertainties as she faces her obstacles head-on.

I loved this book and highly recommend this book to all fantasy and science fiction readers.

[Janice Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book to be savoured, not rushed through. Detailed and rich in description, the reader 'sees' the environment and world in which the story unfolds as a result of the author's skilled and detailed storytelling.
One is quickly swept up into this masterful epic. Readers of all ages will appreciate the struggles, the doubts and the bravery of the protagonist Jutaya. An emotional, entertaining and intellectual ride awaits the reader who opens the pages of Time's Tempest.

[Sandy Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that the characters were well developed and the plot line was compelling. Taya is a strong main character and I can't wait to see what happens to her next. I love sinking my teeth into a new world, and I found myself quickly immersed in the experience of Xannia. I am looking forward to reading The Lost Chapters next.

[Shirley Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would recommend this book to anyone with interest in fiction, science fiction. The characters and story make this book so exciting. Their trip across the desert was so well described both exciting and frightening. Once I started reading this book I did not want to put it down.
Waiting for your next book
-Shirley Stewart

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5.0

A Sci-Fi Adventure with an undercurrent of romance, “Time’s Tempest” is one of the best reads a reader can pick up this month.

Read full review in the 2015 February issue of InD’tale Magazine.

[Felicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from GoodRead First Reads. I thought this book was a great Sci-fi and I can't wait to read more.

[Sarah]

Read my review in the February release of InD'Tale's magazine. http://indtale.com/

[Jason Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've known MJ Moores for a number of years. At various local writers' events, she's one of the few regulars who writes science fiction, and I've always been intrigued by the premise. Well, I've finally (finally!) gotten around to reading her premiere novel.

Set on a distant planet of Xannia, the story follows a young Jutaya "Taya", a Contractor - essentially an adventurer-for-hire. Hired by the enigmatic Dezmind, a member of the ruling class who's on the outs with the Kronik (their leader), she must guide Dezmind and a number of his followers out into Xannia's deep deserts in search of clues to the planet's worsening geological problems. She has a great deal of animosity towards him, and disbelieves they'll find what he's looking for on such a dangerous mission.

Moores describes her novel as "new adult" rather than young adult, which is about one step up from YA. That description is probably accurate. The sentence structure, the foreshadowing, the worldbuilding - it's all one level above young adult, though still with the spunk of YA, including a brash, overeager and perhaps even a little immature protagonist. I remember what it's like to be freshly an adult, the world is your oyster, you're full of equal parts blind idealism and cynicism, with enough hormones rushing through your system to want to grab the world by the you-know-what and seize destiny. This novel, even with a female protagonist, probably would have appealed to me greatly back then.

The prose is quite good. I've always been fairly non-expositional in my own writing, and I appreciate the same in what I read. Here, Moores has set up a vibrant world, rich in politics, culture and history, and yet there's no information dump presented to bog down the prose or the progress of the story; rather, she manages to build the world naturally, with bits of information being revealed organically, and only as needed. It's narrated first-person from Taya's POV, so an information dump would be especially out of place; much more in line with how Taya would actually describe things to spell it out minute by minute, as things happen.

As the story goes on, the plot deepens. The book kicks off a four-part series. The story continues in Cadence of Consequences.

[Ian Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author, and based on what I read, I’ll definitely be following through with this series. The pacing was excellent. The story has plenty of action, solid plotting and intrigue and the lead character is compelling. I also liked the civilization-wide conflict between the forces of science and organized religion, which seems to be playing out in our world today. But on another world, it was far more fun to read about.

The pilgrimage across the desert in search of a way to save their world was an added bonus for me as I love stories set in rugged environments, desserts, snow country, tropics.

The author’s hard sci-fi approach should appeal to fans of The Martian and books of that ilk and should encourage girls to pursue lucrative careers in science. Reading this story made me wish I was twenty years younger; I’d surely have gone into astrobiology or the like myself.

The fact that the heroine is trained something like a Jedi master (forgive the Star Wars reference) as a means of surviving the desert and overcoming extreme obstacles that would break most humans without the training was yet one more facet of the story that was loads of fun. It should resonate well, moreover, with a YA audience who loves anything vaguely superhero-like as a rule.

I also enjoyed reading sci-fi written in the more classic vein that was something besides the relentlessly dark dystopian fare that floods the market these days. I enjoy that genre also, but it’s easy to get oversaturated with it. Moreover, these literary gems are getting harder to come by due to voguish fashion in the sci-fi community governing what gets published and what doesn’t. So if you’re looking for hearty sci-fi/fantasy action adventure that’s equal parts mystery, look no further.

[Luc · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just discovered the great work of a very talented author who has the Gift that takes the reader virtually on-site where the action takes place and also, has the reader feel all the emotions going through Taya. The book is very well researched, the plot is well written with lots of Action, budding romance, knowledge as well as intrigue and interaction. The plot is right on with the way the author weaves the story. The emphasis placed on each and every detail encountered in the desert as well as elsewhere in the very core of the knowledge aspect of the book as the author succeeds in getting across the message that there are properties unknown to man and woman in plants and arid terrains and some are pointed out in the explanations given as well as their usage.
The plot is very plausible for a story taking place on another planet. The pre-planned marriage situation is still encountered in certain parts of the world, as we know it, and the possibilities associated with the nuclear are still at the infancy level.
Readers seeking adventure, well researched plausible situations with various twists and turns, Treachery, and the sensation of accompanying the characters in the book, will find all in this book. It is a great first book in a series, a page-turner, and merits a 5 STARS plus rating as far as I am concerned. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

[C.A. King · Rating 4 out of 5]

Climate changes and a 2000 year old cover-up could be in our planet's future. In Time's Tempest that is the reality on another planet. The story follows a group as they set out to cross dangerous desert lands in hopes of saving their world.

This is a Sci-Fi read with some interesting technology, however my favourite line was
"You almost need to tease it up, like volumising hair." I imagined moss made to look like an eighties hairdo.

4/5 stars interesting.

[David A. Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I generally have trouble getting into books written in the 1st person but Time’s Tempest, Part One of MJ Moores’ Chronicles of Xannia, had me almost right from the start.
The world protagonist Taya lives is richly detailed and wholly believable. Since I refuse to give out any spoilers I can’t go into too much detail other that I enjoy the adventure Taya (and MJ) enthralled me with. Looking forward to jumping into the rest of the series.

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the first quarter of this book to be choppy, and I couldn't get engaged with the characters. I was close to giving it a DNF but persevered and was rewarded. The remainder of the novel was interesting, and I did want to reach the conclusion. I might be willing to read onward if I can find the next book at a bargain rate.

[Edwin Downward · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing new world. A host of interesting characters. A hero who has so much to learn.