Tag: YA Fantasy (Page 8 of 9)

Exploring the World of Elixir Bound

September 3, 2013 / Katie L. Carroll

In case you missed it yesterday, I was featured on the Where Writers and Author Meet blog. Here’s your opportunity to ask me ANYTHING! Post your question in the comments and my answers will be posted next Monday.

The fun continues with the Elixir Bound in paperback blog tour (full schedule here)! Today I have a very special reveal *drum roll* … the official map of the world of Elixir Bound! This map includes not only Faway Forest, with the Three River Split and The Sleeping Giant mountain range, but also a look at the entire Great Peninsula.

Places like the cities of Skimere and Lughorn, Blanchardwood, and Drim will play very important roles in the next Elixir book, Elixir Saved. Check back in all month long for more cool reveals, including a sneak peek of Elixir Saved at the end of the month.

Enough blathering! Let’s get to the map! 🙂

Elixir Bound Blog Tour Schedule

September 1, 2013 / Katie L. Carroll

It’s here: the Elixir Bound in paperback blog tour! I still don’t have an exact date for when the paperback version will be available, but I’ve been assured by my publisher that it will be this month or possibly October. The blog tour goes all month long, so I’ll be sure to update you all when I know.

I have a fabulous line-up of guest posts scheduled and am being hosted by a group of awesome authors, book bloggers, and bookish people! There will be inside looks into my writing life, never before revealed info about the book, a giveaway, and the usual shenanigans you’ve come to expect from me! Here’s a list of stops:

August 31st – Krystal’s Enchanting Reads – A pre-blog tour post with a beautiful review of Elixir Bound and a post about world building from me

2nd – Where Writers and Authors Meet – Author spotlight and a chance to ask me questions (c’mon, you know you’ve been dying to ask me something!)

3rd – Observation Desk – (Yup, that’s my blog) Your chance to see the official map of the Great Peninsula

4th – Books for Company – My favorite spots to write with pictures

Author Eric Price’s blog – Find out how Katora, Kylene, and Bhar celebrate the Winter Solstice with an Elixir original short story

5th – Erin Albert Books – Twelve random things about yours truly (including one of my biggest fears!)

9th – Stuart R. West’s blog – The dos and don’ts of novel openings, plus my favorite openers

Where Writers and Authors Meet – The A’s to your Q’s from last week

Ladybug Lin’s Exceptional Reviews – A surprise post with a review of Elixir Bound from fellow Muser Lin Holmes

10th – Meradeth Houston’s blog Write Stuff – My favorite books in my top fantasy series

11th – Kai Strand’s blog Strands of Thought – Three Times a Charm feature in which I reveal my three favorite writing snacks, top three pieces of advice for kids, and three professions I wanted to be while growing up

You Gotta Read Reviews – An author interview where you find out who my favorite author is

12th – Girls Succeed! – My personal story on how I became a writer (fair warning, it’s a bit sad)

13th – Kelly Hashway’s blog – A deleted (and never before publicized) scene between Katora and Hirsten

14th – Literary Meanderings – Learn more about Zelenka and the demicks in this character interview

16th – Waibel’s World – A character interview of Kylene (really more of a scene…I got a bit creative–i.e. totally disregarded–with the traditional Q&A of an interview)

17th – Philip Coleman’s blog – Talking my favorite tipples in this author interview

18th – Susan A. Royal’s blog – An author interview where I reveal the movie I always watch when it’s on and I spill on my next book Elixir Saved

20th – Observation Desk – (My blog again…you didn’t think I was going to let everyone else have all the fun, did you?) A sneak peek look at the next Elixir book Elixir Saved

21st – Tina’s Book Reviews – Saturday spotlight on the making of the cover of Elixir Bound

23rd – The Story of a Writer – Find out what readers of Elixir Bound have to say with this book spotlight and snippets of reviews

25th – Behind a Million and One Pages – Katora may be a traditional “strong” female protagonist, but find out what other kind of strong female I admire

Observation Desk – (Yup, back to my blog again) Pics of the swag being offered in the giveaway

26th – These Words Tell a Story – A list of musical inspiration I turned to while writing Elixir Bound

27th – Nicole Zoltack’s blog Where Fantasy & Love Take Flight – A character interview of Katora, in which she reveals the one thing she would change about herself

30th – Suzanne’s Thoughts for the Day – I go crazy on other people’s books and suggest alternate endings

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A Report from the World of Unveiling the Wizards’ Shroud

August 29, 2013 / Katie L. Carroll

A special report today from the world of Unveiling the Wizards’ Shroud, an upcoming YA fantasy by Eric Price. I’ll be posting my 5-star Goodreads review of this a little closer to the November release date, but enjoy this sneak peek in the meantime.

The Innes Times

KING KENDRICK STRICKEN, POSSIBLY BY MAGIC; OWEN MISSING

by Raphael Goren

Anti-magic protestors line the streets of Innes Village, and their numbers continue to grow. The first protestors organized late last night, shortly after the banquet at Innes Castle came to an abrupt halt.

Mary Steigel, 46, the first witness to return to Innes Village from the banquet, informed the evening strollers of what took place.

“It’s King Kendrick,” Stiegel said. “Something’s happened to him. He’s sick or something. I thought for sure he was dead.”

In her frantic attempt to inform the villagers of the tragedy, Miss Stiegel revealed Owen had fled the castle with the magician, Cedric; and Queen Andrea, visiting from the Northern Domain, had assumed control of Innes Castle.

Confusion settled on the crowd until a second witness returned to Innes Village shortly thereafter. He informed the gathering multitude of King Kendrick’s announcement of his engagement to Queen Andrea just before he fell ill. This news seemed to settle the mass’ nerves about Queen Andrea taking control, but the well known anti-magic advocate, Charles Zelter, began inciting the crowd to blame magic for the king’s illness.

“Only magic could have felled King Kendrick,” Zelter said. “And I bet that Wizard always lurking at the castle, what’s his name, Cedric, led the attack. I don’t know why the king permitted him around anyway. If I were King Kendrick, I would have made the practice of magic illegal in the Central Domain three years ago, when the Wizard Rebellion attacked.”

His motley crowd of supporters cheered and patted him on the back before he continued. “And I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if Cedric hadn’t chased Owen out of the castle. I bet the poor boy’s on the run, scared for his life from a vial Wizard.”

More cheers and shouts accompanied this exertion before they continued their march down the street carrying signs saying, “ALL WIZARDS MUST GO” and “WIZARDS = DEATH”.

A young girl who identified herself as Yara, the seventeen year old daughter of the town blacksmith, listened to his rant before walking away.

When asked for her opinion of the situation, she shook her head in disgust. “Mr. Zelter’s as crazy as they come. He’s been trying to get father to join his anti-magic cause ever since my brother, Brahma, lost his life in the attack by the Wizard Rebellion.”

She adjusted the bow slung over her shoulder and pulled her braided ponytail free of the collar of her tunic. “He’s full of dragon excrement if he thinks Cedric chased Owen out of Innes Castle. I’ve been friends with Owen my whole life, and he would never back down from a battle, especially with his father’s life in danger.” Her grimace could have petrified a ghost. “I don’t know where they went, or what they’re doing, but I intend to find them.” She stalked away without answering another question.

Keep your eyes on The Innes Times in the coming days as more of this story unfolds.

Unveiling the Wizards’ Shroud blurb:

As the only son to King Kendrick, Owen despises the idea of being king one day. Magician may be the only career he’d like less. He has dreaded the days leading up to his fifteenth birthday, when his father will certainly declare Owen heir to the throne. But at the birthday celebration, his father falls ill. The only person in the kingdom that may be able to save him is a magician–the very same magician Owen holds responsible for the death of his mother.

Owen and his companions will have to travel the continent of Wittatun in search of the cure for King Kendrick. On the journey, they will battle strange beasts and harsh climates, befriend extraordinary magicians, and meet a dragon before returning to Innes Castle–where much has happened in the days since he departed.

Excerpt:

The cool night air blew in Cedric’s face. His new beard, now reaching the neck of his cloak, ruffled in the breeze. He hoped the sound of rustling leaves and tree branches would help mask his own sounds as he sneaked behind Argnam’s cabin.

Cedric took his staff and drew the outline of a door on the back wall. He stepped away and the line started glowing faint chartreuse. Within the outline, the wall almost vaporized to dust. It piled on the ground as quiet as a phantom; the chirping crickets didn’t even break from their merry song.

Creeping through the makeshift doorway, Cedric saw the figures of a man and a woman lying in bed. The moonlight cast enough of a glow for him to recognize the man as Argnam. He couldn’t identify the woman; her long blond hair obscured her face.

As he approached the side of the bed, he raised the dagger he brought for the assassination. He took a deep breath before plunging it into Argnam’s chest.

The woman’s leg flashed out of the covers, striking him in the chest and knocking the wind out of him. She sprang from the bed. Her feet met his face in a rapid succession of kicks, topping the skill of a master fighter.

Gasping for breath and unable to stand, Cedric fell to his hands and knees and looked up at the approaching woman. The moon silhouetted her female form. Light reflected on her face, and Cedric recognized Necrose before she raised her leg over her head, and slammed the heel of her foot into his face. Total darkness enveloped him.

About the Author:

Eric grew up in central Illinois. He now lives in northwest Iowa with his wife and two sons. He began publishing in 2008 when he started writing a quarterly column for a local newspaper. His first short story, “Ghost Bed and Ghoul Breakfast,” a spooky children’s tale about a haunted bed and breakfast, came out later the same year. He has published more than 30 nonfiction articles/columns, four short stories, and a poem. Three of his short stories have won honorable mention in the CrossTIME Annual Science Fiction contest. This is his first novel. For more about Eric check his his website, Facebook page, or Twitter account (@AuthorEricPrice).

Meet Erin Rhew Author of The Prophecy

August 23, 2013 / Katie L. Carroll

I’m super excited to welcome Erin Rhew, author of the forthcoming YA fantasy The Prophecy. I have had the pleasure of reading it, but I haven’t posted my Goodreads review yet (I’m waiting until a little closer to the November release). I will tell you it will be getting 5 stars! Welcome, Erin!

What inspired you to write The Prophecy?

At the time I started writing The Prophecy, I’d been reading and watching a lot of Game of Thrones and stories of Arthurian legend. I don’t know that they inspired the story, per se, but they definitely influenced the feel and time period of the world.

What books had the most influence on you while growing up?

Growing up, I loved Charlotte’s Web. I wanted to name a child Charlotte because I loved it so much. LOL! I also enjoyed most books by Judy Blume and Beverly Cleary. As I got older, I fell in writing love with Shakespeare. I prefer the depth of his tragedies though I traditionally like happily ever after endings. My favorite Shakespeare plays are Romeo and Juliet and Othello.

At what moment did you truly begin to feel like an author?

I think I started to really feel like an author when I began doing interviews and people started to “know” me. I’ve always defined myself as a “writer,” but the definition “author” feels like it comes more from the outside. The moment someone buys and reads The Prophecy, I will truly wear the “author” label…and proudly. 😉

You’re a bit of a grammar nerd. What is your biggest grammar pet peeve?

Awwww…you’re sweet to say “a bit.” I’m a major grammar nerd. 😉 I’d say my biggest grammar pet peeve, that spazzes me out the most, is less and fewer. If a quantity can be counted, always use fewer, with the exception of time, money, and distance. Don’t you love the English language—that ALWAYS do such and such just with this exception? LOL! The checkout lines at Wal-Mart, Target, and similar stores should read “10 items or fewer.” I get a nervous tic every time I see “10 items or less.”

What is your favorite literary love triangle?

I’d have to say Tessa, Will, and Jem in The Infernal Devices series. Tessa never reduces herself to the whiny, sniveling, torn girl, and I love that. Will and Jem are both upstanding, and I honestly had trouble choosing between them. Cassandra Clare set the bar very high for a good love triangle.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

I’m super nosey, so I’d like to be invisible. If I had a dime for every time I said, “I’d love to be fly on that wall,” I’d be rich. Invisibility would give me the power to do that without having to turn into a yucky fly! 😉

The Prophecy excerpt:

Even though she knew she had no chance to escape now, Layla shoved the Elder with all her might. The blow sent him flying into the baker’s door, which splintered under the force, and she darted forward. The Vanguard soldiers moved to block her.

“We are all Vanguards,” she pleaded. “Please let me go.”

For a moment, they hesitated. Layla used the opening to slip around them. She ran as fast as her legs would carry her, but they proved to be too slow. Within moments, the soldiers leapt upon her, knocking her to the ground. Wrenching Layla up by her hair, they dragged her back to the Elder, whose face now bled from his encounter with the baker’s door.

“I see you’re going to be trouble.” He brushed the dirt off his robes. “You can’t escape your destiny, girl.”

About the Author:

Erin Rhew is an author and fitness trainer. Since she picked up Morris the Moose Goes to School at age four, she has been infatuated with the written word. She went on to work as a grammar and writing tutor in college and is still teased by her family and friends for being a member of the “Grammar Police.” In her free time, Erin enjoys acting, running, kickboxing, and, of course, reading and writing.

Find Erin on her website, Goodreads, Facebook, and Instagram.

Mary Waibel on her new YA Charmed Memories

August 19, 2013 / Katie L. Carroll

A big welcome to Mary Waibel and her newest twist on an old fairy tale Charmed Memories. I loved Mary’s Quest of the Hart and can’t wait to read Charmed! Welcome, Mary!

When I finished writing Quest of the Hart, Trevor, Kaylee’s brother, kept hounding my thoughts. He insisted he had a story to tell, and was adamant that I tell it.

After several starts and stops, I had a rough draft that had nothing to do with a fairy tale (like Quest did), but made me keep thinking of The Prince and the Pauper. It was a case of mistaken identity. Two identical girls who disappeared at the same time, one is found but has no memories of her past, so which one is she.

Several drafts later, with a few (hopefully!) unexpected twists and turns, Charmed Memories was born.

Prince Trevor has always placed duty to his kingdom above the desires of his own heart. But when his betrothed is lost at sea, he finds himself torn between honor and love.

After four years of searching for the missing princess, he begins to secretly long for Lady Bri, the Woodland Guide he works with each day. But the law says he must marry a princess, and Bri is barely a noble.

When Trevor learns that Bri shipwrecked at the same time and place as the princess, he begins to believe he has finally found his bride-to-be. But his happiness is short lived. Bri has no memory of her past, and the princess wasn’t the only girl who disappeared from the ship.

Desperate to prove Bri is his princess, Trevor unwittingly places the two of them in grave danger. Buried in Bri’s memories are deadly secrets someone wants kept from the light of day, and learning who she is may cost more than either is willing to pay.
Purchase Information

Mary lives with her husband, son and two cats. When she isn’t twisting fairy tales, she enjoys reading, playing games, watching hockey, and camping. Her debut novel, Quest of the Hart, and the companion novel Charmed Memories, are available from MuseItUp Publishing and other major retailer.

You can find Mary at:

http://marywaibel.blogspot.com

https://www.facebook.com/authormarywaibel

@mewtweety14 (twitter)