Summer Time Seasonal Reads 2026: Cross the Threshold into Adventure

The days are longer. The nights are warm. And somewhere between the pool float and the last slice of watermelon, there's a book waiting to pull you into another world.

Welcome to Summer Time Seasonal Reads — Undawnted's summer reading program, running June 1st through August 31st. If Spring Dreams was Act I of the Hero's Journey (the Beginning of the Adventure), Summer Time is Act II: Crossing the Threshold. This is the season where the ordinary world falls away, the mentor appears, and the real adventure begins.

Whether you're looking for werewolves, spellcasters, saints, or desert-soaked poetry, here's your guide to what's waiting for you this summer.

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Fiction

Novels

A Known Wolf — Book I of The FellNon potes effugere praeteritum. You cannot escape the past. Urban explorer Morgan Middleton lives an exciting, solitary life — until a chance encounter with a stranger sets her on a collision course with two estranged brothers, a security chief, and a ferocious wolf spirit that will not stop until it's appeased. Part of Undawnted's Exclusive Legacy Universe.

Immortal Spellcaster Kaitlin Rose Lane doesn't officially exist — at least not on paper. When a girl goes missing at a local campground, her mentor, Sheriff Robert Zilenski, calls in the best tracker he knows. Between a federal taskforce, department politics, and calls from the other side, Kaitlin has to figure out who she can trust before she can find out who — and what — she really is.

Saint (Extended Trilogy Edition) Eavanlee Lewis discovers she comes from a supernatural line of Saints — and nothing about her life will ever be ordinary again.

_____ 

Novelettes

Saint in the Big Easy What happens when you discover the only person who can save you is you?

Saint in Communion Communion is more than a destination — it's a Saint's only refuge.

Saint in the Devil You Know When clergy and demons work for the same team, it's always the devil you know.

_____

 

Short Stories

The Story of Excalibur Where did the sword come from? Discover the legend behind the legend.

The Initiation Eliza Chisum volunteers to reorient the space-time continuum and save her family — set in the world of The Reality Hackers.

_____ 

Lyrical Prose

The Jonah Collector Don't be the weakest link.

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Poetry

Chapbooks

Effloresce Escape into poetry with this dynamic chapbook exploring nature's volatility.

_____ 

Long Form Poetry

The Rain: Monsoon in the Desert Immerse yourself in the desert Southwest in this folk narrative — a perfect companion for a warm night on the porch.

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Special Editions

Legendary, Summer Time First chapters and other writings — a sampler for readers who want a taste of what's ahead before diving in.

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Why Summer Time?

Every Undawnted reading season maps onto a stage of the Hero's Journey. Summer Time is about crossing the threshold — that moment when a character (and a reader) leaves the world they know and steps into the unknown, guided by a mentor who shows them the way. It's fitting territory for stories about mentors, hidden lineages, and characters discovering they're capable of more than they ever realized.

Grab a cold drink, find some shade, and start your adventure. Full details on all Undawnted seasonal reading programs — Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter — can be found on the Summer Time Seasonal Reads page.

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Looking for more? Check out Autumn Cider Season Reads, Winter Frost Seasonal Reads, and Spring Dreams Seasonal Reads to plan your reading year around Undawnted.

Undawnted Presents: WordCrafter GEM Tour, Day 4, Bringing Down BG with Physical Activity Gem’s Research Findings

INTRODUCTION

About A GEM for your Pre- or Type 2 Diabetes

Have you just been diagnosed with prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes and don't know where to turn, or have you tried different weight-loss programs or medications that haven't done enough?

GEM—Glucose Everyday Matters offers a practical, science-based approach to preventing and managing prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes by focusing on one powerful idea: reducing blood glucose spikes that can quietly damage health, energy, mood, and motivation.

Developed from decades of clinical research and real-world coaching, GEM helps readers understand why blood sugar rises—and how small, realistic choices can improve it. Rather than rigid diets or exhausting exercise plans, GEM teaches flexible strategies that fit everyday life: eating smarter, moving with purpose, understanding your body's signals, and using glucose feedback as a tool for empowerment.

Inside this book, you will discover how to:
• Lower blood sugar naturally and sustainably
• Reduce cravings, fatigue, and energy crashes
• Lose weight without feeling deprived
• Improve motivation, confidence, and emotional well-being
• Use simple movement and meal strategies to reduce glucose spikes
• Personalize diabetes management to fit your lifestyle and goals
• Build lasting habits that support long-term health

Whether you are newly diagnosed, trying to avoid diabetes, struggling despite medications, or supporting a loved one, GEM provides a compassionate, evidence-based roadmap toward better health—one manageable step at a time.

This is not about being perfect.
It is about discovering what works for you and making meaningful changes.

To learn more about diet and blood glucose control, see A GEM for your Pre- and Type 2 Diabetes at your favorite retailer here: https://books2read.com/GEM

 
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RESEARCH

If you have had type 2 diabetes (T2D) for 24 months or less and would like information about our ongoing NIH GEM study, contact Jacqueline Rodriguez at ZMT8XG@uvahealth.org or 434-422-2653.

Bringing Down BG with Physical Activity
https://youtu.be/8kM1yzGneTo

GEM’s Research Findings 
https://youtu.be/9IxiDEu5OvM

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THE GIVEAWAY

Got a question or an observation about the book, the GEM method, the author, or the tour? If not, just say, “Hello!” Comments at each stop earn entries in the Giveaway for a chance to win one of four signed print copies (If you live outside the U.S. a free digital copy will be substituted due to the high costs of international shipping.)

_____ 

ABOUT DANIEL J. COX

Daniel J. Cox (Dan) is a professor of Psychiatry, Internal Medicine and Ophthalmology at the University of Virginia Health Sciences Center and a member of the Center for Diabetes Technology. He is a longstanding investigator of behavioral diabetes- how behavior affects diabetes and how diabetes affects behavior. His research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health and industry (LifeScan, Abbott, DexCom, Lilly).

In 2010 he shifted his research focus from type 1 to type 2 diabetes (T2D) following his own diagnosis of T2D. He was not optimistic about losing weight and was not thrilled about a lifetime of medication, so he developed an alternative and effective way of managing T2D. Glucose Everyday Matters focuses on preventing high blood glucose (BG) by choosing foods that do not raise BG much and by lowering high BG with physical activity. Since an initial diagnostic A1c of 10.3 (reflecting a three-month BG average), GEM has put his diabetes in remission-lowered his A1c below 6.5 with no medication. This transformation was achieved with significant critique, support, and help from his wife Debbie. 

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TOUR SCHEDULE

Mon. 7/20: Short Trailer & “How Does GEM Work?” – Poetry by Mich: Hotel by Masticadores: Masticadores Philippines

Tues. 7/21: “Becoming Aware of Choices” & “Food Choices”– Roberta Writes

Wed. 7/22: “Dietician Monica Davis Interviews Daniel J. Cox” – Patty’s Worlds

Thurs. 7/23: “Bringing Down BG with Physical Activity” & “Gem’s Research Findings” - Undawnted

Fri. 7/24: “Protecting and Extending Your Investment” – Writing to be Read

____________________________________________

Book your WordCrafter Book Blog Tour today! 

Welcome to Winter Frost 2025-26 on Undawnted

Cold nights sitting by the roaring fireplace with hot cocoa
in hand is what the chill of winter's frost brings us.
The holidays are being celebrated with parties. Carolers make their rounds through neighborhoods. People shop at the local businesses for gifts. 

Children have sugar plums dancing in their heads.
What to do on those long winter's nights? But read, of course! 

_____

Winter Frost brings holidays, supernatural, rebirth! It is Act IV of the Hero's Journey: Reclaim the Elixir. The Journey back from the Underworld is time to feel and returning home with Undawnted.

 

Start your adventure here:

Fiction
Novels  
Nocturnal Redemption: In the Eye of the Beholder - Release Feb 2026
Professor Ryan Blackburn is about to discover a world beyond her own imagination where vampires, werewolves, and magical gypsy witches exist.

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Novelettes

Kurst - Release Jan 2026

An inheritance is taking curses to the next level.

 

The Town Santa Forgot  -Available Now!
Never received a present from Santa? Maybe he just forgot you.

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Short Stories
Goblin King - Release February 2026
The myth behind the legend.  

*****
Poetry

Chapbooks 
Turquoise 
With everything that happens in this world, you're stronger than you know.

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Music Albums & Singles
Albums & Singles

Yuletide Celebration -Available Now!
-Deck the Halls, Released Single

_____

Winter Reads run December 1st to February 28th
(29th in Leap Years).

Midnight Oil Anthology Presents: The Initiation, Part of the Quantum Consciousness Series

The short story, The Initiation, is published in Midnight Oil Anthology through WordCrafter Press. 

The narrative leaves off where The Reality Hackers (Visions anthology, as well as Sonoran Dawn Studios novelette) did. The intriguing update reveals that John and Elleanor Chisum were murdered, leaving their three children orphaned.  

The Chisums' daughter, Eliza, finds her first year in college a challenge. When she writes a research paper for her introduction to physics course, the professor gives her a failing grade. Like her mother, Eliza sees beyond the five senses as a conduit of pure consciousness. As she drifts through quantum consciousness, she learns of her past, new allies, and a dark threat behind another door to her future.  

Enjoy a scene from The Initiation with this dramatic reading by DL Mullan: 

The Initiation also provides a cameo from the popular character, Sarah Mitchell, from Mangled (Midnight Roost anthology, as well as Sonoran Dawn Studios' novelette) and Hode: Be Honor in Your Wars (Sonoran Dawn Studios' novel).   

This story is its own stand-alone novelette for publication through the Legacy Universe next year.  

Join all the character excitement and take a journey into the unknown. 

_____

Support Great Artists 

Read The Reality Hackers, available at these fine retailers. 

Books2Read.com/TheRealityHackers

DL's Author Central page

 

_________

About DL Mullan:

A writer at heart, Undawnted’s own creative spark, DL Mullan, began writing short stories and poetry before adolescence. Over the years, Ms. Mullan has showcased her literary talents by self-publishing several collections of her poetry. She also writes novels, designs apparel, and creates digital art. Ms. Mullan‘s creative writing is available in digital and print collections, from academia to commercial anthologies. As an independent publisher, she produces her own book cover designs as well as maintains her own websites. She is an award-winning digital artist and poet.

Currently, she has embarked on writing her multi-book Legacy Universe, Supernatural Superhero Series, as well as creating original soundtracks for her publications and independent electronic music albums, featured on SoundCloud and YouTube.

DL Mullan holds a Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning with Technology, and is a syndicated columnist, writing Undawntech monthly.

For news and updates, subscribe to the Undawntable Newsletter. Find DL on Amazon, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

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Become an Undawntable

Keep up-to-date with everything Undawnted through Substack: Undawntable Newsletter. Join today! 

 

 

Undawnted Press Release: Saving the Conjuring House for Future Generations

Undawnted and the Paranormal 

As a paranormal explorer, investigator, and researcher for over two decades, I support the saving of the Conjuring House. 

Over the years, I visited various locations and have great stories to tell about them, including: The Whaley House, Star of India, and the now converted to an office building, the Santa Rita Hotel. I was immersed, so much so, that I became a horror journalist for the local speculative fiction society and wrote about my adventures to haunted locations. 

The byline, as well as other columns (e.g., books, reviews, featured article, etc.), earned me three consecutive Media Press Badges at Comic-Con San Diego before my body collapsed due to my disabling health conditions. That's plural. I fight for my life every day, but I continue to support others' efforts to bring about positive outcomes in the world.  

As I learned about myself, I am a sensitive to energies. A light in the dark. Understandably, the paranormal has been a constant companion throughout my life. At first, I did not understand the occurrences that I experienced from childhood, youth, and into adulthood until I confronted them. Now, I am at peace with the unknown. 

However, as a history major, I would love for this home to be saved. It predates the establishment of the United States. The home and property are a treasure. History, if possible, should be salvaged, not destroyed. 

If you can manage a few dollars, then please donate to this incredible cause: The Conjuring House -Together We Make History.

Thank you!  

_____

The Ask 

How it all began was with a plea from Ms. Perron herself to Jason Hawes: 

Andrea Perrons Video

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BdBEetiZe/

_____ 

The Gofundme Drive  

When I happened upon Jason Hawes of Ghost Hunters fame's video eight seconds after it debuted on YouTube, I rushed over and put in my $10 worth.

______ 

The Conjuring House -Together We Make History 

 

Hello, I'm Jason Hawes.

Many of you may know me from Ghost Hunters.

I've dedicated my life to exploring the unknown and trying to make this field accessible for everyone.

I have never wanted to buy the Conjuring House. I’ve publicly stated this many times over the years, and I meant it. 

 

But, I have been contacted by past owners, employees, residents, all begging me to step in and try to save this property from being exploited and priced out of the range of the majority of people.

If you are unaware, The Conjuring House is going up for auction on October 31'st. 

 

If we don’t step in, there’s a very real chance it will be bought by some whose only goal is to turn it into a money making machine.

This isn’t just another piece of real estate. This house is an important part of paranormal history. 

 

It's a place that has drawn all types of investigators. Believers, Non believers, skeptics, debunkers and those that are simply curious from all over the world.

For decades, it has connected people. It has sparked curiosity, debate, and exploration. It’s a place that has helped keep history alive, and it deserves to be preserved, not exploited.

I’ve decided to act because so many have asked for my help.

I believe that as a community, we can make a difference. 

 

I’ve created this GoFundMe to raise funds needed to save the Conjuring House at auction. 

 

I’ll personally add as much as possible to give us the best possible chance to succeed.

If we’re successful, the Conjuring House will be placed into an LLC and those from this properties history will help run it and keep it open. 

 

Those who know and respect the true history of the property. They will oversee its day-to-day operations, keeping it open for tours, investigations, and anyone who wants to experience it.

I want to be clear:

I’m not looking to profit from this gofundme, and I have no plans to run the daily operations. This will cost me money!

I’m stepping in now for only one reason, because people I care deeply for asked me to. 

 

Lets try to preserve this house and protect its legacy for the paranormal community and for future generations, and to keep it from being priced out of the majority of peoples ability.

This truly feels like the last chance to save the Conjuring House. If we don’t act now, we may lose it forever to some that want it to be a money making machine, who won’t honor its history or its significance.

I can’t do this alone. To succeed, I'm asking everyone who cares about this property, and about what it represents, to step up and help. 

 

This could be historic! 

 

Together, we can protect this piece of history and keep it accessible for all who want to walk through its doors.

Please consider donating today. Every contribution brings us one step closer to making sure the Conjuring House remains what it was always meant to be — a place to learn from, experience, and share for generations to come.

How the Funds Will Be Used

Every dollar raised in this campaign will go directly toward purchasing the Conjuring House at auction.

If we are successful at the auction, the property will be placed into an LLC and be run by those from its history that are dedicated to preserving it.

I want to be absolutely clear: I am not seeking to profit from this Gofundme.

My role here is clear. I have been asked to help save this property by Andrea Perron, and many others around the globe. 

 

All I can do try!

This is a big undertaking, and I am willing to reconsider my position and help do what I can. This will take a historic movement! 

 

Together, We can make sure it remains open for tours, investigations, and visitors for generations to come.

If we do not win the auction, Refunds will be granted "unless a donor chooses to have their contribution directed toward other historic preservation efforts".

If we succeed and raise more than what is needed to purchase the property, any surplus will be used for restoration, repairs, maintenance, and updates that keep the history and significance of the house alive.

No raffles, No sweepstakes, No giveaways, or returns on investment are offered in exchange for any donations made to this GoFundMe.

Jason Hawes

Andrea Perrons Video

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BdBEetiZe/

 

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 Donate Today! 

 The Conjuring House -Together We Make History.

 

 

Welcome to Autumn Cider 2025 on Undawnted!

Autumn Cider Seasonal Reads program has begun!

Let's get our party on.

Undawnted has some great reads from prose, poetry, and nonfiction, as well as listening to original poetic electronic music for our book soundtracks!

Grab your sweater and hot cocoa. It's time to relax in front of the campfire. Bring your ghost stories too.

Begin believing in yourself here:

Fiction
Novels  
In the Name of Blood: Vampires are Relative
Some people have a supernatural lineage unlike any other.

In the Name of Blood: Vampires are Reactive
When you are put to the test, will you stand by your convictions?

In the Name of Blood: Vampires are Receptive
If you knew the beginning, would it justify the ends?

 _____ 

Short Stories
The Story of Ophlupin  
How the mythology and origin of werewolves began: anger the gods, pay the price.

12 Angry Dead

You can't outrun a past life.

*****
Poetry
Chapbooks 
The Descent: a darker breed of poetry  
Haunting... paranormal... cryptic... literary and contemporary fantasy.

__________

Support Great Artists 

Each link to Undawnted's publications have ways to purchase from our fine retailers.

 

 Buy your copies today! 

 

 

___________

About DL Mullan:

A writer at heart, Undawnted’s own creative spark, DL Mullan, began writing short stories and poetry before adolescence. Over the years, Ms. Mullan has showcased her literary talents by self-publishing several collections of her poetry. She also writes novels, designs apparel, and creates digital art. Ms. Mullan‘s creative writing is available in digital and print collections, from academia to commercial anthologies. As an independent publisher, she produces her own book cover designs as well as maintains her own websites. She is an award-winning digital artist and poet.

Currently, she has embarked on writing her multi-book Legacy Universe, Supernatural Superhero Series, as well as soundtracks for her publications and independent electronic music albums, featured on SoundCloud and YouTube.

For news and updates, subscribe to the Undawntable Newsletter. Find DL on Amazon, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

As always: Like, Comment, Follow/Subscribe!

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Become an Undawntable

Keep up-to-date with everything Undawnted through Substack: Undawntable Newsletter. 

 

Join today!

 

 

Summer Time Seasonal Reads is Coming to a Close for 2025

It has been another crazy, hot summer! But, alas, all good things must end... so we can begin all new insane things! Right? 

As Summer Time closes in three more days, Autumn Cider Seasonal Reads takes over for three months. Don't fret. Summer Time is always available on Undawnted. We just shift our focus from fun in the sun to camp fires and hot cocoa. 

Mmmm... cocoa!

We have new adventures to partake in as the nights grow longer and cooler. Until then, let's celebrate the dog days of summer with Undawnted's Summer Time Seasonal Reads program:

Novelettes
Saint in the Big Easy
What happens when you discover the only person who can save you is you?   

Saint in Communion
Communion is more than a destination: it's a Saint's only refuge. 

Saint in the Devil You Know 
When clergy and demons work for the same team, it's always the devil you know.

_____
Short Stories 
The Story of Excalibur
Where did the sword come from?

Lyrical Prose

The Jonah Collector
Don't be the weakest link. 

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Structure Poetry
Thrice
Three line poetry variations of Haiku, Senryu, and Tanka, as well as original variants created by DL Mullan.

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Special Editions
Legendary, Summer Time
First Chapters and Other Writings given to Undawntable Newsletter members!

__________

Support Great Artists 

Each link to Undawnted's publications have ways to purchase from our fine retailers.

 

 Buy your copies today! 

 

 

___________

About DL Mullan:

A writer at heart, Undawnted’s own creative spark, DL Mullan, began writing short stories and poetry before adolescence. Over the years, Ms. Mullan has showcased her literary talents by self-publishing several collections of her poetry. She also writes novels, designs apparel, and creates digital art. Ms. Mullan‘s creative writing is available in digital and print collections, from academia to commercial anthologies. As an independent publisher, she produces her own book cover designs as well as maintains her own websites. She is an award-winning digital artist and poet.

Currently, she has embarked on writing her multi-book Legacy Universe, Supernatural Superhero Series, as well as soundtracks for her publications and independent electronic music albums, featured on SoundCloud and YouTube.

For news and updates, subscribe to the Undawntable Newsletter. Find DL on Amazon, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

As always: Like, Comment, Follow/Subscribe!

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Become an Undawntable

Keep up-to-date with everything Undawnted through Substack: Undawntable Newsletter. 

 

Join today! 

 

 

Undawnted's Summer Time Music 2025 is Heating Up with New Hits by DL Mullan!

Are you ready for a music revolution? 

DL Mullan of Undawnted and Sonoran Dawn Studios is right there with you. For years, the music industry has been ruled by corporations, experimenting on the population. From sexualized, violent rap lyrics and pop songs that have suicidal and other phrases inserted for no reason but to social engineer young people. 

Such as:

“Livin' La Vida Loca”
Ricky Martin

She'll make you live her crazy life, but she'll take away your pain
Like a bullet to your brain

Who wants to sing-along to: “like a bullet to your brain”? 

Can't artists do better? 

_____

The Problem 

Artists can create better music, but no one will pay them to do the right thing. No corporation, NGO, or government can make money off a stable, content populace. 

If you are having a bad day, corporatized music isn't designed to better mental health.

If you want to rebel, the gang violence pushed in lyrics is just going to end you up in prison. 

We need a solution to stop the for-profit pipeline living-off/creating people's suffering. 

_____

The Solution

As consumers, we can change the industry, one song and artist at a time. Find new artists and their creations on SoundCloud and other apps. 

Poetry is personal. 

Shouldn't your music be too? 

__________

DL Mullan for Undawnted

Undawnted has embarked on a new style of music. Personal. Poignant. Meaningful. 

From the pages of DL Mullan's stories, songs that embody her characters, emotions, and motifs can be heard in the album, Resurrection, the soundtrack to the novelette, Mangled.  

YouTube Playlist

SoundCloud Album Playlist

Or, maybe your musical taste is more eclectic, then try: Undawnted, the self-titled album from DL Mullan. 

• Listen to current events/historical content of Drones. 
• If you want an upbeat toe tapper, try Quantum Time. 
• Lost someone close? All Cried Out was written just for you. 
• Plasma will get you on your feet to dance!
• ...this album is still churning out the hits with more tracks being released throughout the summer!

YouTube Playlist
SoundCloud Album Playlist 

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For more info:

 www.undawnted.com/p/about-mullan-music.html 

Undawnted on SoundCloud 

Undawnted on YouTube 

 

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Don't just change your music... change your whole vibe! 

DL Mullan has been a musical wonder and performer for decades. With her classical training (e.g., competitive orchestra, concert choir, band, talent shows, and award-winning poetry), as well as her grandfather's jazz pianist genes, she takes A.I. interpretation to a whole new level.

Listen for yourself.

 

Music as it was meant to be written...

 

 

Undawnted Interviews Chris Barili, Day Three of the WordCrafter Shadow Blade Book Blog Tour

Interview with Author Chris Barili
 

What makes this book (Shadow Blade) a story that impelled you to write it?

I developed Shadow Blade based on an exercise in a class on researching for fiction during my MFA studies at Western State Colorado University. The professor gave us an in-class assignment to take a word commonly used in our chosen genre and do ten minutes of research on it. I chose “Assassin,” and the history of that word was so interesting that when I left class that day, I knew I would be writing it as a possible thesis. It has everything a fantasy story needs. There’s adventure, romance, deception, heroics, and of course, at the center of it all, magic.

The original “assassins” were a small sect of muslim fundamentalists controlling portions of northern Persia during the crusades. They were said to have been addicted to hashish, which their leader used to make them invulnerable, and to keep them absolutely loyal. My immediate thought was, “what if they (the Denari Lai) weren’t addicted to a drug, but to magic? What if that power came from their god, Nishi,but was doled out by their leader, the Chargh Lai, and used to not only make them successful, but to spy on them, control them, and ultimately, if they disobeyed too much, to end them? The very next question that came to me was, “What if one such assassin is sent to kill a princess, but falls in love with her and has to battle with his faith to determine his future?

So you have this dynamic where magic is like a drug that is used to control Denari Lai, and suddenly one of those assassins finds something so powerful that it threatens his devotion to his God. What’s stronger for him, the love of his God, or his love for the princess. 

 

Which, if any, of the characters do you identify with the most?

That’s a tough one. I think I’d have to say perhaps Captain Marwan Bauti—the man vowed to protect Princess Makari. He knows something is wrong, that Ashai is a threat, but no one will listen to him.

 

What is it about the magic genre that attracts you to write it?

The fantasy genre has always attracted me for a couple of reasons. First, it tends to draw a pretty straight line between good and evil, which I think we’ve lost the ability to do in our world today. And secondly, just about anything is possible in the fantasy genre, meaning all kinds of exciting things can happen.

Is Book 2 of the series on the way? How many books of the series do
you plan on publishing?

Shadow Blade is currently plotted out to be a trilogy. I am about halfway done the rough draft of book two (untitled), but I am working on the next Hell’s Marshal book at this time, so it’ll be a bit before book two is out.

 

What themes resonate with this story, yourself, and your readers?

If I start sounding off what themes are in this story, it’s likely to act as a spoiler for how it ends. So on this one, I’ll plead the Fifth.

 

Chris "Stealth" Barili

Website: Authorchrisbarili.ink

Buy Shadow Blade here:

https://books2read.com/Shadow-Blade

__________

Support Great Artists 

Read Shadow Blade by Chris Barili: 

books2read.com/ShadowBladeDenariLai

 

 Buy your copy today! 

 

 

______

About the Book

Ashai Larish is an assassin from the brutal Denari Lai order. Religious zealots, Denari Lai are kept loyal through an addiction to the same magic that makes them unstoppable. They have become the primary weapon for the nation of Nishi'iti, and in a hundred years, they have never failed.

Until now. Ashai must kill Pushtani King Abadas Damar and his daughter/heir, Makari. He infiltrates the king's inner circle, putting him in the perfect place to strike, with only Captain Bauti of the Royal Guard at all suspicious of Ashai's intent.

Except Ashai has fallen for Makari and cannot complete the hit. When a second Denari Lai kills the King, Ashai finds himself fighting for Makari's life instead of taking it. To make matters worse, the order cuts him off from his magic, leaving him weakened and in withdrawal. Meanwhile, far north in the Pushtani mines that border Nishi'iti, a slave named Pachat learns that his love, a hand slave to Makari, died at the hands of a Denari Lai assassin. His grief ignites a slave rebellion, and Pachat becomes the unwilling leader of the revolt. Urged on by Nishi'iti guerrillas, the rebellion sweeps across the borderlands, threatening to erupt into all-out war. Yet all Pachat wants is to avenge his beloved's death by killing the assassin, so he walks away from the rebellion to seek when it needs him most.

As Pachat makes off for the capital of Dar Tallus, Ashai is forced to rely on that city's organized crime gang to hide from the second assassin, and from Bauti's guards. Despite his best efforts to hide it, Makari discovers Ashai's true identity, and suddenly, he finds himself without her love, without his faith, and without the Denari Lai. At rock bottom, he doubts he can do anything but cause more damage.

Can Ashai kill the second assassin and win back Makari's love? Will Pachat gain the revenge he so lustily seeks?

_____

*Give Away*

If you follow the tour and leave a comment at each stop to let us know you were there or share your thoughts about the book, you can win a free copy of Shadow Blade. We’re giving away three digital copies of the book, and one lucky winner will receive a print copy of the book signed by author Chris Barili. Each stop you comment on earns you an entry into the random drawing, and the winners will be announced on Writing to be Read in the “WordCrafter News” post on July 27.

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Tour Schedule

Monday, July 21: Writing to be Read- Book Trailer
Tuesday, July 22: Robbie's Inspiration - Guest post
Wednesday July 23: Undawnted - Interview with Chris Barili
Thursday, July 24: Roberta Writes - Reading Excerpt from Baiting the Hook, narrated by Jeff Bowles
Friday, July 25: Writing to be Read - Live appearance by Chris Barili

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This post is sponsored by: 

Available at these fine retailers:

 Book:
www.undawnted.com/p/jonah-collector-weakest-link.html

 

In this epic tale, we discover that in his youth, Captain Christopher Houston was once a Jonah. The weakest link on a ship endangers the entire crew. As such, he was tossed into the Locker, then saved by a mermaid. She wants revenge on him for annulling the contract. She went after his son. Now, Houston has a choice: save his son or himself. Will he be the next victim of The Jonah Collector?

 

Life is tough when you are the weakest link.