Twin Time is a time travel historical fiction urban fantasy by Olga and Christopher Werby. Today you'll have the chance to take a sneak peek into the book, plus some background information from the author. Be sure to let her know what you think! And then follow the tour for more. Best of luck in the giveaway!
Alex and Sasha are twin sisters, physically identical down to their freckles. But the resemblance is only skin deep—Sasha is profoundly autistic, while Alex is not. Sasha can’t communicate and acts bizarrely, and the family revolves around her and her intense needs. Yet the aged, wealthy, and mysterious Aunt Nana seems to have a particular interest in both girls. Offering a helping hand, she encourages the family to move to San Francisco to be near her. And when the young twins discover a tunnel in Nana’s tool shed, it leads them on a journey across the world and back 100 years in time. The tunnel is a pathway to the Firebird Estate, the home of their ancestors, located in rural Russia at the beginning of the twentieth century. Even more remarkable, through the effect that twisting time has on cognition, Sasha is not autistic when she’s at the Firebird Estate. Now, growing up in two strikingly different times and places, the twins must face their separate destinies among the ravages of the incipient Russian Revolution. Can they save their families on both sides of the tunnel? Can they simultaneously stay true to their own hearts, to each other, and to the people they left behind? Each sister must face her own personal challenge—but only together can they discover their own future within their family’s past.
Read an excerpt:
Boris Blackburg was observing Alex carefully, judging her emotional state and her ability to comprehend what he was telling her. She seemed very confused. He wasn’t surprised. This was the strangest assignment he had ever accepted. At first, he thought it was some silly notion of a well-to-do old woman. But as the years passed, he got to know Nadezhda well, and he liked the old woman, eccentricities and all. And as he got to know the Orlov family as well–vicariously, of course—the assignment grew more and more strange and intriguing.
Boris was also well compensated for his work. He was going to ensure Nadezhda’s wishes were followed. Alex Orlov would inherit her great-aunt’s estate and all the accompanying strangeness that came with it. He would make certain of it.
“Where did you get these?” Alex asked.
“Nadezhda, your Aunt Nana, gave these to me about eighteen years ago, shortly after you and Sasha were born.”
“I… I…” Alex seemed to want to say something, but couldn’t get it out. Boris was prepared to give her time, as long as her parents didn’t interfere with his mission by arriving too soon. At least the girl was now of age and the complications of guardianship had gone away–but he needed to complete his assignment before her parents arrived and complicated matters.
“Who’s the woman in this photo?” Alex pointed to a small black and white print of a man and a woman walking on the street. The image was very small, and it was difficult to identify the people, both of whom were wearing hats.
“Who do you think it is?” Boris asked. He knew, of course–Nadezhda had identified most of the photos for him, and there was information written on the back of most.
“I don’t know. But… it looks like… me?” Alex’s voice was small, barely audible.
Strange thing happens when you start writing a work of fiction. You begin to dream and see the world where your characters live. You get cravings for the food your characters enjoy. You listen to certain songs over and over and over again because somehow they give you just the right feel for that fictional place. The more you get immersed into your story, the more vivid that world becomes. It’s very similar to reading really. When I read a book that pulls me in body and soul into its narrative, I see the story play out before my eyes as I read it. I think this is why it is so often disappointing when we watch a movie based on a book we really love. We had formed all those images and sounds and even smells of the story and then the movie just doesn’t match out imagination and it’s a let down. Writing a story is similar…just takes a lot longer!
For most of my stories (all of my novels), I’ve created Pinterest mood pages that help reinforce the visual sense of those stories in my mind’s eye. I always encourage my readers to take a look. Because even if they imagine the world I create differently, they might get a kick out seeing what I was thinking about when I wrote my stories. Here’s a link to “Twin Time” visual mood board: https://www.pinterest.com/OlgaWerby/scifi-book-twin-time/
For this story, I’ve also created a little book trailer, using the illustrations from the book (yes, “Twin Time” is a fully illustrated novel because why not?): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHCxRU64hyU
Olga Werby, Ed.D., has a Doctorate from U.C. Berkeley with a focus on designing online learning experiences. She has a Master's degree from U.C. Berkeley in Education of Math, Science, and Technology. She has been creating computer-based projects since 1981 with organizations such as NASA (where she worked on the Pioneer Venus project), Addison-Wesley, and the Princeton Review. Olga has a B.A. degree in Mathematics and Astrophysics from Columbia University. She became an accidental science fiction indie writer about a decade ago, with her first book, "Suddenly Paris," which was based on then fairly novel idea of virtual universes. Her next story, "The FATOFF Conspiracy," was a horror story about fat, government bureaucracy, and body image. She writes about characters that rarely get represented in science fiction stories -- homeless kids, refugees, handicapped, autistic individuals -- the social underdogs of our world. Her stories are based in real science, which is admittedly stretched to the very limit of possible. She has published almost a dozen fiction books to date and has won many awards for her writings. Her short fiction has been featured in several issues of "Alien Dimensions Magazine," "600 second saga," "Graveyard Girls," "Kyanite Press' Fables and Fairy Tales," "The Carmen Online Theater Group's Chronicles of Terror," with many more stories freely available on her blog, Interfaces.com.
Be careful what you wish for! To see what I mean, check out an excerpt from the new YA paranormal romance by Christina Bauer. Quasi Redux is now available. Be sure to also check out the rest of the tour to see even more! Best of luck entering the giveaway at the end.
Myla Lewis has her life back. Wife. Mother. Queen. Great Scala. Queen of the Thrax. Yay! Then one day, Myla runs across a supernatural waterfall that makes her igni screech like crazy. Our heroine speaks the fateful words, “Some days, I wish I weren’t the Great Scala.” The waterfall grants her wish. A moment later, Myla is back at Purgatory High. No husband. No child. No powers beyond her old quasi days. And without Myla around as the Great Scala, all quasis now live under Armageddon’s rule. That sucks. Hard. So Myla sneaks into Antrum—she simply must find Lincoln and figure this out. Once she arrives, two problems arise. First, her husband doesn’t know her. At all. Second, Lincoln is married to someone else. Fuuuuuuu… ANGELBOUND ORIGINS In which Myla Lewis kicks ass and takes names. Nuff said. 1. Angelbound 2. Scala 3. Acca 4. Thrax 5. The Dark Lands 6. The Brutal Time 7. Armageddon 8. Quasi Redux
Read an excerpt:
I’ve found Lincoln. At last.
This is my chance. Sure, some crazy magic erased his memory, but this is Lincoln. My Lincoln. I’ll explain things to him. Afterward, we’ll fix this together. That’s how it’s always worked before.
Across the cavern, Lincoln scales up a climbing wall. A small group of younger guys in tunics and leather pants watch him move. This is a training session for the thrax nobility, just as I suspected.
So far, so good.
Lincoln clutches onto the wall with his right hand. Muscles strain in his face and body. All the while, my guy’s voice stays low and growly as he explains climbing stuff. In my mind, it’s a lot of blah blah blah ripped arms blah blah blah tight butt.
Did I mention that Lincoln is buck naked except for a pair of cargo pants? He is.
Here’s the problem. I’ve two inner demons—lust and wrath. And watching my guy right now? It makes my lusty side wakes up with a big HELL to the Oh.
What a disaster.
At this moment, I should be plotting on how to approach Lincoln. Instead, I can’t help but notice that single bead of sweat running down my guy’s abs… only to disappear into the waistline of his pants. My inner lust demon heats my blood with desire.
If I keep ogling my guy’s very yummy body, I’ll end up tackling him in front of everyone.
Christina Bauer thinks that fantasy books are like bacon: they just make life better. All of which is why she writes romance novels that feature demons, dragons, wizards, witches, elves, elementals, and a bunch of random stuff that she brainstorms while riding the Boston T. Oh, and she includes lots of humor and kick-ass chicks, too.
Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in English along with Television, Radio, and Film Production. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby. Be the first to know about new releases from Christina by signing up for her newsletter: http://tinyurl.com/CBupdates
Welcome to the tour for Baculum, the fourth book in the Angelbound Lincoln series by Christina Bauer! Today we're revealing the cover of this new book coming on January 26, 2021!
As King of the Thrax, Lincoln leads the most powerful demon fighting force in the after-realms … yet he cherishes nothing more than his Angelbound love, Myla. All of which is why Lincoln loses his freaking mind when a demon horde targets his pregnant wife.
So. Not. Happening.
Sometimes, a warrior just needs to ignite his baculum sword and kick a ton of evil ass.
Christina Bauer thinks that fantasy books are like bacon: they just make life better. All of which is why she writes romance novels that feature demons, dragons, wizards, witches, elves, elementals, and a bunch of random stuff that she brainstorms while riding the Boston T. Oh, and she includes lots of humor and kick-ass chicks, too.
Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in English along with Television, Radio, and Film Production. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby.
Be the first to know about new releases from Christina by signing up for her newsletter: http://tinyurl.com/CBupdates
Earlier, you had the chance to read an excerpt from Seven Ways to Kill a King by Melissa Wright here at Andi's Young Adult Books. Now you have the opportunity to see all of the excerpts and reviews all in one place in this grand finale collection. Plus there's another chance to enter the giveaway. Thank you so much!
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We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you'll find snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:
Princess Myrina is done hiding. Determined to remove each of the seven kings who stole her mother’s throne, she has every intention of setting things to right, king by murderous king. Her final mark waits in the castle of Stormskeep where her captive sister--the rightful queen and heir to the kingdom--is held by the worst of the kings. . .
“What are you playing at, Miri? You know we’ll never get past the guards. We can’t just waltz into the nearest castle and—” He made a vague gesture Miri supposed meant kill a king then shrugged a shoulder. “We should return to Smithsport. You should get on that ship and sail to somewhere safe.”
Any grace he’d earned the night before was forgotten. Miri leaned close. “My sister is captive to those murderous kings. If you think, for one moment, I prize my safety over hers—” Her words cut off at his look, because Miri knew all too well the sacrifice Cass was willing to make. He’d only wanted to save her and make her see that the path she was taking would be the death of them all. “I release you from your duty,” she said.
"I had so much fun reading this book and following the journey of Miri and Cass in this wonderfully-written fantasy story. As a standalone fantasy book, it was done excellently and no wonder it wasn’t a series or part of a series. The way the author wrote this amazing story proved that this book is good without having to have any continuation. I highly recommend this to those who love reading fantasy books with strong protagonists, plenty of good actions, and memorable story that will always stay with you."
"Seven Ways to Kill a King is the first book I have read by Melissa Wright. It will not be the last. I found the writing and plot to be unique and refreshing. I really enjoyed Cass and Miri's story. I admired the bravery and courage of Miri. The whole book was non stop action and adventure."
Cass leaned down to blow on the flame, and when the light flared, it caught his expression. Miri had thought him angry, and certainly, he was, but something else simmered beneath his displeasure. Terric was a queensguard and had been his friend. Miri hadn’t just risked cost to herself. If Terric didn’t make it, it would cost them both.
"I seriously loved reading this! I loved that it was a standalone, which is still rare these days (especially in fantasy). Great characters, an intriguing plot with all the feels, plenty of danger and action, and a sweet romance made for an excellent read. I'm excited to see what comes next from this author!"
"This was definitely a plot driven book. . . . The best bits of the book for me were the sneaking, assassin attempts and the fighting. They author did a great job of creating tension with those. I was definitely interested in how the events would play out and the last third of the book was great as far as a climax of events."
“Chickens. Maybe a doe.” He met her stare. “It’s not the same.”
“It’s not different.” It was. Killing to eat was not killing to kill. Wild game was no man. It was only a meal.
Cass was trying to scare her because of what she’d done and because they were getting closer to Pirn and the nearness of executing her plan. But there was no turning back. She had no other choice.
"This is a great action filled story. Miri and Cass are on the move throughout the entire story. I liked all the characters who were backup help to them. I liked the ending because it wasn't at all how I was predicting it to be. . . . I highly recommend this book to others who like a good adventure."
"I highly enjoyed this book! It was well-written, and highly entertaining. The story is awesome and it has an interesting plot! I also very much enjoyed the characters."
"After getting to the end, I was so satisfied with the story and with the ending, something I liked a lot on this book was the detailed descriptions on it, you could actually imagine every place and every situation, so that made you get very immerse in the story from very early on. It was an awesome fantasy with lots of drama and a little romance along the way."
Miri had never killed a man. Of course, she’d imagined it. Countless times, she’d envisioned holding each of those kings by the scruff of his neck, tugging his head back, and holding a blade at his throat as she whispered, “The Lion Queen sends her regards.”
She deserved to be scared. But she would not be turned away.
“They’ll do it at the festival,” Miri whispered to the air above her bed. “They’ll drag her into the square dressed in Lion silks. They’ll draw her braid behind her shoulder and wrap her wrists in leather and chains.”
She felt the stillness of Cass and that he did not seem to even draw breath. She wished she’d never spoken, but she couldn’t seem to stop. The kings were only holding Lettie hostage to use as leverage against the sorcerers who were tied to queen’s blood. Once she rose into her full power as heir, Lettie would have to be removed from their game.
"There is much to like in Melissa Wright’s latest book Seven Ways to Kill a King. You have mythical lands, evil kings, and a princess who wants to make it all right again. There is also fighting, mystery, and romance. Melissa Wright has crafted a well-written fantasy that will draw in many readers. It is action-packed and will keep readers reading."
"In a few days, they would pass near Stormhold, named for the first queen of the realm. Miri couldn’t recall the first time she’d seen the gate, but she’d been in awe without exception since. A massive structure stretched so high that one could barely make out the guards at the top, and carved into the stone of the archway was a relief of the Storm Queen herself."
"The author had a great capability to convey the intricacies of Miri's plot and how she would execute them along with Cass, a bloodsworn soldier whose devotion to Miri suggests a more amorous bond. I loved the premise of the story and the foundation that centered on a young woman who took command of her own story, sought justice for the death of her mother, and strove to reclaim her birthright."
Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post...
Seven Ways to Kill a King
By Melissa Wright
YA Fantasy
Hardcover, Paperback & ebook, 264 Pages
August 10, 2020
She was born a princess. They made her an assassin.
One was an accident. Two a coincidence. By three, they would know. It would be harder, but I would avenge my mother’s death. These kings would pay that price.
Seven cities make up the Storm Queen’s Realm, each of their self-crowned, murderous kings are one of Princess Myrina’s marks. The treasonous curs may have banded together to share a stolen throne, but soon they will fall.
They thought her dead, killed in the massacre. They thought their rule secure, but Myrina of Stormskeep has awoken. With the help of her loyal bloodsworn, the shadow princess of will have her revenge.
For fans of The Witcher and Game of Thrones—a new princess set on vengeance is here to steal your heart.
Melissa is the author of more than a dozen young adult and fantasy novels and countless to-do lists. Her most popular titles are The Frey Saga and Descendants Series. She’s currently working on the next book, but when not writing can be spotted collecting the things she loves at Goodreads and Pinterest. Contact her through the web at www.melissa-wright.com
One winner will receive a copy of SEVEN WAYS TO KILL A KING and a Crown (as pictured), if winner is outside the US a $25 Amazon gift card will be sent instead
Welcome to the book tour for Seven Ways to Kill a King by Melissa Wright. I have an exclusive excerpt for you to enjoy today. If you follow the tour, you'll get even more, as well as some reviews! Plus there's a great giveaway for you to enter.
Seven Ways to Kill a King
By Melissa Wright
YA Fantasy
Hardcover, Paperback & ebook, 264 Pages
August 10, 2020
She was born a princess. They made her an assassin.
One was an accident. Two a coincidence. By three, they would know. It would be harder, but I would avenge my mother’s death. These kings would pay that price.
Seven cities make up the Storm Queen’s Realm, each of their self-crowned, murderous kings are one of Princess Myrina’s marks. The treasonous curs may have banded together to share a stolen throne, but soon they will fall.
They thought her dead, killed in the massacre. They thought their rule secure, but Myrina of Stormskeep has awoken. With the help of her loyal bloodsworn, the shadow princess of will have her revenge.
For fans of The Witcher and Game of Thrones—a new princess set on vengeance is here to steal your heart.
Cass leaned down to blow on the flame, and when the light flared, it caught his expression. Miri had thought him angry, and certainly, he was, but something else simmered beneath his displeasure. Terric was a queensguard and had been his friend. Miri hadn’t just risked cost to herself. If Terric didn’t make it, it would cost them both.
Her fingertips curled into her palms. She sank to sit on the cool ground, heedless of the settled dew.
“I’m going for meat.” Cass gave her a look, one that seemed to imply she should stay precisely where she was until he returned—possibly longer.
She managed a curt nod.
Then he was gone. The horses let out quiet breaths and tore occasional clumps of grass from beneath the trees. Shadows shifted outside the fire, and after a time, the faint sounds of the forest returned. Miri tried not to drown in her thoughts. Her hands could do nothing to occupy her mind, for her heart had no interest in finding the occupation. She’d been there before. She’d made mistakes and chosen wrong. It had always made her feel exactly that alone.
About the Author
Melissa is the author of more than a dozen young adult and fantasy novels and countless to-do lists. Her most popular titles are The Frey Saga and Descendants Series. She’s currently working on the next book, but when not writing can be spotted collecting the things she loves at Goodreads and Pinterest. Contact her through the web at www.melissa-wright.com
One winner will receive a copy of SEVEN WAYS TO KILL A KING and a Crown (as pictured), if winner is outside the US a $25 Amazon gift card will be sent instead
Welcome to the book tour for The Crownless King by Kara Linaburg! Today, Sabriel, the specially Gifted from the story, takes us on a tour of Sindaleer. Please enjoy and then follow the rest of the tour for even more fun. Best of luck entering the giveaway at the end!
The Crownless King
(The Broken Prince #2)
By Kara Linaburg
YA Fantasy
Paperback & ebook, 275 Pages
September 1, 2020
She won't meet her worst enemy on the battlefield...
War is brewing and the kingdom of Sindaleer is torn as the Knights of Norcir draw the folk to their side. When Sabriel, a specially Gifted, pledges her blood to their cause, she is ready to give all to bring the peace her leader promises. She understands Tirich's deep hatred toward the king, and has prepared for this moment all her life.But when her identity as a knight is discovered by the childhood friend who betrayed her years ago, Sabriel's plans for justice come toppling down. Now distracted by what once was, Sabriel fights to hold onto what she's believed to be true for so long.
Nick never forgot the red-headed lass of years past, but she's not the friend he remembers. As enemies connected by their past take opposing sides on their country's freedom, Nick refuses to believe what she's become.
Voices warning Sabriel she'll never succeed, and loyalties torn, she begins to realize that all is not as it seems. Tirich's power is growing stronger, and she fears she was wrong about the good she once saw in him.
The concluding book following The Broken Prince, reminds us of the inner war we all face, and what it means to rise from the ashes when all hope feels lost.
Greetings, strangers traveling to my home country of Sindaleer. My country is at war, and journeying to this land is not an easy task as a foreigner. Here are some things to remember while you are here...
King Milosh now sits on the throne in the capital of Bron, and proclaims that he is not like his father, that he’s changed and wants to bring about peace. I don’t trust him.
I’m a Knight of Norcir: an enemy to King Milosh. We as the Knights have pledged our blood to the cause of tearing Milosh from his throne and bringing back the old ways. While you stay in Sindaleer, it’s best to not talk about your views here. Keep quiet, because the person you’re talking to may not always be who they say they are.
The capital is full of riots and killings, and right now I’d do my best to avoid the city altogether if possible. You wouldn’t want to get caught in a mob.
I spent my childhood climbing the high cliffs behind my village, standing on the edge and dreaming I could fly as the ball of fire set on the horizon, casting golden light on the white rocks. Our mountains are beautiful and give you peace, but if you prefer the ocean, to the south you must go.
Acwellen is a large seaport city, full of taverns and good food (or so I’ve heard). You can find things to trade there from tropical islands that you could never obtain elsewhere. Just be careful not to go out at night....lots of unsavory characters about. Basically just remember about my country: Don’t go out at night. Don’t trust anyone (I don’t).
Despite this, Sindaleer is a good, strong country. We love to prove ourselves. We are fighters, warriors. While we fail to teach our lads and lasses to read and do not hold with typical book learning or finery, we are proud of our heritage and songs and the tales of old that remind us of where we came from.
So enjoy your stay here....just make sure you get out before the battle starts.
Oh, and watch out for dragons. I know folk say they don’t exist anymore but....you never know.
Other Books in the Series
The Broken Prince
(The Broken Prince #1)
By Kara Linaburg
YA Fantasy
Paperback & ebook, 217 Pages
June 3, 2019
In all the fairy tales the maiden falls in love with the prince...but she has to remember that this isn’t a fairy tale...
Born into a kingdom where those of magical Gifts are rejected, feared, and even killed, Serena has spent her life striving to hide her ability and keep her younger brother safe.
The bastard son of the hated king and father he hardly knows, Prince Milosh is considered an outcast. He never expects to feel anything but contempt for the peasant girl who unexpectedly shows up in his life, forcing him to answer questions he never wished to ask.
When two very different worlds are thrown together under less than desirable circumstances, both hold deep judgement towards the other. But will they learn to see beyond their stations and birth so that they may defeat the coming darkness, or will labels given to them at birth continue to define them?
A heart-stopping tale about the power of human love, and how each of us are never truly alone.
Kara Linaburg is most content sipping an iced chai while watching the sun set over the mountains of her home in West Virginia. When she's not dreaming about her next adventure or being a mad scientist in the kitchen, you can find on www.thebeautifullybrokenblog.com where she strives for authenticity and beauty in a broken world. The Crownless King is her second novel.
