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| Help me win Indie Book of the Year, plus lots more in this week's Medieval Musings. |
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While researching which 3D printer I would buy, I discovered I could replace the LCD screen on my old one, negating the need to buy a new one. This led us down a rabbit hole. Finding the replacement part wasn’t too difficult, but once converted to Canadian dollars, along with adding shipping, it became prohibitively expensive. For only a little bit more, I could buy a new printer and so that’s the decision that we made.
Based on what we’d read, we decided to upgrade to the ANYCUBIC Photon M3 which is a bit pricier, but I’ll have nearly twice the print size, allowing me to create bigger armies in half the time!
It’s now ordered and on its way, but perhaps the most surprising thing of all was where we ended up buying it. Not Amazon or the manufacturer, but Walmart, who had the best price!
Now I can begin planning out the building of my next army. (Insert maniacal laugh here)
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Here's a little something for you
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I like to vary my approach to storytelling, which is why each of my series has a different feel. Heir to the Crown is an ensemble story, while Power Ascending is about two individuals told from only their point of view. However, secondary characters get the occasional part to play from time to time.
The Frozen Flame lies in the middle, emphasizing the two main characters, Athar and Natalia, but Kargen and Shaluhk play an essential part.
I also try to vary how each story begins. I occasionally jump straight into the action, as I did in Servant of the Crown, while other times, it’s more of a slow burn, building to a danger-fraught ending.
One thing all my series have in common, save perhaps for the Chronicles of Cyric, is the involvement of armies. After all, what could be more epic than the fate of a kingdom or, better yet, an entire continent?
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Vote Guardian of the Crown for Book of the Year
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Congrats to Lilith for winning last week's giveaway. I was pleasantly pleased to learn over 90% of you have as many TBR books on your list as I do. Remember to answer the question below to be entered in to the eBook giveaway.
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| Have you ever responded to one of my surveys? |
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| Thank you |
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| You are now entered to win a free ebook of your choice |
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The Politics of Eiddenwerthe
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The world of Eiddenwerthe is a complex collection of kingdoms with a history of conflict and war. This near-constant strife shapes many of the attitudes found on the Continent and, to a lesser extent, the lands to the west (Merceria, Norland and Weldwyn).
The rise of Therengia was a watermark moment, and when that great kingdom fell, the remaining Successor States broke old alliances and began fighting amongst themselves. Thus were born the Petty Kingdoms, so named for their size (relative to Therengia) but also the petty jealousies that found their way into the courts of the land.
Over the course of my series, three new powers begin to emerge. To the west is Merceria, with its experienced and highly skilled armies. In the middle of the Continent lies Hadenfeld, where Ludwig Altenburg exerts his influence. Finally, Therengia rises anew in the east, throwing many of the Petty Kingdoms into a panic.
And all this while the Empire of Halvaria prepares to launch the greatest invasion the land has ever seen.
Who will emerge triumphant?
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Favourite 5-Star Review of the Week:
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Great Storytelling
I have read all the greats from Robert Jordan to James Patterson. Paul Bennett is included now.
My favorite stories are the ones I can immerse myself into, and always look forward to the next chapter.
I just finished book three, and thought I would pause to share my appreciation
--Apple Books Reader
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This week I’ll be finished with Temple Commander. The battles are now complete. All that remains is… well, I can’t say without giving away the ending. I suppose you’ll just have to wait until it’s released.
Meanwhile, I’ll be going over the outline for Torrent, the next (and second last) book in The Frozen Flame series. That story is a turning point of sorts for Athgar and Natalia, and while it’s complete in and of itself, it sets up the final book in the series, Cataclysm.
I’ve also started giving some thought to future series. I mentioned some time ago that I had a trilogy in mind, but I’ve also had a few other ideas floating around in my head. Only time will see which ones grow to fruition.
Until next time, happy reading!
PS – Next week, I'll share a sneak peek at Temple Commander.
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Waiting for Temple Commander?
Why not give one of these authors a try!
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Sentinal Birlerion has watched from the shadows for so long he doesn't know how to stop.
When the king banishes the Lady’s Captain, Jerrol Haven, from Vespiri and disbands the Sentinal guard, the Sentinals are angry at the king's decision.
Birlerion moves to Old Vespers to watch over Jerrol's daughter as she begins her journey to become a King's Ranger.
But unexplained deaths start happening, the bodies just appearing in the city streets. As Birlerion continues his search for the place he can call home, he steps out of the shadows as he is drawn into a tangled web of deceit and lies.
He must hunt down those responsible and clear the Sentinals' name before anyone else goes missing.
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Enlightened. Enslaved. Erased.
Earth, 50,000 years ago before the magic vanished. Invaded by aliens posing as gods, advanced civilisations crumbled. Now, these powerful off-worlders war for control of the planet, and the people who remain no longer remember what they once were. Seduced then enslaved, humanity has fallen.
Beneath the destroyed remains of an ancient temple, Thaya discovers a relic and a scroll written by the last of an advanced civilisation. The scroll contains a message and a vision of a forgotten world. The relic unlocks a memory about her own past that she should not have forgotten.
In the ashes of her ancestors, Thaya fights to stay alive, and her survival is inextricably tied to the fate of an other-worldly being. In a journey that takes her to different times, alien worlds and across dimensions, Thaya must lose everything to find her own salvation.
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A mysterious young woman, a new invasion, and the tokens of the High King.
Haldrek Rodreksson has known his entire life where his future lies and what is expected of him. But on the eve of battle, soothsayers show him three visions of a different future: a mysterious young woman, a new invasion, and theft of the High King’s tokens. Visions which make him question his future and that of his homeland, Lohikärra.
When the capital of Lohikärra falls, Haldrek’s world is thrown into disarray and he must scramble to keep the young woman from his visions safe.
Injured, weaponless, and with little support, will Haldrek be able to save the woman and change the visions he was given? Or will he, his homeland, and his loved ones fall to their enemies?
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The Witcher meets Sherlock Holmes in the epic beginning of Ara's new life as a beast hunter apprentice.
When a monster brutally kills her parents, Ara is saved by two beast hunters.
Becoming their apprentice, she discovers serums, secret bestiary knowledge, and remarkable abilities-all to save unsuspecting souls from the same fate her parents suffered.
But terrifying creatures lurk everywhere and Ara must master the art of beast hunting quickly if she is to uncover the elusive beast plaguing the village of Cornstead.
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Their stories will shape the future of Elessia for ages to come.
A guilt-ridden knight seeking redemption at the edge of a blade. A would-be emperor on a quest for prophecy. A young cleric finding purpose amidst the deepest darkness.
After two thousand years without magic, the Age of Decadence draws to an end. The cycle of death and rebirth strains against the shackles dictated by the gods. Ancient powers stir beneath the mountains. Malevolent beings awaken in long-forgotten tombs.
And a handful of humans find a spark of divine power kindled within their breast. Among these are The Roses — avatars of War, Love, and Prophecy.
Enter Elessia, a land of sword and sorcery, of fiery battles and demonic foes. Heroes will rise and legends will fall in six short stories that set the stage for the epic saga to come.
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Just because you're chosen doesn't mean you want to be.
Four years before Nicolas Percival Carnegie was reluctantly chosen to deliver a message, Auron of Tellmark, the legendary Dawnblade, was burdened with a task he didn't want.
Going from a life of carefree hero work to having the future of the Guild of Heroes' in his hands, Auron finds himself completely out of his depth.
But he's the Dawnblade. What task can't he excel at?
He'll find out when an old enemy returns, hellbent on ensuring that this future never comes to pass and that everything Auron loves is torn down.
This could be Auron's greatest challenge to date, and he would be much happier facing it alone.
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Here are some great stories just for you!
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Extra Book Deals & Giveaways
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| "Every review I receive inspires me to write more!" |
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Paul J Bennett,
Author of Epic Fantasy.
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