Amphibian Press brings you the worlds of four authors in this collection of dark fantasy tales.
“How to Curse a Kingdom” – Cameron J. Quinn Pantheon outcast and god of war, Armon fears more rejection when he’s called home to marry the goddess of creation and balance. But Demtrie accepts him–even without the disguise necessary for his former lover. No sooner does he find happiness than he’s plagued by the phantom cries of a baby. And the truth may curse the kingdom where he once found solace.
“How to Curse A Kingdom” takes place within the Starsboro sector of the Starsedge Universe and follows Trent and Zurik’s ancestors.
“The Tempest” – V. S. Holmes Before Nubon can lead her kingdom she must survive the trial to prove she’s worthy–navigate the sea with nothing but her name and the clothes on her back. And between Nubon and the title of warlord lie leviathans, frigid water, and seven other potential heirs willing to kill for the crown.
“The Tempest” takes place in the world of Reforged, 200 years before the events of Smoke and Rain.
“Men of Distant Souls” – R. T. Donlon Exhausted and drunk, Levi stumbles out of a bar and into another world–one locked in a generations-old battle. Faced with unimaginable power and the balance of good and evil, Levi must decide if he’ll run or take up the mantle for which his soul was made.
“Red and White” – Ariele Seiling Red and White’s world is a cruel magical post-apocalypse where they only people they can trust are each other. When a mysterious dog begins to tail them, the sisters must decide whether trusting him will save their lives–or end them.
“Red and White” is one of several of Sieling’s fairytale retellings.
My Review:
Anthologies are hard to review/rate as normally there’s one or two good stories and the rest are so-so. Thankfully, these four stories break that mold.
How To Curse A Kingdom is about acceptance of yourself, your fate, and the hard decisions that need to be made. Even if you’re a God. As Pantheon discovered, when he saw the consequences of his actions/inactions. There were some editing issues with the story but they weren’t distracting.
The Tempest made me cringe, made my own fingernail hurt when Nubon tore hers to the quick. I rooted for her as she struggled to survive on the harsh ocean with no food or water. And I cheered for her when she stood up to claim her rightful place. A very well-written, coming-of-age story.
Men of Distant Souls is the story of Levi facing and accepting his destiny. From a drunk to a hero. And the bad choices that even hero’s have to make all for the sake of their souls. In the end, I was left with questions. Did he?
Red and White is about two sisters who’ve only had each other for years after the nightlings took away their parents and life they knew. I was on the fence whether this book deserved a 4 or 5 star rating until I read this story. This one tore me up and I cried for the harshness of their lives. I still had questions. What was over the wall to the East?
If you love dark fantasy, anthologies, stories where even with the right choice you still have heartache, then this book is for you. I give it 5 stars.
Jim Able wakes up in hospital in Ch’Garratt beset with bloody memories. Someone has tried to kill him; he knows who but not why. His colleagues know Jim is in danger, but what protection can they offer against an adversary so callous he would destroy a spaceport terminal trying to kill one man?
This prequel episode takes you from Jim’s troubles in Ch’Garratt to the start of Episode #1 ABLE. Formatted in episodes that are an easy read—the equivalent of four or five chapters—the adventures will take Jim, and you, on quite a ride. Two complete story lines, on Kindle, span episodes #1 thru #4 and #5 thru #9. In print, look for Beauty Rising and Larc Ascending.
In these episodes, Jim uses his wit and skills with alien technology to save the day and sometimes clear up his messy mistakes. He has help from an unexpected friend in the form of the chameleon, Tella. The series is a witty and, in parts philosophical, exploration of other worlds and other cultures, seen from Jim’s perspective. Unlike Star Trek, the people here use money and go to the bathroom. Unlike Star Wars, evil comes less from general imperial menace and more from personal motives.
It’s been six months since Rey pushed his destined soulmate away. Rey Turner’s family has the unique ability to recognize and telepathically speak to the other half of their soul—the one created for them. He was only eighteen when he met Lisabeth Gilbert. He fought the pull of their hearts toward one another because he wasn’t ready to commit to one person. Not at his age. Instead of embracing her, he ran from her, only to realize he’d made the biggest mistake of his life. Their paths cross again, giving him a second chance. He’s determined to do whatever it will take to win her heart and her trust. Can she forgive him and accept their destiny as soulmates?
Born an Irish American Traveller, Quinn’s father and stepfamily raise her to be a con artist. Can she escape a binding marriage contract and a life of crime?
Jailed for theft, Quinn pays restitution working on a horse farm. Unfamiliar with horses, her love for them surprises her. They make her hope for a better world. Until the farm’s owner is brutally murdered and Quinn is the prime suspect.
On the run, Quinn uses every scam and con she knows to save herself. Can she find the real killer before she’s imprisoned for life or murdered because she knows too much?
A mystery-thriller of deceit, murder, greed and hope, by multiple award-winning author, Sasscer Hill.
MY REVIEW:
After reading Shooting Star by Sasscer Hill, I thought this story would be another murder mystery. Instead, it’s a coming-of-age novel with a murder woven into it.
The backdrop of this book is the Irish American Traverlls which I found very interesting. I was intrigued enough to do a Google search to see if they were real. They are, but in very limited areas of the USA. Probably why I’ve never heard of them.
Born into one of these cloistered clans, Quinn was taught how to lie, cheat, and steal. I love her character and found her relatable as she struggled with her feelings of guilt for scamming ‘country folk’ and dealing with her horrible step-mother and step-brother. Maeve and Connor were perfect villains. Then Quinn’s life was turned upside down.
I also liked the Ballymoor farm. I could smell the sweet hay and hear the nickering of the Gypsy Vanners. Made me want to live there.
I was really enjoying the story until I got to the end which was a disappointment for me. As a con artist, Quinn should not have been so trusting and trapped the way she was. The plot twists were too obvious, and the police would not have shown up as fast as they did during a raging hurricane.
If you’re looking for a coming-of-age story with a sweet romance, mystery, and horses, you will enjoy this book. I give it 4 stars.
The series continues with a wonderous sequel by Award-Winning historical fiction author, J. Lynn Else
Released and published by Inklings Publishing
The book is available worldwide in paperback and e-format
After not hearing anything from their knights in Avalon for weeks, the horrible Questing Beast breaks through into the world and attacks Genie, Beth, Mei, and Whit. Their magic stirs to stop the monster, but Beth’s attempts fail. Help from Avalon arrives just in time to remove the curse and reveal a woman inside the beast who claims to be Genie’s biological mother.The four friends learn their knights had gone missing, along with one of Avalon’s queens, Viviane. An ancient evil runs amok in Avalon and the people blame the four friends, claiming they released Merlin to destroy their world. To clear their name and rescue their knights, the four friends must once again risk the dangers of Avalon. Genie, Beth, Mei, and Whit must pull together and learn to combine their powers of air, water, earth, and fire to rebalance the world they might have thrown into chaos. If they fail, the worlds of Avalon and Earth could destabilize and end life as they know it.
First Book in The Series:
About J. Lynn Else:
J. LYNN ELSE is a Minnesota award-winning author who’s self-published two historical fiction novels set in ancient Egypt, “The Forgotten: Aten’s Last Queen (2013),” which was named an Indie Editor’s Choice book for 2016 by the Historical Novel Society, and “The Forgotten: Heir of the Heretic (2016)” as well as a sci fi novella “Strangely Constructed Souls (2018).” Through Inklings Publishing, she’s authored “Descendants of Avalon” (2018), “Lost Daughters of Avalon” (2019), and “Prophecy of Avalon” (2021).” Her short story “The Girl from the Haunted Woods,” won 2nd place in the “Journey into the Fantastical” Anthology contest. In 2021, she became the Indie Reviews Editor for the Historical Novel Society. She believes in unicorns and practicing random acts of awesome.
You can find J. Lynn at: website: http://www.teasippinnerdymom.com/ Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/teasippinnerdymom Twitter @JLynnElseAuthor Instagram at JLynnElseAuthor, or TikTok at @jlynnelse
Sign up for her newsletter here: http://www.subscribepage.com/www.teasippinnerdymom.com
To request additional review copies or an interview with J. Lynn Else, please contact Mickey Mikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity: mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com / 403.464.6925.
The chills continue in this second volume collection by critically acclaimed horror and suspense author, Meg Hafdahl
Released and published by Inklings Publishing
The book is available worldwide in paperback and e-format
Suspense author, Meg Hafdahl, delivers another collection of spine-tingling stories in this second volume of the Twisted Reveries series. Inspired by the first book’s Willoughby and Moira Kettlesburg stories, Meg takes us on a journey into the mid-western town of Willoughby where forgetting is a way of life. Delve into its macabre history and origins. Explore the strange and unsettling events that plague Willoughby’s unsuspecting citizens in this new collection of thirteen horrifically outstanding tales.
More Books in The Series:
About Meg:
Horror and suspense author Meg Hafdahl is the creator of numerous stories and books. Her fiction has appeared in anthologies such as Eve’s Requiem: Tales of Women, Mystery and Horror and Eclectically Criminal. Her work has been produced for audio by The Wicked Library and The Lift, and she is the author of two popular short story collections including Twisted Reveries: Thirteen Tales of the Macabre. Meg is also the author of the two novels; Daughters of Darkness and Her Dark Inheritance called “an intricate tale of betrayal, murder, and small-town intrigue” by Horror Addicts and “every bit as page turning as any King novel” by RW Magazine. Meg, also the co-host of the podcast Horror Rewind and co-author of The Science of Monsters, The Science of Women in Horror, The Science of Stephen King and upcoming The Science of Witchcraft, lives in the snowy bluffs of Minnesota.
To request additional review copies or an interview with Meg, please contact Mickey Mikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity: mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com / 403.464.6925.
AUTHOR AND MUSICIAN, SHANE WILSON WINS TWO BOOK AWARDS FOR HIS CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED NOVEL, THE SMOKE IN HIS EYES
Award-winning author and musician Shane Wilson has won two Awards at the prestigious event, BookFest this past weekend—both were for his journey of music and magic, The Smokein His Eyes. The book placed second in Contemporary Fiction and third in Coming-of-Age Literary Fiction. The double win is a first for this up-and-coming author and is the latest highlight in a number of accomplishments including critically acclaimed reviews by Top 100 Amazon Book Reviewer, Grady Harp and critically acclaimed North American reviewer and blogger, Anthony Avina.
Second Place Award
Contemporary Fiction
Third Place Award
Coming of Age Literary Fiction
“Skillfully written with a fine sense of cadence, this is an impressive book by an author of authority – a successful entry into the world of magical realism attuned to music!”, Grady Harp, Reviewer Top 100 Amazon Reviewer
OTHER WORKS BY SHANE WILSON:
Alan –a heart-broken and stubborn computer programmer–took much in his life for granted, including the vast supply of water in his town. But when the rains stop falling and the rivers dry up, he begins to realize how temporary it all can be. His life begins to unravel as, across town, a sinkhole threatens to swallow every bit of the place he has come to call home.
COMING SOON:
THE WOMAN WITH A THOUSAND FACES!!
Fall 2022
ABOUT SHANE:
Shane Wilson is a storyteller. No matter the medium, the emphasis of his work is on the magical act of the story, and how the stories we tell immortalize us and give voice to the abstractions of human experience. His first two contemporary fantasy novels as well as a stage play, set in his World of Muses universe, are currently available.
Born in Alabama and raised in Georgia, Shane is a child of the southeastern United States where he feels simultaneously at-home and out-of-place. He graduated from Valdosta State University in South Georgia with a Masters in English. He taught college English in Georgia for four years before moving to North Carolina in 2013.
Shane plays guitar and writes songs with his two-man-band, Sequoia Rising. He writes songs as he writes stories–with an emphasis on the magic of human experience. He tends to chase the day with a whiskey (Wild Turkey 101) and a re-run of The Office.
Shane’s novels are A Year Since the Rain (Snow Leopard Publishing, 2016) and The Smoke in His Eyes (GenZ Publishing, 2018). Shane’s short story, “The Boy Who Kissed the Rain” was the 2017 Rilla Askew Short Fiction Prize winner and was nominated for a 2018 Pushcart Prize. An adaptation of that story for the stage was selected for the Independence Theater Reading Series in Fayetteville, NC. More information about Shane can be found at: Shane Wilson Author
To request additional review copies or an interview with Shane Wilson, please contact Mickey Mikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity: mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com / 403.464.6925.
Not from the war I’m bringing. Remember when I said friendly and fae don’t usually go together? Yeah, I shouldn’t have forgotten that little fact.
That godsdamned fae better watch his back because everything I’ve fought so hard for is on the line. I’ll tear his world apart before I let him ruin mine.
Hell hath no fury like a stubborn phoenix with a whole lot of anger issues.
Will Veronica finally get her happy ending… …or will she have to make the ultimate sacrifice to save the people she loves?
Curl up, get comfy, and have the tissues ready.
WINGS OF MERCY is the 7th and FINAL book in The Last Phoenix series, an urban fantasy romance containing fast-paced action, snarky humor, portal travel, a variety of shifters, a hearty dose of swearing, and a healthy splash of fated mates romance.
Sorry if this post is a bit gory, but I just went through a retinal detachment and it ain’t fun. I still have the gas bubble in my left eye that I’m dealing with. Just hope it’s not permanent. If you’ve had this type of procedure, please let me know.
I saw everything the Doc did during my surgery. OMG. He told me that not everyone sees all of the procedure. Well, wasn’t I so lucky. Not. Anyway, here are some free short stories to enjoy.
Winner of the Colorado Indie Author Project award for Adult Fiction!
Hell is not what you think … It’s bone-chilling.
Gabe is a good guy making the best of eternity in a place not known for its hospitality — until he is recruited by Judas Iscariot (yes, that Judas) to join a sect of double agents dedicated to sabotaging the mayhem being released on Earth.
Armed with a skill set of irritating quips and zero knowledge of the modern world, Gabe must figure out how to work with his beautiful, tough-as-nails partner without botching the mission or revealing his true identity.
If this unlikely hero can’t figure it out before disaster strikes, facing the wrath of Hell will be the least of his worries …
If you like snarky characters and dark humor, then you’ll love The Nine, the first book in the action-packed, supernatural Judas Files urban fantasy series. Series now complete!
![ABLE (Jim Able: Offworld Book 1) by [Ed Charlton]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41dfKUFIYZL.jpg)
![SOPHA (Jim Able: Offworld Book 2) by [Ed Charlton]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41O3F0oi++L.jpg)
![TMV (Jim Able: Offworld Book 3) by [Ed Charlton]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/410tOBk-OEL.jpg)
![A'NIR (Jim Able: Offworld Book 4) by [Ed Charlton]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41hCiL9PpRL.jpg)
![E.I.A. (Jim Able: Offworld Book 5) by [Ed Charlton]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Pcrt56s9S.jpg)
![RAEFF (Jim Able: Offworld Book 6) by [Ed Charlton]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41KqSeZhIES.jpg)
![The Soulmate Battle: A Telepathy Romance (The Soulmate Call Book 2) by [Tiffany Ann, R.C. Matthews]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41o6qi9kz8L.jpg)
![The Soulmate Restoration: A Telepathy Romance (The Soulmate Call Book 3) by [Tiffany Ann, R.C. Matthews]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/418Bi97GCBL.jpg)
![The Soulmate Healing: A Telepathy Romance (The Soulmate Call Book 4) by [Tiffany Ann, R.C. Matthews]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/419chMZwcqL.jpg)
![The Soulmate Rekindled : A Telepathy Romance (The Soulmate Call Book 5) by [Tiffany Ann, R.C. Matthews]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51-lue1jvLL.jpg)
![The Soulmate Triangle : A Telepathy Romance (The Soulmate Call Book 6) by [Tiffany Ann, R.C. Matthews, Connie B. Dowell]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Mz1QHU7+L.jpg)
![The Soulmate Dilemma (The Soulmate Call Book 7) by [Tiffany Ann, R.C. Matthews]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41W+q4rEODL.jpg)
![Descendants of Avalon (Awakenings Book 1) by [J Lynn Else]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51GPPZAoUyL.jpg)
![Twisted Reveries by [Meg Hafdahl, Fern Brady]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/415GQdntRWL.jpg)
![Twisted Reveries III: More Tales of the Macabre by [Meg Hafdahl]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51X7LydbPCL.jpg)
![Wings of Fire: An Urban Fantasy Romance (The Last Phoenix Book 1) by [Stephanie Mirro]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51jB0sGtoTL.jpg)
![Wings of Death: An Urban Fantasy Romance (The Last Phoenix Book 2) by [Stephanie Mirro]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51YLSpkXb2L.jpg)
![Wings of Winter: An Urban Fantasy Romance (The Last Phoenix Book 3) by [Stephanie Mirro]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/518aTut8okL.jpg)
![Wings of Magic: An Urban Fantasy Romance (The Last Phoenix Book 4) by [Stephanie Mirro]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51H6LpZN-lL.jpg)
![Wings of Life: An Urban Fantasy Romance (The Last Phoenix Book 5) by [Stephanie Mirro]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51AU3m17mlS.jpg)
![Wings of Deceit: An Urban Fantasy Romance (The Last Phoenix Book 6) by [Stephanie Mirro]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Oor1f2bXL.jpg)
![New Dominion: A Dark Humor Urban Fantasy Supernatural Adventure (The Judas Files Book 2) by [C.G. Harris]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/519izzDI8bL.jpg)
![Artful Evil (The Judas Files Book 3) by [C.G. Harris]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51YeB1waqLL.jpg)
![War Origin: A Dark Humor Urban Fantasy Supernatural Adventure (The Judas Files Book 4) by [C.G. Harris]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51CHf-G5EaS.jpg)
![Final Ruin: A Dark Humor Urban Fantasy Supernatural Adventure (The Judas Files Book 5) by [C.G. Harris]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41DlEOsqs0L.jpg)
