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(A Dysfunctional Family of Witches Prequel) Dark Fantasy Date Published: October 1, 2019 Publisher: Spellbound Books
The illegitimate granddaughter of Catherine the Great finds a shapeshifting stone and discovers the magic to be young and live forever. Years later, Dima's teenage daughter resents a mother who is 112 years old but shifts into a woman young enough to be her sister. Medea loathes a mother who loves her 17 cats more than she does her daughter. Medea despises a mother who claims all witchcraft as her magic and treats her daughter like a slave. In secret, Medea develops her own sorcery.
About the Author B. Austin grew up in the Land of Enchantment, New Mexico. She was told true tales of witches by her superstitious family. Before writing full time, she toiled in tech as a software engineer. She currently lives in Florida. She, also, writes under the name of Belinda Austin.
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Review:
An entertaining tale, I really enjoyed Dima's story and the antics she got up to as she travelled across the world. Highly recommended.
1 Comment
 1) Tell us about your story
Hollowed: A Tale of Malice is a gender swapped origin story for Maleficent, named Malice in this story. Told from a split perspective to give the reader a deeper understanding of the story you didn’t know you didn’t know. Love, loss, betrayal, and magic are the centralized themes that will have you losing your heart to the Hollows. 2) What inspired you to write it? I love to read reimagining’s of familiar stories that turn them on their heads in a creative way. Colleen Oak’s retellings were a big inspiration for me while writing Malice’s origin. 3) Do you prefer Villains to Heroes? Villains are by far my favorite to write, especially when thinking about their origins. Not to mention, everyone know that villains have all the best lines. 4) Is your story a standalone? Yes, Malice’s story is a standalone that can be read separately from any of the other stories in the anthology and doesn’t connect to any of my other universes currently… 5) What's next for you, writing wise? Malice’s story kicked off a series of reimagined villain origins for me. I have plans to rewrite the histories of many other villains including Ursula, Cruella De Ville, Jafar, and more. They’ll all appear separately as ebooks and then together later as a paperback collection down the line.  1) Tell us about your story
My story, the Legend of Tremaine, is the origin story for an evil pair of crystal shoes and a good looking glass. These magical items go on later to appear in more modern fairy tales I’ve written about other common fairy tales (Cindi/Ella, the Little Mermaid, and so on). It’s great fun to read up on the traditional fairy tales and but a different or interesting spin on them. 2) What inspired you to write it? I’ve always wanted to tell sort of an alternate beginning for the shoes in Cinderella and her evil stepmother. Since I already have a Cindi/Ella retelling, it seemed to make the most sense to go on and tell about the crystal caves and the magic there. 3) Do you prefer Villains to Heroes? I love both, I think, but I’m a sucker for an amazing hero. The villains definitely need a chance to tell their side of the story, but heroes win the day in my books. ;) 4) Is your story a standalone? The Legend of Tremaine is the prequel to a series of Modern Fairy Tale retellings I’ve done. My Cinderella retelling comes next in the series, then the Little Mermaid, and then Snow White/Rose Red, but you can pick these up in a boxset bundle. They’ll also be out as an audiobook later this year. I have a related Princess and the Pea retelling that will be out in August, but the whole series comes to a close in a Snow White retelling where Snow White is the villain (ha! Maybe the villains really are my favorite!) in the story from Cindi/Ella’s point of view. It all wraps up in August 2020. 5) What's next for you, writing wise? Next… Hmm… That’s a good question. I’m actually working on the conclusion to my modern fairy tale series now, and I’m pretty pumped about that. Cindi must dodge seven foul dwarves, a host of mythical creatures, and a bevy of sentient poisoned apples before she can face down the wicked Snow White Queen.  1) Tell us about your story
The Tower was written specifically for the anthology. I set myself the challenge and I enjoyed writing it much more than I thought I would. I took inspiration from the film Tangled, as it is my favourite Disney movie, and the novel Flowers in the attic. I wanted my characters to have some depth and some flesh on their bones, and I wondered what it would feel like to be trapped in that tower if you had no natural talents, like painting or sewing. Nothing that would keep you busy. What would you do with your day? I think the social isolation we are all experiencing is reflected in the story. Loneliness can kill, it is terrible for your mental health, how do you cope when you are all alone and have no way out? 2) What inspired you to write it? My love of Tangled the movie started me off, then I took the fantasy element and I went somewhere darker and found a path back to my favourite genre of Horror writing. 3) Do you prefer Villains to Heroes? Oh, my what a question. A villain that you can love, that you can follow and see the reason behind the villainy is someone I can root for. Likewise, a hero that is honest and does not see themselves as a hero is also a great attraction. I think Captain Carrot in The Discworld stories is a fantastic hero as he is simple and honest and true but for no other reason than that is his nature, he wants no reward. Then again, a villain that is just evil, and wants to hurt and destroy is not my cup of tea. 4) Is your story a standalone? I am not sure, could the story continue? Maybe. But I like where I left it. A sequel might be difficult to write. 5) What's next for you, writing wise? I am writing a story for an anthology being run by www.caabpublishing.co.uk called Born in a black cab. The story has to start in a London black cab. It is quite a fun idea and I am enjoying the challenge. The story has been quite raunchy so far, which is unlike me, but I can feel the dark pull once more and I know the characters are about to take a sinister turn. Personally, I can’t wait as I have always embraced the darkness.  1) Tell us about your story
My story, Stepsisters: Evils of the Flesh, centers on the evil stepsisters and their jealously toward Cinderella. In most versions of the story, the stepsisters are portrayed as self-centered, dumb, and mostly harmless. It was my thought that I could change the harmless into a psychotic element and really use their jealousy to change the story up. 2) What inspired you to write it? I’ve always had an interest into alternative versions of well-known stories and the what if elements. I’ve also felt that the stepsisters should have been eviller than they were portrayed, so I used those elements to create a story that does not have a happy ending, or maybe it does. I guess it all depends on how you look at it. 3) Do you prefer Villains to Heroes? This is a tough question. I don’t always see the bad guys as the villains, I guess it depends on the story. For example, in the Hellraiser series, Pinhead is not necessarily a villain. Instead, he is performing acts he is meant to do. The villain may actually be the ones who open the box. I find that often I may overanalyze the characters, delving into their details, to see the intricacies of their characters. So, for me, like the villains and heroes alike. 4) Is your story a standalone? I wouldn’t say my story is a standalone, but rather an alternate telling of the story. 5) What's next for you, writing wise? I have a huge backlog to write. I plan on a few short stories this year, but am placing most of my focus on novels/novellas. I have three books currently in progress that I hope to finish soon. I’d say my biggest focus will be finishing the book Humantula, the third in a series that follows Sharkantula and Slothantula. I’ve been on a B-Movie type kick lately. They are fun to write and I enjoy the ridiculous aspect of them  1) Tell us about your story
I chose to tell the story of the witch from Hansel and Gretel. It is a very different version to what you may be used to and while she starts as a witch, she becomes something more. 2) What inspired you to write it? I liked the Hansel and Gretel tale when I was younger but you never found out why the witch ate children and I wanted to answer that question. My character has no choice but to eat them in order to survive. 3) Do you prefer Villains to Heroes? I like the heroes, but I prefer it if they have a dark side too. I don't like completely 'good' characters. 4) Is your story a standalone? Yes, I think I tell her story from when her troubles started up untill the story we know. 5) What's next for you, writing wise? I am releasing a new book tomorrow called New Moon and I am working on a vampire novella.  1) Tell us about your story
My story is a new take on the sea witch from The Little Mermaid. Cecelia took over running the docks from her father when he died. She is used to getting what she wants and when a mysterious man shows up, looking for his friend, she wants him. 2) What inspired you to write it? I wanted to put together an anthology on the villains from fairytales and I chose the sea witch because there is not a lot known about her. I wanted to show her when she was younger and why she turned out the way she did. 3) Do you prefer Villains to Heroes? I do prefer the villains, I think they make more interesting characters and I like learning why they do what they do. 4) Is your story a standalone? Yes, this is a one off story. 5) What's next for you, writing wise? I will be working on an academy book for the summer and I hope to start a new PI series in the fall. 
Bay of Darkness
The Kelly Society Book One S.K. Andrews Genre: Paranormal Publisher: Wild Rose Press Date of Publication: October 2, 2019 ISBN: 1509227792 ASIN: B07WDL6HT6 Number of pages: 418 Word Count: 95,000 Cover Artist: Debbie Taylor Tagline: To save the modern world, psychic Vivien Kelly channels an ancient Celtic life of treachery and murder—at the peril of her own soul. Book Description: After witnessing her fiancé’s murder and almost dying herself, Vivien Kelly’s mission is to destroy Dagda—a Celtic God turned demon. When Vivien discovers she worshiped Dagda in an ancient life as Boudicca, the Celtic warrior queen, she’s compelled to the quaint Northern California town of Half Moon Bay. There Vivien finds Dagda’s creatures tormenting the locals—from a Fear Dorcha, to the Headless Horseman. The Kelly Society is then born—her own paranormal cleansing team and the race is on when people around her begin to die. While banishing a Banshee, Vivien meets Neal Harrington—a soul partner who can promise true happiness. But when Dagda’s black vapor creates a New World of darkness, her time is up. Can Vivien abandon everyone she loves and succumb to Boudicca’s barbaric force to defeat the demon? Her actions not only determine her future—but the future of the modern world. Book Trailer https://youtu.be/UMA9IuWSrog Amazon BN Kobo Scribd Indiebound Excerpt: Announcing her presence, Vivien slapped open palms against the bedroom door. Shrieking stopped, as the Banshee tried to stab into her intuitive power—not even making a dent. Julie I’m here to help. Don’t be afraid. After sending her telepathic message, she felt a definite shift. The young girl now had hope. Sensing another female entity in the bedroom, Vivien tuned in sharper. A spirit connected to the house stood in front of Julie, also protecting her. “That horrible noise stopped.” Neal eyed the door urgently. “Is that good or bad? I mean, is Julie safe?” “Yes, she’s safe. I put a protective light around her.” Heaving a sigh of exhaustion, he rubbed his temple. “Oh, right—the light thing. This is all so weird.” Neal’s head popped up. “No offense.” “None taken.” She grinned like a debutant about to dance with the coolest boy in school. “What now?” Vivien desperately prayed for someone to slap her in the face. Where was Donna when she needed her? Clasping her hands tightly, she pressed on. “I go in and—” Her mouth stopped moving. A dustbowl of black energy swirled through the house coming from Neal, as well as Julie’s friends. “Please bring the other girls to me. Tell them we need to help Julie.” “What?” His horrified face reflected his confusion. “Do you trust me?” Relaxed eyes connected with his. Neal’s voice came out in a whisper. “I do trust you. I don’t even know why.” The universe ceased movement while they gazed at each other again. Finally, Vivien cleared her throat and Neal turned on his heel. “I’ll get the girls.” After he rounded the corner, Vivien’s head dropped into her hands. He distracted her to the point of possible error, and that she couldn’t afford. Why did she have to meet him on a case? A damn weird one at that. Bringing her head up, Vivien found three nervous girls peeking out from behind Neal’s legs. Neal looked down upon them with an encouraging smile. “It’s okay. Vivien is here to help.” They gawked at her like fawns caught in the headlights of a tanker truck. A red-haired, freckled girl held Neal’s hand, a brown-eyed girl grasped his thigh like a rope tow on a ski slope, and a sandy-haired, blue-eyed girl sporting a pink kitty shirt clung to his second hand. All three held guilty faces. Then it hit Vivien like a shot to the chest— they believed they’d abandoned Julie to a horrible fate. Neal got them out, but before Julie could escape, the creature sealed the door with an oozing black substance. “I want to tell you all something—and you too.” Neal looked at her with surprise. “Yes?” “I feel and can see the terror you’re all in right now. Everything in this world has energy, and you’re sending out powerful fear. That’s what the creature wants. So, when you’re scared, you’re actually feeding the banshee and making her more powerful.” Her helpful speech made the girls burst into tears. Stretching out her arms, she kneeled in front of them. “Wait! I know how we can fix this.” “We didn’t mean to! We really didn’t!” The girls proclaimed between sobs. “Now, listen to me.” Beautiful young eyes gazed back at her expectantly. “Go back to Neal’s bedroom and sit in a circle. Hold hands and think of the best, most fun memory you have with Julie. I see you all at the beach making sand- castles. Use that one, or another, but focus on the joy of that day. It’s like a daydream. Keep that vision going until I’m done.” Neal came forward. “I’ll do it with them. Let’s go.” Amazed at his instant acceptance of her task, she stood. Suddenly the girls sprang to life, all smiles and nods. They pulled Neal down the hallway, chattering about which memory they would choose. Neal walked with them, but gave her a last, concerned glance before turning the corner. He wanted to protect her but didn’t know how. Glowing from the inside out, Vivien realized it had been a long time since a man worried about her well-being. About the Author: When Starra Andrews wasn't swimming the Pacific Ocean in her hometown of Laguna Beach, California, she busied herself by writing fantasy stories and acting on stage. Having grown up watching Rod Serling’s Twilight Zone and Night Gallery shows on TV, Starra quickly fell in love with paranormal tales with a message of wisdom and love. Also, being a fan of romance novels and non-fiction ghost stories, she decided to marry the two and write paranormal novels of suspense, adventure, and intrigue with a strong romantic foundation. The sense of adventure inside her came from summers of camping with her family in Mexico (Baja California) and walking along beaches with no other footprints but hers, as her family members unpacked the camper and got ready to collect clams right off the shoreline for dinner. Starra attained a B.A. degree in Theatre from University of California, Irvine, and a Professional Acting Certificate from LACC Acting Academy. Starra is also a member of the International Thriller Writers, which hosts the Thrillerfest writers conference every year in NYC. The beautiful Hudson Valley in upstate New York is where Starra now calls home. She loves being a quick train ride from New York City, but also enjoys country life. Her two tabby cats Audrey Hepburn and Vivien Leigh are her constant writing companions, and love to curl up on the table next to her laptop. Her heroine, psychic/paranormal cleanser Vivien Kelly and her team are in a race to rid the modern world of deadly Celtic creatures in her book trilogy, The Kelly Society. Bay of Darkness is the first book of the series. https://www.skandrews.com/ https://www.skandrews.com/blog https://twitter.com/magicstarra https://www.facebook.com/pg/authorskandrews/ https://www.instagram.com/starraandrews/ https://www.pinterest.com/starraandrews/ https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50086707-bay-of-darkness https://www.bookbub.com/books/bay-of-darkness-by-s-k-andrews Tour Giveaway 5 eBook copies
Review
Vivien witnesses the murder of her fiance, but soon discovers that there are more evils in the world, evil that only she can stop. She must use her newfound abilities to take down a demon before he kills her. This is an interesting read and a little bit different to the usual books out there. Based on Celtic myths, there is plenty to entertain you. I would recommend it.  Thank you for joining us this month. If you enjoyed the event, please consider sharing a few posts or commenting as we would love to hear your feedback.
I will be running another event later this year. Stay tuned to find out the theme.  1) What fairytale(s) have you chosen to retell and why? I choose Beauty and the Beast retelling (with Dracula and Pride and Prejudice) because it's one of my favorites and I love the element of 'who is the REAL beast?' that works so well with the overall structure. I can't think of another that has so many elements I can twist into something that works with my Vampires. 2) What makes your story unique? I think the origin of vampires is one thing that makes the world I created unique. They are demon cursed creatures rather than undead. 3) What was your favorite fairytale growing up and why? Beauty and the Beast, and I think like many authors my reasoning would be similar to "Who doesn't want that library?" But also, as a child I loved that she had a horse and knew how to ride. (I was obsessed with anything and everything that resembled a horse.) 4) Who was your favorite villain? Oh that's tough. I suppose I don't have a specific favorite villain in mind as I do a type of villain. I love when they think what they are doing is right, or they have a back story that shows how their past pain has led them to do the horrible things they've done. 5) Is this a standalone or do you have more books planned? I have 6 books of this series planned, and the majority of which will be published in 2020. Books two and three are up for preorder. (The dates for books two and three will be moved up soon)  Ali Winters is the USA Today bestselling and award winning author of The Hunted series, as well as an amazon and international bestselling author. She was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest where she developed her love of nature, animals, and all things green.
For as long as she can remember, she’s been mesmerized by the extraordinary world of books and fantasy. There has never been a time when stories were not begging to be told, either by drawing, photography, or writing.With encouragement from one of her favorite authors, she jumped in, head first, to pursue the career that had been calling to her since the day she opened her first book.She has a deep love for coffee, tea, warm blankets, dogs, creating art in any medium she can get her hands on, and family. |
 
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About the Author:S. K. Gregory is an author, editor and blogger. She currently resides in Northern Ireland. “Description begins in the writer’s imagination, but should finish in the reader’s.” 
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