How is this fine Wednesday treating you? I hear that you have a taste for fantasy romance—in books & fairy tales—but I'm here today to inform you that not all superstition is mere fantasy.

Unfortunately.

If you happen to have an interest in the gear & drive industry—or know someone who does—I'd be honored if you would pass along my contact information. My corporation is always seeking opportunities to expand further into the global market, and you'll find that our products and our prices are top-of-the-line. You can reach Süddeutsche Getriebe's purchasing department at—

***static***

"Max, you're supposed to be telling these people about Cryptic Pathway, not selling them gears and drives. They're readers, not manufacturers!"

"Right. Forgive my indiscretion."

***static***

It seems I'm expected to talk about personal matters rather than business matters, so let's crack open a beer and get comfortable! 🍺 I'm Max von Thaden (pronounced TODD-n for all of you English-speakers out there), and I could use a couple new friends at the local pub.

Attempting A Normal Life

Magic might not be a "thing" in your world, but regrettably, it exists in mine. Since my wife passed away fifteen years ago, teaching me a cruel lesson about the evil inherent in the element that courses through my blood, I've kept my magic hidden, living my life like an everyday corporate executive.

Well, as much as I can do that when my personal accountant is a blasted Teuton priest. At least he keeps his hell fire contained. Most of the time.

I've done my best to shield my daughter Swanie from the Teuton community and all of the darkness its priests conceal. Hell's legions have their eyes on her—for reasons they did not disclose—and I'll do all that's in my power to protect her. She doesn't need to sink into the mire that swallowed my late wife.

Even when I noticed the ice weaving through Swanie's aura in her teenage years, I believed she could still avoid the specters breathing down her neck. After all, the elemental magic barely brushes the surface of what the Teuton people can do. If she remains ignorant of the rest, she'll be safe.

Unexpected Love . . . And Danger

These past fifteen years, I've rarely had to bother with magic, burying myself in my work and ensuring that my daughter has the support she needs. But I've recently stumbled into a relationship—that's right, a romantic relationship—for the first time since my wife passed away.

And I can't say I saw this coming. At all. 😬

There have been hints floating along the breeze that my daughter Swanie uncovered some magic a couple years ago that should not have been unleashed . . . and now forces are moving behind the scenes in methods far too powerful for me to counter. Teuton history hides more darkness than I ever thought possible, and now my daughter is in destiny's crosshairs.

All of my attempts to protect Swanie are crumbling at my feet, and I'm not sure I'll be able to bridle my element if everything bursts wide open. My girlfriend tells me I need to keep an open mind and heart . . . but how can I do that when our demon lord longs to squelch her individuality and claim her soul?

I don't think I appreciate where C.L. Carhart is taking us. 😒

✨ Buy Cryptic Pathway ✨

An Indie Author's Road Trip Photos

Although much of my own traveling involves business rather than leisure, I've gotten around to several beautiful lakes in my lifetime. Bear Lake, Utah isn't one of them. Yet. Pretty sure I need to see if my girlfriend would be interested in traveling there at some point. 💙

If you'd like to see some more (i.e. "better") pictures of Bear Lake & explore some of the fun things you can do there, here's a decent place to start:

https://bearlake.org/

Magic Occasionally Offers Free Books

As much as I despise the dangers of magic, I'll admit that C.L. Carhart has unearthed some of its better qualities. She says you like to read, so I invite you to scroll through a chunky batch of free fantasy books. 63 great stories—and it looks like one of them stars my colleague's daughter. I might have to check that one out, just to stay of top of local gossip. 🤔

✨ Magical Freebies! ✨

C.L. Carhart asked me to inform you that Cryptic Pathway is half price at Smashwords until the end of July—along with all of her other books, including a box set! For those of you looking for a deal, check it out here:

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1103547

My personal opinion is that C.L. Carhart parts with her creative work too freely. None of my products sell for less than $5, especially not when they've taken months to perfect! But she tells me the eBook industry and the drive industry are two very different rackets. I'll stick with the lucrative one, thanks. 😉

And do all I can to protect Swanie from our demon lord.

May you seize success in life,

Max von Thaden

Buy Cryptic Pathway: https://books2read.com/hnwacp

Download Veiled Magic for FREE: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/jp1vp51i52

Preorder Lunar Rising for only 99¢: https://books2read.com/lunarrisingset

This week's magical freebies:

https://books.bookfunnel.com/magicisrealthesebooksarefree/oawqoaragd