Day 2: Worlds of Wonder

Welcome to Day 2 of Worlds of Wonder blog hop, where anything is possible . . . on Earth and across the galaxy. Imagination is the only limitation on adventure, so prepare to escape the known world and immerse in realms where rumors, myths and legends abound.

Through December 13th, meet some fantastic science fiction and fantasy authors, hear what their characters and reviewers have to say, sample excerpts from their novels, and discover what they’d like to learn from readers.

Enter the rafflecopter to win a prize pack of 8 SF and Fantasy books, or a $50 gift card.

Moons’ Kiss

They found him in the South Ofrann Desert, where everything evil lived. Most called him a demon. One leader thought this man-without-a-past held the key to tribal peace and prosperity. That leader's enemies saw an opportunity to gain control of the nation.

ANTAGONIST INTERVIEW WITH MANERRA

Manerra, can you tell us what your world’s like?

I don’t understand the question. Or rather, I can interpret it too many different ways. Are you asking about the life of a shecaren, the condition of the nation, or the view from Mt. Tayenyan?

I’d love to hear about the life of a shecaren! But first, please explain what a shecaren is.

A shecaren is one of Acrahh’s children. And if you don’t know what a shecaren is, I suppose I’ll have to explain that Acrahh’s our god. As for what our lives are like . . .

Yes?

For me, it’s never-ending lectures and lessons in rule and being placed in situations I hate. It’s never being in one place long enough to know what real friendship is. For Aya, it’s different. He’s shon regis—the ruling shecaren—so he’s the one lecturing me and treating me like a child, even though I’ve completed my formal training and will soon be old enough to swear the Oath of Yatra.

What single thing or goal do you want most in life?

To not be a shecaren.

Why? What do you fear most?

I won’t answer that.

Is it Kayarra?

Hatred isn’t fear.

Are you presently in love, or do you hope to find someone special?

*Snorts* As Aya will tell you—over and over again—no shecaren or adviser is allowed an intimate relationship. But that’s a decree everyone else has to follow. He’s been in love with Yutrenta longer than I’ve been alive. And Acrahh save me if I know what Denassa sees in Kayarra. Maybe she’s just the type of person who would fight to save the life of an injured carbic even knowing it will eat her the day it recovers.

Can you sum up your life in the last few weeks in 150 words or less?

One thing that should never have happened after another.

* * * *

U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY: Mention "paperback" and leave an email address in the comments section for a chance to win a print copy of Moons’ Kiss. Mention "coffee mug" and leave an email address for a chance to win a Moons' Kiss coffee mug.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Welcome to Worlds of Wonder, where anything is possible . . . on Earth and across the galaxy. Imagination is the only limitation on adventure, so prepare to escape the known world and immerse in realms where rumors, myths and legends are real.

Today through December 13th, you’ll have an opportunity to meet some fantastic science fiction and fantasy authors, hear what their characters and reviewers have to say, sample excerpts from their novels, and discover what they’d like to learn from you.

In addition to the official Tour rafflecopter, where someone will win 8 books written by Worlds of Wonder authors and a second person will win a $50 gift card, I’ll offer daily opportunities to win Moons’ Kiss ebooks, print books, a coffee mug, and swag. Some of my personal giveaways are open to international visitors, others are restricted to U.S. residents, so be sure to enter the appropriate giveaway. Now, let the fun begin!

Moons’ Kiss

They found him in the South Ofrann Desert, where everything evil lived. Most called him a demon. One leader thought this man-without-a-past held the key to tribal peace and prosperity. That leader's enemies saw an opportunity to gain control of the nation.

First Excerpt

"Even if an albino man is possible, is revered by the Kayarran,” Denassa said, “that doesn't account for his eyes. An albino's eyes change color, they don't change . . . everything.”

"We will have answers when we locate his people." The swing of Shurna’s crook matched her stride.

"Meanwhile, we face the Shangren and the joining without answers. By the time we learn what he is, fear and prejudice will have set Kayarran fate. It would be kinder to hide him until we know who he is, until we know what we're doing."

"Hiding is not Aya's way."

"I know.”

A mia stopped to strip leaves from a bush. Shurna commanded it to move. When it did not, she rapped it with her crook and the animal sprinted forward, jostling stragglers in its zeal to find refuge among its kind. Denassa watched it, followed its progress even after it matched gait with its companions.

"Does Kayarra understand the words of abbah?" Shurna asked.

"He recites them. How much he understands, I don't know. Sometimes, I think he understands more than he can say. Other times, I know he's only repeating something he's memorized. I do know that he's figured out cor-anda, though. He knows it's a slur."

Shurna looked at Denassa. "How do you know?"

"'Man' was easy enough to teach him. The other day, he finally understood 'thing.' He said cor-anda after he understood thing." Denassa met Shurna’s gaze. "It took a shecaren to teach him disrespect. How shameful is that?"

"The Shangren's citizens will assume Kayarra knows the words of abbah if he speaks them."

"I thought about that." Denassa looked back at the wayward mia. "It's true that a demon cannot speak the words of a holy rite, but what if he doesn't understand what he's saying? While Casta can do many things, I don't think preventing his housekeepers from gossiping is one of them. The truth of Kayarra’s limitations will become known."

"Are you questioning Kayarra's innocence?"

"No. Maybe. I don’t know." Denassa shook her head. "Mainly, I’m spending too much time worrying about our reception."

"Worrying won't change whatever happens."

"Have you tried telling that to Yutrenta?"

Shurna flashed a wry smile. "She heeds me as often as you do."

Denassa barked a laugh.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
My blog giveaway: INTERNATIONAL VISITORS! Win an e-copy of Moons' Kiss by leaving the name of your country and your email address in the comments section. And thanks to everyone for visiting and commenting. Now, enjoy the rest of the hop!

Six Sentence Sunday 11.18.12

"Wounds healed by blood are injuries festering," Aya said, voice devoid of modulation.

"He will be confused with the Manteen," Casta persisted.  "The lands are wide.  Most know the Manteen only as a horror explained by a bit of history.  Few enough among those who travel have seen one.  Few will know the man you flaunt isn't Manteen."

* * * *

Moons' Kiss is available in print and ebook from Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Smashwords, and other book retailers.  Many thanks to everyone who comments.  And to read more exciting Sunday Six samples, click HERE.

Worlds of Wonder Blog Tour

This is going to be a super fun tour! And, for the moment, there are two more science fiction or fantasy author slots available. Sign up information is available at http://fmbblogtours.blogspot.com/2012/11/worlds-of-wonder-author-hop-sign-up.html

Save Money and Be Entertained

For the month of November, my science fiction novel Moons' Kiss is $2.50 instead of $4.99 at www.Smashwords.com. Use coupon code SV83D at checkout to get the reduced price. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

"They found him in the South Ofrann Desert, where everything evil lived. No one knew what he was. One leader thought this man-without-a-past held the key to tribal peace and prosperity. That leader's enemies saw an opportunity to gain control of the nation."

Six Sentence Sunday 10.28.12

At [Aya's] back, Kayarra tossed in a haunted sleep.  An occasional moan broke through his arrhythmic breaths.

Aya wished for the ability to walk beside him in those dreams, to see what he saw, to learn what he feared.  Perhaps such seeing would make wiser his decisions.  Did he fight legends, history, and his own brother to secure acceptance for the Kayarran, or let bloodshed decide the outcome?  There were no certainties either way.

Moons' Kiss is available in print and ebook from Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Smashwords, and other book retailers.  Many thanks to everyone who comments.  And to enjoy more Sunday Six samples, click HERE.

Six Sentence Sunday - 10.7.12

(The first speaker is Manerra.)

"I wanted to make peace."

"By threatening him?"

"That wasn't supposed to happen."

He took a step toward Manerra, saw him flinch, and stopped. It was better they remain apart. He wasn't certain he could control his need to slap his successor.

Moons' Kiss is available in print and ebook from Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Smashwords, and other book retailers. Until October 8th, you can enter for a chance to win a print copy of Moons' Kiss at Goodreads.

Many thanks to everyone who comments. And to read more fun Sunday Six samples, click HERE.