Hello and Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors. I’m going to make this intro brief, because it’s 95 degrees outside and hotter inside, and I need to go find some shade and something frosty to drink. I’m reading a book that takes place in equatorial Africa and should really switch to something with snow and ice and lots of shivering. Any recommendations?
I’m sharing from Book 2 in my Edge of Night series, Death by Starlight. In this scene, Zeke has fallen afoul of the dark elfin queen, Ysolde. You can read previous snippets here and here. The portal referred to in this snippet is a gateway to other realms. Enjoy!
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Zeke scrambled behind a heavy settee and had to settle for weaving his fingers together and muttering a charm to strengthen his shield. He’d been rattled by the first hit and could think only of protection. He couldn’t best Ysolde in a fight, not without Ian by his side. She was too old and crafty, her magic too strong.
The settee smoked, its melting fibers emitting a noxious odor. He would have to flee soon and considered a flying spell, then realized he was already moving. Ysolde was pushing him, shield and all, toward the portal.
He sent magical spikes into the floor, but they didn’t take hold.
This was not the way to enter another realm—protections on the other side would already sense the approach of hostile magic and strike him down the instant he crossed.
“Perhaps we can negotiate, Ysolde!” he called over his shoulder.
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Available on Amazon here. Currently a Kindle Unlimited book, so you can check it out and read for free!
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In Betwixt and Between, Ian and Zeke fought a battle against the queen of the dark realm in order to be together. Now, when they think they might settle into as normal a life as elves living among humans might be able to expect, a new enemy threatens to tear them apart. While Zeke helps the shaman Alistair in his hunt for an elusive mermaid, Ian is called to confront a wicked nymph preying on tourists along Seattle’s waterfront. Zeke and Ian soon discover that the defeated Queen Ysolde has spread her evil into the sea realms, and danger lurks beneath every wave, but it is too late to stop an escalating series of confrontations that lead to disappearances, death and the possible end of light in this world.
As Ysolde plots revenge and a mysterious prince seeks to win Ian for himself, the ancient war between light and dark sweeps Ian and Zeke into its maelstrom of hate, testing their trust of each other to the utmost.
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I’ve had some inquiries if my books are available in formats other than Kindle. At this time, only Gryffon Hall is out there on B&N, Apple, etc. One reason is because I’m re-releasing all my Loose ID titles and am just flat out overwhelmed. The other reason is that I’m experimenting with Kindle Unlimited to see how that goes., which means if you have a Kindle you can read the books for free! When the KDP select term is up, I’ll distribute the books to other retailers. If you’d like to know when that happens, you can sign up for my nifty newsletter here!
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Weekend Writing Warriors is a blog hop where writers from a wide variety of genres share from their work in excerpts of ten sentences or less. Click the link to check out the other writers participating today. It’s a great way to discover your next favorite book!
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Thanks to Robin Ludwig Design, Inc. for the fabulous cover!
Sounds like she might just get her way. For now, anyway.
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Nice lady, this Isolde.
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I love the bit of description you threw in with the settee. Compelling snippet.
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Yikes. This doesn’t look too good.
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Danger afoot and it seems he’s in big trouble.
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I’m worried that he’s going to be pushed into the portal. Hopefully he can make a deal, but what will he have to do/give up for that deal?
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He’s not in the best position to bargain but it’s better than being toast! Intense scene, Alexis!
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Intense! i hope his idea works.
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Uh oh, he’s in so much trouble. I loved the melting couch detail! Great snippet and so of course I’m all worried for him…
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Uh-oh, this is not a strong negotiating position!
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Negotiate? Prolly depends what he has to offer and what it is she wants. 🙂 Love the descriptions!
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I don’t think she’s in the mood to chat haha
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I know she’s trying to kill him, but pushing him into the portal seems like an extra rude way to do it. She’s not even going to kill him herself?
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Intense scene! I’m intrigued by your world of magic.
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I like his last ditch attempt to save himself – she seems rather stronger than he is! Love this description of the battle. Congrats on the gorgeous cover, too!
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Great use of the senses during such an intense action scene. Can’t wait to see if she succeeds.
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