FrostBorn by Michael Haddad

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Michael Haddad will be awarding a $15 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Pretend your protagonist is at school and opens his/her locker – what will we see inside?

Elias will most likely not have much in his locker. As a former slave, anything he receives is a gift. He has little to no wealth for himself. Textbooks? He’s mediocre at reading. Jacket? Doesn’t need it. I think a solid pair of winter boots would be at the bottom and a few discarded pencils. Other then that, I can’t imagine an exciting locker for Elias.

What books were your favorite as a youth and why?

It took me a while to get through the entire Throne of Glass series, but I loved every moment of it. In my teenage years, I read more dystopian novels than traditional fantasy, books like The Darkest Minds, Variant, Divergent, the 5th Wave, Hunger Games, Legend, Maze Runner, etc. Only in my graduating years did I start to tap into more fantasy worlds. After that, I fell in love with the genre. Recently, Six of Crows is sticking out as my favourite.

What’s your favorite sweet treat?

I love sour candy. You can win my heart over with a packet of sour gummies any day.

What did you want to be when you grew up? Why?

Due to my mild obsession with Greys Anatomy as a teen and my interest in biology, I wanted to be a cardiothoracic surgeon. Unfortunately, I don’t qualify and probably don’t have the academic rigor to achieve that title.

What superpower would you love to have? Why?

I’ve thought of this countless times, but I would love to be able to instantaneously teleport. Of course, all cool superpowers have their limitations, so my teleportation would be limited to areas I’ve already been to and seen. Also, the farther the distance, the longer the cooldown time between teleporting.

What book is on your nightstand currently?

King of Scars has unfortunately been sitting on my nightstand for months. I’ve been preoccupied on my own novel. I haven’t had the chance to read!

What reality show would you love to be on? Why?

Ru Paul’s Drag Race! Why? I’ve been watching the show and that’s all that’s been in my head recently. Do I have any talents like singing and acting? No. Do I do drag? No. Can I apply make-up? No. Do I still want to compete? Yessss kitty girl.

Favorite TV show from your childhood?

The original Yugioh was my favourite hands down. I was absolutely obsessed with it. I had collected countless playing cards and even received a toy Duel Disk for my birthday many many years ago. I used to play the game so often that now, every time I see it, I become overwhelmed with nostalgia. However, these days the game is much more complicated and I can’t keep track of it. On the off chance I do play, I stick to the classic rules.

Favorite hot beverage. Why?

Coffee is my favourite. You just can’t go wrong with it. A standard coffee is great all on its own, but you can even mix it with different flavours. The versatility, the deliciousness, and the caffein keep me hooked!

Ideal summer vacation.

Can someone send me to Bora Bora? An all-inclusive would be fantastic. Thank you!

The Frostborn—the one destined to end the war, the one blessed by the magic of Aether—was supposedly nothing more than a hopeless fairytale, a myth lost to time. But as the centuries-long war between the kingdoms of Eljud and Surtrol forces Elias Jökull to evacuate his village, a run-in with the fearsome Gjallarhorn army awakens within him a dormant power long since forgotten by the people—a power signaling the existence of the Frostborn.

With such critical news, hope of victory against Surtrol becomes contagious, yet Elias's former life of slavery leaves him apprehensive about lending a hand to his own flawed kingdom. Even still, knowing the world will soon be in search of him, the newfound Frostborn must choose his allegiances quickly. And after encountering a ranked Surt captain, he does just that.

But while acting as a double agent, feeding intel to Eljud's southern enemy and working both sides of the same border, his conflicted self struggles to anchor his loyalty to a single kingdom as buried secrets begin to unearth.

The incessant clash between the north and south is soon coming to an end and Elias will have to find a side to stand on. The hard question is: which side? Everyone wants the Frostborn for themselves, but for how long can Elias let the world string him along?

Read an Excerpt

She holds the child close to her chest, cradling the head with a mother’s delicate touch. The other infant is nestled in a crib only a few feet away. Winds rattle the glass panes of the cracked window and some of the winter air seeps through. The rough and tattered curtains dance with it—the only movement in the room besides the woman’s near-chattering teeth. She does her best to keep the children warm, but for some reason they sleep soundlessly, soothed by the whistling of the wind.

The woman brushes a gaunt, wrinkled finger along the pudgy cheeks of the bundle in her arms. The shackles on her wrist jangle, anchored down by a bolt at the centre of the room. The tight, unrefined metal leaves behind blisters, but to her it is worth it. The young child’s skin is stone cold to her touch, but soft and full of colour. He breathes evenly and she can feel his pulse just fine when she moves her finger to the child’s neck. He feels dead, yet is as alive as anyone.

“Freezing cold. Ah, but look at these pudgy cheeks. You remind me of those statues in the hall,” she whispers, pinching his face until it is ruddy. “I’d be scared if you weren’t so adorable.”

The woman lifts her head as the sound of rushed steps echoes in the hall outside the door. She hears the jiggle of keys and a mechanical click releasing the lock. The knob turns and the door swings open...

About the Author:

Hardworking university student and recent John Abbott College graduate, Michael Haddad doubles as a fiction author of the fantastic who throws himself into his own writing—who can't stop imagining new worlds, new ideas, new characters. His passion for roleplaying games has earned him his fair share of teasing, but he'd be lying if he said it didn't open his imagination. When not at his computer, typing away, Michael is often with his friends and family, losing terribly at tennis, hunkering down for movie marathons, and trying to get a good night's sleep. As someone born and raised in Montreal, he is no stranger to having ice rinks for streets and snow up to the knee—but that's nothing a warm cup of coffee can't beat.

CONNECT WITH MICHAEL HADDAD

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Michael-Haddad-Author-106283484884430
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mhaddad_author/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21313196.Michael_Haddad

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON.CA https://amazon.ca/dp/0228849640
AMAZON.COM https://amazon.com/dp/0228849640
BARNES and NOBLE https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/frostborn-michael-haddad/1139075432
BOOK DEPOSITORY https://www.bookdepository.com/Frostborn-Michael-Haddad/9780228849643

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Frostborn

by Michael Haddad

Giveaway ends June 27, 2021.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

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Seventeen Butterflies by Anna Katmore

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Anna Katmore will be awarding her entire GROVER BEACH PLAYERS series as ebooks, or alternatively any of her own novels in ebook format the winner likes, to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

The embarrassment of being the only “un-kissed” girl in senior high is something Sandy Cardington refuses to accept. The first kiss project is her foolproof plan to finally get rid of the status at her birthday party while her parents are out of town.

With several kissable boys on her guest list, this should be a walk in the park. But she didn’t reckon on her older brother returning from college days before her 17th birthday, putting a spoke in her plans. To make matters even more complicated, he has a friend in tow, and the cute hockey player stirs unexpected butterflies in her stomach every time their paths cross.

While Sandy moves heaven and earth to make her party and project come true, she doesn't know that Thane Griffyn is making his own plans to teach her the real meaning of a first kiss.

Read an Excerpt

“Since when are you in charge of dressing rules in this house?” I fling back at my brother, stemming my hands to my hips.

“Since Mom asked me to come home and keep an eye on you.” His voice takes on a much sharper edge. “Now change into one of your decent dresses or the party’s off.”

My eyes find Thane’s, and I know I’ve lost this battle because his stunned glare on me scratches on cold rage. “Sorry, Sandra,” he growls as he screws the cap back on the water bottle, “but this time your brother’s right.” Totally startling me, he skirts the counter, grabs my hand—none too gently this time—and drags me out of the room.

“Where are you taking me?” I protest when there’s no chance to withstand his pull.

“Upstairs to find you more suitable clothes for tonight. You want to get kissed, not laid.”

Why the hell is he so angry? He’s the last one to get a say in my life. And still, here I am, being hauled into my room by him and wincing as he slams my door shut, cutting us off from the rest of the house. I spin around in front of my bed and cross my arms rebelliously over my chest.

“And now what?” I spit.

“Now you take those boots off.”

A cynical laugh escapes me. “My boots are none of your business.”

As Thane takes one stride closer, the air suddenly cools with his intense scowl. Two feet away from me, he folds his arms, mirroring my stance, and arches one eyebrow. “Either you take them off, or I will. You have one second.”

Jesus Christ!

About the Author:

I’ve been a storyteller all my life, building bridges into different worlds. Already in kindergarten, I’ve seen the most fantastical things and wanted to share them with everyone. My teacher called me a liar back then. Today, I call it the first real flash of my spiritual gift and the cornerstone of my writing career.

When I got older, I’ve had many visions of a perfect career, while writing has always been more of a hobby and kind of a therapy for me when the longing for more magic in this world once again caught up with me in a crushing way. When my first book was finished, I couldn’t even imagine sharing one of my stories with others, ever. In fact, I only got used to the idea while I wrote my second book and learned in a very miraculous way where the many stories in this world really come from.

It’s funny how, at that point, everyone told me I can’t possibly make a living with writing. They even warned me not to quit my job. But after my debut novella PLAY WITH ME came out and sales skyrocketed within the first week, I knew I could do anything I wanted if only I never stopped dreaming.

That’s also part of what I teach my students in writing and spiritual workshops today. Always dream big! If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough.

Some personal stuff:

“I’m writing stories because I can’t breathe without.”

Disney is my attitude to life, and if I could I’d save the world from itself. My Patronus is a wolf, my wand the broken twig of an apple tree, 13 ¾ inches with a unicorn hair core. I can’t deny that on some days, I prefer my book characters over real people, but there’s not a single day going by where I wouldn’t try to find magic in reality. And when I’m alone, I love to listen to the many stories of the wind in a mystic mid-summer night.

So you see, I’m lucky enough to live in an enchanting world of my own. It’s peaceful there and full of magical things, fairies and wonders. You’re welcome to follow me there – if you’re ready to open up your mind and leave everything you learned about reality behind. But beware, if you dare to step through this door, you may never want to leave again…

Website: http://www.annakatmore.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/annakatmorebooks

Buy link for Amazon and Kindle Unlimited: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BD3XDZQ

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City of Lights by Kelly Byrd

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Kelly Byrd will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

What happens when oh so ordinary Mary Jingo, follows her instincts (and her nose) and ends up in a magical land Far From Home?

In City of Lights, author Kelly Byrd introduces readers to Mary, who is one week away from finishing fifth grade. Mary’s mind is on starting middle school in the fall and finally getting her own phone. But then this ordinary girl notices glimmers of light and meets a strange little man who conjures the best smell she has ever smelled. Before she even stops to consider what she’s doing, she agrees to accompany the man to the land of LeeChee, where our Mary Jingo from the Shadowlands in seen as warrior and a great hope.

Now this very ordinary girl must find a way to help save LeeChee from Thrall and restore the Everything—a magical life- and joy-giving force that somehow connects Mary’s world to LeeChee. How can she face the Void, the foul-smelling Shoeboxians, or the evil Mellie? And how can she do all of the Far From Home?

Read an Exclusive Excerpt

The mist began to swirl and take shape. It whirled around, and formed Mellie’s face in mid-air, the mist rippling as she smiled nastily, the scars on her face alive and whirling in the dark night sky.

“You thought you could get away that easily?” Mellie’s voice was amplified and stretched. It was so loud that it blew Mary back. She clung to the handholds on WindRunner’s back. “You can’t get away from the Void, Mitzy Jingles. And you certainly cannot get away from me. It knows your name, it’s seen your face. It hates YOU most of all.”

“Stay away from us!” Mary shouted back at the Void.

“NO!” Mellie’s face spat and laughed. “No, I will not. We got most of what we came for, your sweet Lady Kathryn and that other oracle to boot. I tried to leave you out of this, Shadowlands girl, but you just wouldn’t LEAVE. So, now I’m going to have to, um, borrow your two friends here. The small curly-headed one seems like she will be especially powerful at helping me bend the Everything into the Void.”

“We would never help you!” Teeny yelled from over Mary’s shoulder.

“Oh, that is SO sweet,” Mellie’s floating face replied. “Unfortunately, you won’t have a choice.”

Mellie opened her mouth and bronze mist streamed toward them in a giant wave.

…Mary looked around, the mist swirled around them in great billowing clouds. What was she even doing here? Her family was so far away and she was not cut out for this. If only she could steal a Flike and take it home to show the other kids that she was cool. Then, then she would just be so happy!

Mary swayed in the cloud of mist, thinking of home. She could almost smell her neighborhood—the green scent of the grass and the tang of gentle salt on the air. She was so close to it. She just needed to focus and she could go home and be the coolest person in her class. They would never ignore her again.

About the Author

Kelly Byrd is a middle-grade author by choice, a writer by discipline, home-grown chef, and amateur gardener. She lives in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband and two cute-as-buttons rescue pups. The Far From Home series is about growing up, finding your voice, and rescuing the Everything.

Website: https://www.kellybyrd.com/
Buy the book on Amazon: https://bit.ly/FarFromHome1
Follow Far from Home on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farfromhomeseries/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/FFHSeries

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Wesley Raccoon Series by Michelle Porter

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Michelle Porter will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

What books were your favorite as a youth and why?

As a child I always loved the Dr. Seuss books for their simple rhymes and creative inspiration. Pick up any of the older books and find yourself immersed in the often muddling silliness of prose. It would make my tongue twist and heart giggle. After all, who doesn’t like Green eggs and Ham…except of course Sam.

What superpower would you love to have? Why?

Superpowers are a funny thing; you think you know exactly which one to pick and then bam!, something changes and you’re looking for the next best superpower. As a child, I probably would have chosen the power of time travel….if that’s even considered a super power at all.

Favorite TV show from your childhood?

As a 70’s child, I couldn’t get enough of the original Scooby-Doo cartoon series. I loved the mysteries and downright great team sleuthing of Shaggy, Daphne, Velma, and Fred. Anyone who is familiar with the cartoon can debate who usually solved the mystery, but my vote always goes to Velma, a super intelligent young woman filled with various knowledge facts and sometimes obscure information.

Favorite hot beverage. Why?

My favorite beverage has to be a perfectly made Greek coffee. There is a smoothness to it that melts in the mouth. It’s nothing like drip coffee or espresso, it has a uniqueness all its own. My husband introduced me to this delight years back when we went to visit his family in Greece and I’ve been drinking ever since.

Create an ice cream flavor. What’s it called?

What a great question to ask, I don’t think I have ever been given free range to come up with my very own ice cream flavor. Hmmm, let me see, I would definitely have black cherry, maple syrup, and probably bacon….all rolled into one oozy gooey delicious creamy treat. Let’s call it ‘Maple Cherry–porkalicious’…it's maple, it's sweet cherry, it's pork, and it's delicious.

Wesley Raccoon: The Old Man in the Houseboat

This story is about a shy little raccoon who overcomes his fear of meeting new people. Join Wesley Raccoon on his travels through the streets of Amsterdam to find out how The Old Man In The Houseboat becomes his new best friend.

Wesley Raccoon: Captain John's Social

This inspiring story of friendship captures the importance of spending time with friends throughout our life. Join Wesley Raccoon and The Old Man in the Houseboat on their adventures through Vondelpark, and learn how Captain John's Social gathers a unique circle of true friends.

Read an Excerpt

Wesley loves to spend time with his friends at Captain John’s Social.

Tonight, he introduces his best friend to the Wise Owl of Nine Streets; Riley Fox, who lives in Dam Square; Leia and Dexter, the alley cat twins; and, of course, LisaLou, the Hare of Vondelpark, who they sang songs with earlier that afternoon.

The Captain tells stories and listens carefully to his friends as they share their week’s adventures.

“How wonderful it is to have friendship of all kinds in our life,” says Wesley to the Captain. Wesley and his friends are thankful for knowing so many different people and spending time with them every week at Captain John’s Social.

As Wesley thinks about his friends and their wonderful times together, he knows that each person is truly unique, and in their own special way, brings kindness to Wesley’s circle of friends.

About the Author:As a mother to four grown boys, Michelle is passionate about writing captivating children's stories on the importance of social acceptance, kindness and life lessons. Her books focus on friendship, love and self-awareness blossoming in a world that children understand.

Her warm-hearted approach to writing and whimsical use of watercolor illustrations connect with young creative minds, inspiring children of all ages. The message she coveys is simple yet powerful: "When we release our fear of the unknown and our preconceived notions, we free our hearts to find true friends, to love, and to grow."

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/michelleporterbooks/
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20012196.Michelle_Porter

PURCHASE LINKS WESLEY RACCOON: THE OLD MAN IN THE HOUSEBOAT

AMAZON: https://amazon.com/dp/02288201971
AMAZON CA: https://amazon.ca/dp/0228820197
KINDLE: https://amazon.com/dp/B0813QJYKT
BOOKSHOP: https://bookshop.org/books/wesley-raccoon-the-old-man-in-the-houseboat/9780228820192
INDIGO CHAPTERS: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/wesley-raccoon-the-old-man/9780228820192-item.html
BARNES and NOBLE: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wesley-raccoon-michelle-porter/1134810110
BOOK DEPOSITORY: https://www.bookdepository.com/Wesley-Raccoon-Michelle-Porter-Olivia-Mokrzycki/9780228820192

PURCHASE LINKS WESLEY RACCOON: CAPTAIN JOHN'S SOCIAL

AMAZON: https://amazon.com/dp/0228840554
AMAZON CA: https://amazon.ca/dp/0228840554
KINDLE: https://amazon.com/dp/B08NS231X2
BOOKSHOP: https://bookshop.org/books/wesley-raccoon-the-old-man-in-the-houseboat/9780228840558
BARNES and NOBLE: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wesley-raccoon-michelle-porter/1138327292
BOOK DEPOSITORY: https://www.bookdepository.com/Wesley-Raccoon-Michelle-Porter-Olivia-Mokrzycki/9780228840558

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Drifting by Steven M. Cross

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Steven M. Cross will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Drifting brings light into the dark corners of mental health, bullying, and sexual assault.

Dean Knight has struggled against his personal demons for as long as he can remember. He thought he lost that struggle when he felt their knowing grip pull him deeper in the river, but he was saved. Saved for what? His memories are trapped within his mental illness. He hears his sister and father’s voices. The problem is, they’re dead, both killed in the same river that tried to claim Dean. As he struggles to remember, he discovers their voices aren’t pushing him to harm himself, but to discover the truth surrounding both their deaths. One person, Ella, has all the answers, but Dean can’t remember if she loved him or tried to kill him.

Roxanne “Rocky” Rivers struggles against her own demons, not voices, but a past trauma she can’t fully remember. She only knows everyone at school thinks she’s a slut and a head-case. A razor her only release for the pain. Rocky knows no one will believe a crazy girl who tries to kill herself.

Dean and Rocky find a connection. Can they find the strength and trust to help each other when neither can survive alone?

Read an Excerpt

The police won’t get here before he kills me. My mom stirs, reaches into her pocket, gets some keys. She reaches for the table she just tripped over.

So this is the way it’s going to end? My mom gets away while her insane boyfriend murders her insane son. Instead of fleeing though, she slips the key into one of the small drawers on the coffee table.

A crazy thought enters my head. She’s getting one of her bottles, and this has been an elaborate ruse so they can kill me and then celebrate. They’ll say I attacked him, and the police will believe it.

Danger to self and others.

She’ll get my money. He steps in front of me with his fists balled. This guy’s going to beat me to death while my mom drinks.

In the distance, sirens shriek. They won’t make it in time. I can imagine the red lights reflecting in pools of—

Blood spatters my face and foams from his mouth opened in a big O of surprise. He drops to his knees. Through the broken glass, I see cop cars flying up our road.

A gun drops from my mother’s hand.

I wonder if the bullet has gone through Paul into me, but I don’t feel any pain. He coughs again, blood gurgles from his mouth. He crumples to the floor.

The police burst through the door with guns raised just like on a cop show, only it couldn’t be any more real.

About the Author:

Steve Cross is an educator/freelance writer who lives in Poplar Bluff, MO. His credits include four young adult novels, two fantasy novels, and seven plays. He has optioned one script and sold another one. Plus, he's finished as a quarterfinalist in Bluecat and in Fresh Voices screenwriting competition. He and his wife have one daughter and two grandchildren with whom they spend a lot of time. Cross loves Cardinals baseball, classic rock music, and character-driven movies. His favorite films are Dead Poets Society and Field of Dreams. Cross also likes to read, everything from Young Adult contemporary novels to screenplays, to horror and fantasy. At 62 and a cancer survivor, he believes his writing career is just now getting into full swing. His favorite type of screenplay to write is a psychological drama.

https://www.facebook.com/steven.cross.56/
https://www.facebook.com/stevecrosswordswrites
https://twitter.com/stevecrosswords
https://twitter.com/stevecrosswords
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/987662.Steven_Cross

Amazon Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Drifting-Steven-M-Cross-ebook/dp/B093WRF6FC/ref=sr_1_1

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The Calling by Branwen OShea

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Branwen OShea will be awarding $20 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

What’s your favorite sweet treat?

Raw cookie dough. My current favorite is homemade chocolate chip cookie dough, but instead of chocolate chips I add in a mix of butterscotch chips and white chocolate chips. Since my family usually eats it raw, I use egg substitute to avoid food poisoning concerns.

Ideal summer vacation. 

 I don’t like the heat, so I’d much rather do a winter vacation. I’ve always wanted to go to Iceland and stay in one of the shelters with glass ceilings so that you can watch the Northern Lights. During the day I’d hike glaciers, visit the hot springs, and see a volcano.

You’re stranded on a desert island—which character from your book do you want with you? Why?

As I said before, I don’t like the heat, so I’d like to get off that island ASAP, even if its gorgeous. The most powerful character to save me would be Kalakanya, since she’s a Crowned One, and with her metamorphosis complete, she can now star beam to any location. She’d get us both somewhere cool with ice coffee in a flash, quite literally.

Favorite pizza toppings.

Extra cheese, hot Italian sausage, mushrooms, peppers, onions, and jalapeños.

Create an ice cream flavor. What’s it called?

All Nighter: Coffee ice cream with chocolate-covered expresso beans & caramel swirl.

Playlist for The Calling

While I don’t usually listen to music while writing, I almost always listen before writing sessions to figure out the day’s scenes. My favorite music for planning The Calling is Two Steps From Hell’s album Invincible.

However, recently I began making playlists for all my characters that will eventually be on my website. I created a general playlist for The Calling that I’ve linked below. It’s on Spotify, and if you download the free Spotify app, you should be able to access the music. The following is my spoiler-free reasoning for adding each song.

The first song is Hearts of Courage by Two Steps From Hell. When I imagine The Calling as a movie, this is its theme song. It starts out with a base beat that reminds me of the humans living below ground. Its joined by another higher and contrasting theme including a chorus that reminds me of the ethereal star beings. The two themes interplay and then reach a somewhat settled conclusion at the end.

Human Characters:

The other songs are for the characters in order of appearance. For eighteen-year-old Bleu Reinier, who is constantly called by nature to leave his home and venture onto the Surface, I chose Into the Unknown by Idina Menzel. This song also fits chapter two where Bleu discovers he and his mother have an unusual connection to someone outside of Northern Haven.

For fifteen-year-old Ayanna Reinier, Bleu’s wild kid sister, I chose I’m Going Slightly Mad by Queen. Ayanna contracts the strange Sickness that is plaguing the teens and makes them lose their minds.

Commander Savas spends much of the book enjoying guns and mad at Educator Girak (Atsushi and Ayanna’s science teacher) for being a ‘traitor.” For Savas, I chose Traitor by Daughtry.

Bleu and his best friend Stamf (also 18) are the number one team in the holographic games arena. Stamf enjoys strutting his stuff in front of the women, so I chose Another One Bites the Dust by Queen, which I can imagine Stamf playing after a big match and trying to get Bleu to dance to.

Fifteen-year-old Atsushi has a sweet crush on Ayanna, but never knows how to quite make his move. I do Adore by Mindy Gledhill fits him well.

For Educator Girak and his wife Josefina Girak (both scientists), I chose The Science Love Song by ASAPScience. Their love is adorable and full of the humorous banter this song contains.

Star Being Characters:

The star beings have a vastly different culture and music based on their goal of Crowning, or metamorphosing into a near-enlightenment state of existence. For 16-year-old Rana, I chose Adi Shakti: Bhangra Mix by Sada Sat Kaur because of its danceable beat and mantra invoking the divine feminine. Rana wants to Crown more than anything, but fears she won’t because her parents were both rare failures at Crowning.

Rana’s best friend and possible love interest, Kahali plays the drums and is one of the best dancers around. For Kahali I chose Ceremony of Passage by Vas, because its one of the best songs I know that’s mainly drums and he’d love playing it.

Eka, another star being who also likes Rana, is more into wood carving. I struggled to find a song for him, but chose I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) by the Proclaimers because despite his anxiety, when he commits to something, he’s all in.

The final star being is Kalakanya, the only main character to have already Crowned. We Are Peace by Snatum Kaur is slightly dancey, a bit playful, but also has a strong message. It fits the way Kalakanya sees the world even when its falling apart around her.

The Calling is a multiple point of view sci-fi adventure novel that features the POV of Bleu, Atsushi, Commander Savas, Rana, and Kahali. Step into their world with their playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/403roJ5G7O7Gqt5G162Kdu?si=9CYv3zBITSWlj9yoDGRFFA

Humanity’s wake-up call. Answer it or face extinction.

When Bleu’s little sister shows symptoms of the deadly Sickness, a strange vision directs him to leave humanity’s subterranean haven and seek the cure on Earth’s glacial surface. Joining the expedition team, Bleu expects extreme temperatures, not a surface ruled by ingenious predators.

Rana and her fellow star beings have co-existed with Earth’s top carnivores since the humans disappeared. But when her peers transform into Crowned Ones, the final stage of star being development, she fears remaining Uncrowned like her parents. To prove her worth, she undertakes a dangerous mission—contacting the hostile and nearly extinct humans.

But Rana’s plan backfires, and Bleu’s team retaliates. As war with the more advanced star being civilization looms, both Rana and Bleu separately seek a way to save their people.

Read an Excerpt

“All right, get out, men.” Savas had never experienced such peace on the last mission. This was truly pleasant. They climbed out of the rover, and he tripped on his own feet as if drunk.

Laughing at himself, he reminded the others, “Guns out. Stamf, take the lead. I’ll bring up the rear.”

He paused, swaying a bit, while the other two men passed him and then proceeded slowly down the left branch. Sparkling light from farther down the tunnel lit their way. With a quick glance back toward the entrance, he took up the rear.

Then a voice as ethereal as the wind sang, “Caaaaaahm heeeeeeeere…caaaaaaaaaahm heeeeeeeere…”

What the hell?

Savas shook his head, blinked, and tapped his ear communicator. Stamf and Abdul, farther ahead, had frozen and appeared confused, swaying in place.

Something was terribly wrong. Was this cave filled with noxious fumes? Had they all gotten cold sickness? The databases talked of arctic workers becoming weak and confused by the extreme temperatures.

Think! Think. Savas wanted to lie down and nap. What’s wrong with me? Images from his childhood tumbled through his head. Not now. Not again. I control my own mind.

“Caaaaaaaaahm heeeeeeeeere,” the voice lulled, endlessly peaceful.

They all mindlessly continued forward, as if in a dream. A small part of Savas’ brain screamed in warning. I. Control. My. Own. Mind. He grunted with the effort. Fighting the urge to relax, Savas forced his hands to raise his weapon.

About the Author:

As a young girl, Branwen wanted to become an ambassador for aliens. Since the aliens never hired her, she now writes about them.

Branwen OShea has a Bachelors in Biology from Colgate University, a Bachelors in Psychology, and a Masters in Social Work. She lives in Connecticut with her family and a menagerie of pets, and enjoys hiking, meditating, and star-gazing. Her previously published works include contributing to a nonfiction yoga book, wellness magazines, and her published science fiction novella, Silence of the Song Trees.

Website: http://www.branwenoshea.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/branwenoshea
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/branwenoshea
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/branwenoshea

Amazon Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735915998

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Sophella's Birthday Wish by Maggi Nicholas

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Maggi Nicholas will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Why do you write juvenile fiction? What draws you to it?

I loved reading as a child. Of course we didn’t have all the distractions that kids have today. I still believe that the child who reads will be imaginative and resourceful. Today’s kids have access to social media and video games, sometimes without parental guidance whereas a well chosen book will stimulate their imagination and creativity.

What superpower would you love to have? Why?

I would like to be able to fly! It’s a theme in both my books as fairy magic in the first book, Sophella, and as possible reality in my next book about time travellers. I’m confident that future technology will see humans flying instead of driving. Favorite hot beverage. Why?

Green tea with Manuka honey. Tea is in my English culture and I drank it from an early age - PG Tips strong black tea with milk and sugar. These days I enjoy a healthier version, but it’s still tea. I love the flavour of green tea, and honey is just “delicious” as Sophella says in my book. I’m very involved in saving the bees and my garden is full of bee-friendly flowers.

You’re stranded on a desert island—which character from your book do you want with you? Why?

Sophella would be the obvious choice as she can move from human to fairy and back, but my choice will be Sweetpea who has the name of my favourite flower. This fairy lost her wings when a large toad chewed them off but shows remarkable stoicism and bravery despite her disability. She is also an entertainer, composing and singing her songs at the fairy parties. Although she is very tiny she is strong and resourceful, a great asset on a desert island!

Create an ice cream flavor. What’s it called?

Oh yes, my perfect ice cream would be honey flavoured and golden honey coloured, dotted with multi coloured sugar flowers and a chocolate bee on top to remind everyone to help the bees by discontinuing harmful pesticides and providing organic flower meadows. I’ve heard that agriculturists in Denmark have to assign five percent of their acreage to growing wild flowers for the bees - what a wonderful idea! The name of my ice cream flavour would, of course be “SAVE THE BEES”.

Here is a modern fairy story about a little girl who has the gift to move between the fairy world and the human world. Her birthday wish comes true when she wishes to fly with the fairies, and so she is able to go on a magical journey with the fairies whilst using her human side to rescue animals and kids in a way that fairies cannot do. Throughout the journey she comes to realize her own strengths as she protects the penguins and rescues the dolphins with great bravery and compassion. During her heartwarming adventure. Sophella forms new friendships and demonstrates life-affirming lessons that can inspire us all.

Read an Excerpt

Fairies fine and fairies good
We are in your neighborhood
In the flowers in the trees
Flying, dancing in the breeze
Magic wands and fairy wings
Fairy dust and sparkly things
We are big, we are small
You may never see us all
In the towns and in the cities
On the beach and in the sea
When the world is sad and lonely
Happy daydreams set you free

About the Author: Maggi was born and grew up in the UK and later moved to Canada with her husband and sons. Inspired by her grandkids, she started writing stories for and about them and is currently working on her next Sophella book, and a book aimed at a slightly older readership about time travellers.

AMAZON.COM: https://amazon.com/dp/0228819962
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KINDLE: https://amazon.com/dp/B08QRPSK5P
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BARNES and NOBLE: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sophellas-birthday-wish-maggi-nicholas/1138504509
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