For Stefan Székely it is a fate worse than death: To be dead yet stuck with his dead parents. After 13 years Stefan can endure it no longer. He wants a castle of his own.
First he must visit his family’s bank in Budapest. But with endless strife across Europe, Stefan hardly recognizes Budapest, capital of the new Hungarian Federation. Nevertheless, he embarks on his reign as a vampire playboy – until he gets a stern warning from the local vampire gang.
Will Stefan fight for his right to party like it’s 2027? Or will an encounter with a stranger change everything? As clashes between vampire gangs and State Security escalate, Stefan discovers he might be the key to changing the fate of Europe forever. If he can survive three bloody nights in Budapest.
For Stefan Székely it is a fate worse than death: To be a vampire yet stuck with his vampire parents. After 13 years Stefan can endure it no more. He wants a castle of his own. But first he must visit his family’s bank in Budapest.
With endless strife rumbling across Europe, Stefan hardly recognizes Budapest, now capital of the Hungarian Federation. The world has changed. Nevertheless, he embarks on the reign of terror he always denied himself, living the vampire playboy lifestyle. Until he gets a stern warning from the local vampire gang. He is not welcome – unless he plays by their rules.
Should Stefan fight for his right to party like it’s 2027? Or will an unexpected encounter with a stranger change everything? As clashes between vampire gangs and State Security escalate, Stefan realizes he just might be the key to changing the fate of Europe forever! . . . If he can survive three bloody nights in Budapest.
Budapest at sunrise
In 2014 my medically accurate vampire novel A DRY PATCH OF SKIN came out to a couple rave reviews. My main purpose then was to counter the hysteria of the Twilight experience with some medical research crossed with an understanding of established legends. I wanted to tell a realistic vampire tale. I even set the story in my own city and the action in the story followed the actual days and months I was writing the story. The story and my writing of the story ended the same week. Of course, I revised and edited after that.
Then I thought . . . what might possibly happen next? So I chose a gap of, say, 13 years (the number seems significant in horror stories). Now, where did I leave my protagonist? How is he doing? What could have happened since the end of the first book? What has changed in the world during these 13 years? How would what’s different in the world affect his own corner of the world? How would he cope with these changes?
As I started on another vampire story I quickly realized that I had to also write essentially a science-fiction story. A futuristic story. If I were setting the story 13 years after the end of the previous novel, then this sequel would be set in 2027. And it would be somewhere in Europe, which is where our hero was at the end of the first book.
What do I know of 2027? Not much. Like many science fictioneers writing about the future, I took the present circumstances, the way things are now (good and bad), and extrapolated how they might progress. Remember that novel by George Orwell, 1984? It was published in 1948 just as fears of a Communist takeover gripped Europe. It was supposed to be a warning. Orwell imagined how the concerns of his present might play out in the future.
With the current strife in Europe, mass immigration, refugees coming to Europe from the Middle East and Africa, the increase in crime, warfare between left and right political groups, I could see all these happenings extending, continuing and growing through the following decade. The moral question that arises is whether an author should follow his/her own beliefs; that is, how the world should be, a Utopian view – or choose a path of development which would be the best setting for the story, however the society might become – or try to take an honest look at current events and let things fall where they might, for good or ill.
I chose both. If I have to make a choice, I will lean toward what makes a good story over what my own beliefs might be. For the sake of this story and for the way I think society will continue to progress/digress or develop or evolve over the next 10 years, I’m letting the European conflicts play out in the sequel: my now less-medically accurate vampire novel, titled SUNRISE.
In this sequel, the new Hungarian Federationis a strictly run Euro-centrist society. The State Security apparatus runs a tidy ship and getting in is very problematic. Staying in if you are a “diseased” resident such as a vampire is dangerous. However, our hero, Stefan Székely, is already within the boundaries of the Hungarian Federation at his family’s estate in the former Croatia; therefore, I, the author, must deal with the vagaries of that location. It was not an unpleasant effort. I love to travel vicariously.
Needless to say, our hero has difficulties – or there wouldn’t be a story. Yet as I charged through the final chapters and then undertook the revision stage, the look and feel, the horrors, and the dystopian ambiance seemed right. Will Stefan escape from the repressive Hungarian Federation? Or will powers greater than himself and the vampire gangs of Budapest have the final say?
In SUNRISE the world gets darker before the light shines again. Book 3, to be titled SUNSET, picks up the story even further into the future. By then, we are in full-fledged Dystopia territory. But, hey! I’m sure everything will work out just fine…if you transform into a vampire in time.
Here at Myrddin Publishing, we cover a lot of genres and romance is no exception. Whether you like contemporary, historical, or paranormal romance, there is something for everyone on your list. Below is just a sample of where you might find your next Valentine’s day treat! you can find the full list of Myrddin romance here.
Contemporary
A Beautiful Chill by Stephen Swartz
Life is impossible when every moment of the present is haunted by the past.
Íris is a refugee from an abusive youth in Iceland, further abused on the streets of Toronto – until she sees Art as an escape. With a scholarship, she drifts from depression to nightmare to Wiccan rituals to the next exhibit. There’s a lot she must forget to succeed in a life she refuses to take responsibility for.
Eric is settling in at Fairmont College, starting a new life after betrayal and heartbreak. Divorced and hitting forty, he has a lot to prove – to his father, his colleagues, and mostly to himself. The last thing he needs is a distraction – and there’s nothing more distracting than Iris.
A Beautiful Chill is a contemporary romance set in the duplicitous world of academic rules and artistic license.
Ednor Scardens (The Charm City Chronicles Book #1) by Kathleen Barker
Growing up in an Irish Catholic neighborhood in Baltimore in the 1960’s was hard enough when everything went right. Kate Fitzgerald wasn’t that lucky.
Struggling to cope with unwanted attention from older boys and men, Kate’s childhood friendship with shy classmate Gabe Kelsey begins to blossom, but quickly becomes tangled when she falls hard for his darkly handsome older brother, Michael.
As the brothers vie for Kate’s affections, she doesn’t know how to choose between them without tearing their family apart. She looks to her girlfriends for advice, but the tragic death of a classmate brings them face-to-face with mortality, shattering their facade of invincibility.
Her dilemma deepens when a predatory priest with a hidden past arrives at Holy Sacrament School. And when she silently witnesses a frightening scene between Gabe and Fr. O’Conner, Kate unknowingly becomes O’Conner’s intended next victim.
Viking: The Truth about Lagertha and Ragnar by Rachel Tsoumbakos
Lagertha was known to be one of the wives of the famous Viking, Ragnar Lodbrok. But did you know they first met each other at a brothel? And just how long did their marriage last? Was Lagertha really the revered shield maiden we see her as today? ‘Vikings: The Truth About Lagertha And Ragnar’ aims to unravel all these secrets.
‘Vikings: The Truth About Lagertha And Ragnar’ is so much more than a history book though.
In Part One their story is brought to life with a historically accurate retelling. Part Two then explores the historical facts surrounding this story.
When Joshua Grant vanishes days before his wedding his fiancée Remy is left with only bruises, scratch marks and a hastily written note. Heartbroken, she sets off alone to find him and begins a long journey where strange things begin to happen.
As Joshua descends into his new immortal life he indulges his thirst for blood and explores his superhuman strength and amazing new talents while becoming embroiled in coven politics which threaten to destroy him. But Remy discovers a strength of her own on her quest to bring Joshua home.
Fate toys with mortals and immortals alike, as two hearts torn apart by darkness face ordeals which test them to their limits.
Minkie is on the hunt for the lost treasure, but rough seas may stop him. With Bob left behind to look after the ship, Minkie will face rough currents and wander far, far away. Now, on top of searching for gold and jewels, Minkie has to search for a way home. Along the way, he’ll have to solve many puzzles. Will he ever find his way back? Can you help him solve the puzzles and find his way home? Under the Sea Puzzles: Minkie Monster and the Lost Treasure is both an engaging puzzle book and a riveting pre-school story. Inside you’ll find letters and numbers tracing puzzles, coloring pages, dot-to-dot, pattern matching games, a word search and of course Minkie’s friend Bob on every page!
Prepare for hours of fun and learning with your preschooler!
Available from Amazon and by special order from your local book store.
The Minkie Monster series of books are activity books for children up to the age of 6. They are designed to be a story book with puzzles which get harder as your child gets older. All the puzzle books have links and passwords to download the PDF so your child can redo the puzzles and coloring pages again and again.
Minkie Monster has a problem. He’s been invited to a birthday party, but he can’t seem to remember whose. To top it all off, his best friend, Bob, is hiding – again. Now, Minkie has to go on the journey of his young lifetime to the planet Venus to find answers. Along the way, he’ll have to solve problems and follow the clues.
Filled with coloring pages, dot-to-dot activities, matching games, and word search puzzles, Space Puzzles: Minkie Monster and the Birthday Surprise will help your child develop counting, reading and cognitive skills while also giving them the opportunity to enjoy some age-appropriate fun.
Follow along and enjoy as Minkie and your preschooler follow the clues!
Available from Amazon and by special order from your local book store.
Minkie Monster keeps your little one interested…
The Minkie Monster series of books are activity books for children up to the age of 6. They are designed to be a story book with puzzles which get harder as your child gets older. All the puzzle books have links and passwords to download the PDF so your child can redo the puzzles and coloring pages again and again.
A picture book with puzzles for children up to the age of 6 years old.
Oh No! Santa is missing…
Minkie Monster Saves Christmas
Who will save Christmas?
Santa needed a break, but when he left, no one was put in charge. Now, Minkie has to take over or Christmas will be ruined. Join Minkie as he follows the clues. From connecting dots in magic wonderlands to following patterns and tracing numbers and letters, each step gets Minkie one step closer to saving Christmas.
Note to parents: Minkie Monster Saves Christmas is a puzzle book as well as an engaging story for your preschooler. The puzzles inside include: traceable letters and numbers, coloring pages, dot-to-dot, pattern matching, word search, and of course, finding Minkie’s best buddy Bob along the way.
Available from Amazon and by special order from your local book store.
The Minkie Monster series of books are activity books for children up to the age of 6. They are designed to be a story book with puzzles which get harder as your child gets older. All the puzzle books have links and passwords to download the PDF so your child can redo the puzzles and coloring pages again and again.
Where to get Minkie Monster Saves Christmas
Paperback
Get the Minkie Monster Saves Christmas paperback from Amazon:
A Simpler Guide to Online Security for Everyone is available as Kindle, ePub and Paperback versions. Now free as an ebook at Amazon, Apple and Kobo among other good ebook stores.
Are you worried about online security but don’t know where to start? Do you have a Google account and want to make it more secure? Do you want to protect your emails from opportunist hackers? Then this guide is for you!
What you will find in A Simpler Guide to Online Security for Everyone:
Learn why online security is so important; protect yourself from identity thieves, fraudsters, hackers and scammers
Choose and change your passwords
What is and how to Setup 2-step verification
Add recovery information so you don’t lose access to your Google account
What to do if you find you have been hacked
How to protect your account while away from home and much more…
Your email is one of the most important tools available on the internet. It represents communication, community, business and just keeping in contact. It is also a big threat to your online safety. You don’t need to be a cyber expert to protect your identity online. Protecting your email is one of the best things you can do. This books shows you why it is important to protect it and more importantly how to secure your Google email. If skilled hackers want to get into an account they will always find a way but for the vast majority of users, following these tips will protect you.
What do you have to lose? Download it today for FREE at:
Deeds done in the heat of battle cast long shadows.
The most famous man in the history of the Temple, retired Commander John Farmer, has left the militia behind. War looms and John must answer the call to serve, but his terrible secret could destroy everything. A broken mage trying to rebuild his shattered life, he must somehow regain his abilities, or everyone and everything he loves will be lost.
John must face the crimes of the past to become the hero he never was.
Purchase The Wayward Son on Amazon for $2.99 Kindle and $13.99 paperbook
I know my last blog post was on research when writing. But, here I am again, writing another post on the virtues of research. Actually, to be honest, this one is more about my latest book series, The Truth Behind.
When I started writing TV articles for the Inquisitr, I never thought it would lead me to my next novel. But, thanks to one of History Channel’s shows, Vikings, I have managed to find out an awful lot about a group of people I previously knew very little about. Vikings tells the story of Ragnar Lothbrok, based on a character from Viking lore that may, or may not have existed, Ragnar Lodbrok. Season 1 started with Ragnar and his wife, Lagertha, as farmers. Ragnar, being a typical inquisitive Viking, decides to travel West to raid rather than East and manages to wind up in England. While there he does the normal Viking thing — pillaging and murdering — before returning to Norway with his loot.
Ragnar and Lagertha as depicted in History’s ‘Vikings’ [Image via HISTORY]By Season 4 of Vikings, Ragnar is a king, having quickly traveled up the ranks because of his adventures in England. His wife, however, has left him thanks to an affair Ragnar had with Aslaug. Yet, their love story still keeps fans of the show swooning. And it is this story that has brought me to researching the sagas as I delve into the real story of Ragnar and Lagertha.
While it seems very likely that Lagertha is not a real person that existed during the Viking era, there is one recorded story about her. This tale comes from book 9 in Saxo Grammaticus’ History of the Danes (you can read this story for free via Sacred Texts). Saxo was a scholar who lived in England. He was tasked with recording the Viking stories up to two hundred years after the actual events. So, if this is the only record we have of Lagertha, it seems likely she doesn’t exist since none of the Viking sagas mention her.
Regardless, for the sake of a great love story, I have been using this one story, along with the many stories about Ragnar (that may or may not be about several men named Ragnar), to formulate the true story of Ragnar and Lagertha rather than the current romanticized one. Along the way I have come across some very interesting facts about the pair. For example:
Ragnar wears his hairy breeches to protect himself against a dangerous snake [Image via AngloSaxonNorseAndCeltic]
Ragnar’s surname literally translates to hairy or shaggy breeches. This name came about after Ragnar wore shaggy pants in an effort to get past a dangerous viper that breathed venom. In some instances of this story, it is a dragon Ragnar has to pass. In both stories, Ragnar was trying to impress a lady (or her father anyway).
Ragnar first met Lagertha in a brothel. But it’s totally not what you think. Ragnar was merely saving a group of women that had been taken hostage by Frø, the king of Sweden, after he killed King Siward. Frø placed these women in a brothel to publicly shame them. Ragnar, a fan of Siward, decided to avenge his friend and rescue the women. During this battle, many of the women in the battle decided to dress in men’s clothing and fight on Ragnar’s side. And so the myth about the shield maiden called Lagertha was born along with the prose below.
“Lagertha, a skilled Amazon, who, though a maiden, had the courage of a man, and fought in front among the bravest with her hair loose over her shoulders. All-marvelled at her matchless deeds, for her locks flying down her back betrayed that she was a woman.”
Lagertha (as the goddess Thorgerd) in battle [Illustration by Jenny Nyström (1895).
Ragnar attempted to woo Lagertha after he saw her fighting ability. However, Lagertha was not one to fall at a man’s feet. She made it quite the task to win her hand and Ragnar ended up having to kill a bear and a hound just to reach her house.
Lagertha really did love Ragnar though. In fact, many years after they had divorced (Ragnar had taken a fancy to Thora Borgarhjört, the daughter of King Herraud, that resulted in his surname), Lagertha chose to fight for Ragnar once more when he needed support in a civil war. Being the independent woman, she brought 120 ships to his aide.
What ever happened during that final battle together is not mentioned. However, the final part of her tale is very revealing in that she returned home and slayed her husband rather than be with him a moment longer. It is unclear why she killed her husband or what happened after this other than she went on to rule independently.
It seems likely Lagertha may actually be based on a Norse goddess called Thorgerd. It is also possible Saxo made the story about Lagertha up using his knowledge about the Amazon women from Greek mythology.
My research into Ragnar and Lagertha is far from complete, however, I have already created a page on Goodreads. So, if you are intrigued by the story of Lagertha and Ragnar, why not add The Truth Behind the Vikings: Lagertha and Ragnar to your reading list.
Have you watch History’s Vikings or read any of the Viking sagas? Let us know by commenting below!
Readers’ Favorite Review: Email Management using Gmail by Ceri Clark shows ways to automate one’s email organization, specifically aimed at users of Gmail. It helps one in doing more productive work, rather than fighting the monster of email overload. It begins with a general discussion on the use of Gmail, a quick start guide where the facilities available and how to set them up are demonstrated. Use of labels, filters, groups and related particularities are treated at length with an overview of housekeeping of mails in general. Operational tips and how to appropriately use these facilities are provided with an index for easy reference or retrieval.
Email Management using Gmail by Ceri Clark changed my ideas about Gmail. Though having been a Gmail user for many years, I learned many of the capabilities of this email service that would have made my life easier from this book. (I wish I had reviewed this book earlier!) Not only that, this book contains a lot of information, but also presented in a reader friendly manner. Use of bulleted lists, charts and figures, a summary at the end of each chapter, screen captures accompanying descriptions of procedures and a good index greatly enhances the value of this as a reference. This is a great help to all those who use Gmail. With helpful hints and recommended techniques for utilizing the available functions, this book can enable readers to get more from this email service with less effort!
Rating: 5.0 stars. Reviewed By Roy T. James for Readers’ Favorite
Are you drowning in too many emails? Are you spending too much time everyday sorting and dealing with your inbox?
Email Management using Gmail is a practical guide for sorting your emails and getting things done.
Whether you are using Gmail or another email account, the principles in this book will help your to check and organize your emails so that you can spend just 10 minutes a day dealing with them.
The steps-by-step instructions use the free email accounts from Google and cover labels, filters and the great spam protection that Gmail provides.
Whatever your priorities, the email management strategies in this guide will help you to save time. This guide is all about getting it done, sorted and out of the way.
Check out the preview or click cn the buy button to find out more.
Forbidden Road takes up Edwin’s story six years later. When four mages are sent into the shadowed lands claimed by the mad priest of the Bull God, who will return unscathed? Sorrow, peril, and magic await in the Valley of Mal Evol.
Beneath the veneer, beneath the beauty, there is always the coldness of stone.’
Tragedy has torn apart Emelia and her companions, a terrible betrayal instigated by the Darkmaster, Vildor. A devastated Jem struggles to control the fearful power of the crystals, becoming distant from his closest friends. Hunor and Orla are tested by a secret from the past, a revelation that will change everything between them. In the Dead City, Emelia begins a search for her past, a journey that will plunge her deeper into the darkness of Vildor and his twisted schemes.
Desperate to seek aid in their battle against Vildor, the companions travel north to Belgo, capital of North Artoria. But everything is not what it seems in the palace, and danger lurks in every shadow, whether cast by friend or foe. Separated and alone, can Emelia, Jem and Hunor hope to prevail? Or will the evils of the present and the past overcome them at last?
Darkness Rising 5 – Broken is the fifth in the epic fantasy series that reviewers are calling ‘epic and spellbinding.’ It is a must read for fantasy fans the world over.
In the lands of Nurolia the evils of the past are returning to torment the present. Emelia and her companions traverse the arid desert of Pyrios seeking the red crystal. Its power resides in the grasp of the dreaded Red Emperor, who enslaves the warrior race of Incandians. Time slips away as Vildor, Lord of the Ghasts, begins his dreaded plan and as Emelia’s sanity starts to crumble.
Far to the north, in the hills of Artoria, Aldred Enfarson holds onto life by a thread. His friends flee towards the walled city of Keresh, a dark army on their heels. Yet when the opportunity to save Aldred’s life presents itself, they unleash a force every bit as terrible as Vildor. The Cabal, creators of the Prisms of Power, seek to return to the world—and Aldred may become the key.
The forces of darkness are rising—and tragedy awaits even the most heroic.
Darkness Rising- Loss is the fourth book in the original epic fantasy series that reviewers are describing as ‘epic and spellbinding.’ It is a must read for fantasy fans the world over.
About the series…
“Totally gripping… I was completely absorbed and loved reading every minute of it.”
“Each page is a new rush of tension, mystery, and adrenaline.”
“Richly imagined, well written and thoroughly absorbing.”
“Embrace the darkness, welcome the fury, savour the anger…”
After their escape from Goldoria, Emelia and her companions begin their journey into the swamps of Ssinthor. A land ravaged by ancient sorcery, it is a place of secrets and danger. Deep in the mists an insane lizardman sorcerer wields the green crystal to devastating effect. As darkness threatens to tear them apart they must somehow challenge the awesome power working against them.
Far to the west Aldred and his new comrades travel to Artoria on a mission to save his cursed father. A chance encounter with a seer throws them into an impetuous diversion deep into the Emerald Mountains, where a terrible foe awaits.
Hidden in the secret recesses of a ruined fort a crystal of blackest sorcery awaits its former master, Vildor, Lord of the Ghasts. And the time has come for him to reclaim its power.
Darkness Rising- Secrets is the third book in the original epic fantasy series that reviewers are describing as ‘epic and spellbinding.’ It is a must read for fantasy fans the world over.
About the series…
“Ross M. Kitson has built a complex and convincing world here. Frankly, I wouldn’t recommend just picking up just the first book, or even the first two books. Get all three, because you’ll be chain-reading them.” D Brzeski (British Fantasy Society)
“Totally gripping… I was completely absorbed and loved reading every minute of it.” Amazon review
“Each page is a new rush of tension, mystery, and adrenaline.” Amazon review
Emelia dreams of escape from her life of servitude. She dreams of magical powers; she dreams of dark things. When tragedy awakens the sorcery within her she embarks upon an epic journey in the company of two charming thieves.
In the Dead City an ancient evil awakens. The Lord of the Ghasts covets a magical Prism, the clues to which lie with Emelia. And when he begins to share her dreams, surely it is only a matter of time until she succumbs to his power?
Darkness Rising Book One – Chained is the first book in an exciting new epic fantasy series combining traditional heroic fantasy plotlines with modern dialogue and thrilling characters. Book One is the first half of Prism Volume 1, previously available as a single volume and now presented in two books with additional material and sample bonus chapters.
They’ve changed history, but not even an Interdimensional Voyager can stop a comet!
Set-d’Elous (a.k.a. Sebastian Talbot) lies paralyzed, tormented by the evil Empress—his wife. Meanwhile, the other Voyagers were blown far and wide by the terrorists’ bomb. Tammy and Chuck awaken on Earth, unable to explain where they’ve been. Chucker, lost in the jungle, discovers his assassination team shot the wrong man.
Chucker must track down his mentor Set-d’Elous and free him from captivity, then search for his parents. Back on Ghoupallesz, a violent new cult has arisen, warning of destruction, led by the disfigured Michael, former IRS Service Center playboy.
Legend tells of a cleansing comet. Fortunately, Jinetta-d’Elous (a.k.a. Gina Parton, Interdimensional Voyager) comes forward to drive industry ahead from airships to interstellar spacecraft. But will they make it in time? Or will petty differences and ancient grievances get in the way for survival of the few lucky ones?
THE DREAM LAND Trilogy concludes with an epic crash of parallel timelines and a comet that will test even the hardiest of Interdimensional Voyagers!
So you’ve conquered a new world…. Now to change their history!
Sebastian Talbot (a.k.a. Set-d’Elous, legendary warrior) has exiled himself to a desolate island, content to laze away the days writing his memoir. Until the emissary from Queen Tammy arrives with a mission he cannot refuse. Tammy, the IRS clerk he took to Ghoupallesz, wants him to go fetch her son who she left on Earth.
That mission raises questions for Sebastian: If he can go back and forth through these interdimensional doorways and arrive in a different time period, perhaps he can prevent the big war he fought through, the war that destroyed his family as well as millions of others. Then, while on patrol duty in his “next” life, he comes upon a young poetess he knows will become the rebel leader who helps overthrow the monarchy and initiates the wars. What would you do?
THE DREAM LAND Trilogy continues in Book II with parallel timelines, world domination and global destruction, and as always the crazy minutiæ of heroic minds daring to play God without a rule book.
In the fourth and final installment of “The Charm City Chronicles” saga, Kate finds herself married at 17, and her teen and adult worlds collide. While husband Michael is away at college, her beloved grandmother’s health goes into serious decline and Kate’s graduation is imperiled. These struggles soon become the least of her worries as Michael’s brother, Gabe, just can’t give up the hope of rekindling his romance with her until he sustains life-threatening injuries. “On Gabriel’s Wings” is a roller-coaster ride of young adult love and conflict that will keep you reading until the very last page.
“The Hurting Year”, the third installment of the Charm City Chronicles series, continues the story of sixteen-year-old Kate Fitzgerald in 1960’s Baltimore, Maryland.
Having an older boyfriend does have its perks – until he leaves to go to college. Kate’s troubles quickly multiply when her beloved Nana falls ill, and her best friend, Anita, faces personal disaster. When things seem like they couldn’t possibly get worse, Kate pays an impromptu visit to boyfriend Michael’s dorm, and her life spirals out of control. What happens in the aftermath sets events into motion that will change her life forever.
Deeds done in the heat of battle cast long shadows.
