Book Spotlight: Heavenfire

Today the blog is a part of a book tour, for the YA Urban Fantasy, Heavenfire by JK Allen. This is book two in the Angelborn series. Enjoy.

Heavenfire by JK Allen

A divine sword, magic tomes, and uncontrolled power. Can 16-year-old Ginny Gracehurst keep them from an obsessed half-demon?

After retrieving the only thing that could set Jacob’s demon father free, half-angel Ginny has a new mission. She and Aiden are charged with collecting the Eternal Tomes, which teach how to use sigils in the Angelic Tongue.

They are in a race against Jacob and his minions, who can travel anywhere in a matter of seconds. Allowing demonkind to learn those sigils would spell disaster for them all. In order to get what he wants, Jacob needs one more thing besides the Tomes—Ginny herself.

Heavenfire is available at ThreeFuriesPress

And at Amazon in Paperback

Book One, Angelborn is available at Amazon

About the Author

JK Allen wrote her first story when she first learned how to write and hasn’t looked back since. Common writing themes that can be found in her work address identity, everyday magic, and the type of strength that can be found in ordinary people. Several of her short stories and four poems are featured in anthologies.

Angelborn is her first novel in her debut series with Heavenfire continuing the journey. She is currently working on the trilogy as well as several shorts, while researching for a new series in the works. Her reading tastes are as varied as the genres she enjoys writing, from Jane Austen to J.K. Rowling. When she’s not writing, you can find her painting, drawing, or lost in another world between the pages of a book. Or on Facebook.

You can find her on:

Instagram Facebook  Twitter  Pinterest  Website  Amazon

Drabble Wednesday: Dark Feathers

Today on Drabble Wednesday we fly with our dark winged friends, and death...

The Termination Onyx

Across the sky shadows grew.

Mottled streaks of soft gray into coal black patches covered blue and spread through the white clouds. From the tip of the world to the farthest horizon the shadows crept, and when they reached around the planet, the feathers fell as rain.

Stygian dark and sharp as razors, they sliced through air and trees and flesh, and when they struck the ground the earth shook and cracked. Cities became ruin, mountains fractured, and seas boiled.

Apocalypse, the inhabitants called it.

Annihilation Day.

The Universe knew it better by another name.

The Day the Angels Died.

~*~

The Ravens

On darkling wings the ravens flew.

A black spot across the midday sun, the trio of birds soared over the meadows and the forests, past the farms and towns. Every door closed against them, every shutter barred to their presence. The people of Arajyn knew what the ravens heralded.

Every soul waited in fear for its coming.

Children sobbed, parents prayed. And gave thanks when the ravens passed them by.

Until the birds descended, roosting in a tree outside the village of Syarien. Every voice in that village wailed, knowing they had been chosen.

Sacrifices to the God of Death.

~*~

Black Wings and a Story

Tell me a story you said.

So I did.

But you didn’t like the ending, did you?

I can’t say that I blame you. I tricked you, just a bit. You didn’t know what would happen.

Now did you?

If you did, if you knew who I was, then you wouldn’t have listened.

Would you?

No one wants the Raven King to tell them a story.

For, you know, my stories are never free.

Their ending always come with a price.

Poor you. You paid, didn’t you?

You paid when I plucked out your eyes, and sliced out your tongue.

© A. F. Stewart 2017 All Rights Reserved

Drabble Wednesday: Silent Stars and Skies

Today on Drabble Wednesday look to the sky...

Instant Nightmare

Help me!

Someone, anyone! I can see you. Down there on the street. Look up! Someone look up!

A downdraft blew across the sidewalk stirring dust. A man clamped a hand on his hat and a child jumped over a gusting newspaper. He was rebuked by his mother.

Help me! Don’t let them take me! Do something!

Another flurry of wind blustered over the gathered crowd.

Please do something! Help me! Save me!

They all stared at the body. One whispered, “He just collapsed. So sudden.”

While above it all, black winged creatures dragged the man’s soul higher and higher...

~*~

Dream a Little Dream

I used to stare into the night sky, and wish upon the stars.

I imagined the day I would fly into space, when I would soar among those pinpricks of heavenly light, exploring. My goal was to glimpse new suns, set my foot upon the dust and dirt of unfamiliar landscapes. I dreamt of discovery, delving into the mysterious beauty and strange alien existence of the universe.

I used to stare into the night sky, and wish upon the stars.

Before I knew what was out there.

Before they came to our planet.

Before we became their new feeding ground.

~*~

Mission Alpha

“Twinkle, twinkle little star

Above our world, so near, so far

Like a time bomb in the sky

Boom, boom, and now we die.”

First Engineer ZYF779 scowled, or as close to the expression as an android could approximate. “Stop being so morbid. The Sunstar Station hasn’t gone critical yet. We can fix the reactor before it detonates.”

Second Engineer THX732 turned away from the transport window. “Yes. This time. But you know the moon colony is living on borrowed time without an upgrade.”

“Well, that’s not going to happen. We’ve been abandoned by Earth Command.”

“Twinkle, twinkle little star.” 

© A. F. Stewart 2017 All Rights Reserved

Drabble Wednesday: Take to the Air

Today, on Drabble Wednesday, I take flight in words...

Aftermath

The airship drifted over the battlefield, wisps of smoke from charred remains rising to greet it. The ground below reflected death: scorched and trampled grass, gouged dirt and mud, and the tattered corpses of soldiers rotting in the sun.

The ship wandered aimlessly, the sputtering groan of its engine the only sound, save the hiss of wind. Below, silence swallowed the world, the once deafening boom of artillery quiet, guns rusting and useless. The ship flew over lifeless terrain, the fight done with no victory.

Still it flew on, its crew now dead, waiting for the fuel to run out.

~*~

Soar

I’m standing on the precipice, the sun at my back. Behind me are a scattering of my instructors and fellow students, waiting in anticipation. I simply have to step off the edge.

I’m afraid.

Such a deed hasn’t been attempted in decades, not since my particular mutation ceased manifesting itself. I was quite the surprise.

I’m the first one in eighty years.

They’ve done their best to prepare me, but they can only guess what will happen. If something goes wrong...

Failure means death. Still...

I stretch my wings to their full glory and step off the cliff.

I fly.

~*~

Last Night

“Has the sun set? It seems dark.”

“Yes, the sun has set for you, David.”

“Who’s there? I can’t see well. It’s so dark.”

“I’m an old friend, you have yet to meet. But don’t be afraid. You will come to me quietly, in your own time.”

“I don’t understand.”

“You will soon. We will ascend the universe together, David. To the celestial light and the comforting wonder of creation.”

David’s answer came with the exhalation of his last breath.

With a sigh, the Angel of Death wrapped David’s soul in his arms.

They flew to the stars beyond heaven.

© A. F. Stewart 2016 All Rights Reserved

Drabble Wednesday: Fall

It’s time for another Drabble Wednesday, and today we fall from grace, the sky, and loneliness…

Choices

One step.

Down the dangerous path.

One step aside of normal.

Tumbling into that dark temptation, past self-preservation. Hoping you don’t get caught, but loving the adrenaline rush. That’s how it feels the first time. Your heart pounding, your breath seemingly frozen in your throat, right before you thrust the knife. There’s nothing better than watching someone bleed out, seeing that pool of red seep into ever widening circles. Knowing someone else’s fear. Knowing you ended a life. That you held all the power.

It just takes one small step.

So, what do you think? Are you ready to try?

~*~

From Heaven

Have you ever felt the delicate wisp of cloud vapour tickle your face?

I have. I’ve raced the migrating birds, and soared through sunbeams at the edge of the world. I’ve flown past snow-capped mountain peaks, and let the starlight touch my wings. Children of sorrow took shelter under those strong wings, and I flew far. To the heavens and back, and all the beauty in-between.

Sweet memories tucked away to warm my thoughts. To chase away regret, that one mistake. Sometimes I stare at the sky and pray, but I can’t go back.

Fallen angels don’t get second chances.

~*~

Ardency Perception

Free falling into sunlight, aloft on capricious summer winds. Every sense reworked, floating as downy feathers, each sundry care dispelled in dappled daydreams. You are plummeting from dizzying heights, surrounded by the perfumed scent of roses and honeysuckled jasmine. Pulse pounding, awash in heady Elysium.

There is no safety net.

You descend blissfully, tumbling against the currents of wisdom and fools. Each breath exhaled with transcendent exaltation, and nebulous joy tempered by trepidation. You want no pinions to sustain you, nothing to break your intoxication euphoria.

You are eager for more. You let go, engulfed. You are falling into…

Love.

© A. F. Stewart 2015 All Rights Reserved

Drabble Wednesday: Lost Worlds

Today we wander, past the known and into the strange lands of forgotten worlds…

The Canals of Venice

The gentle sway of the water lapped at the canals of Venice, as it did every day. The gondolas rode the waterways, and the tourists strained their necks to see the city’s beauty. But not one, tourist or resident, looked below the water, deep within the submerged depths.

Probably best for their sanity, their gaze turned elsewhere.

For underneath those tranquil looking waters lurked a world mislaid. A world of blackened hearts and broken promises, of righteous fury and rank betrayal. A world of Venice’s past sins and the not quite dead.

A world always on the edge of awakening…

~*~

Underground

Overgrown, it sits, a hole in a hill.  It gapes like an earthen maw, this opening to some subterranean lair.  Stone stairs climb to it, beckoning travellers—come, explore. So serene, and yet foreboding, its lure has tempted many of the curious and the foolish to venture inside.

Into its dark and dank interior, meandering down, down, ever down. So enjoyable until the realization sets in. There is no path back. Only wandering downward. Wandering forever, desperate, alone, never to see the light of day again.

I know. I’ve been trying to get home for a thousand years. Perhaps more.

~*~

The Angel’s Arch

Pale, silent creatures flanked the marble archway, a pair of winged angels; stern-faced, heads slightly bowed, strong wings curled ever so slightly. They both stood guard, awaiting those who dared to approach. And many souls did approach. Some sought solace, some sought hope, all sought to pass through the archway. All were turned away.

Save her.

The dark-haired, black-eyed woman the angels awaited. The Queen returned. They bowed on knee as she passed through the shimmering archway. The world beyond greeted her in a chorus of hope. She greeted them with fire and war, and an army of bloodthirsty angels…

© A. F. Stewart 2015 All Rights Reserved 

Book Spotlight: Crescent City

Today I'm spotlighting the paranormal thriller, Crescent City (Alec Winters Series, Book 1) by Chariss K. Walker. Enjoy...

Crescent City

(An Alec Winters Series, Book 1)

by Chariss K. Walker

Often, perpetrators don’t get punished for their atrocious crimes. Alec Winters searches the streets of New Orleans to give these sexual predators exactly what they deserve.

Alec Winters quietly moves through the streets of New Orleans, looking for predators—those who destroy and prey on innocence. Trained in close-hand combat, he uses these skills when necessary to kill the offenders. Sometimes, his military training isn't needed at all. Sometimes, the only thing it takes to end the lives of wicked, evil men is one look at him. After two suspicious murders in only a short time, the main problem Alec faces in his quest of redemption is a nosy reporter. Vivien Simon came to the metropolitan area to do a series on the effects of Hurricane Katrina—with crime rates on the rise, her interests are drawn to the seedier aspects of the city. She’s hoping to get the story that will make her career. When she discovers that both murder victims were pedophiles, Vivien begins a newspaper and blog campaign that frightens parents and turns the city upside down. Some say the perpetrator of the murders is an angel while others insist it’s a devil. With contrasting accounts, Vivien wonders if a vigilante is on the loose—or worse, a serial killer. She’s hell-bent on discovering the truth, but her persistence and stubbornness might bring her closer to death and damnation than she ever imagined. No one can stop the Angel of God…and they wouldn't want to get in his way.

Read the 1st chapter here: http://chariss.com/Excerpt.php

Purchase Links:

Amazon Kindle 

Amazon Paperback 

Barnes & Noble 

Goodreads 

Author Bio: 

Award winning author, Chariss K Walker, M. Msc, writes fiction and nonfiction books with a metaphysical message. All of her books are sold worldwide in eBook, paperback, and many are in large print. Chariss lives in Amarillo, Texas and has authored 16 books to date.

Chariss K Walker's Author Page

Amazon Author 

Facebook Author Page

Goodreads Author Page

LinkedIn

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Crescent City (An Alec Winters Series, Book 1)

The Vision Chronicles Series

The Journey

The Retreat

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The Spiritual Gifts

Make a Joyful Noise

Make a Joyful Noise Study Guide

Shall We Dance With The Angels: A Poem

I had a bit of poetic inspiration today and I thought I'd share.

Shall We Dance With The Angels

Shall we dance with angels

far above the velvet clouds

where the stars whisper light

and cast it to the eyes below

Far above the velvet clouds

to the Heavens wide and infinite

with angel song in splendour

Where the stars whisper light,

that radiance from our dreams,

to the wayward, celestial corners

And cast it to the eyes below

that rarely see the beauty born

of gossamer and winged grace

Interview with Kikkina Rihki Destinu-Bantano

Today author Kikkina Rihki Destinu-Bantano stops by for an interview and to talk about her book, Angels in the City that Doesn't Sleep

Interview with Kikkina Rihki Destinu-Bantano

Why don’t you begin by sharing a little about yourself?

I am a New England (America) writer who graduated in 2009 from writing college.  I decided to do this after I started to write my first saga when I was 15!  It took me seven years to finally publish it!    I love angels, I am inspired by angels.


Can you tell us a bit about your book, Angels in the City that Doesn't Sleep?

Here is the synopsis of the book:

My name is Chrysti Neopli. I am a fifteen year old New Yorker. For the most part I am like any other teenager from New York. My parents are divorced and live in two different states. My mother lives in New York and my father lives in Maine. The only difference I have that most teenagers don’t share with me is that I am an innovative living angel. I am not by the book at all. I was born as a living angel and was raised in New York City as a human until I was eleven. That’s when I found out I had blue wings and that I had powers most people could only dream of. The truth is as an opportunity comes into my life I don’t want to go to Heaven again. I had been to Heaven before and it didn’t end well. I really don’t fit in there, just like I don’t fit in with anyone in New York either. I constantly split between Heaven and New York. The only thing different this time is the opportunity seems like it was given as a sign to make me deal with the past which I have to make extremely hard decisions to save the future of my friends.

How did the idea for the book begin?

The truth would be the fact I had just moved to a different town and everyone seemed to have forget about me.  Inspired by angels and always loved the feathered wings, I decided to write about a girl who was always stuck in the middle of the fact she was a living angel, split between Heaven and New York.


Why did you decide on a teenager as a main character?

I think when I began writing it, this was the age bracket I was in and I could relate to her. 


What first interested you in the fantasy genre?

I love to write fantasy genre because anything can happen and anything is possible.  It isn’t like real life where you are stuck sometimes an ending to a story you wish never happened. 


What is your greatest challenge as a writer?

The very first page!  I always begin to write it and to me it will never sound perfect.  I keep going at that first page for a very long time.  I have in several cases rewrote the book because of the first page didn’t get the hype I wanted.


Can you tell us about your writing process? Do you have a certain writing routine?

I search for a lot of different pictures online, so I can visually picture them and describe them in my books.  (For example, Azeen, a pure black tiger.  I honestly never realized that there were such a thing)


Who has inspired you as an author?

I have been inspired by A LOT of great authors out there!!  The one that really inspired me with his own story would be Ray Bradbury with the fact he kept writing and never stopped.  People told him his books would never make it, and now they are classics!


What’s next for you?
I am going to continue writing the ‘Angels in the City that Doesn’t Sleep’ Series!

Author Bio:


Kikkina Rihki Destinu-Bantano was born and raised in Maine, where she lives a quiet life.
She began writing at a young age and at fifteen she wrote Angels in the City that Doesn't Sleep. She set it aside for years until she was twenty four and then decided to have it published.

For more information on her books and more about Book Tours, Blog Tours, Radio Interviews, and free book giveaways please check her out on Facebook or Google Plus

Mysteries and Magic: A Review of Rock of Aeons

My Book Review of Rock of Aeons by Lawrence Kapture:

I liked reading Rock of Aeons by Lawrence Kapture. It unfolded as an entertaining fantasy story with a crime noir feel, and even a dash of paranormal romance.

The book centers on Ozzie, a female bounty hunter chasing a skip named Hank who is more than he seems.  Soon her life is full of paranormal creatures, namely mythological Djinn and Angels, and she is smack in the middle of their war looking for a way out alive.

The author does an excellent job with the mythological aspects of the book, grounding them in their origins before putting his own spin on myths and legends. This lends the supernatural nature of the book a legitimate tone and the magic doesn’t seem forced or fake.

I also found the romantic relationship realistic; there were no rushed feelings or artificial interactions. In addition the circumstances that drive the plot flow naturally and the decisions made by the main character seem neither too phony nor too altruistic.  The characters all have a slight tinge of ambiguity and there is no overt “good vs. evil”, yet the authors still maintains a clear separation of “good guys" and "bad guys”.

Altogether I found Rock of Aeons to be well-written, nicely plotted and I recommend it as a book worth reading.

Rock of Aeons is available on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Rock-of-Aeons-ebook/dp/B006HWXIEK