Moss and Clay Book Tour: American Legends and Urban Fantasy

Today we are a stop on the Moss and Clay (Book 1 in the Mab’s Doll Series) book tour. I spotlight this new release (out May 26th), a mythological fantasy novel by Rebekah Jonesy, as well as present a guest post by the author. Enjoy.

Moss and Clay (Book 1 in the Mab’s Doll Series) by Rebekah Jonesy

Moss, clay, and blood--that's how Gillian began.

A doll, crafted and given a mission by Danu. Given life by human and Fae blood.  First daughter of Mab, Queen of the Fae, Gillian must track down the rogue fae in the Americas and bring them back under Fae Law with only a volunteer kelpie to travel with her.

And no one knows what they’re in for. Not even the gods that sent them.

Get the free prequel story here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/g7cjknwe9p

The book is available at: Amazon Kindle
on pre-order until May 26th 2018 when it goes live.

And now for the guest post

American Legends and Urban Fantasy

America is a crazy, mixed up, wild combination of everything. And I love it. From the food to the language to the legends and ghost stories; America is a tossed salad of everything.

https://pixabay.com/photo-2756467/

And like American salads, that isn’t always a healthy thing.

Because what happens when you run into a four legged creature that stands taller than your car, has rows of sharp teeth, sounds like it has hooves, and is being chased by a thunderstorm? Do you cover your ears? Do you make the sign of the cross? Do you offer it three drops of blood? Or do you make sure you do not make contact of any kind?

Well that depends on if it is a bäckahäst, a kelpie, a nøkk, or a nix. In a land of mixed cultures like America is, it only makes sense that all of their monsters and legends should follow. But if that holds true then how is anyone supposed to know how to identify and protect themselves from the complex variations of imported or domestic legends?

Because of course, America had its own legends and myths before the Europeans came sailing in. What if the four-legged creature wasn’t a creature at all. But was instead a Navajo witch called a skin-walker?

https://pixabay.com/photo-1637646/

Let’s just hope it’s a werewolf instead. We all know how to deal with those. Right?

Right?!

But America has a thousand such stories. Some very similar to each other. The White Ladies and La Llorona. Hasn’t everyone heard the ghost story of the local woman that drowned and still walks the river looking for her child? Some of those stories say that if she notices you she will start to scream and wail and you’ll be frozen in place, just like the banshees of Scotland.
We’re Americans though, so we don’t just stick to the old stories. Instead we make up new ones. The black eyed children that have to be invited in to do God knows what to you. The Slenderman myth that took on such a brutal life of its own when two girls committed murders to appease him. The Rake that sits at the foot of your bed and steals your ability to move and possibly even your life force. The black dog that chases down truckers and is an omen of imminent death. These are all new legends, birthed by Americans themselves. We have so many now that we even created a new term that covers all of them. Creepy Pasta.

It’s a crazy, mixed up, wild combination of everything. And I love it. Which is why I started a new urban fantasy series to address as many as possible. I’m not just relying on myself, though. I’ve started a Facebook group where we can all tell and share the stories we know and love. And I would love it if you would join me. Share your stories and read mine. Cause how else are you going to learn the difference between a pooka and a nix?

About the Author

Rebekah Jonesy knows stuff about things and isn't afraid to talk and write about it. Outside of the literary world, she is a mad scientist cook, gardener, Jill of all trades, and military spouse. Inside the literary world she is a devourer of books, publisher, and mentor.

“Rebekah has the best kind of rabies”- JD Estrada You can follow author Rebekah Jonesy at Twitter, Facebook, join her reader’s group, or her blog Heart Strong.

You can sign up for her newsletter here: Newsletter 

Or check her out on Amazon, Goodreads or Smashwords 

And of course you can find her books here for the free prequel to Mab’s Doll or grab your copy of the first book of the series, Moss and Clay 

And check out the other awesome stops in the Moss and Clay tour.

Halloween Week Begins With The Dark Man

Today, I officially kick off the beginning of my Halloween Week, (October 24th-31st) a spooky extravaganza of fun to celebrate the season. I have stories, poetry, a character interview with Lizzie Borden (from Lizzie Borden, Zombie Hunter), and some book spotlights, including one for the new release,  Furr by Axel Howerton. And don't forget to enter my Halloween Horror Haiku Giveaway (live until October 31st) by clicking on the Giveaway Tab at the top of the blog or this link: Halloween Horror Haiku Giveaway!  So come join me if you dare.

Now, settle in for my story based on another variation of the headless horsemen, this time a death rider from Ireland called The Dullahan. So don't walk alone at night and beware the Dark Man...

The Dark Man

On the blackest of evenings, when not a star nor moonbeam lit the sky and the clouds seemed made of soot and charcoal, a solitary figure walked the road home. His gait swayed and his liquor-laden breath puffed grey in the cold, while the lantern in his hand swung shadows across his footsteps. A jaunty, but off-tune, whistle played from his lips, and a grin lit his face.

“The best of nights it was!” He shouted raucous joy to the darkened heavens, before returning to his whistling.

His words echoed through the trees, a shiver to disturb the night birds and other things...

A shadow far beyond the road, the trees, or thoughts of drunken evenings, stirred. A scrape and a thump, a rhythmic pounding, and shudder of inky damnation set an ill-wind blowing across the countryside. And spinning on its eddy, came the sound of a name.

“Conall.”

The whistling man stopped at the chime of his name and turned, holding the lantern high and peering down the path he left behind. Hollow emptiness met his eyes and a chill breeze scattering the leaves of autumn.

“Hello. Is anyone there? If it’s you Fergus, you’ve had your laugh. Come on out.”

The only answer was the hoot of an owl.

Conall shrugged. “I’m hearing things, I suppose. Silly imaginings.”

He swung himself and his lantern roundabout, and took three steps forward before his name again travelled down the road to his ears.

“Conall.”

He shivered, but glanced back shining his light. Once more to see an empty road, devoid of any living soul. He shook his head, and turned back...

Another noise echoed, a faint thrash of hoofbeats. Conall spun, and saw nothing but a scatter of dust filling the air in the far distance. But no horse, no rider. Only the sound of a galloping beast and a spray of dirt.

He trembled, a shimmer of panic coursing through blood and bone. Then he ran, lantern waving wildly, racing as if the devil himself chased him. Breath heaving, feet pounding, his heart thumping a thunder boom in his chest, Conall bolted, while ever behind him rose the reverberation of a galloping horse. Closer, closer, louder, louder, until the rhythmic hammer of the sound smashed against his head, driving him faster into his mad flight.

He cried out, “What are you?!” as a immense shadow closed over him, and a great wind blew past him.

No not past, it felt as if the gale went through him. Chilled to the marrow, each breath an agony, Conall pulled short his frantic escape, stumbling over his feet as he stopped. A foul stench made him choke and he shuddered, his body rife with a damp stickiness. He looked down at his hands. They were covered in blood. His hands, his clothes his skin, his hair, all soaked in blood. On the tattered ends of his scream, he heard his name.

“Conall.”

Slowly, fearfully, he lifted his gaze. Before him was a massive black steed pawing at the ground. The creature tossed its head, snorting ruddy sparks from its nostrils and small flames from its mouth and staring at Conall with radiant crimson eyes. But as fearsome as the creature was, the rider atop its back seized Conall’s blood and soul in unspeakable dread.

It held all semblance of a man dressed in black, save it had no head, or rather a head tucked in the crook of its right arm. This severed cranium shimmered in a translucent glow and it grinned at him, a hideous grimace stretching from ear to lopsided ear. Blue veins snaked across sallow skin, and its coal-black eyes darted like summer mosquitoes. A low chuckle emanated from its mouth, followed by  another utterance of his name.

“Conall.”

Conall clutched his chest, choking out, “God save me!”

“It is too late for that.” The figure raised its left arm, and Conall spied a great whip made from the bones of a human spine. He fell to his knees, terror ripping through his guts.

“Spare me!”

Without word or mercy the creature brandished its whip, the malleable bones lashing around the flesh of Conall, and permeating to his very core. He screamed, the thousand times despair of the damned piercing him, and then he died, the soul shredded from his mortal form.

“Farewell, Conall.”

© A. F. Stewart 2016 All Rights Reserved 

And please, return and join me tomorrow for my dark poetry corner.

Drabble Wednesday: Myth-ellaneous

Welcome back to Drabble Wednesday! This week we explore the dark depths of myth with Vikings, doomed cities, and reincarnation...

Warrior’s End

The village mourns as I watch from afar. They carry the warrior’s corpse to the pyre, and lay him to rest for his final journey. Dressed in his armour, his shield and sword rest atop his chest, and his best drinking cup is placed in his cold hand. They light the wood; flames and smoke rise to the heavens and the All-Father.

I smile.

With the smoke I soar, to bear the warrior’s soul upon my shield. Past mortal worlds we fly, past Asgard, and to our ending.

“I am Valkyrie. Open the gates and welcome this warrior to Valhalla!”

~*~

City of Light

The stars scattered across the sky as a firmament of celestial grace, a gift from the gods to light the evening’s shadows. So it was believed in the great city, and many a poem spoke of it such.

And this night, a man studied those stars.

A man of reason, chased by unease, searched the heavens for answers to unnatural phenomenon. Even though his own friend scoffed at his worry.

“So the earth trembles of late? It is not uncommon.”

“It is more than that, the sea behaves strangely as well. It portends trouble.”

“Nonsense. We are safe in Atlantis.”

~*~

Rebirth

I remember the pain.

Even now, here in my warm fluid cocoon.

I try to erase the memories, I try to think of the beautiful sun, the wind against my wings as I flew, but it always comes back to the pain. The all consuming agony of my death.

If you could even call it such.

Is it a death, if you don’t remain dead?

A thousand times upon a thousand times I have “died.” Is it any wonder I cannot obliterate the memories?

The cycle will continue, no matter my wishes.

The Phoenix will burn

The Phoenix will rise.

© A. F. Stewart 2016 All Rights Reserved

Drabble Wednesday: Myth

Today on Drabble Wednesday, we journey past reality into the world of myth…

Fate

I weave with thread as brittle as the worst spurned heart, across the pale puffed clouds and shimmering stars. I craft names and heartbreak, death and carefree laughter.

I contrast spring among the bleakest nights, when voices murmur with unspeakable refrain, and hope burns to ash and smoke. I entwine the heavens, scattering radiant pinpricks that make the black skies dance, though their light be old and lost.

I cast the glow into their eyes, lace their blood with fire, their minds with thought. I walk the shadows and through the mists, past time and construct.

I weave the world.

~*~

Fear the Skies

On the longest winter night, when the chill wind slithers through the cracks and past your bones, I will warm you. On the beating heartbeat of outstretched wings, from the snow locked mountains, I come. I will fire the skies and burn the night. I will rain spark and fury, flame and ash.

I will be a ghost, a dreaded whisper, a story to frighten your children. A warning you will not heed. They never heed. But you will scream. Scream and flee, a game of chase with ferocity, and my blazing destruction.

And you will shout my name.

Dragon.

~*~

Harbinger

Grey light and wafting mist settled over moor and peat, across verdant grass and gnarled trees. Sunshine traced its farewell to the dappled blue firmament, and melted into the tangerine cerise embrace of the gloaming.

In a breath of moulded air, shrouded in tattered, forgotten scent born of inevitable end, a presence stirs. An entity, a purpose birthed from mortality and tied to name and heritage. The ether quivered, the moon hid its eyes, and the earth itself held still.

Waiting.

She lifted her head, and silver eyes beheld the world once more. She inhaled… and then the banshee screamed.    

© A. F. Stewart 2015 All Rights Reserved

Interview With Tabitha Darling

Today I have an interview with author Tabitha Darling who stops by to chat about her new book, Chiron's Honor, and writing. Enjoy.

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

I am originally from Alaska. Having spent nearly 20 years up there, I learned to hunt for food, trap and fish etc. I have seen fifty below zero temperatures, five foot snow, moose, bear and the northern lights. After finding Mr. Right I am now a happy Texan author, editor and artist. I own three horses, four chickens, and three geese. I am also wife to a robot building husband and mom to a one year old.

Can you tell us about your newest release, Chiron's Honor?

Chiron's Honor brings a genetically engineered centaur species back to Earth after a separation of nearly 3,000 years. The centaur cannot reproduce, their longevity is severely shortened and they are looking for answers to have a chance at living again. This book is meant to bring realism to classical mythology.

Your new book is a fantasy. What interests you about the genre as a writer? Are you a fan of the genre, and if so why?

I am a picky reader as I have read all the great classics such as Tolkien, Asimov, and James Herriot etc. I can't stand formulaic books, shallow plots, or the shallow use of writing and language. What I like about the fantasy genre is just pushing the limits of what we assume, tweaking the standards, messing with the status quo. Experimenting, and testing. I like a good unicorn book, or a novel with rich character in dragons, and in the human characters. No more wizards, spells, apprenticeships, or doomsday, but give me a really well thought out book and sharp author. I am definitely a fan of fiction and fantasy! In this crazy world we need it!

You’ve also included aspects of mythology in your book. As a writer what do you find most intriguing about myths?

Ironically I got interested in mythology from Stargate SG1, an old sci-fi T.V. series. It is fascinating to learn about the old languages used, how the common person lived, the ruling structure of a society, how they viewed nature and animals, how religions and concept of magic were perceived. I prefer to read the old stories, which were once considered fact and just ask in my writing what if they had been true and we never found out? That is the underlying question in this current series I'm working on.

Can you tell us about your writing process? Where do your ideas originate

My ideas pop into my head usually without forethought. Literally while I'm typing! Chiron's Honor actually wrote itself, there was no plan whatsoever except the vague idea of what I wanted to get across. Even the structure formed itself partway through, I liked it and kept it. The structure itself I have never used before. I think the book surprised me!

What is your greatest challenge as a writer?

Editing, I hate editing! Second, is advertising. Lastly, researching old dead civilizations!

Where do you get your inspirations or ideas?

Pretty much in one of two ways. I get lucky have great ideas that pp into my head for which I quickly jot down notes. And lastly, literally n the fly while I'm typing. Beyond that, just the desire to mess with assumptions and see where they take me.

Do you have a favourite author?

Not just one favorite author but many. If I was forced at threat to my life, I'd have to say Tolkien.

What’s the next project? Any new books in the works?

This has got to be a trick question! I have two books in one series to work on, two books each in their own series to finish, and two more each in THEIR own series to write. I am working on five separate series at the same time, and just hop from one book to the next as I feel the need or finish a book to move on.

You can find out more on the author and her books at her website and blog.

Drabble Wednesday: Into the Woods

Today on Drabble Wednesday I venture into the deep, dark woods where witches, wolves and wishes lurk beyond the shadows…

The Wolves of Wickham

Everyone knew not to venture into the forests of Wickham. Every soul in the village, from the tiniest tot to the most elderly, stayed far away from the woods. Bad things happened to a person when they went into the trees. Most never came out, and those that did, well… screams and blood usually accompanied them.

Yet… here was Frederick, blundering about the underbrush, crashing through the branches in panic trying to find his way home, trying in flee the forest. Behind him something growled, and then another something.

Poor Frederick. You see, the wolves of Wickham are always hungry.

The Crone

Such a harmless figure, the old woman, a plaid woolen shawl—the colour of brown earth—drawn over her stooped head and shoulders. She leans heavily on her gnarled cane as she moves, her thin hand unconsciously smoothing a wrinkled skirt and stained apron. At first careless glance she presents the familiar picture of an innocuous granny.

But first glances can deceive. Look closer. Those stains on her apron, are they red? Like blood? Her smile, does hold a touch of wicked, a malicious grin? And those sinewy fingers, have they worked dark magic, perhaps murdered man and beast alike?

Wishes

The full silver moon sprinkles stardust over the forest canopy. Light filters though the trees to cast a radiant reflection in the still waters of an old wishing well. The moon knows the ancient well intimately; they are enduring friends of long acquaintance and secrets.

A figure approaches the well. The moonlight shifts, ever so subtly, lighting her path. She tosses the golden coin she clutched, and it arcs, then hits the water with a splash, falling deep within the well.

“I wish to marry Eli.”

The water shimmers with magic cast.

In the morning Eli's wife will be dead.

Drabble Wednesday: Creepy Time

Today on Drabble Wednesday I serve up some creepy tales…

Puppet

The carved wooden face held a pitiful expression, its eyeless sockets staring, as it swung from its strings suspended from the ceiling of the puppeteer’s workroom. Its hand curled around the weathered head of another puppet, almost cradling the manmade cranium. The other puppet’s body lay smashed it pieces, twisted in the workshop vice.

On the window sill a music box played, the tinny notes drifting across the gloom and dust of the shop. Under the sound of the music, a tiny voice whispered. “I’m sorry Poppa. I couldn’t save you. But I will try my best to avenge you.”

The Ferryman

The teal water carried the stillness of death, and the turbid air draped itself through the dingy sky. It was always thus; his surroundings never changed. His gaunt hand brushed across the olive wood of his pole before it dipped into the water, breaking the surface. The echo of this act sounded like thunder.

A peace settled into his bones, as his boat moved gently towards the shore. He loved this time alone. He glimpsed a figure; there would be work tonight. His passenger boarded with a coin and he turned the boat back, sailing another soul to their fate.

The Circus on the Hill

On certain cimmerian nights, when the stars align, a circus comes to a long forgotten hill. Faint music heralds its arrival, the treble trill of the calliope, mixed with mellow fiddles. The tune is familiar, yet ancient, comforting, but daunting.

Radiance follows, a warm amber glow that bathes the hill. It pulls the gaze, and you see the tents, all crimson stripes and buff canvas, flags and banners, and silhouettes milling all around. Then you hear laughter, the soft chime of bells, and the voices. Oh, those voices.

Sweetly they beckon, call your name, but whatever you do, don’t listen.

Book Spotlight: The Black Swans

I have a book spotlight today for the fantasy novel The Black Swans by N.W. Moors, a book based on one of my favourite Irish myths, The Children of Lir. Enjoy!

The Black Swans by N.W. Moors

Taisie MacDonnell loves Celtic music and when a traditional Irish group moves to her small town of Antrim, Maine, she's thrilled. She has no idea that becoming involved with Conn McLaren, the handsome pipe player will enmesh her in magic, a centuries-old enchantment and pursuit by the Fae.
This is a modern retelling of the Irish story "The Children of Lir".

The Black Swans is available from Amazon

Author Bio

N.W. Moors lives in Portland, Maine, land of lobster and pine trees. She's a voracious reader and avid traveler - she loves to visit Great Britain and Ireland. Researching trips meant that she tries to learn as much about the area as possible.

Author's Amazon Page

Book Spotlight: The Ring of Void

Today I serve up a book spotlight of dark fantasy with echoes of Japanese manga, and bring you the interesting book, The Ring of Void, and its author, Miodrag Kovachevic. Enjoy.

The Ring of Void by Miodrag Kovachevic

After his first death, Shinnosuke Yamagami became a psychopomp, a creature meant to help the deceased pass on to the Nether, the land of the dead. However, Shinnosuke's branch of work was much less poetic; his job was to hunt down runaway spirits that escaped to the mortal realm.
Now, Shinnosuke faces his second death--the death of the soul. In his final moments of existence, he recalls the stories that will remain after him; his journey with the demonic corgi Yago and his battles with spirits that spread terror amongst humans. And among those stories was Mirth, a fox creature in human form who frequently yanked the psychopomp out of his routine work and flung him into chaos. The Ring of Void is a dark fantasy novella that deals with tales left after one's demise.

The Ring of Void is available at Amazon

Author Bio

Miodrag Kovachevic is a video and board game designer born and raised in Serbia. He's had an affinity for languages his entire life and is fluent in English (with a C2 level certificate), German, Serbian and knows some basic Japanese. The Ring of Void is his first published work of fiction and reflects Miodrag's own taste in writing by being to the point and character-oriented, while having a layer of interactivity by letting the readers read between the lines.

Released Today! Legends and Lore: An Anthology of Mythic Proportions

Today's the official release day for Legends and Lore: An Anthology of Mythic Proportions, and the last day of the fabulous blog tour. My story, Grail Days (a modern day tale of Arthurian Legend), is part of this anthology, and I'm proud to be included with this group of fantastic stories and talented authors.

Here's a quick look at the book, and an interview with one of the authors, M. K. Wiseman.  Plus, you can check out the book over on the Xchyler Publishing page (along with any tour stops you might have missed):
http://www.xchylerpublishing.com/site.cfm/Our-Books/Legends-and-Lore.cfm 

And be sure to attend the book launch party over on Facebook starting at 7 PM Eastern. The authors will be there to chat, and there will be games and great prizes.

Legends and Lore: An Anthology of Mythic Proportions

Delve into myth and legend, where the Fates force post-modern man into a world of the unknown—a world long since dismissed as ignorant superstition.


The Brother-Sister Fable by Alyson Grauer: A young boy disappears into a realm where only his sister can follow.

Faelad by Sarah Hunter Hyatt: Claire Whitaker didn’t even know she was Irish, let alone The Morrigan, the goddess of war.

By Skyfall by Emma Michaels: A mer-couple from Atlantis find themselves in the middle of a human murder investigation.

Charon’s Obol by. R. M. Ridley: Jonathan Alvey didn’t believe in gods, until he helps a lost child find her all-powerful parents.

Peradventure by Sarah E. Seeley: A jinni must choose between the woman he loves and destroying the city that persecuted her.

Natural Order by Lance Schonberg: When Carlos Vasquez is kidnapped, he discovers powers within himself to change the world.

Two Spoons by Danielle E. Shipley: A little girl’s soul meets its match in the family diner’s most mysterious patron.

Grail Days by A. F. Stewart: Living forever has its drawbacks, especially when you spend it clearing away the messes of other immortals.

Downward Mobility by M. K. Wiseman: They say love conquers all, but can it save a Valkyrie when she breaks all the rules?

Amazon

Goodreads

Xchyler Publishing

Interview with M. K. Wiseman

How did the idea for this story come to you?

“Downward Mobility” actually grew out of a different story that had been rattling around my hard drive for a little under a year. What I ended up actually writing drew inspiration from my time working in a law firm. I guess I just let my imagination run with the idea of a very tired Valkyrie.

What makes your main character unique?

Honestly, I don't view Amelia as all that unique. While that may not come off as a ringing endorsement, it is nice to have a relatable, down-to-earth character. Even with her supernatural background, Amelia has a human boldness, humor and capacity for love with which we 'mere mortals' can identify. Perhaps a thousand years amongst our kind has given her more humanity than even she expected.

Is this part of a series?

Not at this time. Unless . . .  

When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?

I'm still not sure I am one. :) In all seriousness though, I have always wanted to tell stories. Animation was actually my first love and writing simply grew out of that.

What have you written?

I've published “Downward Mobility” as well as another short story in Xchyler Publishing's Mechanized Masterpieces Steampunk Anthology. In the hopper: I've over a dozen longer works in various stages of completion and I maintain two active continuing story blogs.

What are you working on?

I'm currently trying to put the finishing touches on a rather massive steampunk/fantasy novel while also trying to work out the bugs on three different short stories. 

How do you write? Longhand, typewriter, laptop, tablet?

I write near everything longhand; little yellow legal pads in a leather carry case. (Yes, I now have an entire desk full of filled notepads.) I type everything into the computer later—generally creating more typos than if I'd started digital.

What is your writing zone and how do you get there?

The zone is whenever I write and the results aren't total garbage. The aforementioned yellow legal pads have scores of pages with lines through sections I have deemed 'unworthy' of seeing the light of day. Sometimes the act of writing is just getting pen on paper, while other days the results are pure magic and I know I have found my groove.

What’s the hardest thing about writing?

The time spent. It really does take massive amounts of time. 

What’s the easiest thing about writing?

The ideas. When I started out I had one idea and worried that it was all my brain was ever going to produce. Then I had another idea, and then another one . . . which, of course, leads directly to the hardest thing about writing for me. ;)

What are you currently reading?

J.R.R. Tolkien's The Silmarillion. Fantastic book.

Do you prefer reading eBook or paperback?

I have a Nook and have sometimes read on my phone but prefer paperback.

What advice do you have for fellow writers?

Keep at it! Embrace what creative avenues your brain goes down and be true to yourself. Don't write a thing just because it's in style, write it because you'd love to read it, because the world needs that story. (Oh, and the librarian in me says: read a lot!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Embrace The Horror This October

Okay dear readers, today I'm giving you a rundown of what to expect from me this busy, busy October. I've got book launches, blog tours, and the annual Coffin Hop upcoming this month. I just hope I survive until November...

First up is the launch of my new book, Killers and Demons II: They Return. The official release is October 4th, and I'm kicking it off with a launch party on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/555619914538616/

Everyone is welcome to attend, and bring your friends. I'm giving away free copies of the book (plus the added bonus of the first book in the series), some digital artwork, and a couple of short fiction stories (in PDF format).

After the launch, I move into the Killers and Demons II blog tour, starting October 5th and ending October 13th. There's a great line up of blogs to visit, with a nice selection of posts, interviews and spotlights, and a contest . You can check out the lineup here on my blog: http://afstewartblog.blogspot.ca/p/blog-page_26.html



Also, starting today Oct. 1st, the first book, Killers and Demons is free on Smashwords until Halloween.

After the Killers and Demons II blog tour, I take a small break from horror, but not from my busy schedule. A story of mine, Grail Days, (all about witches, Camelot, immortality and a modern day Grail Quest) appears in the new anthology from Xchyler Publishing, Legends and Lore, which is being released on October 22nd. A blog tour will run from October 14th until the launch date of October 22nd, and I'll be one of the talented authors taking part with an interview. And of course I'll be front and center as one of the authors in the book's Facebook launch party. Xchyler Publishing's parties are always fun, and there are cool prizes up for grabs, including the metallic, Celtic bookmarks I'm offering.

And I'm still not done.
With one day of rest (on the 23rd), I swing into the annual Coffin Hop (Oct 24th-31st) which will take me straight on to Halloween.
This year the theme for my blog is Villains, with a side order of Myth. I'll be spotlighting Killers and Demons II, Legends and Lore, doing my regular poetry corner (plus, I'll be posting poems on the Kintsugi Poets Society, which is also doing the Coffin Hop), and I hope to have some guests stop by this year. As well, there will be another contest, with some great prize packs.


So, that's what to expect this month, I hope you join in the fun.

Book Spotlight: Viking Myths: Stories of the Norse Gods and Goddesses

Today I'm spotlighting a book full of the legends of Norse myth and gods (some of my favourite things):

Viking Myths: Stories of the Norse Gods and Goddesses by Thor Ewing

From its first beginnings in a world of primordial ice floes, the story of the Viking gods is one of continual struggle against etins and monsters, but it is a tale of humour and triumph as well as of grit and tragedy. The Norse myths are justly famous for a host of vivid characters including the wise and enigmatic Odin, the bluff strongman Thor, and the incorrigible trickster Loki. In the first major retelling for a generation, storyteller and historian Thor Ewing rediscovers the brisk vitality with which these ancient myths were told in the earliest sources. With 45 stunning b&w illustrations inspired by Viking art.



You can find this book on Amazon UK:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Viking-Myths-Stories-Norse-Goddesses/dp/1910075000/

And Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Viking-Myths-Stories-Norse-Goddesses/dp/1910075000/


Author Bio:

Thor Ewing was born in Putney in 1967. He studied Medieval Literature at Durham University before becoming a contributor to a number of academic publications covering Viking and Nordic culture and pre-Christian religion. Ewing is also the author of a number of other books, including The Wisdom of the Celts (Edda, 2004), Viking Clothing (The History Press, 2006) and Gods and Worshippers in the Viking and Germanic world (The History Press, 2008). Ewing now lives with his wife and children in Bucknell, Herefordshire.


Find out more about the author and his books at his website: http://thorewing.net/

Into the Mists of Arthurian Legend: A Review of The Circle Cast

My Book Review of The Circle Cast: The Lost Years of Morgan le Fay by Alex Epstein:

The Circle Cast: The Lost Years of Morgan le Fay by Alex Epstein is an excellent addition to the genre of Arthurian folklore and legend. The author crafts worlds past with a deft hand, easily pulling a reader into the story.

The book tells the story of the Arthurian sorceress Morgan le Fay. The Circle Cast portrays the early years of this character, first as the child Anna and then as Morgan after she flees Britain to Ireland. It tells the story of her life as a stranger in a strange land, enslaved and surviving hardship to return to Britain and reclaim what she lost.

The plotline is fresh, delving into a piece of Arthurian legend not excessively written about, yet still keeping to the traditional lines of the tale. The author has a nice take on the magical aspects of the story, weaving a mysterious aspect in to the narrative by his effective use of Celtic religion and myth.

The writer also does an exceptional job at creating the main character, making her a full person with fears, doubts and weakness, while still showcasing her strength of purpose. The people surrounding her are nicely sketched as well, interacting and bringing the world around Morgan to life, filling a past age with solid reality.

Being a devotee of the Arthurian legends, I’ve read many books on the subject, both fiction and non-fiction, and this delightfully enchanting novel is a welcome complement to the mythology.



Also available at Amazon.ca:
http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1896580637/

Fantasy, Gods, and a Great Read.

My Review of Rise of the Ancients – Annuna by JC De La Torre.


Rise of the Ancients – Annuna by JC De La Torre is an intriguing fantasy that sprinkles ancient gods, mythology, theology, history, and world origins onto the pages and swirls it all into a philosophical adventure and an end-of-the-world apocalypse.

This novel is the continuation of the Rise of the Ancients saga, which began in JC De La Torre’s novel Ancient Rising -Rise of the Ancients Book 1. In Rise of the Ancients – Annuna the story resumes directly after the events in the first book, (that book deals with the mythical city of Atlantis, the release of the god-like Dodekatheon and the annihilation of the world), and contains both Book II and Book III of the chronicle. In Book II, Ancient Destruction, the narrative alternates between the present as Dan and the rest flee the Dodekatheon to save what is left of the world and flashback tales told by Prometheus, detailing the history of the Annuna and the Dodekatheon. In Book III, Rise of the Annuna, Dan journeys to the home of the Annuna, a trip that eventually leads to the final showdown.

“Prometheus woke me just before daybreak and invited me to join him on the bridge of the galleon. I glanced at Doc, Mina, and Marty, each were sleeping soundly. It was good that they got their rest. I had a feeling things were going to be getting a lot worse. Once I reached Prometheus’ side, he smiled slightly.”

Rise of the Ancients – Annuna is an interesting take on fantasy tradition. It juxtaposes myths, legendary tales and modern religion, interlacing it with a good saga of heroes vs. villains. The characterization is excellent, with the intrepid heroes nicely flawed and all villains delectably ruthless. Throw in a heavenly host and a few demons and you get a fascinating narrative discourse.

“I backed out of the jungle and into the clearing. I glanced back toward Prometheus, who was engaged in titanic warfare with the other twelve Gods… and he was losing. Without thinking, I sheathed my sword, clasped my hands together and from them came a burst of energy that struck into the melee, knocking Ares on his primordial backside. The anger in his face was priceless.”

I enjoyed the book and found it appealing, although I did find the pace at times a bit uneven. Events that went previously are often explained, and while this does add to the narrative it also slows the story. In addition some of the flashbacks meander just a touch. Still, overall, the book’s storyline had a good flow, and held my attention.

I liked the ideas presented in this book, and found both the story and the perspectives offered to the reader engaging. I recommended it as a distinctive fantasy novel.

Author Website: http://www.jcdelatorre.com/
Be sure to check out his blog tour for the book.

You can find both books at Amazon.com

Rise of the Ancients – Annuna

Ancient Rising -Rise of the Ancients

And at Amazon.ca

Rise of the Ancients – Annuna

Ancient Rising -Rise of the Ancients


Note: In case any are wondering why I am reviewing the second book in this series and skipping over the first, the explanation is simple: I have yet to read the first book in the series. I received my copy of this book through the website LibraryThing and their Member Giveaway; of the prerequisites for requesting this book was to provide a review.
I did enjoy the story enough to buy the first novel, Ancient Rising, so hopefully a review of that novel will be forecoming soon.