Book Launches and Artwork and Composition, Oh My
October 2024
Hello everybody! I can’t believe I’m saying this, but Fall, Sacred Apple is releasing in just five days! 😱
I’ve had the pleasure of receiving two amazing longform reviews so far—one from Adam Bassett at FanFiAddict and one from Jonathan Putnam at SFF Insiders. These were amazing to wake up to, and I’m so thankful to both individuals for taking the time to read and write such thorough reviews!
These last few weeks have been a race against time trying to get as much done as humanly possible, particularly in the realm of its Extended Edition on Campfire and print copy layout.
I ended up going with BookVault over IngramSpark for paperbacks, and while the delivery date for my proof copy is cutting it a liiiittle close to launch day I think it will be worth it in the end. And, if you’re on my mailing list or were an ARC reader, surprise! 🎊I’ll share a special discount code with you all once I’ve gone through the proof and made sure everything is squared away, which you can use to get a paperback copy at 50% off cover price plus shipping.
As far as the Extended Edition goes, I have something like 45 pieces of bonus content and lore available, a good chunk of which should be available at launch. Some things just physically take much longer to put together, such as timeline events, so those may end up being added to the Extended Edition post-release.
I also wanted to share with you all a secret side project I’ve been working on for the last several months—I composed a short Secret Soundtrack for FSA! All told, it includes four unique songs and four melody isolations, which I’m calling “Widowed” tracks (if you know, you know 😉). This is why my newsletter is a bit late this month—I needed a bit of extra time to be able to share one of the songs here.
The full soundtrack is only available in the Extended Edition, but here’s one of my favourites: the Song of the Blood Mother.
In other news, I think I will be happy if I never have to draw a fruit again—at least not these eight, haha. But, I know I will eventually, so I’ll just be happy for a break.
Lastly, before I go, here are some stories you might want to check out!
A Lake of Feathers and Moonbeams
By Dax Murray | 18 October 2017
How many half-truths could loyalty shoulder before it broke from the weight of deception on its back?
Strange things can be said of the forest that spans the border of two kingdoms long at war. An evil sorcerer has made it his dominion, or an elegant enchantress has claimed it as her domain and grants wishes to those who chance upon her, or maybe the forest is guarded by an ancient and wrathful spirit. But Katya calls the forest home, living a life of magic and charms with her partner Ivan.
But a threat looms over their forest, some darkness and danger that Ivan swears to protect her from. Katya finds herself caught up in a web of grudges and deception spanning generations, but most dangerous of all is the beautiful princess who stumbled into their woods. A princess who sets Katya’s heart fluttering with both desire and fear. As forces rally to rescue the princess or go to war, Katya must take measure of her own powers and decide what she is willing to sacrifice.
Will she retreat to the safety of what's familiar or give up everything she knows to spread her wings and fly?
You can read A Lake of Feathers and Moonbeams with this Universal Book Link.
The Silent Hand
By K.C. McIntosh | The Veins of Power Book One | 06 October 2024
In The Silent Hand, K.C. Mclntosh has created a rich and compelling world of monsters and villains. The first volume in this epic series adds a fresh chapter to the world of dark fantasy, combining mystery, adventure, and romance in a sinister tale with a spell of humor that keeps it light and moving. The debut novel of The Veins of Power opens with a proverbial bang and doesn't let up until the last page, sure to delight fantasy fans of any variety.
Gwald is a world of infinite magic, its many lands nourished by a mysterious power deep beneath its surface. Dwellings of extraordinary and ancient magic were built where the veins intersect, and where the magic seeps its inhabitants thrive. The Silent Hand, an ancient order dedicated to the destruction of all power but its own, rule the city of Belmouth with an iron fist. They will stop at nothing to eradicate the Seren Telu, an immortal race of sorcerers with a veiled past, who threaten the Church's dominance with ancient might. The Seren named Canthorn is their greatest threat, a man broken by loss and addiction, whose hatred for the Silent Hand is dwarfed only by the need to forget his past. He is joined by an unusual trio of misfits and outcasts. The former Templar, Daese and the drunken apprentice, Alrix accompany Canthorn on a daring mission to rescue a young clairvoyant, Lunelle, a girl of vast necromantic powers who has been captured by the Silent Hand.
I have not read this one personally, but I am absolutely in love with the cover. I have a soft spot for “classic” fantasy art and that gritty 80s/90s feel, so based on the cover alone this is right up my alley. You can read a sample or buy The Silent Hand on Amazon.
As always, thanks for reading! You’ll be hearing from me again on 15th November.
