Parallel Universes - guest post by Cherie Reich

Parallel Universes and Alternative History Are Alive and Well

by Cherie Reich

The anthology Parallels: Felix Was Here resides in the speculative fiction genre’s subcategory alternate history. TV, movies, and books have handled the subject of alternate history as well as parallel universes. My story “Folds in Life and Death” posits the question: If the Curse of Tippecanoe is true and President Reagan had died in 1981, what does that mean for the President elected in 2000?

Today I have listed a few of my favorite TV shows and books that are alternate history or have parallel universes.

1. The Flash (TV show) – It’s official. Barry Allen a.k.a. The Flash is my new favorite superhero. This CW TV show includes some great parallel universes, such as Earth 2 and the Earth with Supergirl on it.

2. DC’s Legends of Tomorrow (TV show) – Can these heroes become legends by changing history to stop Vandal Savage from destroying the future? This show, also on CW, pulls characters from The Flash and Arrow. Leonard Snart a.k.a. Captain Cold is one of my favs on this show, but all the characters are fantastic.

3. Timeline by Michael Crichton (the book) – Yes, there is a movie too, but I haven’t seen it yet. I loved the book. Then again, I am a huge Crichton fan. This book made me love quantum physics and the theory of multiverses.

4. Oath of Empire series by Thomas Harlan (books) – Although I haven’t read all the series yet, I thoroughly enjoyed Harlan’s take on alternate history where the Roman Empire did not fall.

What’s your favorite example of parallel universes or alternate history?

Enter the realm of parallel universes! 

What if the government tried to create the perfect utopia? Could a society linked to a supercomputer survive on its own? Do our reflections control secret lives on the other side of the mirror? Can one moment split a person’s world forever? 

Exploring the fantastic, ten authors offer incredible visions and captivating tales of diverse reality. Featuring the talents of L. G. Keltner, Crystal Collier, Hart Johnson, Cherie Reich, Sandra Cox, Yolanda Renee, Melanie Schulz, Sylvia Ney, Michael Abayomi, and Tamara Narayan. 

Hand-picked by a panel of agents and authors, these ten tales will expand your imagination and twist the tropes of science fiction. Step through the portal and enter another dimension!

Purchase the anthology at Amazon, iTunes, Kobo, Nook, and Smashwords.

Add to your Goodreads list.

Follow the blog.

Cherie Reich is a speculative fiction writer and library assistant living in Virginia. You can find more information about her on her website.

Review for Once Upon A Nightmare & Sale!

Blurb:

A legend awakens…

A monster hunts us. After hibernating for a decade, it’s ravenous. We long to stop this nightmare, but the end of the road is far. There is no waking up once a legend sets its sights on you.

Disappearances every ten or so years make little impact on the small town of New Haven, Virginia. Hikers get lost. Hunters lose the trail. Even when a body is discovered, the inhabitants’ memories last about as long as the newspaper articles.

No one connects the cases. No one notices the disappearances go back beyond Civil War times. No one believes a legendary monster roams the forests in Southwestern Virginia.

I don’t either until the truck breaks down on an old mountain trail. Cell phones won’t work in this neck of the woods. It’s amazing how much a person can see by starlight alone. So what if we can’t feel our fingers or toes as we hike toward the main road. How many more miles left to go?

Crrraaack!

Hear that noise? 

My review:

Three chilling tales that will keep you awake on long winter nights.

We begin with a short terrifying piece that gives the reader a peek into how a monster is born. Nightmare at the Freak Show pulls at your heartstrings and leaves you pale and horrified, sitting with your mouth agape. Cherie Reich builds great tension in this opening tidbit. It'll leave you hungry for more.

Once Upon A December Nightmare grips you with its vivid detail and nail-biting suspense. It seemed like a normal night for the young folk, but I fast on the edge of my seat, and I couldn't relax even when I reached the end. The most unique part of this story is that the reader is allowed to see through all the characters' eyes. Each of the four characters have their own sections, and it's like peeling back layers of an onion. More is revealed about the dynamics of the group and each individual's inner most feelings. Cherie does a marvelous job with characterization.

Nightmare Ever After is my favorite of the stories. It takes place a decade after the last tale, and lets the reader peek into the life of someone who survived one horrible night. Cassie is a fascinating character that must not only deal with living with the trauma of that night, but also with the fact no one believes her. She struggles with her fears, but she's a survivor. Tim is the perfect complement to her character. They're thrown into the chaos of a case that's never been solved. The mystery haunts the reader through the pages, slowly unveiling the horror. The tension builds as the number of murders grow until you're on the edge of your seat waiting to see what's going to happen. The story has a definite X-Files feel. Though Tim is more Scully where as Cassie would be Mulder.

This is an amazing collection of horror stories. An intriguing mystery, masterful characterization, and heart pounding suspense. Oh, you'll see your fair share of horrific things, but there's so much more to these tales.

Buy links: Amazon * B&N * Book Depository * CreateSpace 

Add it to read on Goodreads. 

Haunt Cherie Reich here.

Once Upon a Nightmare tour - 7 Tips on Surviving a Horror Story

7 Tips on Surviving a Horror Story

by Cherie Reich

1. Never split up.

The first one to split from the group is almost always the first to die.

2. Phones are bad.

They never work when you want them to, and when they do work, it’s usually a way for the killer to get you right where he wants you.

3. Never look back.

Run, run, run and never, ever look back. You’re more likely to trip and die, if you do look back.

4. Off with its head!

There aren’t too many monsters out there, except hydras, that can live or grow stronger without their heads. So chop away!

5. Don’t live in small towns, forests, or near cornfields.

They’re crawling with monsters and aliens.

6. Don’t laugh at guys with chainsaws.

This one is from personal experience. No one likes to be laughed at, and it’s more dangerous to do so when the person has a chainsaw.

7. Romance will get you killed.

Whether it’s a one night stand or a romantic tryst with your beau, it’s better to be single in a horror story. Romance (or sex) clouds your judgment and makes you great monster bait.

What’s your favorite tip on surviving a horror story?

A monster hunts us. After hibernating for a decade, it’s ravenous. We long to stop this nightmare, but the end of the road is far. There is no waking up once a legend sets its sights on you.

Disappearances every ten or so years make little impact on the small town of New Haven, Virginia. Hikers get lost. Hunters lose the trail. Even when a body is discovered, the inhabitants’ memories last about as long as the newspaper articles.

No one connects the cases. No one notices the disappearances go back beyond Civil War times. No one believes a legendary monster roams the forests in Southwestern Virginia.

I don’t either until the truck breaks down on an old mountain trail. Cell phones won’t work in this neck of the woods. It’s amazing how much a person can see by starlight alone. So what if we can’t feel our fingers or toes as we hike toward the main road. How many more miles left to go?

Crrraaack!

Hear that noise?

Purchase Once upon a Nightmare: A Collection by Cherie Reich at Amazon. From June 22-28, the collection is only $0.99!

Cherie Reich is a speculative fiction author and library assistant living in Virginia. Visit her website and blog for more information.

Once Upon a Nightmare will bring you chills!

Excerpt: 

Cassie cringed at each bump along Tree Branch Trail. Gravel crunched underneath the truck’s tires, yet somehow the dilapidated vehicle withstood the beating. Squished between her best friend Mary and the door, Cassie tensed and tried not to hit anything or anyone as the truck vaulted over another pothole. She wished she had a seat belt on, but with two seat belts and four people in the front seat, it wasn’t happening. They should’ve taken her car, but it never would’ve made it on this backcountry road. Why didn’t they stick with the plan and not come out here anyway?

“How do you like your first off-roading adventure, Cassie?” Denise asked with the harsh laugh of a smoker while shifting her plump hips between her boyfriend James and her sister Mary.

“It’s great,” Cassie said without enthusiasm and with a whole truckload of sarcasm. The vehicle ran over a monstrous rut, and her head knocked against the window. She sucked in air through her teeth. Checking for a bump, she glanced over to Mary. Although three years younger and still in high school, Mary was Cassie’s best friend and confidante. Cassie had missed her most since she moved to Missouri for college. She leaned close to Mary’s ear. “I think we should’ve stayed and watched a different movie.”

“Me too,” Mary whispered back.

James slammed on the brakes, and the truck fishtailed to a stop.

Cassie pressed her hand against the glove compartment. Dashboard lights illuminated Mary’s grimace and her white knuckles from clutching the seat belt so hard.

“What’s out there?” Cassie peered ahead.

Book Description: A monster hunts us. After hibernating for a decade, it’s ravenous. We long to stop this nightmare, but the end of the road is far. There is no waking up once a legend sets its sights on you.

Disappearances every ten or so years make little impact on the small town of New Haven, Virginia. Hikers get lost. Hunters lose the trail. Even when a body is discovered, the inhabitants’ memories last about as long as the newspaper articles.

No one connects the cases. No one notices the disappearances go back beyond Civil War times. No one believes a legendary monster roams the forests in Southwestern Virginia.

I don’t either until the truck breaks down on an old mountain trail. Cell phones won’t work in this neck of the woods. It’s amazing how much a person can see by starlight alone. So what if we can’t feel our fingers or toes as we hike toward the main road. How many more miles left to go?

Crrraaack!

Hear that noise?

Purchase Print/Ebook on Amazon! The ebook is on sale for $0.99 until April 30th.

About the Author: Cherie Reich has more books than she can ever read and more ideas than she can ever write, but that doesn't stop this bookworm from trying, even if it means trying to curb her TV addiction. She is a speculative fiction writer and library assistant living in Virginia. Her short stories have appeared in magazines and anthologies, and her books include the paranormal horror collection Once upon a Nightmare and the fantasy series The Foxwick Chronicles and The Fate Challenges. Reborn is her debut novel. She is a member of the Virginia Writers Club, Valley Writers, and Untethered Realms. For more information about her and her work, please visit her website and blog.

Cover Art: Amygdala Design

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A legend awakens... Once upon a Nightmare: A Collection by Cherie Reich is now available on Amazon as an ebook and a paperback. This paranormal horror/thriller collection features the novelette Once upon a December Nightmare, the novella Nightmare Ever After, and the short story “Good Nightmare, Scary Monster.” From April 16-April 30, you can purchase the ebook for only 99 cents. http://smarturl.it/OuaNKindle

A monster hunts us. After hibernating for a decade, it’s ravenous. We long to stop this nightmare, but the end of the road is far. There is no waking up once a legend sets its sights on you. Cherie Reich’s Once upon a Nightmare: A Collection is now available on Amazon as an ebook and paperback. From April 16-April 30, you can purchase the ebook for only 99 cents. http://smarturl.it/OuaNKindle

The Geek and The Lady

Today I have an unofficial stop in my geeky tour.
The generous Susan Gourley is hosting me, and I'm discussing the methods of marketing different genres. As you can see, I'm neck deep in just that right now!

Like an angel without wings, you best look away lest she blind you.

Meet The Lady.

The brave Cherie Reich is hosting this ancient and mysterious character.

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The Geeky Dice & Debauchery Tour brings you an awesome review!

Reviews are so important to authors and readers. It helps give authors important feedback and boost sales. For readers, it allows them to learn more about a book before they buy them. I always read the reviews before I purchase a book. Please consider leaving a review. Just a line or two will do.

And speaking of reviews, click on over to the awesome Cherie Reich's blog for a fantastic one about Loose Corset.

Roll (or click!) to win!

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The Founding of Foxwick - guest post by Cherie Reich

The Founding of Foxwick

by Cherie Reich

Gather around, children, and let me tell you the tale of how the Kingdom of Foxwick came into being.

Once upon a time, a publisher put out a call for an anthology about assassins. Ooo, assassins are pretty cool. They are usually pretty badass, and it could be fun to write a story for the anthology. The publisher had an interesting stipulation too. They only wanted the first five hundred words of the story before they’d consider reading the entire thing.

But what should I write about? Who was my assassin and who would he/she have to kill?

I selected a female assassin. There are a lot of male ones, so I thought a female would stand out. But who would she kill? Someone royal/presidential/etc.? Perhaps someone close to her. No, no normal human would do. I wanted something bigger. A story that would take notice.

She would assassinate Death himself.

Once I figured out why she would have to kill Death, then I needed a setting. This was a fantasy anthology, and they wanted a Medieval-esque world. I had no readily available world to drop the main character in. I searched some fantasy world naming generators to figure out a name.

Foxwick came up in the second or third search. Foxwick. I liked it. A lot.

Thus, the Kingdom of Foxwick was born with badass Princess Umbria as this particular short story’s main character. Umbria features in five out of the seventeen short stories in People of Foxwick and Their Neighbors, and she’s mentioned in a few others.

A call for a short story inspired a whole new world. And although the story “Lady Death” was short-listed yet not accepted into the anthology, I couldn’t be more grateful for the founding of Foxwick.

The kingdom hangs in the balance.

War threatens Foxwick on all sides.

The dreaded Shadowlands gains more souls. From the shrouded trees in Greymist Forest to the arid Blackden Barrens, monsters roam in search of their next victim. Sirens lure ships beneath Merrilea Sea. In cold and snowy Wintermill, royals plot to claim Foxwick as their own, even if they must use dragons and sorcery. Marriage between Foxwick’s king and Lochhollow’s princess creates a perilous alliance. Although brave Valdale will come to Foxwick’s aid, the cost may be more than a true friend can stomach.

Set over a hundred years, these seventeen fantasy short stories explore the people, creatures, and lands in and around the Kingdom of Foxwick.

Add on Goodreads here.

Available in print and e-formats!

To purchase: Amazon | Google Play | Nook | Other Retailers

Cherie Reich is a speculative fiction writer and library assistant living in Virginia. Her short stories have appeared in magazines and anthologies, and her books include the horror collection Once upon a Nightmare, a science fantasy collection titled Fall of Gravity, and the fantasy series The Foxwick Chronicles and The Fate Challenges. Reborn is her debut novel. She is the vice president of Valley Writers and a member of the Virginia Writers Club and Untethered Realms. For more information, please visit her website.

Twisted Earths is here!

Amazon / Google Play / Smashwords / iTunes / B&N 

Nine twisted stories from nine twisted worlds.

Contributing authors:

Angela Brown

River Fairchild

Gwen Gardner

M. Gerrick

Graeme Ing

M. Pax

Christine Rains

Cherie Reich

Catherine Stine

 

Twisted Earths is a collection of tales from Untethered Realms, a group of speculative fiction authors. The stories are as varied and rich as the types of soil on this and other planets—sandy loam, clay, knotted with roots and vines, dreaded paths through unexplored planets, and in enchanted forests, lit by candlelight and two moons.

M. Pax, author of the series, The Backworlds and The Rifters spins a tale called Patchworker 2.0. Specialists with digital interfaces are the only ones who can distinguish between biological energy and mechanical pulses, and “patch” AIs, which hold the world together. Patchworker Evalyn Shore meets up with an AI with deadly intent.

Cherie Reich, known for her epic fantasy series The Fate Challenges and The Foxwick Chronicles, presents Lady Death. Umbria, a beautiful and powerful swordsmith, is given an impossible task by her brother Leon when he asks, “You are the assassin. Are you scared to destroy Death when you are up to your elbows in it?”

Angela Brown is the author of the paranormal Shadow Jumpers and NEO Chronicles series. In her story, In The Know, Jacob, a loyal family man is struggling to stay out of debt when he’s hired to report on big plans for a future Detroit. He’s given a mysterious manila envelope with instructions to “open it alone” or pay the price. With switchback twists you won’t see coming, a debt of a much steeper cost is what he just might end up paying for his involvement.

Catherine Stine, author of the futuristic thrillers, Fireseed One and Ruby’s Fire, offers The Day of The Flying Dogs, a sinister tale of brilliant, troubled NYC high-school student, Theo. He experiences a day at Coney Island that includes drugs, delusions, a lonely capybara, Nathan’s hotdogs and a mind-bending lesson in our very twisted universe.

Christine Rains, known best for her paranormal series The Thirteenth Floor, gives us The Ole Saint, a story at once sweet, horrific and heartrending. Ezra longs to fit in and have boys stop calling him witch and freak, yet his unique supernatural skill sets him apart, and the last gift from The Ole Saint cinches the deal.

Graeme Ing, known for his young adult fantasy, Ocean of Dust presents The Malachite Mine, a gripping, scream-inducing ride. Whatever was Mary thinking when she accepted her husband’s gift of a most terrifying twenty-first birthday celebration in an abandoned Russian mine?

River Fairchild, author of her Jewels of Chandra series, presents A Grand Purpose. Rosaya and her cousin, Drianna are soon to be married off, but Rosaya is unhappy with her assigned match. She’s much more intoxicated by the older Firrandor, a wizard she hardly knows. When Rosaya is accused of killing an oracle boy, all bets are off, not only for her love, but her freedom.

Gwen Gardner, who pens the cozy paranormal mystery series, Indigo Eady, adds to her collection with Ghostly Guardian. Indigo and her rib-tickling ghost-busters must travel to a dangerous pirate-laden past in order to unearth a curmudgeonly eighteenth century spirit that is plaguing the Blind Badger Pub.

Misha Gerrick, whose War of Six Crowns series is forthcoming, gives us a story called Red Earth and White Light. Emily, a young ghost bride has long haunted a house. She longs to cross over into the afterlife, but she’s trapped in memories of lilies and betrayal.

Cover by: EDHGRAPHICS

Graphic Artist Erin Dameron-Hill

Twisted Earths is coming soon!

Twisted Earths is a collection of nine tales from Untethered Realms, a fantastic group of speculative fiction authors. I'm lucky enough to be a part of this great group. I'm in awe of their talent. And the gorgeous cover by graphic artist Erin Dameron-Hill is perfect!

Be on the lookout for the anthology coming this October, and click it "to read" on Goodreads. Here are the authors and their stories.

* * * * *

M. Pax, author of the series, The Backworlds and The Rifters spins a tale called "Patchworker 2.0." Specialists with digital interfaces are the only ones who can distinguish between biological energy and mechanical pulses, and “patch” AIs, which hold the world together. Patchworker Evalyn Shore meets up with an AI with deadly intent.

Cherie Reich, known for her epic fantasy series The Fate Challenges and The Foxwick Chronicles, presents "Lady Death." Umbria, a beautiful and powerful swordsmith, is given an impossible task by her brother Leon when he asks, “You are the assassin. Are you scared to destroy Death when you are up to your elbows in it?”

Angela Brown is the author of the paranormal Shadow Jumpers and NEO Chronicles series. In her story, "In The Know," Jacob, a loyal family man is struggling to stay out of debt when he’s hired to report on big plans for a future Detroit. He’s given a mysterious manila envelope with instructions to “open it alone” or pay the price. With switchback twists you won’t see coming, a debt of a much steeper cost is what he just might end up paying for his involvement.

Catherine Stine, author of the futuristic thrillers, Fireseed One and Ruby’s Fire, offers "The Day of The Flying Dogs," a sinister tale of brilliant, troubled NYC high-school student, Theo. He experiences a day at Coney Island that includes drugs, delusions, a lonely capybara, Nathan’s hotdogs and a mind-bending lesson in our very twisted universe.

Christine Rains, known best for her paranormal series The 13th Floor, gives us "The Ole Saint," a story at once sweet, horrific and heartrending. Ezra longs to fit in and have boys stop calling him witch and freak, yet his unique supernatural skill sets him apart, and the last gift from the Ole Saint cinches the deal.

Graeme Ing, known for his young adult fantasy, Ocean of Dust presents "The Malachite Mine," a gripping, scream-inducing ride. Whatever was Mary thinking when she accepted her husband’s gift of a most terrifying twenty-first birthday celebration in an abandoned Russian mine?

River Fairchild, author of her Jewels of Chandra series, presents "A Grand Purpose." Rosaya and her cousin, Drianna are soon to be married off, but Rosaya is unhappy with her assigned match. She’s much more intoxicated by the older Firrandor, a wizard she hardly knows. When Rosaya is accused of killing an oracle boy, all bets are off, not only for her love, but her freedom.

Gwen Gardner, who pens the cozy paranormal mystery series, Indigo Eady, adds to her collection with "Ghostly Guardian." Indigo and her rib-tickling ghost-busters must travel to a dangerous pirate-laden past in order to unearth a curmudgeonly eighteenth century spirit that is plaguing the Blind Badger Pub.

Misha Gerrick, whose War of Six Crowns series is forthcoming, gives us a story called "Red Earth and White Light." Emily, a young ghost bride has long haunted a house. She longs to cross over into the afterlife, but she’s trapped in memories of lilies and betrayal.

* * * * *

My website is finished! Woo-hoo!

I love it. My husband did an excellent job.

Click on over and let me know what you think.

REBORN blog tour - interview with the God of Prophecy

I'm excited and honored to have with me today the God of Prophecy, Apenth.

He plays a crucial role in Cherie Reich's YA fantasy series, The Fate Challenges. In fact, the young heroine is his chosen one.

You can read my review of REBORN here.

Please join me in welcoming Apenth to my blog.

1. You are the God of Prophecy and Wisdom. What other things have mortals attributed to you over the centuries? Healing and Music. Who knows what those mortals will come up with next?

2. Why did you go against Fate and make Yssa your sixth Phoenix Prophetess? I had to complete Amora’s prophecy. She passed into Hupogaia’s realm so many years ago. I miss her every day, but making sure her prophecies are intact brings me closer to her. I also love the city and kingdom she created. Fate may have dictated Amora’s fall, but I will delay Fate’s will as long as possible.

3. Do you have a particular love for the Kingdom of Amora? Why? My consort founded the kingdom, so of course I love it. I love the way dawn’s rosy fingers brush against the white buildings. I love the bustle of the many different people who live within the city. It’s the grandest kingdom in the world, and I will fight to protect it.

4. Do you speak with your other seers as you do with Yssa? Not usually and not where they know it is me. Yssa is pretty unique in her ability to see us gods. Not even the other Phoenix Prophetesses could do so.

5. Yssa thinks that you might be her Phoenix Guard. Have you considered taking that role again as you did in the past? The Council of the Gods has decreed only mortal men can be Phoenix Guards, so unless I become mortal, I won’t go against that rule by the Council.

6. Kisa, the Queen of the Gods, does not seem to have a particular liking for you. Can you tell us if this is something beyond you raising Phoenix Prophetesses? Yes, Kisa’s animosity has little to do with my Phoenix Prophetesses, although they give her a reason to act out against me. My father is Thean, Kisa’s consort. My mother, however, is Postera. Kisa never forgave my mother for the affair she had with Thean, even when the Queen of the Gods cursed Mother. Kisa often seeks to disrupt my plans.

7. You once had a mortal family. Can you tell us a bit about them? Ah, I loved my mortal family. I was a young god—merely a child myself—when I brought Amora back to life. Those purple eyes stole my heart. We grew up together in many ways and fought many battles together to take a small fishing village into a city. Amora and I had two children—twins—Moran and Apentha. Apentha was born first, so we decided she would become queen of our fledgling kingdom. Apentha was smart yet insecure. She had a talent with healing. Her touch could sooth a screaming baby and calm a grieving mother. Moran was always an anxious child. He never wanted to stay still and longed to explore. After Apentha brought him back to life, he traveled east and founded the City of Apentha, which became a kingdom in its own right until the joining of Princess Magna and Prince Cyrun. I miss my family each and every day.

8. Do you still enjoy certain mortal pleasures? Please tell us a few. Ah, mortal pleasures. I enjoy the feel of parchment between my fingers. Too many gods don’t bother with reading. I enjoy hugs. A simple embrace can mean so much. Gods just don’t show simple affection like that. I like the sparkle of gold, how cool and smooth the metal can be.

9. What do you think of Yssa? Has she lived up to your expectations? Yssa hasn’t had it easy, but I’m so proud of her. She’s fought back from devastating losses to defeat her enemies. The poor thing doesn’t even realize how special she is, but I gave my word not to explain unless she figures the truth out. She will, though. She’s very persistent, which is a great trait to have.

10. Is everyone, including the gods, subjects of Fate, or do you believe that everyone should be able to create their own destiny? As nice as it would be for all of us to create our destiny, we are bound by Fate for the most part. The paths that have gone before us dictate the paths ahead of us. Of course, you mortals like to think you have a hand in where you end up, but do you? Or have you played into Fate’s hands all along?

Thank you for joining us, Apenth. I enjoyed our chat.

To save a kingdom, a prophetess must challenge Fate.

On the day of Yssa’s death and rebirth, the god Apenth chose her as the Phoenix Prophetess.

Sea serpents and gods endanger the young prophetess’s journey and sour the omens. Yssa is cursed instead of blessed, and her duties at the Temple of Apenth prove it. She spends her days reading dusty scrolls, which does nothing to help her forget Tym, the boy back home. But the annoying yet gorgeous ferryman’s son Liam proves to be a distraction she can’t predict, even though he rarely leaves her alone for two sand grains.

Her boring temple life screeches to a halt when visions of her parents’ murders consume her. Yssa races across an ocean to stop the future. If she can’t change Fate, she’ll refuse to be the Phoenix Prophetess any longer. Fate, however, has other plans for her and the kingdom.

Yssa must either accept her destiny or fight to change Fate.

Available in Ebook and Print!

To purchase: Amazon | Createspace | Google Play | iTunes | Kobo | Nook | OmniLit | Smashwords | Other Retailers

Click here to add on Goodreads.

A self-proclaimed bookworm, Cherie Reich is a speculative fiction writer and library assistant living in Virginia. Her short stories have appeared in magazines and anthologies, and her books include the horror collection Nightmare, a space fantasy novella collection titled Gravity, and the fantasy series The Foxwick Chronicles and The Fate Challenges. Reborn is her debut novel. She is Vice President of Valley Writers and a member of the Virginia Writers Club and Untethered Realms. For more information, please visit her website.

Cherie and the authors of Untethered Realms are giving away over $50 worth of books to one lucky winner. The giveaway is open internationally.

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REBORN blog tour - review & giveaway

Blurb:

To save a kingdom, a prophetess must challenge Fate.

On the day of Yssa’s death and rebirth, the god Apenth chose her as the Phoenix Prophetess.

Sea serpents and gods endanger the young prophetess’s journey and sour the omens. Yssa is cursed instead of blessed, and her duties at the Temple of Apenth prove it. She spends her days reading dusty scrolls, which does nothing to help her forget Tym, the boy back home. But the annoying yet gorgeous ferryman’s son Liam proves to be a distraction she can’t predict, even though he rarely leaves her alone for two sand grains.

Her boring temple life screeches to a halt when visions of her parents’ murders consume her. Yssa races across an ocean to stop the future. If she can’t change Fate, she’ll refuse to be the Phoenix Prophetess any longer. Fate, however, has other plans for her and the kingdom.

Yssa must either accept her destiny or fight to change Fate.

My review:

Yssa grew up on a small island, happy and loved, but she always knew her destiny was elsewhere. She is the Phoenix Prophetess, Apenth's chosen one. She is whisked away from home to serve the Queen, seeing great wonders and facing dangers beyond imagination. As the heavy weight of her position slowly smothers her, she has a vision of her parents' murder. She must save them at the risk of everything else. Can Yssa challenge Fate and win or will she find herself a mere cog in its ever-grinding wheel?

REBORN is the fantastic first book in The Fate Challenges and Cherie Reich's debut novel. The world building is astounding. The people, the cultures, the history, and the lore. Each layer is peeled back as we learn about the world through Yssa's eyes. The wonders and the horrors. I particularly love how the gods mingle with the mortals. The gods do walk among them and whisper in their ears.

Yssa is a strong and sympathetic heroine. I loved seeing her grow not only in her role as the Phoenix Prophetess, but from a small island girl into a young woman to be admired. Liam is the perfect complement to Yssa. He's a bit cocky and sharp at times, but he easily won me over. Their relationship is sometimes rocky and other times sweet. The cast of characters is large and wonderfully varied, but the Queen, Ariala, and the gods themselves are included in my favorites.

With great characterization and a marvelous story, this YA fantasy is not to be missed. I cannot wait to read the next installment in the series.

Available in Ebook and Print!

To purchase: Amazon | Createspace | Google Play | iTunes | Kobo | Nook | OmniLit | Smashwords | Other Retailers

Click here to add on Goodreads.

A self-proclaimed bookworm, Cherie Reich is a speculative fiction writer and library assistant living in Virginia. Her short stories have appeared in magazines and anthologies, and her books include the horror collection Nightmare, a space fantasy novella collection titled Gravity, and the fantasy series The Foxwick Chronicles and The Fate Challenges. Reborn is her debut novel. She is Vice President of Valley Writers and a member of the Virginia Writers Club and Untethered Realms. For more information, please visit her website.

 

Cherie and the authors of Untethered Realms are giving away over $50 worth of books to one lucky winner. The giveaway is open internationally.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Friday Five for May 30, 2014

1. I finished my revisions for WIP #1. It went through some major changes, but it's beautiful. Now I need to find the editor that thinks so too. I queried three publishers earlier this week. I already received one rejection. Yup, two days after I queried, I was rejected. Remarkably, I wasn't totally devastated. I'd love to get picked up by a publisher, but if the manuscript doesn't find a home somewhere, I will self-publish it. A few years ago, I wouldn't have been comfortable with that possibility, but I am now.

2. No word on any of the short stories or the novella I submitted. Waiting never gets any easier.

3. My son had his last day of school and now summer vacation begins. Unfortunately for the poor guy, it starts with him feeling sick. Yet he really wanted to go to his last day of school. I'm happy he loves it so much.

4. Did you see Annalisa Crawford's awesome new cover? Check it out.

5. There are two fabulous giveaways happening over on Untethered Realms. Mary Pax is having a Roadtrip Audiobook giveaway, and Cherie Reich is giving away a huge prize pack of several books including a signed print version of her new YA fantasy novel, REBORN.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Reborn is here!

To save a kingdom, a prophetess must challenge Fate.

On the day of Yssa’s death and rebirth, the god Apenth chose her as the Phoenix Prophetess.

Sea serpents and gods endanger the young prophetess’s journey and sour the omens. Yssa is cursed instead of blessed, and her duties at the Temple of Apenth prove it. She spends her days reading dusty scrolls, which does nothing to help her forget Tym, the boy back home. But the annoying yet gorgeous ferryman’s son Liam proves to be a distraction she can’t predict, even though he rarely leaves her alone for two sand grains.

Her boring temple life screeches to a halt when visions of her parents’ murders consume her. Yssa races across an ocean to stop the future. If she can’t change Fate, she’ll refuse to be the Phoenix Prophetess any longer. Fate, however, has other plans for her and the kingdom.

Yssa must either accept her destiny or fight to change Fate.

Now Available in Print and Ebook!
Print: Amazon /Barnes and Noble / Createspace
Ebook: Amazon / Google Play / Kobo / Nook / OmniLit / Scribd / Smashwords / Wattpad

A Dragon's Lament, Ocean of Dust, Reborn, and Backworlds

Here is some exciting news from four of the talented authors from Untethered Realms!

A DRAGON'S LAMENT is now available!

Magic is real. So is betrayal.

David enters the Fire Kingdom and events shift from bad to worse. He learns a shocking truth about the dragons, a truth destined to block his efforts to retrieve the lost magic of Shaylar from the ruling Council. After a cave-in and injuries force a rescue, David finds himself more isolated than before as personal concerns scatter his trusted advisors and the wizard who led him there abandons him.

The head of the dragon Council negotiates separate deals with both David and his father, sowing further discord between them. David's close friend, Lothan, disappears into the caves and doesn't return. A group of dissidents kidnap Wilks, the child empath David is sworn to protect. With no options left, he accepts the Council's demands to help them in their centuries-old conflict, risking a war which might kill them all.

Even if David manages to win, there's no guarantee the dragons will let him leave the region alive. They don't want the Kingdom of Shaylar to rise again and will stop at nothing to see it remain a pile of dust.

Available here:

AmazonUS / AmazonUK / AmazonAU / AmazonCA / AmazonBR / AmazonFR / AmazonDE  / AmazonIT / AmazonES / AmazonIN / AmazonJP / AmazonMX / SmashWords / Barnes & Noble / Apple Store / Kobo /

Paperback - Amazon

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About the author:

River Fairchild is somewhat odd, brandishes a dry sense of humor, owned by several cats. Lives in a fantasy world. A fabricator of magic. Makes stuff up and spins tales about it. Believes in Faerie crossings and never staying in one place for very long. Speculative Fiction wordsmith. The secret to her stories? Spread lies, blend in truths, add a pinch of snark and a dash of tears. Escape into her world. She left the porch light on so you can find your way down the rabbit hole.

Blog / Facebook / Twitter / Amazon / 


OCEAN OF DUST is now an audiobook!

Fourteen-year old Lissa is snatched from her home and finds herself a slave on a trading ship traveling on a waterless ocean of nothing but gray dust. A feisty, curious and intelligent girl, her desire to explore the ship earns her the hatred of the cruel first officer, Farq.

Fascinated by the ocean of dust, Lissa becomes embroiled in its mysteries, sensing things that the crew cannot, while cryptic whispers in her head are leading her toward a destiny linked to the dust itself. Only one man aboard can help her make sense of her new talent, but can she trust him? All is not as it seems, and she must unravel the clues before it's too late.

When a sinister plot casts her adrift on the barren ocean, her best friend is left in the hands of the treacherous crew. Everything hinges upon her courage, quick wits, and her ability to master her new talent.

Available here: Audiobook: Audible, Amazon
 

Find Graeme Ing on his site here!

REBORN on Wattpad!

Every first and third Wednesday through to December 2015, Cherie Reich will be posting a chapter of her new fantasy novel, REBORN on Wattpad. You can already read the Prologue and a quote from Part I.
 

Backworlds Extras!

Mary Pax has some exciting new extras for fans of her Backworlds series. Visit Pardeep Station and take part in her What Backworlds Character Are You? quiz or find out what your Backworlds name would be.