HOUSE OF RUIN
by Miriam Newman
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GENRE: SciFi Romance
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BLURB:
When the beleaguered citizens of the capitol city of Thelona are swept by plague in the absence of their ruling class, which has fled it en masse, desperation finally pushes them to take to the streets. With their city burning, the Lords of Thelona have no choice but to shoulder the burden of responsibility. In the absence of their Highest, they turn to Caius, Scion of the House of Bardin. He has unwittingly placed himself in the path of his ruler’s ambitions and also endangered his human slave, Lela.
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Excerpt One:
A boiling cloud twisted above Syrstine as though the gods had decreed rain only for the prime city of Longos. The long line of elite winding their way back from Solstice Season spent on country estates were turned to figures of insignificance. Chatter about return to their Solstice Homes, winter festivities to be attended, business and marital fortunes to be brokered—all dwindled and died. Such a harbinger of evil had no regard for them. Too shocked to move, they stopped in their tracks.
“That is no natural thing.” Antin, Scion of the House of Valens, looked in thinly-veiled horror at the cloud of indigo, lavender and black doing an evil dance above his city.
“No.” Scion of the House of Bardin since his father’s death, Caius reined in his bay gelding. “It is smoke and weapons fire.” He alone appeared more curious than fearful. Thirty years of age by Thelona’s two suns, Caius was in his prime, with a broadsword in his saddle scabbard and a knife strapped to one calf. Most of the other men carried the same, but without the same ability to use them. It had been too long since they had tried.
“Weapons fire? Then the aircos are here.”
“No. It’s the Mercenary Corps.”
“What would bring Mercs to Syrstine?” Neither man could remember the Mercenary Corps–enforcement arm of the Air Company–touching down on Thelona. But Caius had been off planet for eight years, and he had been a Merc at the time.
“Invasion or insurrection,” he told his friend.
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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Fantasy poetry driven by myths and legends has been my passion for as long as I can remember. I was published in poetry before catching the romance writing bug. I bring that background to my writing along with a lifelong addiction to horses, an 18-year career in various areas of psychiatric social services and many trips to Ireland, where I nurture my muse. My published works range from contemporary fantasy romance to fantasy historical, futuristic, science fiction and historical romance. Currently I live in rural Pennsylvania with a “motley crew” of rescue animals. You can see my books at www.miriamnewman.com.
Available now in print and ebook:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/scion-miriam-newman/1135680689
www.thecelticroseblog.blogspot.com
Facebook: Miriam Newman Author
Twitter: https://twitter.com/miriamnewman
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Miriam-Newman/e/B005DBFZUG
Interview:
Where are you from? Tell us a little about yourself! Born and bred in Pennsylvania, in a rural fox-hunting part of the state where my parents plopped me on a horse almost before I could walk. It saved a lot of babysitting. I have also lived briefly in New York and Arizona, and longer in Washington, D.C., plus a long stint in Ireland. Currently I’m in Pennsylvania on a small farm where I have a pack of rescue dogs. They are my writing companions, always waiting to see if I drop any food.
Tell us about your book? How did it get started?
Like most of my books, it started with a dream. I apparently have an over-active imagination at night (and occasionally during the days). In the case of this book it was easier because I had already written “Scion: Book I: House of Bardin,” which is still available. “Scion: Book III: House of the 12th Planet” will be available shortly.
How do you create your characters? Out of thin air. Seriously. They just appear, usually in dream form, but occasionally when I’m doing things like frying bacon. That happened just this morning. He solved a plot twist for me, though, so I forgive him for interrupting breakfast.–not like the last one who waited until I was 27,000 word in to appear.
What inspires and what got you started in writing? I started writing so young that I have no idea what inspired it. As soon as I could print, I was a goner. I joke with friends that it’s either automatic writing or past-lives regression, possibly encouraged by my mother reading poetry to me from the cradle. Mothers, be careful what you wish for.
Where do you write? Is there something you need in order to write (music, drinks?) In my office at home, only. I sometimes notice I need something to eat, like when I haven’t done it all day.
How do you get your ideas for writing?
Dreams and occasionally other books. Sometimes reading up on a certain period of history that especially interests me will start a book. I really love ancient times romances. Going far, far back in history appeals to me.
What do you like to read? As mentioned above, I’ve got a thing for history. Fantasy and science fiction are close seconds. I love Regencies although I can’t write them. But I will read anything except possibly horror. If I want that, I can turn on the television.
What would your advice to be for authors or aspiring in regards to writing? Keep doing it. Even if it doesn’t have immediate use, write it and stick it in your files. You may be very surprised where you end up using it.
Anything else you’d like to share? Later this year, you can look for my ancient times fantasy romance, “Warlord.” Do not miss the cover on that one! And then there will be my historical romance “Land of Shadow,” set against the backdrop of the Siege of Jerusalem.
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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION
Miriam will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
11 comments
Thanks for hosting!
Who is your favorite literary character of all time?
Taking into account that I am a fantasy/legend/fiction type of girl, this would probably have to be the King Arthur of Camelot fame. I was hooked very early on “The Once and Future King” by T.H. White, the beautiful mythical version of the young Arthur and Merlin the Magician. From there, I read every piece of Arthurian legend I could get my hands on and I still see an essence of that in some of my writing. There are heroes, there are villains, all speak their piece. Love is sometimes tragically misdirected. The good guy wins although there may be a price, just as there is in real life. And lessons are learned.
Thank you for hosting!
I liked the excerpt.
Thank you.
Great cover & excerpt, thanks for sharing them 🙂
Thanks, Victoria!
Great post and I appreciate getting to find out about another great book. Thanks for all you do and for the hard work you put into this. Greatly appreciated!
Thank you, James. I truly enjoy this and connecting with readers who share my interests. After all, writers are readers, too!
Sounds like a good read