The Write Stuff

Greetings reader and writer friends,

Can you believe it's June already? I just realized that a mere month ago, we had our last snow of the season and now were in the midst of a week long heat wave in Southern Ontario. Here are six new books that may take you to another time or place, so enjoy the ride.

Dragon Shift by Clarissa Gosling

A dragon-sized secret.

A life-changing test.

On the continent of Kaitstud, dragons are feared and thought extinct. The four clans who now rule the continent condemn and slaughter any hints of dragons. In her sixteenth summer Birgith must face her manifestation test with all the others of her age. The test will prove her ability and solidify her place with the Bear Clan that has raised her.

There’s just one problem. Birgith might shift into a bear… But she could also end up a dragon. And if that happens, she’ll end up dead and the four clans of Kaitstud will hunt and slaughter the family she’s never met. But when the test comes, she is unable to shift at all. She is exiled and classed as a lowly human. Trapped and alone, she fears never being able to escape or find out who she really is. A group of travelling traders provide a way out, but she is unsure how much trust them. Will they help her with her search, or be the first to join the hunt? Birgith needs to decide before it is too late. Part bear, part dragon, part human. Is Birgith destined to be an outcast mongrel? Or will her diversity be the answer Kaitstud has been searching for?

Dragon Shift is the first in an exciting new epic fantasy series for young adult readers who love dragons, adventure and strong female characters.

Sylvanna - Fantasy Short Story by Gloria Oliver

Held as a hostage for years in the emperor's court, Sylvanna had found the young emperor in as much need of a friend as she was. Then the dowager sets up a match for her with her family's hated neighbors, so Sylvanna will have no choice but to try to make the best of it or have her family suffer. But while she is resolved to her fate, the emperor is not. So begins a descent into darkness.

The OtherSide Chronicles by Cheryl S. Mackey

When the Magi find a pair of children on the battlefield wearing ancient relics they realize that there is more to them than meets the eye. They are from Otherside, a world of mythical creatures and magic, and are the only ones able to wield the Relics of Skolt.

Separated and each thinking the other dead, Stella and Darc are raised by the Magi in secret to be ruthless assassins for a cause they aren't able to name.

Why are they kept in the dark about their pasts and away from each other? Too many questions and not enough answers will lead them to a shocking discovery.

**This is part 1 of a serial fantasy set of short stories**

Severed Ties by Kris Ruhler

For Belor, life in Cerulis City provides a myriad of comforts: endless food, a nice and warm home, and his dream job. He has life all planned out.

But when four-year-old Saya is about to be executed, Belor makes an irreversible decision that upheaves his entire life.

Soon, the pair find themselves on the run, fighting for survival. Saya is no ordinary four-year-old. She is a half-Aeterna, a race of beings banned from Cerulis City.

Will Belor be able to keep Saya alive?

A story about integrity, choices, and struggles, Severed Ties is the second prequel to the Aeterna Chronicles. Follow Belor as he meets the two protagonists, Khara and Essie, before books 3 to 6.

The Jade Crown, Book I: The Hidden City by Mark J. Donovan

A doomed expedition discovers an ancient secret in the mountains

Against his better judgment, Garruth – a mercenary - joins a voyage of discovery to try and pass through an unconquered mountain range. The explorers believe they will find the remnants of a long-lost civilization on the other side; Garruth would settle for a few answers.

What they find is a secretive people that prefer their privacy, and are willing to kill to protect it. Yet the ancient sword that the mercenary carries seems to be of interest to this people’s beautiful sorceress, and her promise to help him find the answers he seeks ensnares Garruth in a web of political intrigue, epic fantasy, betrayal, and espionage.

Now the mercenary will have to try stay alive in this dangerous place long enough to finally discover what happened to him so many years ago, and what role his invaluable sword played in creating him; and maybe – if he’s unusually lucky - even earn a bit of gold along the way.

I Hate Flying (a WEAKLING short story) by L.I.T. Tarassenko

Who is Gonzalo Lopez?

Why is he travelling on this plane?

And what is he so worried and anxious about?

This free short story also serves as an extended prologue for the young adult superhero novel WEAKLING.

For all my future happenings, contests and giveaways, join me on my website at patrickpenwright.com. Be sure to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

Cheers,

Paddy

P.S. I am currently on the hunt for a cover design/idea for book 2 in the Just in Time series starring Tanis Bertram. If you have ideas or like to do cover design, I welcome your input.