Sunday, July 17, 2016
Blast + #Giveaway: The Last of the Firedrakes by Farah Oomerbhoy @FarahOomerbhoy @toobusyreading
Last of the Firedrakes by Farah Oomerbhoy
A fantastic adventure story that will transport you to a dazzling world of myth and magic.
16-year-old Aurora Darlington is an orphan. Mistreated by her adopted family and bullied at school, she dreams of running away and being free. But when she is kidnapped and dragged through a portal into a magical world, suddenly her old life doesn't seem so bad.
Avalonia is a dangerous land ruled by powerful mages and a cruel, selfish queen who will do anything to control all seven kingdoms-including killing anyone who stands in her way. Thrust headlong into this new, magical world, Aurora's arrival sets plans in motion that threaten to destroy all she holds dear.
With the help of a young fae, a magical pegasus, and a handsome mage, Aurora journeys across Avalonia to learn the truth about her past and unleash the power within herself. Kingdoms collide as a complicated web of political intrigue and ancient magic lead Aurora to unravel a shocking secret that will change her life forever.
Praise for the Book
"…the narrative components echo the classics; the Academy of Magic at Evolon could be Hogwarts, while the Shadow Guards are reminiscent of Tolkien's Ring Wraiths or Rowling's Dementors…a beautifully drawn fantasy world." - Kirkus Reviews
"THE LAST OF THE FIREDRAKES is a magic-filled romp that carries you back to the fantasy stories of childhood…Lovers of classic fantasy will likewise gobble down Oomerbhoy's scrumptious story." - Dr Vic James, author of the SLAVEDAYS trilogy
"The world building is beautiful…That really made the book more complex for me…it is the journey of discovery for Aurora and the reader that makes this an interesting story."- Janelle Fila for Readers' Favorite
"The Last of the Firedrakes has all the elements of popular fantasy - an orphaned princess, Magical powers, an alternate sphere with seven kingdoms, a young girl with a destiny to fulfil. They are all elements of the Narnia Chronicles, The Faraway tree, The Harry Potter series, Lord of the Rings and a bit of Enid Blyton fun." - Mitali Parekh for Mid-Day newspaper
"THE LAST OF THE FIREDRAKES is a magic-filled romp that carries you back to the fantasy stories of childhood…Lovers of classic fantasy will likewise gobble down Oomerbhoy's scrumptious story." - Dr Vic James, author of the SLAVEDAYS trilogy
"The world building is beautiful…That really made the book more complex for me…it is the journey of discovery for Aurora and the reader that makes this an interesting story."- Janelle Fila for Readers' Favorite
"The Last of the Firedrakes has all the elements of popular fantasy - an orphaned princess, Magical powers, an alternate sphere with seven kingdoms, a young girl with a destiny to fulfil. They are all elements of the Narnia Chronicles, The Faraway tree, The Harry Potter series, Lord of the Rings and a bit of Enid Blyton fun." - Mitali Parekh for Mid-Day newspaper
Excerpt:
Chapter 3
Kidnapped
For
a second that felt like a lifetime, everything stopped; I felt like I was
floating in nothingness. Then I blinked, and, when I finally opened my eyes and
focused again through the tears, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.
I
found myself standing at the mouth of a small cave situated on a hill and
overlooking a quiet, moonlit valley. On my left, a dark forest stretched out as
far as the eye could see, treetops glistening silver in the light of the full
moon. The hills around us undulated into wildflower-filled meadows that lay
sleeping in the dewy night.
Far
down in the valley, I could see a little village, its lights twinkling in the
distance. To my right, a waterfall splashed playfully into a small river that
ran down into a lake, next to which the little village was built. The moon here
was fuller and larger than I had ever seen it, and the night sky was awash with
a fantastic array of glittering stars.
Had
I passed through the tapestry? Where was I?
I
looked around, disbelief clouding my judgment. I was still trying to get my
bearings after that strange moment when I had been inside the tapestry and
nowhere at the same time. It gave me a funny feeling, as though I had been
lifted out of my own consciousness and then put back into my body.
A
warm breeze brushed past my face and played with my hair. Gone were the cloudy
grey mist and the cold, nipping wind of the English countryside. I drew in a
sharp breath—the air was crisp and clear, sweet smelling, and fresh. The
moonlit valley was filled with fruit trees, wildflowers, and rolling meadows.
“How
did we come here? Where are we?” I asked, still confused.
“You
really are ignorant,” said Oblek, glancing at me. “I take it your uncle didn’t
tell you anything?”
I
shook my head and looked down. Oblek had tied my hands with a rope he had with
him while I was still dazed and looking around. It was humiliating, and the
rough ropes cut into my wrists, rubbing them raw every time he pulled me forward.
I
had to find some way out of this. And, at the moment, the only thing I could do
was discover more about where I was. Then, when I got an opportunity, I could
escape and find my way back up to the cave on the hill, where we had arrived
out of the tapestry.
But
then what?
Christopher
was probably dead, and Aunt Arianna would doubtless blame me for everything
since I had disappeared at the same time. I had no idea what to do. I didn’t
really want to go back, and, now that my adoptive parents were dead, I had
nothing to return to.
I
was starting to panic. I had nowhere to go, and my mind was imagining an array
of horrible outcomes of my kidnapping. My palms had become sweaty, and my
racing heart was thundering in my chest as I half-walked and half-ran,
desperately trying to keep up with Oblek’s giant strides.
“Why
are you doing this?” I pleaded with my kidnapper.
But
Lord Oblek said nothing. He didn’t even look at me. He just kept walking ahead
and dragging me along behind him, with no more explanations as to what he was
planning to do with me.
I
was terrified, and I had no idea if I was going to survive this. But I tried to
be brave. Maybe I could talk my way out of this?
“You
do know that this is called kidnapping?” I said, trying to reason with Oblek.
He
didn’t bother to answer.
“What
will happen to me now?” I squeaked, my voice breaking, as I tried not to cry.
“Queen
Morgana will decide what is to be done with you,” said Oblek, finally.
Queen
Morgana! The woman from my dream? It was not possible that this, too, was a
coincidence. It must be the same Morgana, the one who had tried to kill my real
mother.
Who
the hell was she?
Suddenly
all of this seemed extremely scary. I hoped that I was still dreaming and that
there was no way I had actually traveled through a magical tapestry into some
strange land. It all seemed very exciting in books. But actually being
kidnapped and then hauled around like an animal, traveling deep into a land I
knew nothing about, was not my idea of fun.
I
had to get away from this horrible man, and fast.
Author Farah Oomerbhoy
Farah Oomerbhoy is a young adult writer with a master's degree in English literature from the University of Mumbai. Farah loves the fantastical and magical and often dreams of living in Narnia, Neverland, or the Enchanted Forest. Her debut novel,The Last of the Firedrakes, Book 1 of The Avalonia Chronicles started on Wattpad where it received a Watty Award in 2015 and over 1.5 million reads. Since publication, The Last of the Firedrakes has gone on to win a silver medal in IBPA's Benjamin Franklin Awards, become a finalist in the USA Best Book Awards and become an international bestseller. Farah lives with her family in Mumbai, India where she can be found checking for magical portals in every closet.
Blast Giveaway
$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 7/29/16
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
Blog Tour: Heir to Kale by KL Bone @kl_bone @starange13
Title: Heir to Kale
Series: Rise of the Temple Gods #1
By: KL Bone
Publication Date: January 13, 2014
Genre: Fantasy
In the land of Kale there lies a delicate balance between the powerful Temples and the rulers from an ancient, royal bloodline. The Temples are ruled through combat, determined by a series of tournaments. Of these tournament champions, sixty are chosen to become Defendants, an elite team charged with protecting the realm from all enemies. Selection to this team is considered the highest of honours and leadership of the team is decided only once every thirteen years.
Princesses Mariana and Ameria, twin daughters of two such champions, are taken as children to separate, yet equally powerful Temples. Through years of rigorous training both are educated in the arts of combat, swordplay, and the ancient traditions of the Temple Gods. Both eventually obtain the rank of Kalian Champions with the expectation of one day serving upon the coveted Defendant Team.
Then, not long after their seventeenth birthday, the childless King declares that one of the sisters must succeed him as the future Queen. As the race for the throne begins, the sister’s long standing rivalry intensifies, leading both upon a dangerous path that threatens not only their lives, but the fate of the very kingdom.
Unbeknownst to the twins, this treacherous path to the throne is the elaborate collaboration of an ancient prophecy and two creatures charged by the Gods themselves ensure it comes to pass. As primeval powers awaken, the two sisters must struggle to learn the truth behind the prophesy and search for a way to change their inevitable fate.
Heir to Koloso - Rise of the Temple Gods #2
Bone has a master’s degree in modern literary cultures and is working toward her PhD in literature. She wrote her first short story at the age of fifteen and grew up with an equally great love of both classical literature and speculative fiction. Bone has spent the last few years as a bit of a world traveler, living in California, London, and most recently, Dublin. When not immersed in words, of her own creation or studies, you’ll find her traveling to mythical sites and Game of Thrones filming locations.
Social Media Links
Cover Reveal: Dearest Bloodiest Elizabeth by Colette L. Saucier @HotTreePromos
Love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave.
Title: Dearest Bloodiest Elizabeth
Author: Colette L. Saucier
Genre: Paranormal
Release Date: 08-Aug-16
Series: BOOK II: The Confession of Mr. Darcy, Vampire
Publisher: Southern Girl Press
Cover Designer: Dawné Dominique
In this lurid, lusty sequel to Pulse and Prejudice, death shadows the newlywed Darcys from Pemberley to the parlors of Regency London to the courtyards of Antebellum New Orleans. As Elizabeth discovers the trials and travails of marriage to a vampire, can Darcy ever believe that she loves him as he is? Or will his jealousy tear them apart?
“And now my prize!” As had so often occurred in the span of their brief marriage, his tender kiss had escalated quickly into fervent ardour. The laughter then in her eyes, his wife had taken hold of the lapels of his greatcoat and, falling back onto the snow, pulled him down with her. As their kisses had deepened, so, too, had his hunger and desire. He pulled off his gloves and trailed his cold fingers down her face. Untying her bonnet and unfastening her cape, he exposed her neck for his lips and his teeth.
She moaned softly as he drew the blood from her throat, sharing her warmth and her pulse, savouring the rich, metallic taste. He pulled back to look at her, only then noticing that a few precious drops of lifeblood had escaped his embrace and fallen onto the snow.
Book One
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