Bunny's Reviews: February 2022

Thursday, February 24, 2022

The Queen's Keeper Review Spotlight

Welcome to the second book tour for The Queen's Keeper by J.L. Vampa! The first tour went so well, we just had to do another! Read on for my review, and more details about this gorgeous dark fantasy!

The Queen’s Keeper is J.L. Vampa’s debut novel. This book is a twisted dark fairytale about a young girl, Luvenia, living under a dark queen. A queen who is intent on bringing the world under her control by any means necessary. What Luvenia doesn’t know is that her past is shrouded in secrets, but not just her past. Luvenia’s life is thrown into chaos and destruction at the hands of one she trusted with all her heart. Right when it seems like she’s about to meet her end, fate takes a swift turn that begins her journey down a new path.

I’m a huge fan of dark fantasy novels, and I do love a good twisted fairytale. When I read the blurb for this book my curiosity was quickly piqued. I wanted to know more about these characters and the struggles this young girl would face. As I started reading this book I was immediately pulled in. I loved the dark elements that the author wrote into the first few beginning chapters. The threat of the Collectors, never knowing when they would show up and take someone away. Just the overall fear of the not knowing for the characters, it was engaging. I liked how the author would give me little bits of flashbacks here and there.

As the story progressed, however, I couldn’t help but become a bit disappointed with certain aspects of the storyline. I feel that there was a big miss in not dedicating chapters to the dark Queen Lillith. I honestly wanted more of her. I feel that if the author had focused on her more and given her more places in the story that it would have really enhanced the “dark” element in “dark fantasy.” As it is the story focuses heavily on Luvenia and those around her. While Luvenia has some really dark things happen to her, it only continues to truly haunt her in her mind. Now, I’m not saying that there aren’t any dark elements sprinkled throughout the story, because there are, but I feel that if Lillith had been given more attention it would have really amped this story up and helped make it sensational.

I liked Luvenia in the beginning, but after tragedy strikes her and her family, yet again, I couldn’t help souring in places towards the girl. I didn’t appreciate her bratty attitudes. When the story starts Luvenia is 17 years old, but honestly the way she acts (too often) I couldn’t help feeling that she was more along the lines of a 10-11 year old child. Her bratty attitude, her disrespect towards the Queen (a different kinder one), and her frequent tantrums do her no favors. I felt that in some cases it really gave me whiplash. I’ll try to refrain from spoilers but that behavior continues throughout the story sporadically and in some instances, worsens with a particular shift.

While it may seem that I have quite a few complaints concerning this book, let’s be honest I do, I truly did enjoy this story. On one hand I would have loved it if the story had been more drawn out and built into a series so as to encompass more and really build the storyline. On the other hand I’m glad that I get a resolution with this story’s ending and even a bit of an epilogue of life further into these characters’ futures. While I am disappointed in the lack of more darkness, I enjoyed reading about these characters and the fairtytale twist/tie-in the author does. At the end of the day I feel that 4 out of 5 stars is a fair rating for this book. I needed more dark elements to really make this book shine. Not focusing more on Lillith and even the sister more I feel causes this book to miss out on so much potential.

I will say this, the author has a lot of potential and I look forward to reading what she creates in the future.

Read on for an except from the novel and be sure to check out my fellow bloggers to learn their thoughts and opinions concerning this novel.

The Queen’s Keeper

Publication Date: October 12th, 2021

Genre: Dark Fairy Tale/ Fantasy

What if I told you that everything you knew about your life was a lie and that you’re being hunted?
What if I told you that you were prey?
This is the reality for Luvenia Rousseau. Amidst the struggle to survive in a famished, war-torn country and the fight against the phantoms of her past, her family is brutally ripped apart by a tyrant queen’s venomous army. Just when all hope seems lost, she stumbles upon an enchanted realm while the queen hunts for the one who got away.

A page-turning debut novel among the likes of Hunger Games, Snow White, and Throne of Glass, this dark fairy tale adaptation will have you on the edge of your seat.

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Excerpt

The Queen of Aureland strode into her castle’s training hall like an ancient warrior comprised of bone crushing strength and the breathless wonder of snow-capped mountain air. Rarely did she wear riding pants and a tunic—for she believed one’s attire should reflect one’s character and she was a leader of others into excellence and virtue—but today her leading required a different sort of approach and a gown would not do. Granted, her tunic glistened with fine jewels—there was no need to look like a peasant. Her protégé thought she’d seen fierce opponents in her training, but she hadn’t seen Nuria. The queen’s most guarded secret may be of an entirely different nature, but her hundred years of honed battle skills came in at a close second.

“Hello, Luvenia,” she said to get the girl’s attention, her voice silken. “No need to look so shocked, darling. I will be conducting your training this fine morning. Darius needed to sleep. Though achieving his agreement on that fact was a battle in and of itself.” She rolled her eyes and smoothed her bejeweled tunic, then clapped both hands together. “Right, then, let us get to it. You are weakest in hand-to-hand combat, yes?” Veni nodded mutely, feeling as though she were about to discover the queen’s beauty and gentle spirit had merely been the adorned scabbard sheathing a powerful blade. “Very well.” The queen eyed the girl. “I will not hold back. Your training will not be complete until you are capable of disarming and defeating me. That will not happen today. There is no need for unrealistic expectations. Though you, my dear, will beat me one day. Recognize your potential without masking it in obscured reality.”

Veni’s mind spun. She’s going to run me into the ground, physically and mentally. “Use your words, dear. Are you prepared or not?” Veni smirked and sighed a breathy laugh. “Ready as I’ll ever be, I suppose.” Nuria’s beauty turned lethal as she lunged for the wide-eyed girl. Before Veni could even get her hands up to defend herself, the queen nicked her chin with her bare knuckles, enough to stun her. In an instant, she had Veni’s own arm twisted behind her and forced her to her knees. The queen released her captive and Veni stood as her vision swam a bit from the blow to her chin. Nuria wiped the blood from her split knuckle on her pants. “My Hordemen go easy on you and spar with you.” She shook her head. “You have had enough of that. Sparring is unrealistic and you have grown used to how it works.” The queen put a finger to her temple. “Your mind is quick, dear heart, but wits alone will not win a battle. A sparring session, perhaps, but not a battle. Darius has taught you well how to predict your opponent’s next move, this is wise. However, most of the people you come across in a fight will not be calculated. They will be ruthless. There is a fine line between noble ferocity and ruthless ferocity. The truth of it is you will need to dance on the edge of that line in order to get your sister back. We will help you stay on the noble side, but you must embrace the ferocity. You can spar and train all day long, learning all the perfect maneuvers and defenses, but until you can take a true blow and get back up, you are not learning what you will need to succeed in bringing Ester home. Do you understand?

” Veni’s jaw stung, and her heart pounded, but she knew Nuria was right. It was time to cease pretending that she was learning to fight and to truly take hold of it. “Yes,” she told the queen. “Again. Let’s go.” Fast as lightning, Nuria came at her with no mercy over and over. The girl’s blood was splattered on the queen’s sparkling tunic and Nuria’s knuckles continued to bleed. Veni forgot everything she’d learned in routine sparring sessions and had little success discerning Nuria’s next move. That is, for the first half of their session. Once she’d taken several hits and tasted self-preservation as well as a sense of wildness, her training came back to her in a new way. She ended up on her back or rear or face countless times, but it would only take one hit. Luvenia had to hit that beautiful queen one time and she would be satisfied for the day.

“Are you certain you would like to continue? Your eye is beginning to swell.” Nuria watched her protégé struggle to stand, yet again. “I’m sure,” she said through gritted teeth. “Again.” Her eye was indeed swelling shut and her mouth was thick with blood and saliva, but she was going to hit that perfect face. Just once.

Available on Amazon

About the Author

J.L. was born and raised in the great state of Texas. After attending college in Oklahoma, J.L. became a bookkeeper and office manager. She swiftly discovered she was to be a Keeper of Books and a Manager of Fantastical Worlds, instead. Thus began the unfolding of her literary journey,

J.L. now lives with her husband and two children, penning her next masterpiece for you to enjoy, while running her own bookish shop, Wicked Whimsy Boutique.

JL Vampa | Instagram | Twitter | Wicked Whimsy Boutique

February 21^st

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February 22^nd

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February 23^rd

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February 24^th

@jacleomik33 (Review) https://www.instagram.com/jacleomik33/

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February 25^th

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Friday, February 18, 2022

The Devil Pulls the Strings Review Spotlight

The Devil Pulls the Strings by J.W. Zarek is a fantasy adventure with mystery and time travel elements, along with a few hints of the paranormal. Prepare to meet a character with a wendigo attached to him, who will find himself on an adventure that he had no idea to even expect. I mean, who would when a friend simply asks you to fill in for them at a gig? Adventure and crossing paths with dangerous secret societies would be the last thing on your mind.

In The Devil Pulls the Strings, the author starts the story off with a prophecy and a character who will later be a familiar name repeated again and again. This intro is short, and then I was introduced to Boone Daniels. Boone doesn’t really come off as the most outstanding main character to come around. Thanks to his past he has some serious problems, but he manages. Add insult to injury, thanks to a freak “chance” he almost kills his friend during a joust. While his friend lands in the hospital, Boone is called upon to fill in for his friend playing a gig up in New York. Little does Boone know that this favor will put him on a path that will throw him into a whirlwind of mystery, portals, and danger.

When I read this book was compared to two of my favorite shows (that are no longer on air), the Librarians and the Magicians, I was eager to pick it up. I wanted to see for myself whether this book reflected elements of these two shows. While it does in some ways, it is its own in others. There is magic, danger, secrets and lies, and hints of the paranormal as well. The characters are on the hunt for mysterious mythical pieces of music that are claimed to raise the devil. The drama behind the idea is quite engaging and helps pull the story forward. Boone frequently finds himself just escaping danger, and then finding himself in a new spot of trouble not long after. There are some hints of romance, but nothing really comes to fruition. Who knows what will happen if future books are written with these characters though.

This book has quiet a few good elements going for it, but then it has some elements that were working against it. For me, this book reads at times like someone learning how to drive a stick. There are lot of stalls, and a bit of jerky moments, but once the story gets in the correct gear then the story really flows. But watch out when the story is changing gears, then you get some more jerky moments that break the flow until it’s recaptured. When the story is flowing along it’s a real page turner and I enjoyed reading it. However, when the author puts in certain sequences that break the rhythm it’s distracting. I appreciate the author putting in “sound effects” for gun fire, items breaking, etc, but I feel that at times it’s just a distracting and takes away from the story overall. Then there are places where the author seems to become a bit too wordy. A prime example would be – “the ground rumbles. The ground grumbles. The ground shakes. Etc.” It’s a bit much and for me, it feels unnecessary. I’m guessing it’s intending for dramatic effect, but it ends up taking away instead of adding to. In this case, less is more.

I did like the twists and the surprises that the author weaves throughout the book. There is one twist that I guessed at, but then dismissed because it seemed far-fetched. Haha! Well, all I can say to the author is – well played, sir. Well played. There is a lot going on in this book, and I enjoyed reading it. This book has a lot of potential to be truly amazing, and I’m sure that if the author continues writing and makes this a series that they will truly hit their stride.

I’m rating this book 4 out of 5 stars. If this story had flowed a bit better and the author nixed some of the wordy moments in this book then this novel would have easily rated a 5. As it is though, it’s a 4. I enjoyed reading this author’s work and I absolutely look forward to reading more of his work in the future. If you enjoy fantasy novels full of adventure, drama, danger, mystery, and a hint of paranormal then you’ll probably want to check out this book.

Thursday, February 17, 2022

Veles Spotlight Review

Welcome to the book tour for P.J. Marie's Veles. Read on for my review, details about the book, and a chance to win a $20 Amazon gift card!

Veles by P.J. Marie is a dystopian/sci-fi mix of a novel that will capture your attention and keep you page-turning to the very end. Mizuki, as a young child, was too young to understand what was happening when her brother was taken from her family. But as the years passed, she learned all too well what had happened, and watched how it destroyed her family. Now, the time of the Gifting has come again, and it’s another family’s turn to sacrifice. But this time, it’s her friend Aiden’s family and they know who will be chosen as the gift. Is there another way? Is what the Elders been doing, has it all been a lie and a play for control? What really destroyed the world? So many questions and the author provides the answers.

Veles is the first book that I have read by this author, but they do an amazing job grabbing my attention from the very beginning. The author tells readers how Mizuki and her family are looked down upon by the villagers around them. You can’t help but wonder why. How is it that one person could create this amount of resentment felt by the people who surround them? The answer is simple – someone is hiding something and they don’t want the truth to come out.

This book intrigues me the more I read and it quickly turns into a page-turner of a novel. Mitzuki is only 18, but you know that her life hangs in the balance more than she knows. They are being manipulated by the people they have been told to trust. It’s heartbreaking to know what they have gone through, but when a revelation is made...my jaw hit the floor. On a level, it probably shouldn’t have surprised me what these Elders would do, but I was shocked nonetheless. But that one revelation isn’t the only one that has my jaw-dropping in this story. There are more so brace yourself.

The author creates such an engaging novel as they work to make you question so much and then bring you the answers one at a time. Add in that the characters are on a hard deadline if they are to get back in time and you’re soon enough being pulled to the edge of your seat. This book mixes dystopian with scifi and with a healthy dose of mystery as well. I’d love for this book to become a series or for more like it to be written by this author.

Now, there are some spots of where the storyline slows down a bit more than I’d like, but it’s nothing so bad I’d take anything away from this book. That being said, I feel comfortable rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. This is an engaging novel and I encourage readers to check it out and see how quickly it captures your attention.

Veles

Publication Date: December 23rd, 2021

Genre: Dystopian/ Dystopian Sci-Fi

I was the land. I was the air. I was the sea. I was all of it – everywhere – and as I inhaled then let the tormented sorrow screech from my lungs, the world buckled and broke beneath my feet.

I was burning alive…

And the world would burn with me.

A century after the Great Destruction that devastated civilization, Mizuki Altherr lives within a small village struggling to survive beneath the shadow of a great mountain. The Elders teach that it is home to Veles, god of the earth, who keeps them safe – but demands penance for humanity’s past indiscretions.

It’s a Gifting year…

The previous sacrifice tore Mizuki’s family apart and forever changed her world. Now she must face the terrible tradition again as her closest friend, Aiden, and his family are chosen to provide the next offering. In a desperate bid to end the cycle of violence and defy the Elders’ iron rule, Mizuki and Aiden set forth on a daring journey into the Wild – where together they discover a secret that shatters their understanding of the village and reveals the truth behind the horrors that left the world in ruin.

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Excerpt

“Don’t move.”

She froze at the sound of Aiden’s voice, her brain instantly making sense of everything surrounding them as all the pieces and memories from the last two days fell into place. She had fallen asleep in Aiden’s arms, but he had not woken her up for night watch, and now he was sitting rigidly behind her and gripping her tight. She blinked again, her eyes rapidly searching the small space under the overhang and peering out into the darkness that lay beyond their small shelter. Only the faintest hint of light was visible; the sky was dark, with a grey drizzle still lingering from the storm the night before. She instinctively knew that something was wrong from the tense way he was holding her, but no matter how hard she squinted, she couldn’t see anything.

“What is it?” Mizuki whispered, her voice so low it was scarcely audible as she forced herself to remain still against Aiden’s frame.

“I heard something,” Aiden whispered, his hand leaving her side and slowly shifting to point off to the left just outside the shelter. “There.”

She looked to where he pointed but again saw nothing. She could barely make out the nearest trees and the thin trail of smoke coming from the remains of their fire. So she craned her head forward and listened. She could hear the wind as it shifted through the trees, faint and weak compared to the force of the gales the night before. She could hear the slow drips of water that fell to the ground off the shelter and the soft patter of light rain that continued to fall, but what struck her more than anything was the lack of other sounds.

“No birds,” she whispered faintly, feeling Aiden nod behind her. They both remained seated and still, their breaths puffing like little clouds in the cool morning air. She had woken up enough times after a storm to know that the birds always sang, even if it continued to rain. She could feel her heart starting to race, her panic starting to grow as she swallowed hard and willed her eyes to see into the dark. “What do we do?”

“We need to pack up,” Aiden whispered, his hands moving once again as he unwrapped his arm from around her waist and gently leaned forward to reach his calf. “Quietly – but as quickly as you can. Take this.”

She could see from the bottom of her gaze that he was undoing one of his knife holsters and transferring it to her leg, but she kept her eyes firmly locked to the place where Aiden had heard the noise. She remained entirely still as he worked until she felt the leather pull tight, and Aiden patted her calf twice to let her know he was done. Then they both shifted, Aiden sliding back and silently crawling to the small hole where they had stored their packs while Mizuki tentatively stood and began taking down their damp but no longer drenched clothes. Her tired legs ached beneath her as she carefully rolled each item and handed it to Aiden, who had moved back to her side. He stuffed everything into his pack, not caring what was what and keeping his eyes fixed on the darkness as the wind shuffled through the trees.

Her skin started to prickle with the distinct feeling of being watched as she slipped on her pack and glanced over to Aiden. He already had his pack on, and he was holding his bow ready with an arrow nocked. He glanced at her, his eyes gesturing down to the knife on her leg before he looked back out into the dark, grey drizzle. She reached down and took out the knife without question and tried not to think about how much it shook in her hand. She had to remind herself to breathe as Aiden shifted and motioned for her to follow. She held the blade near her hip, moving toward him and standing so close next to his side that there was barely an inch of space between them.

She followed him out from their cover, inching soundlessly to the edge of the overhang as her eyes rapidly scanned the darkness for movement. They had just stepped out into the misty rain when suddenly Aiden was shouting, and her heart was constricting in terror.

“GET BEHIND ME!” Aiden yelled, unleashing his arrow at the dark and silent form that lunged from the treeline on the left.

Available on Amazon

About the Author

Engineer by trade, P. J. Marie has always been a storyteller at heart. Inspired by the captivating tales that her Ukrainian grandfather used to tell about settling the Canadian prairies, P. J. has always looked at life through a narrative lens.

An avid creator, P. J. loves the design process from start to finish and is always working on projects that meld the structured world of engineering with her creative passions. Whether through world-building, crafting cosplays, or building custom bookshelves for her ever-growing collection of novels, manga, and terrible monster movies, P. J. is always working on something.

In her spare time, she enjoys collecting new skills, drinking copious amounts of tea, and spending time with her family and adorable doggo.

P.J. Marie | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

International Giveaway: $20 USD Amazon e-Gift Card

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February 14^th

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February 15^th

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February 16^th

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February 17^th

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February 18^th

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Monday, February 14, 2022

Shadow Bound Souls Review Spotlight

For fans of The Wheel of Time series, Shadow and Bone, and the Stormlight Archives!

We're thrilled to share the highly anticipated follow-up to The Binding Tempest, Shadow Bound Souls by Steven Rudy! Read on for my review, more details, and a chance to win a signed hardcover edition of The Binding Tempest!

Shadow Bound Souls is the second book in Steven Ruby's Luminance Saga, and trust me when I say that if you are not reading this series you are truly missing out.

Shadow Bound Souls picks up where The Binding Tempest left readers. Our group of heroes has been split up. Not by choice mind you, but now due to the circumstances that they found themselves in. After being attacked by the new Sagean Lord, they found themselves in trouble, and are now on the run and trying to simply stay a step ahead in this dangerous game of cat and mouse. One of their friends is missing and presumed dead. Now, what path must they take moving forward? It would seem that the path is clear - a new rebellion must be born, but the older generation might have to step aside so that the younger can lead the charge to fight for all their futures. Each will face their own trials as they strive to find one another again in order to save the world.

Shadow Bound Souls really hits the ground running by comparison to book one. Honestly, that's more than understandable as in book one, the author is working to set the stage and get all the players in their spots before getting the ball really rolling. Each of the characters in this book are dealing with a variety of situations. Some of them are dealing with them with a friend, while others find themselves on their own.

There are also new characters introduced or characters who were mentioned in the previous book who are getting some attention in this book. I like and appreciate the new blood in this book. Some of the characters I was curious about in the previous book, so I'm more than thrilled to see them have a spot in this book. There are a lot of twists in this book, and that truly makes it a page-turner in my opinion. I like how each character is engaging and keeps me page-turning to find out what happens to/with them. Ellaria is off dealing with one of her friends and finding herself more and more in a dangerous situation. Okay, so their situation is already dangerous but appears to be becoming even more so as she is now having to face dangers from two different fronts – known and unknown.

There is a lot going on in this book and while things do slow down here and there this book is absolutely worth checking out. If you love epic fantasy novels with steampunk then this series is one to check out. I'm rating this book 5 out of 5 stars and I can't wait to read what happens next with these characters.

Shadow Bound Souls now Available!

Keep reading for a sneak peek of the novel and be sure to check out my fellow bloggers and their thoughts on this amazing novel!

Shadow Bound Souls (The Luminance Saga #2)

Publication Date: February 1st, 2022

Genre: Epic Sci-Fi/ Fantasy/ Steampunk

Publisher: MysticHawk Press

Shadow Bound Souls, blends Science Fiction and classic high fantasy in a steampunk world.

The Sagean Lord has emerged.

While the Wrythen’s influence grows stronger, the Sagean and his power-hungry acolytes, the Court of Dragons, are intent on delivering the gem of souls to the Temple of Ama; where the Sintering Fountain can transform the acolytes into Luminaries.

Meanwhile, the band of heroes find themselves separated in a world starting to tear itself apart. Having suffered a huge loss, Ellaria and Elias must escape the Mainland with the Sagean’s agents pursuing them. When Elias becomes sick, Ellaria decides to hide amongst the Showman’s Traveling Show of Wonders. But their journey is shadowed by darkness and when troupe members turn up murdered, Ellaria struggles to find the killer amongst her company.

Far away in the Warhawk Mountains, the three young rogues are stranded with the Tempest Stone. Aimless about what to do, their paths take a turn when they discover the horrifying magnitude of the Sagean’s return to power, the Scree.

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Excerpt

A fog drifted amongst the looming masses of tents and travel-crafts. A man stepped from shadow to shadow with a blood-soaked knife. Ellaria could feel him stalking her, but she couldn't see him. A slight disturbance in the grass, a crunch in the dirt, whispered of his position. But the sound was lost in the wind before she could locate its source.

Where had everyone gone, she wondered. The entirety of the fairgrounds was empty. With a lantern in her hands, she weaved around the trampled paths through the large field, the darkness of the night yet to give way to the morning light.

No matter where she looked, she couldn't find anyone. She heard a sharp ringing sound from the caravan circle, and she rushed from around a carriage house to the center space.

At the center was a tall man with a top hat. The soft glow of the surrounding carriages provided only enough light to softly illuminate the fog and patches of the ground, leaving the man mostly disguised. He leaned slightly on a cane and his right hand at his side held a long-curved knife.

In succession, the lanterns started to wane and extinguish from behind him. Gradually, each light winked out of existence in a progression toward her and the darkness consumed the circle yard.

Her own light held, and she lifted it forward to see.

A sinister smile on the pale man was now only a few feet away. She couldn't breathe. She tried to scream, but nothing came out. The man's face appeared, and she almost recognized him, but his eyes were missing. Like they had been burned out of his skull.

“Hello, Ms. Moonstone,” he spoke in a smoky voice that sent a shiver run down her spine.

“Who are you?” Ellaria said.

“Don't you know? Don't you recognize me?”

“No.”

“What a shame, after so many encounters, too,” he said, and lifted the blade. A reflection appeared in the steel of a man she did recognize: Elias. And the pale man laughed. A dark mocking laugh that made her skin crawl. Her hand trembled and Ellaria threw the lantern at his feet...

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The Binding Tempest

A fallen empire, a failed republic, and a frontier of alchemy, magic and machines…

They thought the war was over. That they had given enough, but when an oppressive empire falls, what comes from the ashes, is turmoil and treachery.

Ellaria Moonstone, an alchemist, and a hero of the Great War, has spent the last forty years trying to rebuild. An emissary for the Scholar’s Guild, her life’s work has been in establishing universities throughout the world. But as a former general that led the resistance in overthrowing the Sagean Empire, she has watched as all she fought for has slowly eroded away and with it, her faith in the republic. Now in her mid-fifties her singular focus has been to protect all knowledge for future generations.

When Ellaria is suspiciously requested to attend a meeting in the capitol city of Adalon, she quickly realizes something is amiss and the main governing body the Coalition of Nations may be compromised. When the Peace King of the Free Cities goes missing the plot to overthrow the tenuous republic takes shape, and Ellaria becomes convinced that the entity manipulating the fragile government is in servitude to a new Sagean Emperor. A Luminary with the powers to control energy.

Now the Coalition is intent on hunting down and capturing the man that defeated the last Sagean Emperor. The greatest hero of the war, Qudin Lightweaver. However, Ellaria’s old friend has not been seen in twenty years. With no one left to trust, she sends for help from old allies and expatriates scattered across the chaotic frontier. Once reunited, the aging veterans realize trust between old friends is not what it once was.

Three former war heroes, long past their prime and haunted by their pasts, are all that stand against a dark entity threatening the future. With the currency of souls is in the balance they find their destinies are entwined with a band of young rogues. Together they must stop the return of a dark empire. While each path to the truth is rot with peril, they discover the key to protecting the future resides in the mysteries of the past. The quest for a lost tomb ensues and the recovery of a relic from the time of the unknown ancients, called the Tempest Stone.

The Binding Tempest is the beginning of an immerse saga, of magic, alchemy, airships, and ancient mysteries. A new epic Sci-Fi and Fantasy series that is a classic High Fantasy Adventure injected with Steampunk science. For fans of The Wheel of Time series, Shadow and Bone and the Stormlight Archives.

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About the Author

Steven Rudy received a degree in Environmental Design and Architecture from the University of Colorado at Boulder. He currently lives in Colorado with his wife and three kids and works as an architectural designer on historic preservation projects and residential projects.

Shadow Bound Souls is his second novel.

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