Excerpt of Dreamstealer: Lexa vs. The Dress

I have another excerpt of Dreamstealer for you today, this time one with a little humor. Lexa is on her way to Teltania to see if their princess is in fact a new dreamwalker. Unfortunately, her cover for this mission is to go as a visiting diplomat of Artasia. And one must dress to fit the part…

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Neil gestured to the gray-toned, crackle-textured trunk. “Mathias left this for you, but he insisted you not open it until the day before our arrival. So, here it is.”

Lexa could tell she was not going to like this. She strode forward, flipped the latch, and swung the lid up. The trunk was full of clothes, it seemed, and dresses at that. She stared at the fitted, maroon velvet gown with a cross-laced bodice on top.

“Hell no.” She slammed the lid down again.

Neil cleared his throat. “I believe his words were something about you being a lady and needing to dress to fit the part.”

No wonder Mathias hadn’t wanted her opening it until the last minute…or while he was still around. She would have strangled him. Yes, she understood the importance of playing the role of diplomat, but did he have to choose such…opulent clothes? If he had given her more time, she would have done her own shopping—which had probably been his plan all along.

Lexa threw the lid open again; the hinges rattled as they quaked under her wrath. She grabbed the maroon dress and lifted it up. It was even worse in full form: puffed sleeves at the shoulder, which tapered down into a tightly fitted cuff at the wrist. Her arms would look like mutton legs in it. She tossed it on the bed. The next dress on the pile was an aquamarine with wide, billowy sleeves and lace around the neck meant to imitate sea spray. Underneath that lay a dark green gown with a loose skirt that Lexa thought she could tolerate, but for the most part, she discarded the various dresses on the bed, her lip curling in even more disgust with each one.

“I’m going to throttle him.”

Neil arched a brow at the mess. “So you two hadn’t discussed this?”

Lexa glowered at him. “Don’t pretend that comes as a surprise. He did tell you to keep this until the last minute.”

Neil rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m not sure I see the problem.”

Lexa gestured to her plain shirt and pants, then at the dresses. “Seriously?”

He quirked a smile. “They would look stunning on you.”

“They’re ridiculous.”

“Perhaps you should try one on first.” He dug under the pile, pulled out the maroon one, and held it out to Lexa. Her fingers twitched, unwilling to even touch the extravagant fabric. But with Neil watching her closely, she swallowed her discomfort and snatched it from his hand.

“You’re forgetting a piece.” He reached into the trunk and pulled out a corset.

Lexa gave it a blank stare.

“It’s all the fashion in Teltania right now.”

“You wear it.”

~~~

I hope you enjoyed the sneak peek. I was also on Mistress of the Dark Path’s blog this weekend for an interview. Curious if I have a naughty side? …

Dreamstealer is available on Amazon, B&N, Kobo, and iTunes.

When her kingdom’s former enemy suspects their princess is a budding dreamwalker, Lexa is drafted out of retirement and sent to Teltania to train the twelve-year-old girl. But hidden agendas complicate her mission, and Lexa doesn’t know whom to trust. Meanwhile, her own dreamwalking powers are waning when she needs them most. Can Lexa decipher the mysteries at every turn, or will the dreamscape claim yet another dreamwalker?

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Dreamwalker Launch Party

I’m excited to announce Dreamwalker is now available on Amazon, B&N, and Smashwords!  If anyone wants to join the party and help get the word out, I’ve typed up some pre-written content you can simply copy and paste in your Facebook or Twitter streams.  Or you can fiddle with them as you like.  And at the bottom, enjoy another teaser from the book!

Facebook Posts (or G+)

Angela Wallace’s latest fantasy novella, Dreamwalker, is now available for purchase as an e-book! Two dreamwalkers: one a devout soldier, the other a rogue assassin. Last one standing wins. http://www.amazon.com/Dreamwalker-ebook/dp/B008EDE2JU/

My good friend and author Angela Wallace has released the e-book edition of her latest book, a fantasy novella entitled Dreamwalker. The dreamscape is a perilous place, a world of ever shifting shadows. And if you see the murky brown fog—run. http://www.amazon.com/Dreamwalker-ebook/dp/B008EDE2JU/

Like fantasy, sword fights, and a mysterious rogue in black? Check out Dreamwalker on Amazon Kindle! http://www.amazon.com/Dreamwalker-ebook/dp/B008EDE2JU/

Excited to get a copy of Angela Wallace’s latest book, Dreamwalker. Two dreamwalkers: one a devout soldier, the other a rogue assassin. Last one standing wins. http://www.amazon.com/Dreamwalker-ebook/dp/B008EDE2JU/

The links above and below are for Amazon, but if you’re a B&N fan, here’s the link for there too: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dreamwalker-angela-wallace/1111793701?ean=2940014613941

Twitter Tweets

Author @AngelaRWallace released the ebook edition of her fantasy novella #Dreamwalker! Get it for $2.99! http://www.amazon.com/Dreamwalker-ebook/dp/B008EDE2JU/

Excited to get the Kindle Edition of @AngelaRWallace ’s fantasy novella #Dreamwalker. Newly released for $2.99! http://www.amazon.com/Dreamwalker-ebook/dp/B008EDE2JU/

Congrats to @AngelaRWallace for her Kindle release of her fantasy novella #Dreamwalker. Get it for $2.99! http://www.amazon.com/Dreamwalker-ebook/dp/B008EDE2JU/

#Dreamwalker, @AngelaRWallace ’s fantasy novella is now available as an ebook! http://www.amazon.com/Dreamwalker-ebook/dp/B008EDE2JU/

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Teaser

The horizon on all sides faded into a gray haze, blurring any sense of direction. Vines snaked along the ground, alternating between full blossoms and bare, gnarled branches, an infinite river of plants that stretched further than Lexa could see.

After half a mile, the trees on her left turned barren and the riverbed ran dry into a bare expanse. The sterile landscape branched out into a murky haze, like brown and black shadows writhing together. Lexa frowned. Things did not tend to appear so dead in the dreamscape. Usually life and blossoms were mixed, like the vines, reality and possibility twisted together. This was pure ugliness.

She came to a sudden stop as recognition hit. She’d been here before. Dread washed over her and she forgot herself in the impact of the one memory she tried to forget—this stretch of land and the terrible creatures that came from the nearby curtain of dark fog. Blood began seeping up from the dirt around her, spreading and pooling like red oil. From the looming blackness ahead floated the Nightmares, bobbing blobs of thick darkness.  They loomed in various sizes, from the smallest ones the size of a fist, to huge, fat globs that could engulf a man’s chest. Lexa knew they were coming, yet all she could do was stand frozen, gaze locked on the familiar face emerging through the film of blood with its empty eyes staring up at her. The Nightmares sensed her terror and were drawn to it.

~~~

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Chocolate Reality ~Steena Holmes

“Chocolate is a jilted bride’s best friend.”

After the groom runs off on their wedding day and everyone blames her, Wynne picks herself up off the floor.  She throws herself into her passion for chocolate, opening up a chocolate and gift shop and getting her life back.  A few years later, she’s successful and happy, except for that little tug on her heart where she wonders if she’ll ever find true love.  Though it’s her heart’s desire, it’s easy enough to ignore with all the chocolate surprises in her life.

Then comes the big one.  Her ex-fiance is back, and newly engaged.  In a moment of shock, Wynne volunteers to throw him an engagement party.  Surely then no one will think she’s in shambles over the news.  She can’t fool her friends, though, who rally behind her in order to pull this off.  And all the while, her nightly dreams hint at romance, of a passion that surpasses even her love of chocolate.  But will God grant her heart’s desire?

This was a fun, sweet read full of girlfriends and chocolate.  There’s no better combination.  Wynne’s struggle of faith is also one that I’ve known quite a few women to go through.  Wynne wants to surrender her life to God’s will, but she also longs for a husband and a family.  What happens if her dreams and God’s will don’t align?

She’s also got her girlfriends to get her through these trials–a variety of women with their own quirks and vibrant personalities.  My only disappointment was there were hints at some of these girlfriends having their own issues, and though Wynne had the opportunity to support them briefly, it felt like it was in passing and nothing was really explored or resolved for them.

I don’t know if I could call this a Christian romance, simply because the romance is not main stage throughout the book, but comes up much closer to the end.  It’s really more about a woman trying to hold herself up in the midst of emotional trials, and it’s her journey and growth that gives the rest of us inspiration.

Blood Wager ~Connie Suttle

This is the first in Connie Suttle’s Blood Destiny series.

The first time Lissa went to a bar to get drunk was the night her husband was taken off life support.  It was also her last.  Two vampires make a wager on how many days it would take Lissa to turn.  They never expected her to actually survive–female vampires are incredibly rare.  But Lissa escapes, and now she’s on the run from the vampires who want to cover up their crime, and trying to figure out how to be a vampire.  As she remarks repeatedly, there isn’t a manual for this sort of thing.

Lissa manages to get a job as night security for a wealthy businessman…who turns out to be a werewolf.  Now she’s stuck.  The werewolves know what she is and could easily report her to the Vampire Council, which would sentence her to death for being a “rogue.”  Lissa’s trying to do the best she can under the circumstances, but a vampire Assassin might be closer than she thinks.

I loved this book.  Connie Suttle does a great job of endearing the reader to Lissa.  I wanted to laugh with her, and cry with her.  Though the beginning is a little jumpy with all the scene and character POV switches, once we settle with Lissa, the rhythm falls into place.  We still get brief insights into the other characters, but they’re short, and I felt it worked well.

This isn’t your typical girl becomes vampire story.  Lissa has no one to turn to for help.  She’s figuring everything out on her own.  (I wonder if this part of the myth is true…yikes, yes!)  Lissa also isn’t your typical vampire; she still loves to cook, even though she can’t eat any of it, and that trait becomes a centerpiece to a lot of scenes and developing relationships.

I enjoyed the plot and the directions it took, and I loved the ending.  I’m definitely getting the second book!

Again ~Diana Murdock

Lady Catherine is a noblewoman in the 1500s.  Though promised to a valiant knight who has loved and served her for years, a chance meeting with a handsome merchant sends her on a whirlwind journey of passion she never knew she could experience.  Jonathan makes her feel alive, but it can never be between them, for she has a duty to uphold, and there are those who will do anything to keep them apart.

Eryn Rexford is a photographer, married to a wealthy and handsome businessman, and living the life most women want.  But something’s missing.  Eryn lives a life without passion, unsure how to find it when her husband fails to connect on the level she desires.  Then the dreams start, hinting at another life, another love, another man.  Will the dreams destroy the life she’s made, or will they hold the answer to her freedom?

Though these two women are connected by their souls and reincarnation, each story is distinctly individual.  Every chapter alternates between the timelines, which made it very easy to follow each story, and though they were separated by centuries, each transition felt smooth and connected.

I loved the romance between Catherine and Jonathan.  I don’t tend to read straight romance, but a combination of something else like urban fantasy or suspense; however, I found theirs to be so sweetly developed, like a courtship.  It didn’t feel slow at all, but kept me going the entire time.

In contrast, Eryn’s story is less a romance and more about a woman struggling to do what’s right for herself versus always sacrificing for other people.  Though unhappy, she feels obligated to her husband, which never ends up being healthy for that person.  (I could definitely relate.)  I enjoyed getting to know her and her situation through the first half, but when her supposedly best friend starts complicating the situation, I began to get frustrated.

Brandi and her past counterpart are horrible people.  I really hated her/them, and it might be because I know someone just like that.  And while I don’t typically enjoy having such feelings from a book, you could also say that the fact it creates such a powerful response is a testament to the author’s writing.

Anyway, I really enjoyed this book.  I noticed other reviews called it a “tragic romance,” which I suppose is accurate.  The HEA is not typical of what you would find, and actually I wouldn’t call it an ending at all, but a beginning.

Clockwork Prince ~Cassandra Clare

Book Two of The Infernal Devices.

Tessa Gray has found safety in the Shadowhunter Institute of London.  She still doesn’t know what the mysterious Magister wants with her powers, or what she is, but her friends have promised to help her.  But then the Institute is attacked from the inside–another Shadowhunter seeks to supplant the current head of the Institute, Charlotte, which would leave Tessa vulnerable to the Magister.  With caustic Will and sweet Jem by her side, they seek the answers they need in order to save Charlotte’s position.

Secrets will be uncovered, lies exposed, and betrayal from one of their own will bring each of them to the brink of despair.  The walls are coming down.

Cassandra Clare is one of my favorite authors.  Her writing is spectacular, her characters compelling, and her storylines loads of fun.  I definitely enjoyed this book, though my one complaint is there was hardly any of the fast-paced, adventurous battles that I loved in her Mortal Instruments series (the present day companion to this historical fantasy setting).  It focused mostly on investigations and the personal developments of the characters.  Regardless, I loved learning about Will’s past and discovering his secret.  Jem is my favorite, and the way he and Tessa grew closer throughout the story was sweet.  Even Charlotte and Henry had a beautiful, heart-filled moment I hadn’t expected, but loved.

If you haven’t read Clare’s books, you must. 

Escaping into the Extraordinary ~ Guest Post by Tameri Etherton

It is my pleasure to welcome Tameri Etherton on my blog today.  We met last summer in Kristen Lamb’s blogging workshop and became fast friends.  We may live hours apart, but I have no doubt that if I were in trouble, she’d jump in her car and break the speed limit to get here.  She is fun, quirky, and one of the sweetest people I have the honor of knowing.  Please give her a warm round of applause!

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I am so excited to be guest blogging here today and would like to give Angela a huge thank you for having me!  She’s guest blogging on my site on Friday, so be sure you hop over there to see what she has to say about writing fantasy. It will capture your heart as it did mine.

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Every writer has a reason why they write ~ some because the voices in their head tell them to, others because they want to be rich and famous. For me, it’s neither the fame nor the psychosis that compels me to put words to paper; it’s a need to tell a story that takes the reader out of the mundane and propels them into the extraordinary.

I can recall the first fantasy book I read where I thought, ‘I want to live in this world, I want to know these people’. It was David Eddings’ Pawn of Prophecy. After reading every book in the series (more than once), it dawned on me that I could write a book like that. A book where the characters become friends and the story is so engrossing readers forget about reality for a little while.

That was twenty something years ago and somewhere along my path I pushed aside my wish to write a book. A husband and children kept me far too busy and it wasn’t until a few years ago that I remembered I once had a dream. By then, the fantasy genre had changed quite a bit. David Eddings’ sweet tale of an orphan boy seemed rather prosaic compared to the epic novels of Robert Jordan and George R. R. Martin. Their 800 page doorstopper books were filled with betrayal, murder, and sex. Gasp! We’re talking more than a chaste kiss on the lips, too. Then along comes Brent Weeks and his assassin series and the fantasy genre blew up.

It’s an exciting time to be a writer. Many of the stigmas and formulaic tropes have been cast off. It’s not unusual to find a badass heroine rescuing the dude in distress. Princesses are freeing themselves from the tower and slaying the dragon on their own. Better yet, they are befriending the dragon and living happily ever after with their prince charming on a nice plot of land somewhere.

I recently reread Pawn of Prophecy and was immediately drawn into Garion’s world as if  I’d never left. And really, isn’t that why we all read books? To escape? I know that’s why I write them. Everybody needs time away from reality every so often.

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For some extra fun, check out the interview Tameri and I did on her blog Monday.  It was a blast!

One Grave At A Time ~Jeaniene Frost

After the events of Book 5 in the Night Huntress series, Cat Crawfield wants nothing more than to sit down and relax with her vampire husband, Bones.  But thanks to the unwanted gift by the voodoo queen of New Orleans, Cat’s still attracting ghosts, one of whom asks her to help take on a particularly nasty one.

Heinrich Kramer was a witch hunter centuries ago.  Even though he’s now a ghost, he’s been killing ever since.  Every Halloween, he takes physical form and murders women.  Cat, of course, won’t stand for that, but how do you fight a monster who’s incorporeal 364 days out of the year?  They might not be able to touch him, but Kramer packs quite the punch for a ghost, and he’s set his sights on Cat.

The Night Huntress series is one of my favorites.  Cat’s grown a lot over the books.  This installment wasn’t as exciting as previous ones.  Though fighting a ghost is certainly cause for action and excitement, I mean that it lacked the usual emotional punch.  Cat and Bones were pretty mild together, and aside from taking on this ghost on principle, there wasn’t really an emotional stake for the characters.  Enjoyable read nonetheless.

Fool Moon ~Jim Butcher

Book 2 of The Dresden Files.

Harry Dresden is the only professional wizard working in Chicago.  When Detective Murphy calls him in on a case up his alley, Harry finds a horrific crime scene with mutilated corpse, paw prints, and there’s a full moon outside.  Most of the police force think Harry’s a crock, and so do the FBI agents who’ve come to take over the case.  Identifying the werewolf doesn’t take much, but Harry will soon discover that not everything is as it seems.

Werewolf murders seem a little formulaic, but Jim makes it interesting with several different types of werewolves.  The bad guy isn’t who you think it is, though I wouldn’t say the true baddie comes as a complete surprise.

Harry’s an interesting character to try to get attached to.  He has a sense of chivalry and hero complex, but often has moments of being kind of a wimp.  I don’t hate that about him because I think it’s realistic for a protagonist to have moments of weakness (even a guy), but I guess I’m just used to reading about men like Bones from the Night Huntress series.  I enjoyed the book, and I will keep going with the series because I’ve heard it gets much better a few books in.

The Unwanteds ~Lisa McMann

I loved Lisa McMann’s YA WAKE trilogy, so when I saw she came out with another book, I picked it up, not realizing that this one is geared towards Middle-Grade readers.  In any case–

In the land of Quill, any form of creativity–drawing, singing, storytelling, dancing, etc.–is forbidden.  Every year, those 13-year-olds with infractions are sent to be eliminated, and those who are Wanted are sent to the university.  On the day of the Purge, Alex Stowe knows he is Unwanted.  His twin brother, Aaron, however, is Wanted.  Alex goes to his death, resigned to his fate, when he and the other Unwanted children discover something incredible.

Inside the Death Farm they meet Mr. Today, an eccentric magician who has created a magical world hidden from Quill where all the Purged children are alive and well.  Artime is unlike anything the children of Quill have ever seen.  It is full of color, trees, talking statues, strange animals, and magic.  Mr. Today teaches the children art and how to turn it into magic, including how to use it as a weapon, for he knows the secret of Artime can’t be contained forever and he is preparing for war.

Lisa McMann is an excellent, compelling storyteller in her other YA books, but I just didn’t feel it in this one.  The dystopian concept is interesting in the beginning, and so are all the neat intricacies of a magical place with blackboard com systems in each room with their own unique personalities.  One review likened it to Harry Potter, which in magical set-ups I would agree.

But the mysteries drawn out through the book weren’t very compelling.  Alex is held back from magical weapon training, though no one will tell him why.  There are two boys mentioned throughout the book who sneak off to do no one knows what.  There appear to be lessons that each of the four main students (two boys and two girls) needs to learn, but I would say the biggest lesson is adults shouldn’t keep secrets from children in order to “protect them.”  They would have been spared a lot of grief at the end.

While I think a MG reader would enjoy the story, I’m not sure I would want my kids reading it.  The message is clearly that being unique and different from others isn’t something to be ashamed of.  And you’re not alone.  So embrace your identity and your creativity.  While this is great, the subtler message is that if your parents disagree with your passions, they should be dead to you.  Not one parent was redeemed at the end and reunited with their child.  Granted, a society as messed up as Quill can’t change overnight, but without even one person willing to change, the message I’m left with is to shun your parents if they don’t accept you for who you are.  Go it on your own.  It’s not a message I’d be comfortable leaving my children with.