Virtual FantasyCon is coming! You’ve Got Your Romance in My Fantasy—You’ve Got Your Fantasy in My Romance!

Virtual FantasyCon will be happening soon--October 9th through 16th!

I'll be there, participating in two day-long events. I'll have an author booth for Monday's Epic Fantasy Day, where I'll talk about my epic fantasy romance series The Enchanted Bookstore Legends, and also on Wednesday for Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy Day. I'm also participating in the multi-author Virtual FantasyCon Blog Hop Hunt, which is a super fun game for guests you'll definitely want to check out.

Also, I've already added other Virtual FantasyCon days to my schedule just as a reader since I know the kind of fun that's in store. I had author booths last year in the first Virtual FantasyCon and it was a great time. I really look forward to events where readers get to interact with authors. For guests, it makes the reading experience so much richer to understand more about an author and their interests. As an author, it gives me an extra edge of purpose and excitement about my writing process. I love interacting with readers, and Virtual FantasyCon is one of the best events where that can happen. For more details and links to direct you to the events, check at the end of this post.

Like I mentioned, I'm excited to be hosting an author booth for Wednesday's Paranormal Romance event. The current series I'm writing, Coon Hollow Coven Tales, fits that genre. I enjoy adding romance subplots to fantasy for some fun twists to the storylines. Here are more of my thoughts on combining romance with fantasy:

You’ve Got Your Romance in My Fantasy—You’ve Got Your Fantasy in My Romance!

Is the correct term for the genre romantic fantasy or fantasy romance? Not many agree, but regardless of how we use those terms, romance works well with fantasy. 

Novels must have conflict to engage a reader. Love is filled to the brim with conflict. Maybe two characters are afraid to admit their feelings, or can’t let their feelings be known outside of the two of them if their families dislike each other. Plenty of tales are woven with a prince falling in love with a milkmaid, or a princess escaping her ill-tempered, intended royal husband to be with a stable boy. These difficulties add a sense of reality to fantasy novels, a lifeline for readers to be able to identify with those characters.

This is the subgenre of my own writing, so I’ve obviously given a lot of thought to these categories. But, it seems the longer I look, the more confused I get. Maybe I’m in the forest too deeply to see the trees. I’ll list characteristics to aid discussion, and then would appreciate some interaction to make the distinctions clearer.

Similarities:

Traditional publishing houses have long published romantic fantasy in fantasy, as well as in romance lines. That fact alone is enough to confuse writers and readers alike.

The protagonists of both subgenres often begin their journeys by escaping abusive or oppressive environments. But because of the romance element, their goals are not to become free from all social ties. Instead, most characters search for a new community or social group where they truly belong, and eventually love blossoms. A true loner protagonist does not exist in either romantic fantasy or fantasy romance.

Common plot archetypes of both subgenres:

A teenager from an overly strict or abusive family runs away and discovers he/she possesses magical or psychic powers. These newly-found powers open the character to a hope-filled destiny. Typically, the character finds ways to earn his/her place in a new society, through saving a city, kingdom, or other large group from harm by a dangerous villain or monster.

An adult who is a minor noble or someone who has recently lost a loved one strikes out in search of a new life. The character may already be magical or discover his/her abilities as in the above example. Their powers enable them to save a world from outside invasion. In the process, he/she falls in love. The book or series is expected to have a typical happily-ever-after ending for the couple, following accepted romance form.

A group of adolescents are drawn together through circumstance and destiny to form a collective that is larger than the sum of its parts. These young people are often outcasts, orphans, or somehow on the fringes of society. Each possesses magical powers, which complement different abilities of the others in the group. The bond which holds them together allows them to experience a new sense of belonging. The characters mature as they find friendship and love. The group ultimately overthrows some threat no one else is able to face in the larger community.

Differences:

Magic is often handled differently in the two subgenres. In romantic fantasy the magical abilities are typically innate and simple to use. An example of this would be precognition, oriented towards affinity for or control of a particular natural element, commonly the four Greek elements of fire, air, earth, and water. This difference in the magical system is because more story time is taken by the romance. Less is spent developing a complex, secretive body of customs which requires long study and great personal sacrifice. Fantasy romance would be expected to have more complex magical systems, approximating more closely what we see in high fantasy.

Some publishers claim romantic fantasy is the correct label where the romance is most important and fantasy romance where the fantasy elements are most important. Others state that the division between fantasy romance and romantic fantasy has essentially ceased to exist.

From my personal experience, when a work rides the line, with the romance and fantasy elements being of near equal importance, publishers are often stumped. I submitted such a manuscript over and over, answering detailed follow-up questions so the editors could determine if one outweighed the other, to guide their acceptance. Being equal, they were stymied. Those extended reviews by numerous houses took plenty of time. In the end, I didn’t wish to rewrite, making one element sing louder as I was requested. I like my heroines to work hard to become good at their magic craft, spending as much time as they do falling in love. 

Examples:

Anne Bishop’s Black Jewels Trilogy

C. L. Wilson’s Tairen Soul Series

Maria V. Snyder’s Poison Study Series

Sharon Shinn’s Twelve Houses Series

Catherine Asaro’s Lost Continent Series

Mercedes Lackey’s Five Hundred Kingdoms Series

I would attempt to categorize these examples as romantic fantasy or fantasy romance, but the line is a subjective one and subject to debate.

I prefer my fantasy with romance rather than my romance with fantasy. What is your preference?

*~*~*~*

Virtual FantasyCon is a fun and interesting online event happening in October and best of all it’s free. The location is your computer. You can drop by any day during the event and check out the booths for that day. There will be authors, bloggers, editors, artists, and publishers to list just a few. There will be a Cosplay booth, Blog Hop Hunt booth, panel discussions, and a new booth this year an Author Cache Sale booth (This booth is new and is only for the participating authors on the day of each event. Books on sale for $1.99 or 0.99 can list these books in the comment section below for guests to find and buy.) It is put together by lovely people like Carol March, Raven Williams, Denise Garrou, and others who have worked behind the scenes to make this event happen.

It’s a place to catch up on your favorite author and discover new authors. There is epic fantasy, urban fantasy, dark fantasy, children’s fantasy, and YA fantasy to name just a few of the different types of authors that will have a booth during the event.

To find out more about the event check out the following social media links:

Reader’s Corner

Virtual FantasyCon

Blog Hop Hunt

Marsha A. Moore is a writer of fantasy romance. The magic of art and nature spark life into her writing. 

JOIN MARSHA'S MAILING LIST and receive a free copy of her paranormal romance story RULER OF THE NIGHT.

Read Marsha's COON HOLLOW TALES of paranormal romance and her ENCHANTED BOOKSTORE LEGENDS for adventurous epic fantasy romance. For a FREE ebook download, read her historic fantasy, LE CIRQUE DE MAGIE, available at Amazon and Smashwords.

Interviewing Lindsay Avalon about her dark fantasy romance, Breaking the Nexus

Today, I'm pleased to bring you my interview with Lindsay Avalon, talking about her dark fantasy romance release, Breaking the Nexus. It has a wonderful premise. Be sure to check out her book as well as her great contest at the end of this post.

 
In Breaking the Nexus, the Nexus is a magical barrier that has separated the hidden Mythrian Realm from the human world for millennia. I love the concept of portals and seem to always look for one while hiking or exploring outdoors. Why was the Nexus created? Who used it and for what purpose(s)?

The Nexus was originally created to separate the Human Realm from the Mythrian Realm. Millennia ago, the realms coexisted, but it was anything but peaceful. The term “human” essentially means, someone who has no supernatural gifts or origin. Some Mythrians saw humans as inferior and loathed their presence. One powerful blood mage in particular, Ferren, sought to eradicate the humans altogether. Ferren saw two purposes to the humans: as food for some of the carnivorous Chimerae races in his army, or as a sort of disposable army over which he exerted total mind control.

Ferren had begun conquering areas throughout Mythrian and most did not want to allow the kind of wide spread annihilation he intended. To stop him, the Great Phoenix sacrificed itself to help trap Ferren in a prison and powerful Mythrians erected the Nexus to keep the two realms separate, thus protecting the more vulnerable humans. 

Why is the portal now on the verge of collapse?

More will be revealed in upcoming books, but there have always been supporters of Ferren who believed he should never have been imprisoned. The same forces that stabilize the Nexus also stabilize the shields keeping Ferren imprisoned. Sentinels, elite Mythrian warriors from the various races, patrol the barrier and help ensure any weaknesses are repaired. Unfortunately, this leaves the human side vulnerable. Recently, the Nexus has been infiltrated and attacks on it from the Human Realm have weakened it. There are other forces at work that have further compromised the Nexus, but you’ll find out more about those later :)

A Mythrian woman, Sha Phoenix, stumbles upon the barely functioning portal and is pulled through into the Human Realm. There she learns that someone is using blood magic to bring down the Nexus. What is blood magic? Why would someone want to destroy the portal?

There are many sources of magic in Mythria. Sha is a Sorceri, one who is born with her powers and Sorceri consist of several clans: Infernum (fire), Aquarum (water), Gaelen (wind), Metallum (metal), Terranus (earth). For those not born with these gifts, magic can be acquired through study and by learning to tap into pools of energy called nodes. Those who become adept at this form are mages. A darker form of magic exists called blood magic. Blood mages use violent sacrifices to enhance their power.

Sha joins forces with Detective Connor Flynn to unravel the secrets before the Nexus falls and the realms collide. Do humans know that the Mythrian Realm exists or did she have to convince him? What might he be able to do to help her?

Humans have no clue about the Mythrian Realm. The only memories preserved from the time when humans and Mythrians coexisted, are the myths and legends that have been passed down through generations. Sha does need to convince Connor, but having magical powers helps to speed things up a bit ;) It’s hard to explain a heavy table levitating off the ground or an attack from a banshee intent on ripping her victims to shreds.

Connor will be able to help her piece together how she crossed over the Nexus into the Human Realm. In addition, the bond that connects them helps to enhance her powers as well as his own that he has begun displaying.

What might happen if the realms have no barrier?

Chaos, destruction, and mayhem is the short answer. Once the Nexus falls, there will be nothing to stop Mythrians from invading the Human Realm, including Ferren.

Briefly describe the magical systems of your world. How do those who are empowered, the Mythrians, gain their abilities?

There are Sorceri which I described earlier, Chimerae who are shape shifters, Elves, and all sorts of magical creatures from legends such as dragons, banshees, demons, etc. Most Mythrians are born with their power or acquire it through extensive training. Some Mythrians join the Sentinels, a group of elite warriors tasked with keeping order in Mythria and defending the Nexus.

I’d just like to say thank you for these questions Marsha! They really helped me enhance ideas for the series as a whole J Absolutely loved them!

Thank you, Lindsay. It’s fun for me to form questions to help bring out the tempting bits of a story, something I know my readers enjoy too.

*~*~*

Breaking the Nexus

Book 1 of the Mythrian Realm series 

Lindsay Avalon

Genre: Dark Fantasy Romance

Publisher: Blue Phoenix Publishing

ISBN: 978-0615753140

ASIN: B00AMPXDLQ

Number of pages: 200 print pages

Word Count: 42,000

Cover Artist: Miranda Stork (front cover)

Amazon US  Amazon UK

Book Description: 
 

Throughout history, myths and legends of extraordinary creatures have been told and retold. Fantastic tales of demons and banshees, gryphons and dragons, and of course, magic. Stories that every child grows to learn are nothing more than fantasy…or are they? 

Beyond the world you see lies a hidden realm, the Mythrian Realm, inhabited by all of the creatures you’ve been told are mere fiction. Only one thing lies between humans and the truth: the Nexus. A magical barrier erected millennia ago to separate the two realms, it has stood the test of time. Until now. 

For Mythrian Sha Phoenix, magic is nothing new. But when she stumbles upon a portal on the verge of collapse, her fate will forever change. Pulled through the portal into the Human Realm, she lands in the middle of Detective Connor Flynn’s brutal murder scene. Soon it is obvious someone is using blood magic to try to bring down the Nexus. Together, Connor and Sha must work to unravel the secrets before the barrier falls and the realms collide. 

The Nexus is breaking and all hell is about to unleash…literally.

Excerpt:

Sha floated, surrounded by a cold, dark abyss. This must be death.  It was rather peaceful in a way and at least she didn’t hurt. The thought hadn’t finished forming when jagged shards of pain radiated through her body. By the flame. This was almost as bad as mage fire. She clenched her teeth, pride the only thing keeping her scream of agony locked in her throat. She wasn’t dead, though whether that was a blessing or a curse remained to be seen.

Forcing herself to steady her breathing, the deafening roar in her ears subsided to a low howl as she worked to push aside the pain. Backlash was brutal; the Gate must have collapsed, sending out a wave of raw energy that her mind had attempted to absorb. Talk about sensory overload, it was a minor miracle she still had her wits about her.

Gradually she grew aware of her surroundings, the surface beneath her body cold, hard, and…sticky? What the hell? Maybe she’d been hasty in assuming she’d kept her wits. The last thing she remembered was walking into the forest clearing. Trepidation welled up inside her body. Inhaling, she barely stopped herself from expelling what little she’d had for breakfast that morning. The stench of blood and Goddess only knew what else sent her stomach roiling. She had a sneaking suspicion she wasn’t in Mythria anymore.

“Right, let’s just state the obvious, shall we? And now I’m talking to myself. I’m going insane, that’s it.” Since Luca hadn’t teased her for muttering to herself, nor had he asked if she was alright, she surmised he was either missing or unconscious. “Stop being a baby and just open your eyes. What’s there to be afraid of?”

Steeling herself, she pried open one lid. The dawning sun lanced into her brain, triggering a resurgence of her headache. Could this day get much worse? As her vision cleared, she wanted to kick her own ass for taunting the fates.

“Hey miss, you alright? Cops are on their way. Do you know what happened?” The voice was unfamiliar, the accent not quite like anything she’d ever heard before. Her eyes narrowed, trying to bring her surroundings into focus. Holy hell. She was in the Human Realm. Lying in an alley. In a pool of blood; a lot of blood, though not hers since she’d notice  losing important limbs or acquiring new holes. A commotion nearby drew her gaze to a crowd of strangers growing larger by the minute, all eyes fixated on Sha. Yup, she’d been an idiot to tempt fate.

Struggling to pull herself upright, she waved off the hands outstretched to help. “Fine, I’m fine. Just dazed, I think.”

A shrill scream amplified the pounding in her head. Why did some women have to sound like the infernal banshees that roamed the Enigma Forest?

“Oh my God! There’s a body over here! Oh my God, that woman’s covered in blood! She had to have done it! She could be armed!”

About the Author: 

I am a wife, a programmer, and now an author. I have an adorable mini Schnauzer and more books than I have room for. I love reading romance because no matter what may be happening in my life, I can always count on my books to end happily ever after. The day I met my husband was the day I truly began believing in happily ever after. After hearing me complain a few too many times that I had “nothing” to read despite the hundreds of paperbacks scattered around the house, my husband began suggesting I write my own stories. When I finally took his advice I discovered that although I enjoy my day job as a software engineer, my true calling is to be an author. 

My sister drilled into me an appreciation for fantasy and mythology, something I try to bring to my books. My debut novel, Breaking the Nexus started as a book written for NaNoWriMo and has grown to so much more. It was the conduit that introduced me to a fantastic group of independent authors who have changed my life in unimaginable ways.

When I’m not writing, I’ve found a passion for blogging and interviewing fellow authors. I also love reading (of course!), baking, crochet, sewing sock monkeys, playing video games, and all sorts of random crafts. I have an incurable love of rubber duckies and stuffed animals, and I believe nobody should have to grow up if they don’t want. 

Website: http://www.lindsayavalon.com 

Blog: http://lindsayavalon.blogspot.com 
Twitter: http://twitter.com/LindsayAvalon 
Facebook: http://facebook.com/author.lindsay.avalon 
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6568822.Lindsay_Avalon

Contest:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

~ ~ ~ Marsha A. Moore is a writer of fantasy romance. The magic of art and nature spark life into her writing. Read her ENCHANTED BOOKSTORE LEGENDS for adventurous epic fantasy romance: Book One, SEEKING A SCRIBE, Book Two, HERITAGE AVENGED, and Book Three, LOST VOLUMES. She has also authored the Ciel's Legacy series, with fast action mermaid/pirate storylines: TEARS ON A TRANQUIL LAKE and TORTUGA TREASURE.  For a FREE ebook download, read her historic fantasy, LE CIRQUE DE MAGIE, available at Amazon and Smashwords.

Interviewing Boone Brux about her new fantasy romance, Kiss of the Betrayer

I'm very happy to be able to interview Boone Brux today about her new fantasy romance release, Kiss of the Betrayer. Be sure to check out her new book and also the contest at the bottom of this post.

 When Jade Kendell is brought into the Bringer’s fold, she faces big changes. She risks revealing her own dark secret. Her desire for a better life conflicts with a promise she made long before she understood the ramifications. Has life in the fold given her hope for a better life? If so, how? What might happen if her secret is revealed? Why did she originally intend to kill Luc?

Jade definitely has hope for a better life. Up until the point where the Bringers accept her, she’s lived in the Shadow World, hiding and surrounded by demons. Most of her adult life has been spent tracking Luc so she could kill him because he had betrayed her family when she was just a little girl. If her secret is revealed, which Luc knows about, the rest of the Bringers might not trust her. There are a few other things that might happen, but I don’t want to reveal too much J

How does Jade put aside her intent to kill Luc when they work together on a deadly mission?

By the time they leave on their mission, Jade has realized the person she is trying to protect can’t be help and has turned deadly. 

As differences are put aside and the pair must rely upon each other to face the impossible, attraction sparks. Tell me about the chemistry between them. What qualities about Luc does Jade begin to admire and/or desire? And what about Jade breaks the barriers around Luc’s heart?

From book one, Shield of Fire, Luc and Jade have shared an antagonistic relationship. He’s been a womanizing idiot, in her opinion. But even after he finds out her secret, he continues to protect her. His main concern is for her, even when she is resisting his assistance. Eventually, she sees that he’s not there to hurt her but to help, no matter how difficult their task becomes.

For Luc, he’s known Jade since she was a child and it’s not so much about breaking the barriers as it is him accepting her as a woman. She’s also careless and he has the driving need to protect her, not just because he’s a Bringer Shield, but because there is a deeper connection with her.

If Luc and Jade fail, it could mean the loss of their souls and give the Demon King exactly what he needs to open the Abyss of Souls and annihilate the Bringers. What might happen when he opens the Abyss of Souls?

If Vile, the Demon King opens the Abyss of Souls, he will command the most powerful army and take over all of Inness, enslaving humans and Bringers. At least that’s what everybody thinks will happen. *wink*

Briefly describe the magical systems of your world. How do those who are empowered (Jade, Luc, the Bringers, and the Demon King) gain their abilities?

That is a very long and detailed explanation. Bringers are born with their powers, even if they are dormant. There is a ritual they perform to draw out the powers of a mix-blooded Bringer. There are full Bringers, like Rhys and Ravyn from book one, whose parents are both full-blooded Bringers. A lot of the lines have been watered down as the Bringers married humans and produced children. Once empowered a Bringer is either a Shield, who protects, a Tell, who knows things, or a Redeemer, those who heal not just the body but the entire soul.

However, there are two other parts to this explanation that I can’t tell you about because they are vital to the culmination of the epic battle that is brewing and will eventually take place in book five. Sorry. 

Thank you so much for having me, Marsha.

*~*~*

Kiss of the Betrayer

Bringer and the Bane Book Two
Boone Brux 

Genre: Fantasy Romance                
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
ISBN: Print: 1620610353 
E-book - 978-1620610350
Number of pages: 400
Word Count: 100,000 

Amazon     B  N 

Book Description: 

For fifteen years Luc Le Daun has blamed himself for the death of the woman he loved. His secret guilt has led him into a life of danger, risking all and committing to none.

Killing Luc Le Daun has been all Jade Kendell has thought about for years. But when her plan goes awry and she's brought into the Bringers' fold, her own dark secret threatens to be revealed. Desire for a better life wars with a promise made long before she understood the ramifications.

In a deadly mission, Jade and Luc embark on a journey into the Shadow World. As they attempt the impossible, ignoring the attraction growing between them becomes harder to deny. The slightest misstep could mean the loss of their souls and give the Demon King exactly what he needs to open the Abyss of Souls and annihilate the Bringers. 

Excerpt:

Now that Jade had tried to kill Luc, doubts plagued her. She’d never stopped to consider what it meant to take another person’s life, never thought about the cost to her own soul. It had always been: Ithad to be done. Luc had to pay for his betrayal.

Rell thirsted for vengeance. With each cruel deed she seemed bent on performing, Jade volunteered in her place, hoping to slow her sister’s descent into the world of the Bane. For so long she’d fought to keep Rell rooted to humanity, but never once noticed her own slipping away.

A twig snapped, jolting Jade from her thoughts. She crouched and searched the forest. Nothing moved in the murky grayness. A shiver ran across her skin, the woods’ coolness suddenly feeling a lot less welcoming. Maybe the follower was Rell, or a deer. Jade didn’t dare call out in case someone or something else stalked her. Other creatures lurked in the forest, none of which she wished to encounter. She cursed herself for not keeping the knife she had used to stab Luc. Now her inability to stomach its feel seemed idiotic.

Another twig snapped. She spun and ran in the opposite direction. Footsteps thundered after her, closing fast. She broke through the trees and was halfway across the clearing when someone hit her full force, taking her to the ground. The breath burst from her body from the weight of the person landing on top of her. It took only a second to realize who the attacker was.

Luc.

Show More

Shield of Fire
Bringer and the Bane Book One
Boone Brux 

Genre: Historical Fantasy Romance
ePub ISBN: 978-1-937044-17-6
Print ISBN: 978-1-937044-33-6 

Book Description: 

Protecting humans is the Bringers’ duty. Sending demons to the Shadow World is their pleasure.

In one night, Ravyn’s life plunges from barely tolerable to deadly. Forced to flee the only home she’s known, she stumbles headlong into the clutches of Icarus, a powerful demon intent on stealing her powers. Unfortunately for him, she has no intention of cooperating.

When Rhys realizes the woman he’s rescued from the Bane Demon is no mere human, his obligation as a Bringer dictates he protect and train her in the ways of his people. But he’s unprepared for the intense desire he feels for the fiery Ravyn. To surrender to his need may mean her death.

As the Demon King’s desire for ultimate power escalates, fathers are slated against sons, and foes are made allies. The Bane threat upon them, Rhys and Ravyn must quest to unite the last of the Bringers—and explore a passion too powerful to ignore.

Purchase Link: http://www.entangledpublishing.com/shield-of-fire/

  

About the Author: 

As a multi-published and an award winning author, Boone's writing drips with experiences from real life. Addicted to anything that might make a good story, she weaves tales that range from dark fantasy to humorous romance. Settled in the icy regions of Alaska with the love of her life and twin daughters, it's not uncommon to find her tapping away on her iPad on a windy beach or the barren tundra. Be warned, anyone and every even is fodder for one of Boone's novels. 

www.boonebrux.com
www.twitter.com/boonebrux 
www.facebook.com/BooneBruxAuthor
www.goodreads.com/boonebrux

Giveaway: an e-copy of Kiss of the Betrayer for one lucky commenter

~ ~ ~ Marsha A. Moore is a writer of fantasy romance. The magic of art and nature spark life into her writing. Read her ENCHANTED BOOKSTORE LEGENDS for adventurous epic fantasy romance: Book One, SEEKING A SCRIBE, Book Two, HERITAGE AVENGED, and Book Three, LOST VOLUMES. She has also authored the Ciel's Legacy series, with fast action mermaid/pirate storylines: TEARS ON A TRANQUIL LAKE and TORTUGA TREASURE.  For a FREE ebook download, read her historic fantasy, LE CIRQUE DE MAGIE, available at Amazon and Smashwords.

Interviewing Marne Ann Kirk about her fantasy romance, Love Chosen

 Today, I'm pleased to interview fantasy romance author Marne Ann Kirk about her wonderful release, Love Chosen. CONTEST ALERT: See end of interview for details.

In Love Chosen, dragons and fae have peacefully co-existed, but the fae themselves have lived segregated and very different lives. Why have the fae chosen to live apart?

The fae live segregated from each other in that there are those with majic, and those without. The fae were created when the First Dragon shared her blood with a mortal; and because of the dragon blood, all fae are near immortal…but the majic abilities only present in some fae. Over time, the chasm between those with power and those without grew until it became a social issue.

Why have a Queen’s guard, Tyler, and a rebellious outlaw, Issie, joined forces to defeat a common enemy of both dragons and fae? Why them and not others?

Well, Tyler is the Queen’s most trusted guard, and the political structure is delicate at the moment. The Queen doesn’t trust her High Council, she feels someone there might be involved and she worries these murders are meant to stir discontent among the masses. She needs discretion. Issie is somehow connected to the killings…

Issie fears that Tyler will learn she uses majic to help less fortunate escape the kingdom. Why is escape a good thing for those people? What kind of life will they face outside? Why would Tyler object to his action?

The Lowers, the fae without majic, live in abject poverty while their goods and services go to maintain the Uppers’ lavish lifestyles of leisure. If they can get beyond the Ierocks Mountains, they can have a chance at lives that are more than just survival for servitude. The one pass out is guarded; but more than that, this is the only life they’ve ever known. Most would never dream of leaving what the First Dragon desired. Issie has to help them escape a mind-set as well as the High Council’s laws. Tyler would object to this because it goes against their beliefs, their laws…it’s treasonous thought.

What will he personally gain from a relationship with her and vice versa, her with him?

Well, in the beginning he doesn’t think there’s anything he could possibly gain from a relationship with her, and she thinks he’s…well, given a choice of talking to him or licking dragon phlegm out of a puddle, she’d be hard pressed to choose. When they’re forced together, though, Tyler can calm Issie and he teaches her so many things about herself. At the same time, Issie challenges Tyler’s beliefs, she strengthens him in areas he really needs to grow. They complement each other.

How could a binding love help Tyler and Issie save her life and their world?

I don’t want to give specifics about them. However, in the bigger scheme of things, The Fae Dragon Chronicles deals with prejudice and intolerance. In Love Chosen, Issie’s love helps sway Tyler’s bigotry. I remember hearing as a child that change begins with one person. So, Issie’s love for Tyler, and his love for her, begin to change the tide of prejudice, ignorance, and intolerance—all of which go hand in hand—in their world. However, it’s a slow process…

Briefly describe the magical systems of your world. How do those who are empowered gain their abilities?

As I said in question 1, the First Dragon’s blood flows through all fae, making them near immortal. However, the fae originally were mere mortals. So, when the First Dragon DNA mixed with human DNA, it caused a mutation in the genetic makeup. Some mutations were greater than others; sometimes the proteins lay dormant, much like the color blue in human eyes. Of course, the fae don’t know this, as it’s a pre-industrial world. They are fairly spiritual, and believe the First Dragon willed some to have power, to be the ones chosen to ride the dragons and take care of them. They believe those without majic exist to care for those with power, so they can concentrate on the dragons. There are Majic Trials to test the fae younglings for power, and any youngling can enter the Majic Trials.

Oh my goodness, that was fun! I really enjoyed these questions. Thank you so much, Marsha, for having me on your blog. This was great. If there are any more questions, or if you want me to expand, I’d love to. I’ll check in through the day. I’d like to mention my next book, “Goddess on the Run,” is coming out September 4^th (a little earlier than I had thought), and I have a give-away of  an autographed copy of “Love Chosen” going on to celebrate. Enter the giveaway. It’s a free book, right?

 

Love Chosen

The Fae Dragon Chronicles

Book One
By Marne Ann Kirk    

Genre: Fantasy Romance       

Publisher: Crescent Moon Press

ISBN:  978-1937254490

ASIN: 978-1-937254-50-6

Number of pages: 277

Word Count: 86,100 words

http://crescentmoonpress.com/books/LoveChosen.html

Book Description:

For millennia, dragon and fae have peacefully co-existed, but the fae themselves have lived segregated and very different lives.

Now a malevolence threatens to separate them all permanently. Can a Queen's guard and a rebellious outlaw join forces to defeat this common enemy?

Tyler's touch sparks fierce desire, drawing Issie to him, but she despises his way of life and all that palace society represents. If he learns she wields majic to help the less fortunate escape the kingdom, he'll charge her with treason. Her punishment - death.

Issie is a sassy rebel who is constantly looking for ways to circumvent the conventions of their society. Tyler's head warns that she's a non-majical lower, beneath him. His heart sees by her inner strength and outer beauty. Only a binding love will lend them strength to save her life - their world.

 

Love Chosen Short Excerpt:

Tyler pushed his way through the onlookers. They reeked of sex and sweat. The foul odor made his eyes water and his vision blur as he forced his way to the front of the crowd, almost stepping on the female lying in a heap on the floor. He turned, saw his guards at the rear of the crowd, and addressed the unfortunate Lowers. “Leave now.”

He turned back to the scene, expecting them to follow his orders. Disgust filled him as he assessed the scene. Blood pooled on the bed where two bodies laid holding each other. The heads from both bodies were missing. He wouldn’t bother searching for them now. He wouldn’t find them. The killer, it seemed, liked to keep the heads as trophies.

Tyler sighed, becoming aware again of the others crowding the room. When he found those heads, he’d find the sick bastard who did this.

“But what ‘bout Lenore?”

“I ‘eard Issie scream.”

“She all right?”

One chattered over the next in their efforts to find out what happened. They weren’t listening to him.

His eye twitched. He hated when that happened.

How could he make these dullards leave? Did they not see the violent murders on the bed? Or did they not care? Were their lives so barren and meaningless, death didn’t bother them?

His gaze fell on the female at his feet. Her face covered by her mass of honeyed tresses, she lay in a limp pile, her robes undone and revealing a creamy swell of ample breast.

The two victims in the bed were beyond help, but this unconscious female held the concern of the others.

He knelt by her side and lifted her in his arms. She smelled clean, like moss and sea air, instead of the sweaty body he’d expected. Her hair caressed his arm when he stood with her nestled to his chest. It fell like a lowered curtain and hung almost to his knees. A waterfall of honey.

She felt right in his arms; her neck fit into the crook of his shoulder, her breath warmed his chest like she belonged there.

Where had such a thought come from? He didn’t associate with the powerless Lower class. Ever.

He pushed aside a rising need to draw her even nearer.

Tyler faced the crowd again. “As you can see, she sleeps. She’s not injured. Now go. All of you.” He fixed a few of them with the glacial silver stare which always yielded results. “Go back to your beds. I’m Tyler, of the High Council. My warriors will take care of this.”

“But, Issie. Is she hurt?” one barmaid asked, wrapping her arms around her waist as if she feared retching.

“You, take me to Issie’s rooms. The rest of you, go. She’ll be fine.” Or at least I’ll be, if I can have some quiet to think.

“But--”

”What ‘bout Lenore? She pass through the gates?”

Everyone began speaking at once, like a gathering of Lower younglings after a sweet. They had no regard for his orders. Such disrespect was unacceptable. He had to get this under control.

”Go,” he roared, silencing the room.

The crowd shuffled down the hall and disappeared behind different doors. Bits of conversation-- “Can’t believe Lenore’s gone,” and “who could do such a thing?” --floated back to him.

Who indeed? The fae were peaceful caretakers for the dragons. Murder didn’t happen among them. It was a coarse crime of the mortals--until three moons ago. And now, it had happened again--to another messenger and another whore-maid.

Author Bio:

Marne Ann Kirk grew up wild, exploring the vast high deserts and mountains of the West with her family as a child. Marne Ann loved making up stories and, well, lied about just about everything. Thankfully, she grew out of the lying stage...now she calls it story-telling.

Her debut novel, “Love Chosen: Book One of The Fae Dragon Chronicles,” is available now. “Love Dared: Book Two of The Fae Dragon Chronicles,” is coming soon. “Goddess on the Run,” a paranormal romance, will be available September 17, 2012. You can find out more about Marne Ann through her publisher, Crescent Moon Press, or visit her at: www.marneannkirk.com  or www.cowboysndragonscafe.blogspot.com

Web: http://www.marneannkirk.com

Blog: http://www.cowboysndragonscafe.blogspot.com

Twitter: MarneAnn

Facebook: MarneAnnKirk or www.facebook.com/marneannkirk

Goodreads: Marne Ann Kirk or http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5822484.Marne_Ann_Kirk

~ ~ ~ Marsha A. Moore is a writer of fantasy romance. The magic of art and nature spark life into her writing. Read her ENCHANTED BOOKSTORE LEGENDS for adventurous epic fantasy romance: Book One, SEEKING A SCRIBE, and Book Two, HERITAGE AVENGED. She has also authored the Ciel's Legacy series, with fast action mermaid/pirate storylines: TEARS ON A TRANQUIL LAKE and TORTUGA TREASURE.  For a FREE ebook download, read her historic fantasy, LE CIRQUE DE MAGIE, available at Amazon and Smashwords.

Saved from Attacking Trees by an Evil Cimafa Dragon Rider ~ Sweet Saturday Sample

My Sweet Saturday Sample is a morsel from my latest release, an epic fantasy romance, Heritage Avenged: Enchanted Bookstore Legend Two. This is the second of a 5-part series.

 

Available at Amazon for only $1.29.

 

In this sample, Lyra and the tiger owl, Kenzo, are traveling through the misty forest of Silva Caliga. She must pass through to complete her quest. Before she learns how to communicate with the trees, they attack, fiercely protecting their forest against outsiders. When all hope seems lost, it only gets worse. A strange man cloaked man appears—a cimafa dragon rider—the most evil man Lyra has encountered while in the world of Dragonspeir.

Trees on the perimeter of the clearing moved their roots through the soil, closing in on Kenzo. Two wound around his ankles and he hooted.

The roots lifted him upside down as several branches took hold of him. They vied to claim him by cementing him in place with extensions of their bark. The skin of his talons lay shredded and bleeding.

“Liberatio! Liberatio! Liberatio!” Lyra yelled, turning on her heel. Directing the incantation through an outstretched fist, she waved violently at each attacker. As soon as one branch recoiled, stung by her magic, another took its place. She spun in circles, screaming, “Cesso! Cesso! Cesso!” to force dozens to withdraw. Soon, branches and roots outnumbered her.

She needed to blast the trees with powerballs, her weakest skill. One last try—one more incantation. She squared off against the largest tree at the forefront of the attack. “Aboleo!” The three-foot wide trunk sliced in half, and the gigantic mass fell forward toward the two of them.

Kenzo, now free, perched on Lyra’s shoulder. He dug talons into the layers of her clothing, scratching her skin. With hard down strokes of his wings, he whisked her clear of the falling tree.

Once landed on the ground, she looked around. “The whole forest is closing in. What do we do?” Her pulse raced. She kept a hand on the owl, now at her side.

“I might be strong enough to fly us above the canopy, but no farther.”

“They’d capture us before we got there.” She looked to the sky for Hamal to gain strength and guidance. The leaves and mist blocked all but tiny spots of light, and even those were quickly covered by trees lurking closer.

In desperation, Lyra created a small protective ward around the two of them. Twigs scratched its surface, and she reinforced the shield with more power.

Eventually, one found a weak spot and sliced inside, grazing one of Kenzo’s feathers. His whole body shook.

They crouched lower and held each other.

Out of the shadows, a man appeared in front of them. Without a word, he planted black boots solidly outside their ward. The jagged hem of his dark cloak twisted in front of them. A hood covered his head, keeping it from view. He carried a heavy wooden staff carved with effigies and topped with a horned skull.

Lyra’s heart thudded in her chest—the rider of the cimafa. Silva Caliga lured her in order for him to collect her aura. But, Elisabeth’s message—she was destined to know the happiness that escaped her ancestor. What was that happiness? Did it include knowing this evil man? She stared at the darkness under his hood. At least Elisabeth wished to stay alive. So maybe destiny would be in Lyra’s favor to spare her.

The mysterious man strode over to the nearest tree and placed a bare hand on its bark. He leaned his body into the trunk, resting the side of his head against it. The gnarly branches jerked and shrugged, succumbing to his control.

Without incantation or powerbolt, the ancient tree relaxed its outstretched limbs and eased backward in retreat.

Lyra quivered.

Kenzo remained low, huddled to her. Apparently, this man was a stranger to him also.

She twisted her head to watch the cloaked figure. With wide strides, he approached a dozen lead trees, touching each in the same personal manner.

When he seemed satisfied, he held his hand in the air, facing the circle of trees, and slowly stepped around their ward.

Heritage Avenged: Enchanted Bookstore Legend Two

Lyra McCauley receives an alarming letter from the coroner who evaluated her deceased aunt, originally thought to have died of cancer. The news causes Lyra to take leave from her job and travel from sunny Tampa to the frozen island community in northern Michigan. Questioning whether Dragonspeir magic was responsible for her aunt’s death, she resolves to learn the truth and accepts the Imperial Dragon’s appointment into the Alliance sorcery training. 

Additionally, becoming proficient in magic craft is the only way she can bridge the gap between her mortal human world and her lover’s. Cullen, a 220-year-old wizard, is dependent upon his Dragonspeir magic for immortality. He is her only family now; she cannot lose him.

Evil forces block her and try to steal her inherited scribal aura. Riding a stealth dragon, a cloaked rider pursues Lyra. Both the Alliance and Dark Realm alchemists lay tricks and traps. Her aura equals that of the first and most powerful Scribe, but will Lyra’s novice training allow her to discover the truth…and find a life with Cullen? Or will the Dark Realm keep them apart?

About the series~

The Enchanted Bookstore Legends are about Lyra McCauley, a woman destined to become one of five strong women in her family who possess unique magical abilities and serve as Scribes in Dragonspeir. The Scribes span a long history, dating from 1200 to present day. Each Scribe is expected to journey through Dragonspeir, both the good and evil factions, then draft a written account. Each book contains magic with vast implications. 

Lyra was first introduced to Dragonspeir as a young girl, when she met the high sorcerer, Cullen Drake, through a gift of one of those enchanted books. Using its magic, he escorted her into the parallel world of Dragonspeir. Years later, she lost that volume and forgot the world and Cullen. These legends begin where he finds her again—she is thirty-five, standing in his enchanted bookstore, and Dragonspeir needs her.  

When Lyra reopens that enchanted book, she confronts a series of quests where she is expected to save the good Alliance from destruction by the evil Black Dragon. While learning about her role, Lyra and Cullen fall in love. He is 220 years old and kept alive by Dragonspeir magic. Cullen will die if Dragonspeir is taken over by the evil faction…Lyra becomes the Scribe.

I'm looking forward to seeing what sweets some of my fellow authors on this hop will serve. Be sure to check them out on the main blog page for Sweet Saturday Samples.

  ~ ~ ~ Marsha A. Moore is a writer of fantasy romance. The magic of art and nature spark life into her writing. Read her ENCHANTED BOOKSTORE LEGENDS for adventurous epic fantasy romance: Book One, SEEKING A SCRIBE, and Book Two, HERITAGE AVENGED. She has also authored the Ciel's Legacy series, with fast action mermaid/pirate storylines: TEARS ON A TRANQUIL LAKE and TORTUGA TREASURE.  For a FREE ebook download, read her historic fantasy, LE CIRQUE DE MAGIE, available at Amazon and Smashwords.