Category Archives: Author Interviews

The Always and Forever Trilogy by Vera Bell

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Vera Bell is a Georgia Author of the Year nominee and the award-winning author of the “Always and Forever” trilogy, set in sixteenth-century Ireland and present-day United States. Book One, “Through the Veneer of Time,” is her debut novel. She wrote it after trying past life regression and finding herself immersed in a world so captivating, she couldn’t let it go. A former commercial artist, she lives in Atlanta with her husband, two teenagers, and one fur baby. Her favorite place to write is on her porch, overlooking a pond lined with river birches and magnolias. The topics she never tires of are bygone eras, our universal human condition, and love that transcends time and space.

Want to be in the know? Join Vera’s private mailing list to get first dibs on cover reveals, sneak peeks, new releases, free giveaways, and much more at https://www.verabellauthor.com.

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Step into 16th-century Ireland and present-day United States when you open the pages of The Always and Forever Trilogy by Vera Bell.

Through the Veneer of Time
Always and Forever Book 1

For fans of Diana Gabaldon and Susanna Kearsley comes a riveting new tale of time travel and romantic suspense: A haunted painter’s past life visions are not the creative inspiration they seemed. They’re a harbinger of her ancient revenge vow, and her FBI husband won’t find the serial killer until she fulfills it. But it may already be too late.

1559, ULSTER, IRELAND. When a young noblewoman Neave McConway weds the newly elected King of Tyrone, Aedan O’Neal, the couple’s rare union of love and passion becomes the talk of the region. But Aedan’s bold rule and fierce defiance of the English crown threaten his powerful enemies, and they’ll stop at nothing to crush his growing influence. After Aedan rides off to fight against the English occupiers, Neave suffers a shocking attack that will forever alter both their lives — as well as the lives they have not yet lived.

2009, WASHINGTON, D.C. While mural artist Siena Forte battles a creative block, her FBI husband Ryan Casey struggles with a serial killer case. When research leads Siena to the practice of Past Life Regression, she stumbles upon irresistible inspiration. But after her art exposes her to a vicious ancient adversary, she discovers the true reason for her past life visions. They’re a harbinger of her centuries-old revenge vow, and the serial killer can’t be stopped until she fulfills it. But there is another person from the past with unfinished business—her husband.

Will Siena and Ryan settle their long-overdue score, or will the past repeat itself in a chilling parallel?

If you love time travel romance with elements of reincarnation, suspense, mystery, fantasy, and a touch of magic, don’t miss this thrilling read!

“A true masterpiece. It is a book that once read is impossible to forget.”
— Highly Recommended Award of Excellence from The Historical Fiction Company

“The intricate and creative plot is one you will not want to miss. Anxiously awaiting book two.”
— Five Star Review from Reader Views

“Vera Bell’s novel successfully combines historical fiction, romance, and a contemporary thriller. “
— Historical Novel Society

“Past and present lives collide in Vera Bell’s hauntingly beautiful debut. A sexy, sensuous tale.”
— Julie McElwain, national award-winning journalist and author of A Murder in Time

“Bell mixes romance, mystery, and history to take the reader on an adventure across centuries.”
— BookLife Prize by Publishers Weekly

“Against the backdrop of love, hate, and a killer’s threat lies the attraction of a thriller’s fast pace and heated twists.”
— D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

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Into the Lure of Time
Always and Forever Book 2

In this gripping sequel to the award-winning novel, Through the Veneer of Time, echoes of Siena’s past life lure her into a shocking indiscretion that threatens to destroy her marriage. She alone can undo the damage, but this chilling revelation is only the beginning of her battle.

1564, ULSTER, IRELAND. After Aedan’s diplomatic visit to Queen Elizabeth’s court results in his compulsory divorce and arranged marriage, Neave’s violent unraveling drives her into another man’s arms. But in seeking revenge, Neave falls into a perfect trap set by Aedan’s enemy. By the time she learns the truth, it’s too late to undo the damage to Aedan, herself, and the hard-won peace in Ulster. When despair makes her reckless, the price will be a lifetime of infamy, confinement, and isolation from what Neave treasures most—Aedan and her son.

2011, WASHINGTON D.C./DALLAS, TX. It seems like a reasonable plan—Siena finishing her final mural in D.C. while Ryan starts his new job in Dallas. But when Siena meets Ryan’s new FBI partner, an inexplicable fit of jealousy sends her on a downward spiral. To make matters worse, the present mirrors the past when her visions take a startling turn. Consumed by insecurities, Siena takes a drastic step, which proves a catastrophic lapse in judgment. When her self-fulfilling prophecy unfolds in a devastating inversion of the past, Siena’s actions could cost her the two people she most fears to lose—Ryan and their baby.

Will Siena and Ryan beat their disastrous odds, or is their marriage foredoomed?

If you love time travel romance with dark undertones, as well as elements of domestic suspense, psychosexual thriller, reincarnation, and a touch of magic, don’t miss the second installment of the Always and Forever trilogy!

“An achingly beautiful story that lingered in my thoughts long after I’d finished the last page.”
— Jodi Jensen, Author of Sophie’s Key

“Bell had me feeling ‘all the feels’ as I feverishly turned each page.”
— Five Star Review from Reader Views

“Vera’s brilliant storytelling comes out in full force again in this exceptional sequel.”
— The Bookish Historian Book Reviews

“It’s literally taking me a few days to finally come down from the rollercoaster. (I mean that in the best way).”
— Irish Booklover Book Reviews

“BEWARE… this book will leave you with an awful hangover and thinking about it for days long after you’ve finished.”
— Kindle Babe Book Reviews

“Bell’s vision is imaginative, sexy, and sweeping. The author offers a distinctive voice for the two time periods (and) populates the novel with complex and flawed characters.”
— BookLife Prize by Publishers Weekly

“Not only a satisfying continuation of Siena’s growth process, but a story that simmers with intrigue, passion, historical insights, and thoroughly engrossing revelations.”
— D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

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Will you defy your past… or be consumed by it?

Beneath the Shadow of Time
Always and Forever Book 3
by Vera Bell
Genre: Time Travel Romantic Suspense, Historical Mystery

In this riveting conclusion to the Always and Forever trilogy, Ryan’s classified new case awakens Siena’s greatest fears. As shadows of the past deepen and close in, only Ryan’s fulfillment of his ancient sacred vow can dispel them.

1566, ULSTER, IRELAND. Neave lives in fear as Queen Elizabeth’s obscene bounty on Aedan’s head turns him into a target. Undeterred, Aedan enlists his allies, the Antrim Scots, in his relentless fight to free Ireland from English rule. But when greed and treachery hide in plain sight, nothing is as it seems. After Aedan’s plans crumble in a shocking twist, he makes a solemn oath to heartbroken Neave—one he may have to honor in another lifetime.

2013, MIAMI, FL. When Siena discovers the truth about Ryan’s new case and their tragic past life, she realizes he is in mortal danger. Tormented, she begs him to quit, but Ryan is determined despite an inner voice urging him to do right by her. Unwilling to be sidetracked, he resolves to deal with it later and on his own terms. But when a ruthless cartel takes Ryan hostage, he just might run out of time.

Will Ryan uphold his vow to Siena, or are they destined for disaster… again?

If you love time travel romance with elements of reincarnation, suspense, mystery, drama, and a touch of magic, don’t miss the grand finale of the Always and Forever trilogy!

NEW RELEASE!! Get it On Sale TODAY!
$0.99 (USA), £0.99 (UK), $1.99 (CA), $1.99 (AUS)

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Q&A With the Author

Q: What inspired you to write Through the Veneer of Time?
A: My experience with Past Life Regression (PLR) felt like time travel—vivid and intense, filled with an explosion of colors, sounds, smells, and textures. Though my session ended abruptly and left the story incomplete, it profoundly impacted me and sparked this blend of Irish time travel romance, historical suspense, and FBI mystery.

Q: What can readers expect from your novel?
A: The plot bridges past and present, weaving a suspenseful love story with a dark historical thriller. Readers will encounter danger, love that transcends time and space, and a heroine who must confront her past life and buried secrets to reclaim her future.

Q: How do you approach writing such multi-genre stories?
A: For me, writing is like carving stone. I start with a rough draft, then refine each scene, layering in emotions, historical details, and suspense. I often listen to music when I write. It helps me connect with my characters, especially during dark or emotionally charged moments.

Q: What was the hardest part of writing this book?
A: Writing the serial killer’s perspective meant exploring the darkest corners of the human psyche. Balancing themes of trauma and redemption for my heroine was equally challenging, especially in one unconventional scene where the hero must make a morally gray choice to save her. It took months to perfect.

Q: Is there a message in your novel you want readers to grasp?
A: At its heart, Through the Veneer of Time celebrates love, honor, and resilience. It asks how far a man will go to save the woman he loves and what his wedding vow means when tested—to love in sickness as well as in health. The story explores how a couple can overcome physical and psychological obstacles together, complementing each other’s strengths. Ultimately, it’s a reminder that love has the power to conquer all.

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The Book of Outcasts by Matt Nagin

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The Book of Outcasts features dynamic characters in surreal, often imaginative worlds. The stories run the gamut; in one, the narrator is stripped of his job, his apartment, and any semblance of civil liberties for not getting a brain implant; in another a compulsive gambler is so desperate to repay his debt he robs a casino; in a third, a writer, tormented by his pernicious doppelganger, goes to all lengths to exact revenge. There is also a film festival operator framed for ghastly murder on The French Riviera; a game show host who profits off a deadly pandemic; and a former nightclub comedian who gets abducted by aliens and taken to a planet where cannibalism is the norm.

Several of these stories were previously published. “The Failure” made “Best of Across The Margin 2021.”  “Whose Pandemic Is It Anyway?” was anthologized in The Rabbit Hole Vol 5 in 2022. Still others were published in literary journals such as The Binnacle, Void Magazine, and New Works Review.

The Book of Outcasts will be available on AMAZON on Monday, March 10, 2025! Reserve your copy today.

Matt Nagin is a comedian and author who has published five books, acted in numerous Film and TV projects, and performed standup in seven countries.

As a writer, Matt’s newest book is the short story collection “The Book of Outcasts,” which is available for pre-order now. His humor book “Do Not Feed The Clown” was published by Tenth Street Press and he’s also put out three poetry books (one of which Kirkus Review deemed “powerful verse from a writer of real talent”). Additionally, Matt’s story “The Failure” made Best of Across The Margin and his poem “If We Are Doomed” won The Spirit First Editor’s Choice Award. Other work has been appeared in The Binnacle, NY’s Best Emerging Poets, and Rabbit Hole: Weird Stories Vol. 5. He also taught college writing at such institutions as Fordham, Long Island University, and Fashion Institute of Technology.

As an actor, Matt’s made many TV and film appearances, including in the film “Tango Shalom,” on the Discovery show “Street Justice: The Bronx,” and in the Amazon show “Hunters” in a scene with Al Pacino. As a standup, Matt performed on The Dr. Steve Show, was an opening act for Robert Klein, and performed his one man show at The Edinburgh Comedy Festival. In addition to the above, Matt created the short film “Inside Job,” which won several awards on the festival circuit.

As if all this wasn’t enough, Matt has appeared on numerous game shows, podcasts, radio programs, created a rap video, hosted a film festival, and even was the first person to perform standup in English in Lisbon, Portugal. He’s further long been involved with charitable organization such as The Gotham Comedy Foundation, which brings comedians into hospitals and senior centers, and The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, which recently granted him The Mission Award.

Q&A WITH THE AUTHOR

Why do you write fiction?

I find it interesting to explore alternate realities. The other aspect of it is I rarely write with an outline. Hence, I am often entertaining myself when I write since I’m trying to figure out how this story will end. A final element that draws me to it is the editing process, which is really about trying to actualize the ideas in the first draft in the best way possible. 

What is your new book about?

It’s a collection of short stories: “The Book of Outcasts.” As the title suggests, it’s really about characters who don’t fit into society for various reasons; they may be criminals, addicts, fringe artists, madmen etc. It’s really about exploring the inner worlds of these characters and the conflicts they face, often in a world that is hostile to their natural impulses. In some stories it’s about survival; in others it’s more about artistic and existential issues; in still others it is about acceptance of life on its own terms.

What got you into writing?

A poetry class I took at a summer program at Penn State got me into writing. In college, I became an English major and took more writing courses. Then I took screenwriting night classes at UCLA and did script coverage while in L.A. After that I did an M.A. at NYU, where there was a bunch of writing, and, for better or worse, I’ve been writing ever since. 

What do you think makes a good story?

A plot that moves the action forward in a way that is compelling. The story should keep the reader wanting more. Another important element is capturing experience with immediacy and realism. 

What do you want people to take away from your book?

I want them to enjoy the stories and explore these alternate realities. Additionally, in certain cases, my stories comment on aspects of our culture, so it would be great if readers considered our world in light of what the stories are suggesting. For example, Get Your Implant!, is about a man forced to get an A.I. implant to compete in the workforce; he gives up everything to avoid this reality but ultimately cannot hide. It’s a story that comments on the dangers of A.I. and the way technology may not be the Shangri-La some make it out to be. Is technological progress worth losing your soul? What really matters most? Progress? Or being who you really are? The story leaves the reader to reflect on where we as a society are heading. 

What else do you want readers to know about you?

I have four other books available, three poetry books and one humor book. I try to change up what I’m doing. This way I’m offering readers something different, something a little unexpected. I think it’s important artistically to keep exploring and taking chances. Readers can reach out to me through my website at mattnagin.com.  

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A Critique is Not an Insult: The Power of Constructive Feedback in Writing

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Writing is an intimate act. Authors pour their thoughts, emotions, and creativity into every word, each sentence carefully crafted to convey a piece of themselves to the world. When we put our work out there, we risk exposing our vulnerabilities to others, opening ourselves up to both praise and criticism. It’s natural to feel protective over our creations—after all, they are an extension of who we are. But here’s the truth that all writers must come to understand: a critique is not an insult. It is a powerful tool for growth and improvement. Trust me, learning or believing this lesson isn’t always easy.

The Purpose of Critique

At its core, a critique is about evaluating and offering feedback in a way that encourages development. It’s a way for writers to see their work from another perspective, to recognize both strengths and weaknesses they might not have noticed on their own. Critiques—whether given by a trusted friend, editor, or fellow writer—serve to refine the piece and help authors evolve. Constructive feedback isn’t about tearing someone down. It’s about lifting them up and guiding them toward better writing.

Think of it this way: no one is born knowing how to write perfectly. Every author, from the most seasoned to the newest, needs feedback to hone their craft. Even the greatest writers, like Hemingway and Orwell, relied on others to point out areas for improvement. Critique helps us grow, just as a sculptor chisels away at a block of stone to reveal the masterpiece within. It is a necessary step in the process of becoming better at our craft.

Critique Is About the Work, Not the Writer

One of the most important (and maybe hardest) distinctions to make is that a critique is about the work, not the person behind it. It is an evaluation of a specific story, essay, or novel, not a reflection of the author’s worth as an individual. When a critique points out flaws or areas for improvement, it is never meant to undermine the writer’s self-esteem or creative potential.

Unfortunately, the emotional connection between an author and their writing can sometimes blur this line. A negative critique can feel like a personal attack, but that is rarely the intention. Instead, it’s a sign that the work, as it stands, could benefit from revisions—just as any piece of art requires revisions before it can be truly considered finished. Even the best works in history have been revised multiple times before reaching their final form. Criticism, then, is a necessary step in this journey, a part of the art’s evolution.

Constructive Criticism: The Heart of Growth

Constructive criticism is the gold standard for feedback. It focuses on improvement, offering actionable suggestions while acknowledging what works well. The best critiques never simply say “This is bad” or “This doesn’t work.” Instead, they offer insight into why something doesn’t work and, more importantly, how to make it better. A good critique provides clarity on plot holes, character inconsistencies, pacing issues, or weak dialogue. It helps the writer see their work from different angles, offering solutions rather than just identifying problems.

As a writer, it’s essential to remain open to such feedback. Embrace the idea that all feedback—no matter how critical—comes with the potential for growth. Take a step back, detach emotionally, and view the critique objectively. Is there a kernel of truth in what’s being said? Can the suggested changes improve the overall quality of your work? Often, the answer will be yes.

The Personal Connection: Don’t Take It Personally

It’s easy to feel vulnerable when your work is critiqued. It can sting, especially if the feedback points out flaws you’ve worked hard to overlook or aspects of your writing you were especially proud of. But remember, a critique is not a judgment on you as a person. It does not diminish your talent, your creativity, or your ability as a writer. It’s simply a tool to make your writing the best it can be.

A critique can only hurt if you let it. Instead of viewing feedback as a negative judgment, try to see it as an opportunity to learn. Even harsh criticisms often contain valuable lessons. After all, no one becomes a master at something without making mistakes along the way—and writing is no exception.

A Final Thought: Embrace the Challenge

To be a writer is to be forever evolving, learning, and adapting. The work will always get better with each revision, with each thoughtful critique. It’s important to remember that a critique is a gift, not a condemnation. It’s a chance to refine your skills, to deepen your understanding of your craft, and to produce the best version of your work.

So, the next time you receive feedback—whether positive or critical—take a deep breath and embrace it. Understand that it’s not a reflection of you as a person but a reflection of your work in its current form. A critique is not an insult. It’s a steppingstone on the path to becoming the writer you’re destined to be.

Reign of Terror by Leonardo “Leo” Silva

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Leonardo “Leo” Silva is a native of Brownsville, TX, a charming seaside city on the border. He is a 1982 graduate of Homer Hanna High School and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Literature from the University of Texas-Brownsville in 1985. He served as a Special Agent/ Supervisory Special Agent with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration from 1987 to 2015. During his career, he was assigned to offices along the Southwest border, Guadalajara, Jalisco and Monterrey Nuevo Leon, Mexico.

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Reign of Terror by Leo Silva is a gripping true crime memoir that takes readers deep inside the brutal world of Mexico’s Los Zetas cartel. Follow a rollercoaster of suspense, intrigue, and unrelenting action as you delve into this heart-pounding thriller.

Reign of Terror
by Leo Silva
Genre: True Crime Memoir, Thriller

“One of the best DEA narco books I have ever read” – Dave Gaddis, DEA Chief, Global Enforcement Operations

Reign of Terror by Leo Silva is a gripping true crime memoir that takes readers deep inside the brutal world of Mexico’s Los Zetas cartel. Former DEA Special Agent Silva brings unparalleled insight, recounting his years on the front lines in the relentless fight against one of the world’s most violent criminal organizations. This powerful narrative unveils the hidden realities of the drug war, from the complex relationships between the cartels and law enforcement to the personal sacrifices made by those who risk everything to protect others. With raw detail and authenticity, Silva sheds light on the lives of those entangled in a web of corruption, power, and violence. Reign of Terror is more than a recount of battles won and lost—it’s a story of courage, resilience, and the cost of justice. A must-read for fans of true crime and international intrigue.

“In Reign of Terror, Leo Silva masterfully recounts the rise and fall of the notorious and ultra-violent Los Zetas cartel. But more than just retelling the story, Leo’s work is filled with inside information and insights that bring the reader into the world of those tasked with dismantling Los Zetas. Compelling, Leo brings profound humanity to the fight against the Zetas, a fight that brought both victories and tragedies, all of which are deeply felt by the reader.”

  • Jack Luellen, Author of Someone Had to Die Podcast Host: “Cartels, Conspiracies and Camarena”

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What is something unique/quirky about you?

My passion and love for writing goes hand in hand in hand with my passion for music. In my family, I represent the fourth generation of musicians, with a love for music that is deeply embedded in my soul. I am both a singer and piano player and a huge fan of all musical genres with a special affinity for jazz and traditional Mexican boleros. My writing is interspersed with references to music and songs as I believe music plays a huge role in our daily lives and emotions.

Can you, for those who don’t know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?

I am a native of Brownsville, Texas, a coastal city in deep south Texas. My love for reading books and writing stories was nurtured by my mother, who is an avid reader herself. In college, I majored in English with a concentration in American Literature and honed my writing skills under the tutelage of a highly talented professor. After college, I joined the US Drug Enforcement Administration as a Special Agent where I served in various assignments along the Southwest border and in Guadalajara and Monterrey, Mexico for a total of 28 years of service. My experiences as a DEA agent provide the backdrop for my writing. My first book Reign of Terror depicts my experience in Monterrey Mexico and the DEA’s struggle to assist in the apprehension of some of their most violent members.

Who is your hero and why?

Without question, my heroes are my parents, who taught me valuable life lessons at a young age. Lessons which have helped shape my character and lessons that I have passed onto my own children. My writing makes several references to the advice and lessons my parents have given me over the course of my life.

What inspired you to write Reign of Terror?

In my college years, I always dreamt about writing a book one day. After I retired from DEA, I saw it as the perfect opportunity to tell my story in Reign of Terror. I often see the narrative about El Chapo Guzman being played out in the news, movies, books and series but hardly anyone knows about the other Cartels that exist in Mexico, especially the Gulf Cartel, one of the oldest if not the oldest Cartel in Mexico. Reign of Terror gave me the opportunity to show the public that Chapo Guzman was not the only player in town and that there were people far more dangerous and treacherous than El Chapo.

Convince us why you feel your story is a must read.

Reign of Terror gives one the opportunity to immerse oneself into the darkest corners of Mexico’s Narco underworld. It is a collection of true stories, true events, victories and defeats, a rollercoaster of emotions told by someone who lived it firsthand.

What is your advice to new authors?

My advice to young writers is to be persistent and realize that writing is a marathon not a race. There may be days when one doesn’t feel like writing and that is OK. But keep chipping away at it until you have told your story the way you want. Persist, every day, even if you only write one sentence. It will all be worthwhile when you are finally done.

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The Empress’ Palace by Joseph Kopel

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Joseph Kopel is an imaginative author who has transitioned from Sci-Fi to Space Opera and now ventures into the realm of Fantasy with his debut in the genre.
What began as a hobby has grown into thirty-five years of writing. Being bilingual, he switched between English and Spanish. The greatest influences on him were the Latin American literature in Mexico City’s libraries and the most famous American Sci-Fi authors.
When he is out of any fantastic realm to be in the world of reality, he enjoys his time with his wife, three kids, and his two pets.
Currently, he lives in Northwest Missouri, in a small peaceful country town of only 250 people.

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The Empress’ Palace
The Nehel Series Book 2
By Joseph Kopel
Genre: Epic Fantasy Adventure

Four years following the first book’s events.

Empress Nehel must navigate the complexities of ruling a Jyistereerk at war — the Deken Karsaker — while facing personal struggles and unforeseen circumstances.

The balance, once restored, shatters again with the loss of the continent of Ryza, all while a lost realm to the Gesha revives. Yet, a conspiracy within the Kingdom of Fenn ignites doubt as Nehel faces harsh decisions in the tragedy’s aftermath.

A story of coming of age, first love, and personal growth. This gripping tale will leave readers on the edge of their seats as they journey through a world of magic, intrigue and unexpected twists.

Disclaimer: The Ebook version is intentionally simplified for easy access on different devices and doesn’t have interior designs. The contents remain unchanged from the printed version.

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The Empress’ Journey
The Nehel Series Book 1

Amid turmoil and despair, a new hope arises as a young empress.

The Gesha obliterated the once thriving but ailing Kingdom of Aranka, triggering an imbalance in Sankaris. Epidemics, wars, pollution, and madness plague the land as the protagonists pursue for answers.

A glimmer of faith spreads throughout the maimed world as the Promise. Her rise to power brings a much-needed balance, ensuring a fresh start and the dawning of a new era.

Will she unravel the mysteries behind these afflictions and restore the balance to Sankaris?

Join this captivating tale of humanity, resilience, determination, and the search for truths in a world gripped by darkness.

Disclaimer: The Ebook version is intentionally simplified for easy access on different devices and doesn’t have interior designs. The contents remain unchanged from the printed version.

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AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Did you learn anything from the writing of your recent book?
I learned more about styles and editing, and writer’s perks from many valuable authors I haven’t done before.

Anything specific you want to tell your readers?
Enjoy your life, but never stop reading. Read, read and read.

What is your favorite part of this book and why?
The last chapters before the final one, considered the darker ones but also the most crucial in the characters’ development for Nehel and Alessandro.

If your book was made into a movie. Who would you like to play the lead?
I still do not know who would be in the lead.

If you could spend time with a character from your book, who would it be? And what would you do on that day?
I guess the Empress herself, and we would have a long conversation, mostly answering her questions about herself.

Are your characters based on real people, or did they come entirely from your imagination?
Nehel, the Empress, is partially based on The Neverending Story’s empress, but my version of herself.
Alessandro is a younger version of myself as he has many elements from my personality, and Fabehel is a distorted version of a classmate during Middle School, in whom I had a crush.
The other characters were from my imagination.

Do your characters seem to hijack the story, or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story?
Well. . . My characters seemed not to stop and insisted and keep writing more pages, but I says: “No more, the story ends here! There’s time for more!”

Convince us why you feel your book is a must read.
It’s the critical point that ties the first book with the third, upcoming, as it gives a complete 360-degree turn in two of the most important characters. It is called character development.

Have you written any other books that are not published?
Yes, and there are dozens of them. Over time, I will publish them.

If your book had a candle. What scent would be?
Like the scents of those candles in the old churches.

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The Harlequin’s Legacy by Andrés Rosas Hott

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Dare to dream. Dare to believe. Dare to embrace your legacy.
Orphan Pascal and his friends Paloma and Pierrot dive into the mystery of children disappearing in the enchanting land of The Vale.

The Harlequin’s Legacy
Book 1
by Andrés Rosas Hott
Genre: YA Fantasy

Dare to dream. Dare to believe. Dare to embrace your legacy.
In the enchanting land of The Vale, the grand city of Pivot stands as a beacon of innovation where scientific progress clashes with the now-dwindling beliefs in magic that the place once held.
Just outside of Pivot, 17-year-old Pascal has spent his life at The Skystead Home for Orphaned Children. Life outside the orphanage seems ceaselessly interesting, and shielded from the rest of the world, he wants nothing more than to explore. Already puzzled by unanswered questions about his past, Pascal’s concern deepens as he learns about a grim mystery of local children’s disappearances.
In pursuit of finding his place in life, Pascal is joined by Paloma—a street-savvy girl and former gang leader with a tragic past—and Pierrot—a silent, enigmatic companion. Together, the unlikely trio begins to sneak out of the orphanage to experience the one place that still embraces magic: the welcoming carnival.
As secrets begin to unravel, the truth unveils hidden powers within each of these three young adventurers. Their friendships are challenged as they overcome demons, both inside and outside themselves. Yet, each step brings them closer to the truth: a sinister plot that threatens the very fabric of their world.
Before they know it, the fate of the missing children has become inextricably intertwined with their own.
The Harlequin’s Legacy is a gripping tale of adventure, friendship, and self-discovery. Pascal, Paloma, and Pierrot trust in their inner courage and resilience to reach their true potential despite trials and tribulations. This story encourages everyone to dare to dream, to believe in themselves, and embrace the legacy that awaits them.
Adventure, magic, and self-discovery await! Are you ready to join Pascal and his friends as they uncover hidden secrets and embrace a timeless legacy? Witness the journey firsthand—grab your copy of The Harlequin’s Legacy today and become part of the story!

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Meet Andrés Rosas Hott, an emerging voice in literature and the author of The Harlequin’s Legacy. With a master’s in Graphic Design and Illustration from Konstfack University and a background as a commercial director, Andrés blends creativity and storytelling in captivating ways.
His debut novel, inspired by his favorite character, The Harlequin, combines fantasy with themes of courage, identity, and personal growth. Based in Stockholm, Sweden, Andrés balances his creative pursuits with family life, finding inspiration in both the imagination and his loved ones. The Harlequin’s Legacy is just the beginning of an exciting journey into fantasy and self-discovery.

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Would you like a chance to win a $30 Amazon gift card? Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

What are some of your pet peeves?
I’m definitely a cat person. I love all types of cats—how cute and fierce they can be, how independent they are, and how everything is always on their terms. That said, I’m an animal lover in general, except when it comes to ticks!

Where were you born/grew up at?
I was born in Osorno, Chile, but I’ve spent most of my life in the stunning city of Stockholm, Sweden. While I’ve always carried a piece of Chile with me, Stockholm has shaped much of who I am today, with its charming streets, vibrant culture, and long, beautiful summers. The mix of my roots in South America and the experiences I’ve had in Sweden gives me a unique perspective on life.

Who is your hero and why?
I firmly believe in the saying, “Never meet your heroes,” because no one is perfect, and heroes are often just people with flaws like the rest of us. That being said, I admire people who spread love, kindness, and joy. Robin Williams is a great example. His ability to bring laughter while also showing deep compassion and vulnerability makes him someone I truly look up to.

How did you come up with the concept and characters for the book?
The inspiration for my book began with my fascination with The Harlequin, a character from Commedia dell’arte whose vibrant costume, iconic mask, and bicorne hat embody a timeless archetype of cleverness, agility, and courage. His mix of mystery, playfulness, and heroism sparked my imagination and laid the foundation for the world I’ve created. I was especially intrigued by the Harlequin’s darker roots, such as the chilling depiction of
“Hellequin”—a devil’s emissary chasing damned souls to Hell. This duality of whimsy and shadow

inspired me to craft a mythology where light and darkness coexist, entwined with themes of self-discovery, courage, and belonging. Set in a world where magic and progress collide, this adventure is about friendship and uncovering hidden truths. At its core, it celebrates daring to dream, believing in yourself, and embracing the legacy that awaits—even when its shape is unclear. I hope readers will be inspired by its characters, their courage, and the enduring magic of a journey that balances humor and heart with mystery and depth.

Who designed your book covers?
Ary Fajriyanto also created all the illustrations in the book.

Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?
Yes, the main characters, like Pascal and Pierrot, are inspired by my two sons, Pascal and Marcél. As for Paloma, she’s based on the many strong girls and women I’ve had the privilege of meeting throughout my life.

I am happy to be one of many tour hosts sharing information about

Beyond Earth featuring Claiming Kaden by Celia Breslin

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Discover passion among the stars…
Blast off to the future with this limited-edition collection of sizzling, science fiction romance stories!

Beyond Earth
Romance Collections Limited Editions book 14
A Limited Edition Collection of Sci-Fiction Romance
with stories by
Celia Breslin, Stephanie Morris, Candice Gilmer, Leslie Chase,
Alina Riley, Robin O’Connor, Sky Robert, Lola Blix

Discover passion among the stars…
Blast off to the future with this limited edition collection of sizzling, science fiction romance stories!

Otherworldly seduction and intergalactic adventures await you in these high-heat, open-door tales from a diverse group of authors. Meet alien gladiators, cyborgs, AI lifeforms, psychic aliens, interstellar royalty, psy-changelings, fearless humans, and more. Visit alien worlds, travel on high-tech vessels, and immerse yourself in red-hot seduction blazing brighter than any quasar.

The Beyond Earth anthology is a pulse-pounding, toe-curling journey into the cosmos. If you enjoy out-of-this-world romance with guaranteed happily ever afters, lovers from different worlds, fated mates, enemies to lovers, grumpy-sunshine, rescue romance, and more, then you’ll love this treasure trove of spicy, steamy, futuristic stories.
Order your copy of Beyond Earth to begin your passion-filled voyage into the galaxy today!

Including stories by:
Candice Gilmer – NY Times and USA Today bestselling author
Stephanie Morris – USA Today bestselling author
Leslie Chase – USA Today bestselling author
Alina Riley
Robin O’Connor
Celia Breslin
Sky Robert
Lola Blix

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Celia Breslin lives in San Francisco, California, USA, with her family, which includes three feisty felines who like to stalk across her keyboard while she’s hard at work crafting urban fantasy, sci-fi and paranormal romances. Her current creature obsessions are cyborgs, the Fae, vampires, wolf shifters, and warrior-class angels, and her action-packed stories include some of her favorite tropes: fated mates, second chances, rescue romance, opposites attract, friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, and more.

When not glued to her laptop, Celia likes to work out, read books (of course!), hang with her family, and binge-watch sci-fi and fantasy TV shows and movies. Matcha lattes keep her fueled for All The Life Stuff!

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Claiming Kaden by Celia Breslin

Sparks fly when a battle-hardened cyborg rescues a sassy human lost in the cosmos…

Earth-girl Calie is out of hope. Kidnapped, enslaved, then abandoned by aliens, she’s sure to suffer a slow death on their stupid space station. Then new trouble arrives, claiming her as their property, but hot on their heels is a grumpy guy with a big hot bod and blazing eyes… The thrill setting her skin afire has less to do with potential rescue or New Guy’s battle prowess, and everything to do with the way he looks at her.

Cyborg soldier Kaden is unamused by his enemy’s unhealthy interest in the vulnerable lone female with a sharp tongue and wild braids. Her terrible aim is complicating his rescue attempts, but her bravery, stubbornness, and velvet voice send electric need through both his human and cybernetic systems. He’ll do anything to save her.

Kaden wants to explore his attraction to Calie and claim her as his, but his sworn enemy’s relentless pursuit and Calie’s own skittishness challenge his goal. Calie appreciates all the cyborg has done for her, but she’s homesick and unsure about diving into a relationship, even if the hunky cyborg is the nicest man and best kisser in the universe.

While the enemy horde stalks them across the galaxy, can they learn to trust each other with both their lives and their hearts?

CLAIMING KADEN is a spicy, open-door, Fated Mates Rescue Romance, and the first installment in Celia Breslin’s CYBORG GUARDIANS OF THE AURORA science fiction romance series. If you like take-no-prisoners cyborgs and sassy heroines, sizzling seduction and intergalactic adventure, check out CLAIMING KADEN today!

Would you like a chance to win a $15 Amazon gift card?
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

Celia’s Top Ten Sci-Fi TV Shows

Here are my picks for some binge-worthy TV science fiction.

  1. Firefly (2002 – 2003): A space western with a great cast including the awesome Nathan Fillion and the hilarious Alan Tudyk. Stellar humor, action, and sci-fi tech makes it a must-watch.
  2. Resident Alien (2021 – present): Did I mention how funny Alan Tudyk is? Why, yes, I did. If you haven’t seen his new show, it’s definitely worth a binge. Tudyk is an alien sent to kill all humans, but things don’t go as planned…
  3. Orphan Black (2013 – 2017): A dark and gritty science fiction thriller about human cloning with Tatiana Maslany playing multiple, fascinating roles. A must-watch for dark sci fi fans.
  4. The Umbrella Academy (2019 – 2024): Parallel universes, time travel, robots, aliens, superpowers, and unlikely heroes trained from childhood to save the world… Begin the binge!
  5. The 100 (2014 – 2020): The Earth is gone, and 100 young adults are forced from their space ark and exiled on a hostile planet. Gripping, gritty, dark, and addictive.
  6. Severance (2022 – present): A must-see sci-fi psychological thriller starring Adam Scott, about corporate greed and the dangerous technology used to control people via brain implants. Yikes!
  7. Stranger Things (2016 – present): Sci-fi horror at its finest. Creepy monsters from alternate parallel dimension, telekinesis, remote viewing, telepathy, and science experiments gone terribly wrong. If you haven’t watched it yet, what are you waiting for? 😉
  8. The Expanse (2015 – 2022): Space travel, alien organisms, worm holes, bioengineering, terraforming, and more. Humans have colonized the solar system, but is that a good thing? Compelling, hard sci-fi worthy of a good binge.
  9. Babylon 5 (1994 – 1998): Sci-fi space opera goodness. Follows the lives of fascinating characters (aliens and humans) aboard a space station operating as a sort of United Nations. Political intrigue guaranteed.
  10. Doctor Who (1963 – present): One of the most bingeable sci-fi classics on TV today. Dive in anywhere and join the Time Lord Doctor as he regenerates every season and time travels all over the universe. Both heart-wrenching and humorous, the Doctor never disappoints.

Bonus Pick: Farscape! I know what you’re thinking: “It’s a top 10, Celia.” Well, yes, but I couldn’t resist giving you a little bonus show. Another sci-fi cult classic, (1999 -2003) with riveting alien characters and a lone human astronaut whose mission goes horribly, horribly wrong. A fun and fascinating series.

I am happy to be one of many tour hosts sharing information about

Dream Rider Saga by Douglas Smith

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Douglas Smith is a five-time award-winning author described by Library Journal as “one of Canada’s most original writers of speculative fiction.”

His latest work is the multi-award-winning YA urban fantasy trilogy, The Dream Rider Saga. Other books include the urban fantasy novel, The Wolf at the End of the World; the collections, Chimerascope and Impossibilia; and the writer’s guide Playing the Short Game.
His short fiction has appeared in the top markets in the field, including The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, Amazing Stories, InterZone, Weird Tales, and many others.

He is a 4-time winner of Canada’s Aurora Award as well as the juried IAP Award. He’s been a finalist for the Astounding Award, CBC’s Bookies Award, Canada’s juried Sunburst Award, the juried Alberta Magazine Award for Fiction, and France’s juried Prix Masterton and Prix Bob Morane.

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When Did You Start Writing? / When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?
I did a lot of writing in high school, but got away from it for many years. I’d always planned to get serious about fiction “someday.” Then, in 1995, I finally decided to try. I started writing what would become my first professionally published story, “Spirit Dance,” but I really wasn’t making much progress. I’d spent, I think, all of July rewriting the same opening scene.
Then, while on vacation, I came across a book called The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. It’s essentially a twelve-step program for recovering your creativity as an adult, the creativity we’re all born with and which is then beaten out of us by society as we’re told to grow up and get a real job. It’s a wonderful book and one I recommend to anyone who wants to be creative (or more creative), whether that be writing, art, music, acting, or whatever.
But the real impetus for me to get serious about writing came when I returned from that vacation. and read that one of my all-time favourite writers, Roger Zelazny, had passed away from cancer at the far too young age of 56. That was it. Right then, I decided not to wait for “someday” or retirement or anything to start writing. There’s no guarantee any of us will live long enough to have a “someday.” I started producing stories regularly and sending them out to professional markets. I submitted my first story in January 1996—and got my first rejection that same month. But I kept submitting and received my first acceptance letter for “Spirit Dance” on Dec 31 that year, which was a great way to end a year and start a new one.

How did you discover the joys of speculative fiction?
I had two “discovery” periods. When I was eight, a friend introduced me to Robert A. Heinlein’s young-adult SF novels — essentially rocket and ray-gun books. I devoured all of those, but then stopped reading the genre. Then in Grade 11, I had to do a paper in English comparing the works of multiple authors. Amazingly, the teacher included a group consisting of Heinlein, Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, and Ray Bradbury, which, of course, was the group I picked. That assignment got me back into reading SF and fantasy.

What writing has inspired you? / Major Influences? / Favourite Authors?
I’d have to say my favourite author and influence on my own writing has been the late Roger Zelazny. His Lord of Light is one of the greatest speculative fiction novels ever written. His stories are often based on mythology, and I’ve always loved myths—Greek, Norse, Egyptian, Native American—so that was one attraction to his work. His prose style is lean but poetic, his stories poignant and mythic and filled with unique characters you want to spend time with. Plus, his work shows the most fantastic range of imagination of any writer I’ve ever encountered. I don’t think I write like him, but I’m sure he’s had an influence.
Ray Bradbury’s short fiction was another early influence. He wrote about the fantastical hiding in our everyday lives, whether the hidden mystery is wondrous or frightening. I love his lyrical prose style, the simple humanity of his characters, and his insight into what it means to be human, no matter what our age. I reread “Something Wicked This Way Comes” recently. When I’d read it as a teenager, I remember loving the book and the kid characters, but not really “getting” the father. Reading it now, as an adult and father, I realize that Bradbury really understood both generations and the changes, choices, and regrets that come with age, and that is where the power of the book resides.
I came to Hemingway late and after he was out of fashion, but his lean prose style amazed me, the way he could say so much by saying so little, and often communicating as much by what he left out, by what his characters didn’t discuss, as what he put on the page.
Other favourite authors include Charles de Lint, Shirley Jackson, Emily St. John Mandel, Amor Towles, Thomas Perry, Thomas King, Ian Hamilton, Neil Gaiman, and Tim Powers. That’s a short list (but a good one).
Some favourite books, including a lot on non-speculative fiction, include Station Eleven, The Queen’s Gambit, A Gentleman in Moscow, Memory & Dream, Ready Player One, Weaveworld, We Have Always Lived in the Castle, Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow, Ian Hamilton’s Ava Lee series, and of course, the spec fic classics like Dune, Stranger in a Strange Land, and LOTR.
I’ve also written several short stories inspired in some way by the songs of Bruce Springsteen. He’s an astounding storyteller. In a few lines, he tells stories of everyday people struggling with whatever life has thrown at them, but with an attitude of defiance and hope despite the odds against them.
And Buffy. Major Buffy fan. It remains one of the most creative shows ever to hit TV and is a writing workshop on character development and arcs and dialog.

Why start with short fiction?
I started with short fiction because in spec fic, it’s been traditional to break in writing short stories. But I also think it makes sense to start with the short form before trying to tackle a novel, and I always urge young writers to do the same. Short stories let you learn the craft of fiction much faster than writing a novel. Twenty 5,000-word short stories let you experiment far more with different styles, points of view, genres, story structures, etc. than you could in a single 100,000-word novel. Plus, you’ll be able to find out earlier if your writing is at a publishable level by submitting those stories to short fiction markets.
And short fiction will teach you skills you need whether you write short stories or novels—handling point of view, story structure, use of scenes, characterization, plot, pacing, dialog, setting, world building, information flow, voice—not to mention basic sentence structure, paragraphing, punctuation, grammar.
I moved to novels once all my “short” stories started becoming very long stories.

What I read as a child
I was reading by the time I was four, thanks to my parents reading to me every night at bedtime. It hooked me on books for a lifetime. Reading was a way to have wonderful adventures as a kid and make my world so much bigger than my house and neighborhood and school.
My early favourites were animal stories, which probably led me to my love for writing shapeshifter tales. I loved A.E. Milne’s “Winnie the Pooh” books (apparently my favourite bedtime stories as a young child) and Walter Brook’s “Freddie the Pig” series (the first books I remember knowing how to find in a library). Later it was everything by Jack London. About grade 5 or 6, Robert A. Heinlein juveniles got me hooked on SF, which led to fantasy. John Creasey and Dorothy Sayers introduced me to mystery and crime fiction somewhere in there as well.
I believe that parents can teach kids to love reading by reading them a bedtime story EVERY night, from the day you bring them home. Make it a fun time, something they look forward to and associate with a wonderful experience. And make books a natural thing to have around. Our kids knew we’d say “no” to games, toys, or candy when out shopping—but they could always buy a new book.
And for any wannabe writers, you can’t be a writer if you’re not a voracious reader. Period.

Will Dreycott is a superhero. In his dreams…and in yours.

The Hollow Boys
The Dream Rider Saga Book 1
by Douglas Smith
Genre: YA Urban Fantasy

WINNER OF THE 2023 AURORA AWARD FOR BEST YA NOVEL
WINNER OF THE 2023 JURIED IAP AWARD FOR BEST YA NOVEL

“Thrilling YA fantasy” —BookLife (Editor’s Pick)
“A must-read story for YA fantasy fans.” —Blueink Review (Starred review)
“Inventive, engaging, and boundless fun.” —The Ottawa Review of Books

Vanishing street kids. An ancient evil. The end of the world.
Our only hope? A hero who can’t leave home.

At seventeen, Will Dreycott is a superhero…in his dreams. And in yours.

Eight years ago, Will’s parents, shady dealers in ancient artifacts, disappeared on a jungle expedition. Will, the sole survivor, returned home with no memory of what happened, bringing a gift…and a curse.

The gift? Will can walk in our dreams. At night in Dream, Will hunts for criminals—and his parents. During the day, his Dream Rider comic, about a superhero no one knows is real, has made Will rich.

The curse? Severe agoraphobia. Will can’t go outside. So he makes his home a skyscraper with everything he needs in life—everything but the freedom to walk the streets of his city.

Case, an orphan Will’s age, survives on those streets with her younger brother, Fader. Survives because she too has a gift. She hears voices warning her of danger. And Fader? Well, he fades.

When street kids start vanishing, the Dream Rider joins the hunt. Will’s search becomes personal when Case breaks into his tower to escape her own abduction. Fader isn’t so lucky.

As Will and Case search for Fader and the missing kids, an unlikely romance grows between the boy with everything and the girl with nothing except the freedom Will longs for.

But as they push deeper into the mystery, they confront an ancient power feeding on these forgotten kids to restore itself. And once restored, no one in the world will be safe.

To defeat this creature, Will must do the impossible.

Go outside.

Indiana Jones meets Teen Titans in The Dream Rider Saga, a fast-paced urban fantasy trilogy from “one of Canada’s most original writers of speculative fiction” (Library Journal).

Praise for The Hollow Boys:
“This arresting series kickoff grips from the start as it introduces its inventive milieu, its flawed but fantastically powered hero, its playful worldbuilding, and a host of tantalizing mysteries. … [A] vigorously imaginative scenario. … Takeaway: Thrilling YA fantasy” —BookLife (Editor’s Pick)

“An assured, confident novel … A must-read story for YA fantasy fans.” —Blueink Review (Starred review)

“Inventive, engaging, and boundless fun.” —The Ottawa Review of Books “A fun supernatural tale with well-developed characters and a touch of romance.” —Kirkus Reviews
Praise for Douglas Smith:

“The man is Sturgeon good. Zelazny good. I don’t give those up easy.” —Spider Robinson, Hugo and Nebula Awards winner

“A great storyteller with a gifted and individual voice.” —Charles de Lint, World Fantasy Award winner

“His stories are a treasure trove of riches that will touch your heart while making you think.” —Robert J. Sawyer, Hugo and Nebula Awards winner

On Sale Until Jan 11!
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The Crystal Key
The Dream Rider Saga Book 2

Sequel to the AURORA AWARD WINNER and the Juried IAP AWARD WINNER, The Hollow Boys

“Give me the Crystal Key!”

Will Dreycott is the Dream Rider, the agoraphobic teenage superhero who can walk in our dreams but never in the streets of his city. Case is his girlfriend, a survivor of those streets who hears voices that warn her of danger. Fader is her brother, who is very good at disappearing. Together, they defeated a body swapper and a witch to save the world (The Hollow Boys).

Now, Case battles guilt over living sheltered in Will’s tower home while her street friends still struggle. Blaming his affliction for Case’s sadness, Will searches for a way to live a normal life with the girl he loves—a way to go outside.

But his efforts draw the attention of dark forces. Sinister figures hunt Will in Dream. Intruders scour the vast warehouse of antiquities “acquired” by Will’s missing parents. And a masked swordswoman attacks Will, demanding “the Crystal Key” before disappearing into thin air.

Are they all searching for the same thing? Something from Will’s parents’ shady past? For the swordswoman leaves behind a flowery scent, Will’s only memory from the lost expedition eight years ago that gave him powers in Dream but cost him his parents and his freedom.

A trail of dark secrets leads Will, Case, and Fader to a mysterious world. Trapped between warring cults willing to kill for the Crystal Key, the three friends must master strange new powers that grow stronger and wilder the closer they draw to the truth.

This time it’s not just the fate of the world at stake…but the multiverse.

~ ~ ~

Indiana Jones meets Teen Titans in The Dream Rider Saga, a fast-paced urban fantasy trilogy from “one of Canada’s most original writers of speculative fiction” (Library Journal).

Praise for The Crystal Key:
“The richly inventive Dream Rider adventure continues in this second appealing entry…with an exciting plot… always enlivened by the Smith hallmarks of crack dialogue, fun sleuthing and puzzle-solving, a strong throughline of emotion, a swift pace…and a principled refusal to settle for the familiar. Takeaway: This thrilling superpowered urban fantasy series continues to grip.” (New readers should start with book one.) —BookLife (Editor’s Pick)
“The engrossing second installment of Douglas Smith’s Dream Rider Saga trilogy. … Smith continues to demonstrate an ability to expertly weave multiple complex fantasy elements into a cohesive whole. … This fast-paced story delivers in a big way—and Smith has all his ducks lined up for an explosive conclusion [to the series] that readers won’t want to miss.” —Blueink Review (★ Starred review)
Praise for Douglas Smith:

“The man is Sturgeon good. Zelazny good. I don’t give those up easy.” —Spider Robinson, Hugo and Nebula Awards winner

“A great storyteller with a gifted and individual voice.” —Charles de Lint, World Fantasy Award winner

“His stories are a treasure trove of riches that will touch your heart while making you think.” —Robert J. Sawyer, Hugo and Nebula Awards winner

“Stories you can’t forget, even years later.” —Julie Czerneda, multi-award-winning author and editor

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The Lost Expedition
The Dream Rider Saga Book 3

The Thrilling Conclusion to the Multi-Award-Winning Trilogy

Will is the Dream Rider, the superhero who walks in our dreams but never in the streets of his own city. Case is his girlfriend, a survivor of those streets who hears voices warning her of danger. Fader, her brother, is very good at disappearing.

In The Hollow Boys, they defeated a body swapper and a witch to save the world. In The Crystal Key, they battled warring cults to protect an ancient artifact tied to Will’s affliction.

The Chakana. The Crystal Key. But the key to what? To finding answers, they hope, to the questions that rule their lives.

What caused their strange powers? And Will’s crippling agoraphobia? Can he be cured? Why did their parents travel to the jungles of Peru eight years ago? Are they still alive?

Behind every question is the Chakana. What is the mysterious relic? Why will people kill to possess it? What hold does it have on Will?

As creatures from Inca myths haunt the three friends, another attack on the Chakana threatens Will’s life. To save him and solve the mystery of the lost expedition, only one choice remains.

Return to Peru. With the Chakana.

There, they find friends and foes, both old and new. And behind it all, an unseen enemy moving them like pieces on a chessboard.

To win this deadly game, Will, Case, and Fader must master new powers to defeat the most dangerous adversary they’ve ever faced—a god.

At stake this time? Every life, every world, every universe. Everything.

Indiana Jones meets Teen Titans in The Dream Rider Saga, a fast-paced urban fantasy trilogy from “one of Canada’s most original writers of speculative fiction” (Library Journal).

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Would you like a chance to win a $20 Amazon gift card or an eBook of The Hollow Boys? Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

I am happy to be one of many tour hosts sharing information about

The Poseidon Project by E. William Podojil

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Molly, accompanied by her son and his boyfriend, embarks on a high-stakes mission to rescue her kidnapped husband, unraveling secrets while racing against the clock to prevent a technology from falling into destructive hands.

The Poseidon Project
The Herb Society Mysteries Book 1
by E. William Podojil
Genre: Techno Thriller, Adventure, Romantic Suspense

Molly Halloran and her friends have a secret past.
Their bucolic retirement is suddenly upended when Molly’s husband is abducted and held for a steep ransom. Now she, her friends, her tech executive son, Lukas and his Air Force pilot boyfriend must race against the clock and travel halfway around the world to meet the kidnappers’ demands.
But when they learn why her husband has been abducted, they realize how high the stakes truly are. Molly and her friends now must face their past in order to save the future. But not only their futures; the world’s.

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E. William Podojil is an international business executive and novelist. He has traveled extensively and visited over sixty countries while living in Europe and the United States. Podojil works as an executive business advisor, and strategist while also pursuing his love of storytelling and writing. Podojil’s first novel, The Tenth Man, was published in 2004. His second novel, The Poseidon Project, was be released in August, 2024 by The Wild Rose Press, and is the first in The Herb Society Mysteries, a series of adventure thrillers. His novels and other writing are showcased on his website http://www.ewpodojil.com. Here he also writes a personal blog with humorous stories of his life and travels with his husband and three sons. He and his family currently reside in Northeast Ohio.

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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

What inspired you to write this book?
I am a huge fan of Thrillers, Suspense, Action-Adventure and like to write in that genre. My idea for Poseidon came from a couple of areas. First, the main characters are retired women scientists who are kind of bored in retirement and they have a secret past you’ll learn about in the book. Second, I like stories that have protagonists/heroes who are not stereotypically perfect, strong, fearless and things like that. So I took the four retired women, one woman’s son who is a tech genius but complicated and afraid of getting into a relationship, the man he finally meets and all the family dynamics that go on while the mystery is playing out.

What can we expect from you in the future?
Book 2 is titled Archipelago and involves the same characters and an expansion of the story and mysteries from Book 1. Archipelago is in production and will be released in 2025. Book 3 is the continuation of the storyline and is titled, Chameleon and that should be out in 2026. The storylines are complex, twisted, multi-dimensional with many surprises thrown in.

Can you tell us a little bit about the characters in The Poseidon Project?
Molly Halloran – leader of a 4-friend group called The Herb Society, all retired women, ex-physicists, teachers and a secret mission they shared.
Lukas Halloran – Molly’s son is a technical genius who works in cybersecurity. His father goes missing while on business in Dubai and Molly asks her son to help find out what happened to him.
Taylor Pastore – Jet pilot, ex-Air Force Special Forces agent. He falls for Lukas while piloting Lukas in a private jet.
Tory Pastore – Taylor’s daughter who is grown up and also a pilot with her dad.

Can you, for those who don’t know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?
I have worked in business for most of my career, always in commercial functions like sales and marketing. I lived in Europe for more than a decade and was able to travel around the world. I’d always dreamed of writing a book and finally wrote The Tenth Man and published it in 2004. For the next 20 years I dreamed about my next book (and raised three sons which kept me a bit busy), which is The Poseidon Project, published in 2024.

What is something unique/quirky about you?
I’m organized and like to be on time, which normally drives my family crazy.

What are some of your pet peeves?
Laziness and not doing what was promised.

Where were you born/grew up at?
Born in Ohio, grew up in Connecticut and Ohio, lived 14 years in Amsterdam, The Netherlands and now back in Ohio. It’s been quite a journey.

How to find time to write as a parent?
When my boys were little, I didn’t find the time to write or had no energy. I was working in an executive level job and flying all over the world and probably spent a decade in some state of jet-lag. I gave all my energy to work and family and very little to myself in terms of doing things I loved to do (not a recommended strategy by the way.) After doing everything I wanted to do career-wise and raising my boys to be adults, I finally had the time and space to start writing again.

Describe yourself in 5 words or less!
Creative, Empowering, Resilient, Storyteller, Determined

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The Life and Times of Sherlock Holmes by Liese Sherwood Fabre

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A must-read for Sherlockians, history enthusiasts, and anyone eager to uncover the hidden layers of Victorian England.

The Life and Times of Sherlock Holmes
Essays on Victorian England Book V
by Liese Sherwood-Fabre
Genre: Nonfiction History, Literary Criticism

Rediscover Victorian England’s forgotten history and culture.

Volume V of The Life and Times of Sherlock Holmes explores the cultural, scientific, and historical allusions found throughout Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous detective stories. This collection of essays unpacks twenty-four topics mentioned in the original mysteries, from everyday details like hats and plumbing to complex issues such as international spying, the binomial theorem, and relations with Russia. Through such insights, readers gain a deeper understanding of the Victorian world in which Holmes operated.

Other essays explore both the familiar and the obscure, touching on subjects like the KKK’s presence in England, the significance of whaling, and legal concepts like insanity and blackmail. Unique cultural topics—such as the role of curry in the British Empire, the rise of bohemianism, and the Victorian obsession with rejuvenation through animal hormones—reveal the rich complexity of the era. The collection also features a bonus essay on Sarah Cushing from The Adventure of the Cardboard Box, offering fresh insight into one of the most sinister characters in the Canon.

Whether examining automata, wax figures, or the legal definitions of murder and suicide, The Life and Times of Sherlock Holmes provides a compelling lens through which readers gain a deeper understanding of the historical and social backdrop of the Holmes mysteries.

A must-read for Sherlockians, history enthusiasts, and anyone eager to uncover the hidden layers of Victorian England.

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Master of the Art of Detection
A Collection of Sherlock Holmes Short Stories
By Liese Sherwood-Fabre
Genre: Mystery

Decipher. Deduce. Deliver.

Sherlock Holmes, the most cerebral of detectives, finds his deductive powers put to the test in this intriguing collection of cases. Each adventure presents a web of secrets, clues, and deceptions. Only his highly honed observational skills lead him to the truth.

In a locked-room murder, did the victim succumb to “The Curse of Kisin?” And how had the daughter of Squire Northridge disappeared from her own locked bedroom? Can Holmes, an ocean away, determine if a missing treasure hunter ran off with Jean Lafitte’s fabled buried plunder? The disappearance of a beloved dog is an adventure filled with whimsy and humor, as are the return of Lady Frances Carfax and the howling dog of Baker Street.

Holmes’ unrivaled deductive powers rise to the test with each case. He shines as the consummate master of the art of detection and will captivate from beginning to end.

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Liese Sherwood-Fabre is an award-winning author known for her meticulously researched works of historical fiction and mystery. With a background in social sciences, she brings a unique depth to her characters and settings, particularly in her acclaimed series The Life and Times of Sherlock Holmes, which explores Victorian England through the lens of the famous detective’s world. Her essays delve into the cultural and historical intricacies of the era, uncovering hidden details that enhance her stories’ authenticity. Her fiction weaves real historical events and social insights into suspenseful plots, creating immersive narratives that captivate fans of both history and mystery. An avid traveler and lifelong scholar, Dr. Sherwood-Fabre combines curiosity and expertise to craft stories that transport readers to fascinating past worlds filled with intrigue and insight.

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A Little Texas for Sherlock

Being a native-born Texan, I was happy to find Sherlock Holmes also has some ties to Texas. Lillie Langtry, a British actress romantically linked to King Edward VII, is thought to have influenced the character of Irene Adler. Judge Roy Bean, the colorful saloon owner and self-proclaimed “Law West of the Pecos,” was so taken with the actress (whom he never met), he named his saloon “Jersey Lily” and his town Langtry, Texas. The town remains as a quirky historical tribute to her lasting charm and Bean’s unrequited admiration. A second tie comes from a ship. Holmes tracks a suspect to the ship “The Lone Star” in “The Five Orange Pips.” Even Watson knows Texas is “The Lone Star State.”

I decided to add my own Texas tie to Holmes. In Master of the Art of Detection, one story involves another of the more famous characters in Texas history. The pirate Jean Lafitte made his mark on the Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana. For several years, he used Galveston Island (near Houston) as a base to raid Spanish ships and trade goods on the black market. Known for playing both sides, he also occasionally aided the U.S., most notably by providing intelligence and supplies to Andrew Jackson during the War of 1812. At the same time, his base on Galveston Island became a haven for smuggling and piracy. Though Lafitte was ultimately expelled from Texas, his legacy continues through the legends surrounding the treasure he left buried somewhere on the island. Holmes, however, soon uncovers Lafitte’s secrets.

These ties connect Victorian England with the rough, colorful world of 19th-century Texas and bridge two seemingly different worlds whose spirit of adventure and intrigue knows no boundaries. By adding a Texas mystery to Holmes’ cases, I honor my state’s tradition of unique characters and history and make Holmes’s adventures as boundless as the Texas sky.

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