New Tabor Heights Novel -- Celebrate with a FREE Christmas Read!

 Friday, November 15, is release day for FORGIVEN, the next book in the Tabor Heights, sweet romance series.

You can get it EARLY, at YeOldeDragonBooks.com (even though it isn't fantastical fiction) in both ebook and audiobook.

PLUS: Now through November 30, if you buy FORGIVEN, you'll get a free download of TABOR AT CHRISTMAS, with 2 novellas that tie into the Tabor Heights series of sweet, small-town, inspirational romance. Once we receive the order, we'll contact you to find out if you want an audiobook or ebook, and send it right out.

Click on the storefront at YeOldeDragonBooks.com and take advantage of the sale now!

Storytellers Episode of Ye Olde Dragon's Library with H.L. Burke and Jessica Tanner!

 

The storytellers episodes bring you just that: a chance to listen to storytellers talk about their newest books, the process of writing, where they get inspiration, and other fun behind-the-scenes details.

Today's Episode: Chatting with 2 authors in the new Ye Olde Dragon Books anthology: THE INVISIBLE FILES, Classic Monsters Anthology #4. Stories inspired by "The Invisible Man" in literature, film and television.

Today's authors on the hot seat are H.L. Burke and Jessica Tanner, discussing their stories, "Ghosts, Pizza, and Other Comforts," and "The Invisible Boy."

 

Find them ONLINE:

H.L. Burke:

Charity anthology: Of Storms and Stardust,  https://www.amazon.com/Storms-Stardust-Fantasy-Romance-Anthology-ebook/dp/B0DJRP52HP

Website: www.hlburkeauthor.com 

Most recent publication:  https://www.amazon.com/Fake-Superhero-Boyfriend-Romance-Project-ebook/dp/B0DCR7HDK2

 

Jessica Tanner:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558051471764 (aka

Jessica's Readers)

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/jessicaatannerauthor/ (or

@jessicaatannerauthor )

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/39375533.Jessica_A_Tanner

Website: www.jessicaatannerauthor.com (where folks can sign up

for her newsletter - best way to keep up with her!)

 

Want to support the podcast?

Find us on Patreon: Ye Olde Dragon's Library

 

Celebrate the FIRST of the Firsty Freebie Days at Ye Olde Dragon Books!

 

Welcome to the FIRST day of Firsty Freebies!

The 1st day of each month you can get a FREE short story in either ebook or audio. Today is a story taken from the Enchanted Castle Archives.

ASH, BREAD, AND THE BOY was cut from the 2nd book in the series, THE BEASTLY BEAUTY. In this short adventure, Ash is on her first journey as a courier and runs into some trouble when she stops to buy bread ...

Go to our storefront at YeOldeDragonBooks.com and get this story while it's free! Today, November 1 ... until I get up tomorrow morning and change the price back to normal!

Storytellers Episode of Ye Olde Dragon's Library storytelling podcast: Pam Halter and Rosemarie DiCristo

 

A new storytellers episode airs today.

https://yeoldedragonbooks.com/ye-olde-dragons-library-storytelling-podcast/

 The storytellers episodes bring you just that: a chance to listen to storytellers talk about their newest books, the process of writing, where they get inspiration, and other fun behind-the-scenes details.

 Today's Episode: Chatting with 2 authors in the new Ye Olde Dragon Books anthology: THE INVISIBLE FILES, Classic Monsters Anthology #4. Stories inspired by "The Invisible Man" in literature, film and television.

 Today's authors on the hot seat at Pam Halter and Rosemarie DiCristo, a writing team, discussing their story in the new anthology, "The First,"  and the whole team writing process.

 Find them ONLINE:

Rosemarie has pages on Facebook and Goodreads.

Pam:

https://pamhalter.com/   

 www.amazon.com/author/pamhalter  

  https://www.facebook.com/authorpamhalter  

And check out her blog posting, where she discusses writing the story with Rosemarie:

https://pamhalter.com/fairiesfantasyfaith/215-COVER-REVEAL--The-Invisible-Files

 

Want to support the podcast?

Find us on Patreon: Ye Olde Dragon's Library

Get Ready For Firsty Freebie Day! Coming Soon from Ye Olde Dragon Books!

 

Get ready.

Mark your calendar!

Check the storefront the 1st of each month, to claim a free download of either an ebook or an audiobook short story. Could be something we've had up before, could be something brand new on the Ye Olde Dragon Books website.

Either way ... it doesn't cost you a dime.

And if you want to stay on top of things and get reminders and sneak peeks, you might want to sign up for my newsletter.

Go to the Good Stuff page on my website, https://www.mlevigne.com/good-stuff.html, to sign up for the newsletter and claim your first free short story NOW!

It's a Storytellers Episode on the Ye Olde Dragon's Library storytelling podcast!

 

Today is a storytellers episode on the Ye Olde Dragon's Library storytelling podcast.

We're chatting with 2 of the authors contributing to the newest release at Ye Olde Dragon Books: THE INVISIBLE FILES, Classic Monsters Anthology #4.

Go to YeOldeDragonBooks.com, click on over to the podcast page, and listen to Jordan Campbell and Jim Doran talk about their contributions, Justice Unseen and A Type of Woman.

PLUS: you'll get to hear a little bit about their previous contributions to the anthologies AND a tiny sneak peek to tantalize you, what they're planning to write for the next fairytale anthology, coming May 1, with a theme of The Three Little Pigs.

RELEASE DAY!

 

It's release day for THE INVISIBLE FILES!

11 stories by 12 authors based on The Invisible Man in literature, film, and TV.

Now available online at all your favorite ebook and print book vendors.

But why go anywhere else? Buy it at YeOldeDragonBooks.com, the publisher's store, and still SAVE $$$.

Regular price is $5.99, but as of today, Tuesday, October 15, the ebook price is $2.99 -- a saving of $3.

The price will go up 50 cents every few days, until it returns to the regular price. Don't waste time -- don't waste money! Click on our storefront tab, search by title or by price, lowest to highest, and get it NOW!

 

Book Report: ON THE EDGE OF THE DARK SEA OF DARKNESS, Andrew Peterson

 Wingfeather Saga, Book 1

I'd heard good things about this series, especially the excitement when fans learned it would be turned into an animated series.

Fun story. Clever, rather punny naming choices. I listened to this audiobook over the course of maybe 2 weeks, and I'm very curious to get hold of a print copy and see the spelling of some of those names.

Sometimes I was tempted to make up errands so I could spend time in my car, listening!

Heartbreaking in places. Hold-your-breath scenes of danger. Lots of places to boo the disgusting lizard-creature villains -- and cheer when they get their comeuppance!

The story starts in a kingdom dominated and oppressed by the vicious lizards called Fangs. A poor but noble and loving little family struggles to survive, until one unfair and unkind event after another lands on them and forces them to be brave, and start asking some really hard questions. Janner, the oldest boy, learns hard lessons, some of them heartbreaking, but they are preparing him for a noble destiny.

Looking forward to listening to the next Wingfeather selection, a collection of short stories!

Under Construction: The Commonwealth Universe

 

Coming Soon!

THE HERO'S MASK and SONG OF THE NIGHTSKIMMER: 2 new Talon titles, set in Age 1 of the Commonwealth Universe

PEACE VILLAGE, the 3rd Refuge book, sequel to Wind Walker and Moonbirds.

With these 3 books, the promised Age 1 stories are complete.

THANKS FOR YOUR PATIENCE!

(you are now free to start binge reading ...)

I'm getting to work on Age 2, which had only 1 book published in that era, UNDYING, a story about the birth of the Order. If you've read the Sunsinger books and VIRTUALLY DEAD, you've already met the heroine, Marnya. This is her story -- and how the Order of Kilvordi brought the human race back from barbarism and sent them back to the stars.

There will be 3 Order titles when finished: Undying, Scholar, and Vision. (coming in 2025) Then tales about the rediscovery of the colonies lost during the Downfall.

Then on to Age 3!!!! Starting with the long-awaited story of the childhood of Lin Fieran and the Free Trader ship Sunsinger,

Ready?  It's going to be fun!!

Special thanks to Sandy Cummins, the intreprid publisher and brains and energy behind Writers Exchange of Australia. She took a chance on my first Sunsinger novel, and has been working tirelessly for years helping authors get published, and constantly updating our books to make them more visible, and the best they can possibly be!

Tell your friends: FREE DOWNLOADS, for a limited time!

 

TUESDAY, October 1, is release day for the 3rd Young Defenders novel, SOFT-WIRED.

You can get the epub for free -- but only for a limited time -- on release day!

10am to 5pm Eastern Standard time.

Go to Ye Olde Dragon Books and visit the store between those hours for your free download.

TOMORROW

That's Sunday, September 29

The AUDIOBOOK  and the EBOOK of the newest Enchanted Castle Archives story, THE SCENT OF ADVENTURE, will be free on the Ye Olde Dragon Books website.

Go to the store to take advantage of this free gift!! 7am to 5pm Eastern Standard Time.

And stay tuned: I'm working on a whole book of fun adventures of Smedley & 'Na, a dragon and his girl, and plan to do a Kickstarter in 2025, where you can get your very own crocheted Smedley to cuddle while you read!!

Book Report: HOW TO GET YOUR POINT ACROSS IN 30 SECONDS OR LESS -- Milo O. Frank

 

Non-fiction.

Surprised I read non-fiction? Hey, everybody needs to learn once in a while.

This was recommended as a good book to read to learn how to write promotional material, and even create short book trailers, to get the gist of the story across quickly, before readers or viewers lose interest.

Good analysis of the steps to take in putting together a short speech or presentation, how to do them, why all the steps are important, what works, why different elements work or don't work. Something that I can anticipate needing to read at least once a year as a refresher course.

Now to see if I can apply what I've learned!

Available for Pre-Release Orders: THE INVISIBLE FILES, Classic Monsters Anthology #4

 

Coming October 15.

This time we're pushing the envelope when it comes to stories inspired by The Invisible Man -- in both literature and film/TV.

Now you see them … now you don't…

 Who hasn't dreamed of being invisible, either to play a trick or to escape or to get revenge? For greed or power or justice?

Who hasn't felt invisible, at one time or another?

What if it became real?

What if you dreamed of the power of invisibility, and achieved it at too high a price?

What if you became invisible by accident? What would you do with that power?

 These eleven stories explore what it means to fade utterly from view, by choice, by accident, by need, through pain or greed.

Which story could be your story … but for the grace of God?

 

Coming soon from Ye Olde Dragon Books.

Available now for pre-order in the Kindle Store, and soon at other ebook outlets!

Book Report: RISK THE REAL, by Allen Arnold

 

A companion volume to THE EDEN OPTION.

Subtitle: How to Defy the Rise of the Artificial.

Everything around us is pushing subtly and not-so-subtly to give in and accept artificial life as not just inevitable, but somehow good for us.

Just how good is a diet of artificial colorings and flavorings? 

We need to open our eyes and determine what is real, and hold onto it. We need to refuse to let the artificial get any more dominant in our lives. We need to hold out for the real world, the real lives, that God intended for us.

From the back cover: " The clash between the Real and the Artificial is Intensifying ... and You Are the Prize.

"Every aspect of life is being invaded by the artificial. But we miss what's at stake when we assume it's inevitable, natural, or even neutral. It actually began in Eden when the serpent offered Adam and Eve a counterfeit reality based on the Tree of Knowledge and the promise to become like gods.

"These ancient roots entangle us in more ways than we realize. We seek to redefine reality in our image. We look to the unreal to make us more real. Nothing fazes or amazes us anymore. We stumble through life in a Partificial Daze -- partially present and fully disoriented by an artificial haze of anxiety, exhaustion, and addition.

"What's needed is a reality reorientation:

"** Real isn't how we feel. It's aligning with God's design for reality ... and us.

"** Artificial isn't just AI or fake things. It's any lie that lures us away from God."

Can I have an Amen?

It's Time for MORE Book Festivals!!! Will I see you there?

 Two Festivals this weekend!

Skunk Fest

10am to 4pm, Saturday, September 14

South Central Park, 7565 Avon Belden Rd.

North Ridgeville, OH  44039

 

RELEASE DAY!!!

I'm working on a middle-grade book about the childhood adventures of 'Na, my heroine from the Enchanted Castle Archives short stories.

THE SCENT OF ADVENTURE is a novella written specifically for Skunk Fest -- because thanks to the wonky magic her parents constantly have to deal with, and fix, 'Na and her pet dragon, Smedley, get turned into skunks! How  do they get out of that mess? Come get the book and find out!!

 

Indie Author Book Expo

1-5pm, Sunday, September 15

Emerald Event Center at Residence Inn at Mariott

Avon, OH

 

Will I see you there?????

Book Review: 3 SHORT STORIES FROM THE CHRONICLES OF ST. MARY'S SERIS, by Jodi Taylor

 

Yeah, I indulged and got all 3 short stories from the Deals section of Audible.

The problem with listening to these stories is that they're .5 stories -- meaning they occur in between the full-length Chronicles of St. Mary's stories .... and they kind of hint at stuff that happened in books I haven't read yet!

Still, they're good. They're fun. And I'll probably listen to them again, once I've listened to the books that go between them/they go between. (What is the proper English/grammatical phrasing here?)

THE TOAST OF TIME: Story 12.5

Yeah, that means there have been TWELVE full-length novels so far. Whoa .... Don't want to give too much away, but Max is not spending Christmas at St. Mary's as most of these short stories seem to do. She and Markham are pretty much fugitives, and most of the characters I've come to love and look forward to visiting again are living in hiding, trying to avoid trouble from the Time Police and various nasty characters who have gotten themselves put in charge of St. Mary's. The TOAST referred to is a comment on the joke about how toast always manages to fall butter side down, if you drop it.  Max and Markham get an assignment from the "retrieval agents" who are currently giving them shelter, to investigate a "flying auction" where various historical artifacts have been stolen and are being offered for sale. Of course, between Max and Markham, you know this auction isn't going to go as planned.

Great fun.

WHY IS NOTHING EVER SIMPLE? : Story 10.5

Yeah, I'm going in reverse order. Why does it matter? I haven't ready Book 10 yet, either! It's Christmas, and time for Maj. Guthrie's traditional last jump before leaving St. Mary's for civilian life. Being a loyal Scotsman, he wants to visit a historical battle where the Scots beat the snot out of the English .... but something goes wrong, and when Max goes to investigate, she discovers some time-traveling interlopers who want to change time so the English always win. And that's just the start of the trouble and fun mayhem!

CHRISTMAS PRESENT: Story 4.5

Whew! Finally it takes place after a story I actually read. I think I'm ready to plunge into book 5 .... Max and Markham team up to give the ultimate Christmas present to a friend, by finding someone lost in time, and the Muse of History lends a helping hand. Or rather, it's more like a good, solid, mysterious kick in the pants, to get the two of them going. It wouldn't be Christmas at St. Mary's without an illicit, off-the-books time jump, of course.

Book Review: THE EDEN OPTION, by Allen Arnold

 Allen Arnold is something of a guru for creatives who want to work hand-in-hand with God.

In fact, his first book is called The Story of With, and it's part Bible study, part parable. I highly recommend reading at least once a year just to refresh your brain on the principles and try to do a better job this time around ...

THE EDEN OPTION investigates and explores the concept of two different story worlds that we can live in. Story 1 is the story life and story world God intended for all of us, and Story 2 is the one we settle for, thanks to rebellion and basic selfish stupidity.

The subtitle on the cover offers hope: THE WORLD IS UNRAVELING, BUT THAT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE YOUR REALITY.

From the back cover: "Story 1 is the original, true story we were made for. A way of life that revolves around God where we are fully seen, known, and loved. Story 2 is the counterfeit narrative we're born into. A way of life that revolves around us. We make ourselves the hero of the story; then wonder why God seems distant.

"The Eden Option is a beacon that calls us back to God-reality. It reveals his original design for our lives, how we lost it, and why it matters more than we imagine."

Read it. Apply it. Break free. Go home!

More Book Fairs Soon -- Will I See You There?

 Coming up in TWO WEEKS!! TWO festivals, one after another. Hope to see you at one of them!

 

Skunk Fest

10am to 4pm, Saturday, September 14

South Central Park, 7565 Avon Belden Rd.

North Ridgeville, OH  44039

**ALERT**

I'm working on a short middle-grade fantasy fiction piece written especially for Skunk Fest.

It's an Enchanted Castle Archives tie-in story, featuring the adventures of 'Na when she was a little girl, with her pet dragon, Smedley. Come find me and pick up your copy at a discount over online prices.

(At least, I'm planning on the book being ready. At this point, a lot depends on the printer doing their job!) 

 

Indie Author Book Expo

1-5pm, Sunday, September 15

Emerald Event Center at Residence Inn at Mariott

Avon, OH

 

 

Hocking Hills Book Fairs:

2 dates!

 

11am-3pm, October 5

Nelsonville Elks Lodge, Nelsonville, OH

 

11am to 4 pm, December 14

The Dairy Barn, Athens, OH

 

Book Review: FABLEHAVEN, by Brandon Mull

 

Audiobook, narrated by E.B. Stevens

Ever wondered where all the magical creatures of legend and lore have vanished to? According to this series, they live in sheltered sanctuaries, hidden from the cruel, modern world. And a bunch of nasties who want to tear them apart to control their magic.

Kendra and her brother Seth go to stay a couple weeks with their grandparents while their parents are on a cruise. Their grandparents are somewhat reluctant for the kids to come stay with them.

Incredible things happen when the children find out why.

Their grandparents are caretakers of Fablehaven, and all that magic doesn't exactly result in a safe place for anyone to stay, much less children who don't know how to obey the very simple rules their grandparents give them. What happens when broken rules lead from uncomfortable transformations to the possible shattering of the barriers that protect them from all that wild magic?

Heroes are born through crisis, and sometimes the magic and wonder that result have a bittersweet taste.

New Tabor Heights Release: THE FAMILY WAY

 Now available from Mt. Zion Ridge Press, in paper, ebook, and audio:

Everything is going right for Lisa. Her comic strip about a pastor's family has gone national, and she has a contract for a series of books. Even better, she is pregnant. Finally, her critical father-in-law will stop mocking her for wasting time with her "scribbles" and "pretensions of being an artist," and admit she is a good wife.

Then her husband, Todd, comes home from another business trip in a foul mood and destroys her happy announcement with: "Is it mine?"

He tries to make things right, but he has never learned to simply apologize. Even more important, he has never learned that if he is truly sorry, he needs to change. As communication disintegrates and suspicions and pain increase, their marriage disintegrates, until his own sisters urge Lisa to leave him, to protect her heart, her mind, her baby, and even her life.

Family secrets, and patterns of suspicion and accusations and abuse slowly come to light. Can Lisa and Todd regain their first love and forgive each other, and break free of a family tradition that could destroy them both?

 

www.MtZionRidgePress.com

Sneak Peek! Cover Reveal!

 

COMING OCTOBER 1

The next Young Defenders adventure

Who are the Young Defenders?

Behind every legendary ship are the little people who make the incredible discoveries possible.

In the case of the AFV Defender, they really are little: the children of the crew, growing up below decks, learning lessons on faith, honor, loyalty, and what it really means to be a hero. No matter what it costs.

Cadets long before they go to the Fleet Academy for official training, they are preparing for the day the fate of the Alliance, and maybe the Human race, lies in their hands.

 

SOFT-WIRED

Book 3, Elli’s Story

Elli arrives on the Defender with her older brother, Dom, an engineer. Their parents died several years ago, and Dom has been taking care of her ever since.

Elli is worried that she won't be able to make friends. Her colony world was hit with an epidemic, and everyone has been living in isolation. Even worse, Elli is afraid to admit that she was exposed to the Rewire Fever.

Something seems to be wrong with her brain. She can smell people's emotions, and she hears sounds that tell her what people are feeling. Elli wants to hide all these strange, new things she can do. Then she meets Tress Lore, who has just learned she can hear what people are thinking. They both become students of Master Maenta, who teaches them that Enlo gives special gifts for specific reasons, and even when something goes wrong, good things, better things can come from it.

Books in the Barn -- Come and check us out. It's gonna be GREAT!!

 Books in the Barn has a terrific lineup this year! The barn is full and vendors will also be outside under the porch. Over 50 vendors who are talented in more than one area. Here is the breakdown of what will be offered at the booths and a few specialty items.

• 25 - Arts & Crafts vendors
• 24 - Local Authors (Christian and/or family-friendly)
• 6 - Direct Sales vendors
• 1 - Toy tractor collection sale
• Kid's Corner will be selling homemade zucchini bread and cookies
• Light breakfast and lunch offered by Old Stone Presbyterian Church.
• Scioto Paint Parties will teach you how to paint the canvas "Shine" at 12:30. 
• Don't miss Sharla Patterson Photography outside under the porch. She is offering a mini 10-minute photo shoot for $25 and you will get the digital photos.

 

To learn more about vendors, check the Facebook event page. Link below. Bring your friends, neighbors, and church family to this great event! I will see you next Saturday at...

 

Books in the Barn

Saturday, August 10th from 10 AM - 3 PM

5530 Radnor Rd, Radnor

  

Website: https://maryrodman.com/books-and-crafts-in-the-barn-vendor-list/

 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/816417293653232/

 LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7213138845498818560/

 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/C81oSwoOKvo/

 Alignable: https://www.alignable.com/delaware-oh/mary-rodman-christian-author-speaker/books-in-the-barn-aug-2024?_faid=16503

Book Fair TODAY in Xenia!

 

Everything you need to know is right here!

Hope to see you there.

Would be great to meet you face-to-face!

Oh, and by the way, we've got LOTS of books!!!

#bookfair

#booksigning

#booksale

#XeniaEvents

Release Day! Check out WHITE WOLF at Ye Olde Dragon Books

 

It's release day!

WHITE WOLF

Book 2 of the Steward's World fantasy series, sequel to PLANTWISE, officially releases TODAY.

You can get the ebook and audiobook and save $$ today by buying directly from YeOldeDragonBooks.com.

You can also buy the previous book in the series, PLANTWISE, and save.

Looking ahead ...

The next book in the series is tentatively titled VIOLET AND LILY, and features the two little girls introduced in Books 1 and 2. Princess Violet is the niece and heir to the king of Westerland, and daughter of Princess Arden, Gifted with plantwise magic. Lily is an orphaned child gifted with unusually strong magic, whom the evil enchanter Durmad wants to enslave, to use her potential to take over the world. Our heroes in WHITE WOLF, Taran and Bard, were sent to find her and rescue her, and take her to safety.

In VIOLET AND LILY, the two little girls grow up together, facing challenges and learning hard lessons, and exploring all the wonders and dangers of magic at their fingertips.

Book Report: MIRACLE ON 10TH STREET, by Madeleine L'Engle

 

A lovely, thought-provoking mix of poems and stories, and excerpts from songs and scripture and poetry down through the ages. While the focus is on Christmas and all the beauty and questions and soul-searching that should be included in the season, this is a collection that should probably be nibbled at all through the year, not just opened up during the holidays.

I knew this author through A Wrinkle in Time, A Swiftly Tilting Planet, Arm of the Starfish, and other fantasy stories. Then I picked up Walking on Water maybe 10 years ago. A drastic change of pace, being non-fiction and full of deep thought and spiritual growth. Highly recommend anything she has written. Even if considered YA, her books speak to all ages.

Thanks for the Great Review, Rosemarie DiCristo

 Got this great review for MAJJIAN SPRINGS from Rosemarie DiCristo, who happens to be one of our authors for the anthologies at Ye Olde Dragon Books.

You have to check out our Invisible Man-themed anthology coming out October 15. She and her writing partner, Pam Halter, have an incredible story. Deb and I knew before we even read it that we were going to love it!

But here's the review -- Thanks, Rosemarie!!

Great Books #1. The Kindness Curse by Michelle Levigne. (Book #1 in the Magic to Spare series).

I highly recommend this book! It tells the story of Merrigan, a not-really-evil queen (she's arrogant and selfish, but not a bad sort) who's turned into a very, very old lady and cursed to roam the world until she learns, well, kindness.

The story is hilarious, and Merrigan is a great character. Yes, she's rude and thoughtless, but she was raised by a bad nanny who taught her all the wrong things, and she's actually very human in her thoughts and reactions. (We're not all sweet and loving every moment, after all!). Of course, as Merrigan roams the world, she inadvertantly does good deeds, and actually starts to want to help people, all of which helps to slowly break the curse.

A plus is the way Merrigan (and author Michelle) gently pokes fun at all those fairy tale tropes we've read over and over and over again.

Book #2, Majjian Springs, was recently released and continues Merrigan's adventures. I'm about halfway through the Advance Reading Copy, and will get a real copy soon!

Book Report: A SECOND CHANCE, by Jodi Taylor

 

The Chronicles of St. Mary's, Book 3

They're back, the time-traveling (but they won't admit it) historians with a knack for getting in trouble no matter how careful they are.

Sometimes that trouble is in matters of the heart. Physically and emotionally. These historians stand a good chance of getting killed any day by the historical events they're observing.

Max and Leon have tentatively agreed that after the big, dream-of-a-lifetime trip to observe the people of Troy before and during and after the Trojan war, they will leave St. Mary's and all the danger behind, so they can be together. 

Yeah, as if?

Some of Max's associates have a tendency to stretch the rules so far they snap back hard, and other times ... they just can't be that oblivious, can they? Always a close call and a big spike in blood pressure when Markham is involved. Then there's the physicist whose dream is to see Isaac Newton in action -- and flirt outrageously with Max while he's at it -- and nearly starts a riot.

Heartbreak warning -- and that's all I'm going to say. When I got to the first tragic moment, I shouted. That was okay, because I was driving in my car with the windows closed. But how in the world was Taylor going to fix this one? Then the second one hit and ... okay, it helps that the Muse of History happens to be nearby, and somewhat of a friend. But seriously? Wow, so that's how THAT story line came about, just to fix the narrow, complicated hole Taylor wrote herself into.

Big hint: the title has a lot to do with the last chapter or two of this story ... and leads into the next book!

Coming Title: WHITE WOLF, Steward's World, Book 2

 

Coming August 1

Available EARLY on the Ye Olde Dragon Books website in ebook and audiobook.

Buy early and SAVE $$$

What's it about?

STEWARD'S WORLD

Magic can be learned, earned, or Gifted -- given to a person with magic potential, along with all the experience and wisdom of the one who Gifts it. Sometimes, magic-users forget the first and most important rule: Yeshen made magic to be shared, used for good. If it is stolen, hoarded, and bound with lies, it turns to poison, ruining one kingdom after another.

In this world of many kinds and strengths of magic, a war has been simmering for centuries, waiting to break out. Durmad waits, exiled beyond the Cascade Mountains, sending his agents into multiple kingdoms, to steal magic, enslave magic-users, and corrupt kings to serve him and his plans.

Steward stands against him, the duty and the magical ability passed from father to daughter, mother to son. The tides of magic and powers and the strength of kingdoms are shifting, as allies and pawns move into place in preparation for what could be the war to decide the fate of the world.

WHITE WOLF

When an evil enchanter killed her mother, Taran should have inherited her magic, but she didn't. She had none of her own, though her mother always said she was magic.

Then Bard came to her cottage in the forest, seeking her help. By day, he was cursed to be a wolf, and only freed to be a man under the power of the moon. Together, Taran and Bard set out across kingdoms in search of magic to cure him. Along the way, she discovered the secret of the white wolf, which threatened the very fabric of her soul.

Their search brought them to the seeress, Kalista, who gave them a quest to earn their answers: find a child born with magic strong enough to change the world. Rescue her before the rebel enchanter Durmad found her and turned her into his weapon.

Book Report: A SYMPHONY OF ECHOES, by Jodi Taylor

 Chronicles of St. Mary's, Book 2

Warning: I've been binge listening. I was able to get quite a few of Jodi Taylor's Chronicles of St. Mary's short stories for free on Audible (yeah, that's a hint to go look) and I got addicted to this slightly crazy, somewhat accident-prone (somewhat??) group of British historians studying history via time travel -- although they don't want to say "time travel," but insist on saying they're studying history in contemporary settings.

Great fun, just like the first book. This episode starts with our narrator and heroine, Dr. Maxwell -- better known simply as Max -- relating how she and her soon-to-retire-to-academia friend, encountered Jack the Ripper on a foggy London back street, and how they both nearly didn't survive the experience. Love the dry British wit, and how they react to so much stress and bizareness with a good strong cup of tea ...

Then there's a trip to investigate the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, which turn out to be the product of false advertising, and nearly get framed for the murder of Sennacherib. I'm not telling you more, because you have to read or listen to this for yourself. Great fun -- and I'm sooooo very glad I bought two books at the same time, so I could keep listening!

Catching Up -- Did Anybody Notice I've Been Away?

 

I just checked, and it's been more than a month since I posted anything here.

Did you miss me?

Whew!

Time to catch up in a big way.

It always gets crazy-busy and I let things slide more than usual when time for the Realm Makers conference comes near.

This is the most incredible, fun, hectic, jam-packed-with-goodness writing conference you could ever go to. If, of course, you're into writing "that weird stuff."

You know what I mean: science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Mythology with a modern twist. Superheroes and new takes on classic stories, danger and philosophy and fun, outer space adventures and a return to a childlike sense of wonder.

Scott and Becky Minor are the generous, brilliant folks who started the Realm Makers community and head up the conference that just gets bigger and more awesome every year -- with a lot of help from their community and an army of volunteers. And the teachers they line up every year are top notch. I can't wait to watch the video recordings of the sessions I couldn't go to, and take notes and learn and catch up on what I missed. My mind is still churning from the classes I did attend. Good stuff!

So, over the course of this week, and probably the next, I'll be posting a lot of things to catch up. Book reports and previews of upcoming titles.

Less than a week from now, the next book in the Steward's World fantasy series, WHITE WOLF, will be releasing. I'll be loading the ebook and audiobook on the YeOldeDragonBooks.com website soon, so if anybody wants to get it before release day, at a savings .... that's the place!

Time to Get Your INVISIBLE ON!

 

Yes, we're late getting this announcement out .... but let the fun begin!
Push the envelope until it tears.
Go nuts!
Twist things around.
Get silly!

We want stories that have the aroma of any or all of the Invisible Man movies or TV shows that have been out there. Hey, we'll even consider a tribute to the original book by HG Wells!

But yeah, we'd appreciate some tributes to the classic B&W horror movies with the Invisible Man in them.

Do what feels right!

And if anybody has a suggestion for the title, we'd love to hear it!

New Storytellers Episode on Ye Olde Dragon's Library storytelling podcast

 

Join Ye Olde Dragon's Library storytelling podcast today for a new storytellers episode:   https://yeoldedragonbooks.com/ye-olde-dragons-library-storytelling-podcast/

Our guest will be Keven Baxter, talking about his upcoming release, his very first book, a portal fantasy titled KINGDOM IN THE REDWOODS.

He'll be giving the inside scoop on the ideas behind the story and upcoming titles in the series, and some of his thinking behind making the switch from lawyer to storyteller!

Check out his website to sign up for his newsletter and obtain a free short story: www.kevenbaxter.com

Will I See You at West Side Flea?

 

I'll be here this Saturday, June 22, in one of the rows of inner booths.

In-person prices for books are always $1 or $2 LESS than retail/online prices.

I'm also bringing coupons and codes for ebooks and audiobooks -- with the same savings!

Hope to see you there!

Ready for some BOOK FAIRS?

I'm so excited -- I've signed up for a number of book fairs through the summer and fall, into winter. 

If you're going to be near one of these events, I'd love to meet you face-to-face!!

Mark your calendars.

And remember: In-Person prices are always $1 to $2 LESS than online prices .....

 

Cle Market

4-8pm, Wednesday June 12

 Coe Lake, Berea

 

 

West Side Flea

9am to 3pm, Saturday June 22

North Olmsted Community Park

28114 Lorain Rd., North Olmsted

 

 

Books in the Barn

10am to 3pm, Saturday, August 10

We Feed U Farms

5530 Radnor Rd., Radnor, OH 43066

 

 

Skunk Fest

10am to 4pm, Saturday, September 14

South Central Park, 7565 Avon Belden Rd.

North Ridgeville, OH  44039

 

 

Indie Author Book Expo

1-5pm, Sunday, September 15

Emerald Event Center at Residence Inn at Mariott

Avon, OH

 

 

Hocking Hills Book Fairs:

2 dates!

 

11am-3pm, October 5

Nelsonville Elks Lodge, Nelsonville, OH

 

11am to 4 pm, December 14

The Dairy Barn, Athens, OH