Sentinals Awaken Wins Wishing Shelf Book Award

I’m excited to announce that Sentinals Awaken, the first book in the epic fantasy Sentinal series, which was a finalist in the Wishing Shelf Book awards for 2021, has been awarded the bronze medal in the Adult Fiction category!

The Wishing Shelf Book Awards is run by an Independent author for Independent authors. Actual readers located in London and Stockholm read and review the books in each category, and then discuss them thoroughly to choose their medal winners.

Winners recieve a winners medal, certificate and promotion through press releases, and book promotions on Goodreads, Facebook and the Fussy Librarian.

You can find out more about the Wishing Shelf Book Awards here, and the list of 2021 winners here.

Sentinals Awaken is the first book in the saga of Remargaren, a vibrant, ancient world of high fantasy suffused with magic and adventure.

As a three thousand-year-old threat reemerges, only one man has the power to awaken the world’s greatest protectors and restore order to the realm. He just doesn’t know it yet. When Jerrol Haven, a captain in the King’s Rangers, discovers treason at the highest level, he knows immediately that the knowledge puts his life at risk. And indeed, though he expected the ailing King to shield him, the ambitious Crown Prince sentences Jerrol to death.

What hold does the Prince have over his weakened father, and who or what is he protecting?

With signs that the veil is weakening and the Ascendants are creeping back into power, Lady Leyandrii has returned and is in dire need of Jerrol’s help. For though he doesn’t know it, Jerrol possesses a rare gift: By chance, he touches a revered Sentinal tree and awakens Birlerion, one of the Lady’s personal guard who have been sleeping in the strange, tall trees since they were last called to battle. Aided by Birlerion, Jerrol flees and begins his journey to help Lady Leyandrii save Remargaren once more.

But time is running out: Jerrol must unravel the mystery of the Ascendants’ return, stop the sinister force that is dividing good families through bloodshed and betrayal, and rescue the King—and his troubles are only just beginning.

Ideal for lovers of The Witcher, Tad William’s Shadowmarch or David Eddings’ Belgarion series.

Start the award winning epic fantasy Sentinals series now with Book One, Sentinals Awaken.

If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.

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Writing Challenge- Day One #TurvyTruthorDare

Join the Sentinals as they navigate their way through a new writing challenge! Keep reading for my Day One truth or dare!!

It’s another Turvy-inspired #WritingChallenge! This time the stakes are raised: #TurvyTruthOrDare! AND this time it’s an easy-peasy 7-day mini challenge. So they say!!

Follow all the participants on Instagram.

You can find me at: https://www.instagram.com/helengarrawayauthor follow us and join in the fun!

The #TurvyTruthOrDare runs April 1–7 and is hosted by:
❄ @nimmisheikhauthor –Writing a New Adult, sci-fi murder mystery trilogy planned for 2023 release: #Frostieverse
👻@saffron.amatti –Writes the spooky, ghosty, and oh-so-twisty #LucasRathboneMysteries
🐾@sharitmitchell –Writes the thrilling #MarnieReillyMysteries with canine companions and haunting spirits
🎩@writertracybrown –Writes the quirky #DoorToDoorMysteries + 🔥#BelleroseWitchline fantasy series

#Writers, whether your characters are in a published book or percolating in your WIP, this challenge is for YOU!

Day One– It’s a dare!

The Sentinals sat in the king’s library and devoured all the books they could find on the history of Remargaren. Piles of dry and boring tomes surrounded them and Tagerill shifted in his seat, slamming the book he was reading shut.

“This is so boring. Why do we want to know what every official ever said in the last three thousand years?”

“We don’t,” Serillion replied, his eyes glued to the pages in front of him.

“We want to know how Vespiri came to be what it is today,” Birlerion murmured, turning the page.

“It would be much better if we just went into the town and asked the people,” Tagerill said.

“Via every tavern you can find,” Birlerion said with a wry twist of his lips.

“It would be better than sitting here.”

“It might be more entertaining, but you won’t find out much. Our history seems to be long forgotten,” Birlerion replied, taking the opportunity to stretch his aching back. They had been reading for a long time. He eyed Serillion and then Tagerill as an idea bloomed. “Tell you what. We’ll go into town, and the first one of us who finds a person who remembers the Sentinals can choose a dare for the others.”

“Yes!” Tagerill said as he fist pumped the air.

“Mmm,” Serillion replied, his nose still deep in his book.

“Right then,” Birlerion said closing his book and leaning over to flip Serillion’s book shut as well.

“Hey! I was reading that,” Serillion protested.

“Active research is much better,” Tagerill proclaimed.

“We’ve been sitting for too long! Truth or dare time,” Birlerion said as he rose. “First Sentinal to find someone who remembers us, gets to pick a dare for one of the others.”

Serillion scowled. “You are such children. No one is going to remember us.”

“Someone will.” Birlerion replied as he stacked the books in a neat pile. “Come on. We need some fresh air.”

As they entered yet another tavern, Birlerion was regretting his bright idea, and he groaned as another mug of ale landed on the bar before him. His innards were awash in beer and he grabbed it and turned towards the room. Raising the mug he said, “Whoever can tell me a true story about the Sentinals gets this ale!”

“Bribery is cheating,” Serillion shouted. His cheeks were flushed, and his silver eyes sparkled.

Tagerill laughed. “No one knows anything in this town!”

“Them Sentinals were cowards. They all ran.” A deep voice spoke from the shadows.

Silence fell, and Birlerion turned towards the voice. “Ran from what?” he asked, his voice deceptively quiet.

“Whatever it was they faced. They all disappeared. Cowards the lot of them.”

“Maybe they took the threat with them,” Birlerion suggested.

“Nah! The Lady punished them!”

“There isn’t an original thought among them,” Tagerill growled.

“Then we should plant a new seed,” Serillion said, his eyes glittering dangerously.

“Yes,” Birlerion agreed. “What impression would we like to leave?”

“Oh I don’t know. We should all streak down the high street, that would make an impression,” Tagerill said in a calm voice.

Birlerion choked. “Not the impression Leyandrii would like.”

Tagerill raised his mug in salute. “They wouldn’t forget us, though.”

Start the award winning epic fantasy Sentinals series now with Book One, Sentinals Awaken.

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Realm of Darkness Author Spotlight – The Mage’s Curse by Bethany Adams

Some gorgeous covers have been revealed over the last few weeks for the Realm of Darkness Anthology. I am delighted to share Bethany Adams’The Mage’s Curse

Only available as part of the Realm of Darkness Anthology.

Have you preordered your copy yet for the insane price of 99c/99p for 40+ full length paranormal novels? I can’t wait to read these wonderful books. See all the covers revealed so far here.

The Mage’s Curse by Bethany Adams

After a simple dinner with a god went very, very wrong, fae mage Chalmys was cursed to remain locked in his tiny realm. Until, that is, he could find someone to tell his story. All of his story.

There are only two problems: Revealing the truth of his birth will put his mother at grave risk, and he has to send his story through dreams.

Chalmys thought the second would be the easiest to overcome, but after centuries of tangled tales gone wrong, he has nearly given up hope.

Until the night he connects with Holly. Now he has to convince her to risk everything to set him free. If only a certain god doesn’t interfere …

Preorder Realm of Darkness Boxset

Only available as part of the Realm of Darkness Boxset available for preorder now on Amazon and other retailers for only 99c/99p!

About the Author: Bethany Adams

Ever since finding a copy of The Hero and the Crown in her elementary school library, Bethany has loved fantasy. After subjecting her friends to stories scrawled in notebooks during study breaks all through high school, she decided to pursue an English degree at Middle Tennessee State University. When not writing or wrangling her two small children, Bethany enjoys reading, photography, and video games.

Books by Bethany Adams

Return of the Elves Series

Soulbound
Sundered
Exiled
Seared
Abyss
Awakening
Ascent
Solace

It’s Launch Day!! Sentinals Across Time

Sentinals Across Time: Book Four of the Sentinal series, is now live!!!!

I am excited to share the fourth installment of the Sentinal series. In my latest book Jerrol is flung three thousand years into the past, and not only has to adjust to living in a different time, the Lady has a few tasks she needs him to complete as well.

And don’t forget Readers’ Favorite recommend the whole series, check out the Five Star book review for book two Sentinals Rising “…this is a book and a series that is likely to be adored by all fortunate enough to read it. Very highly recommended.”

5 Star Goodreads reviews are already being posted!!

“Helen Garraway has written a Fantasy Saga of epic proportions, and the story of these gallant young men – Captain Jerrol Haven and the Sentinals – will remain with you, long after you have turned the last page. A Beautiful read!!!”

“I cannot tell you how awesome this book was. It weaved so well in to the books we already know and love whilst creating whole new places to visit and fall in love with.”

“Helen is a master of the art of storytelling. Each scene is played out so well you find yourself not just the reader, but a willing participant, pulled into an amazing fantasy, where you feel every emotion that her characters go through. You cry with them, laugh, and feel their pain and terror.”

Sentinals Across Time is the fourth book in the saga of Remargaren, a vibrant, ancient world of high fantasy suffused with magic and adventure.

Jerrol’s fragile balance between duty and family life took two years to refine and one brief moment to tear apart as the Lady Leyandrii and the Oath conspire in a desperate bid to protect the Birtolian Empire. As a result, Jerrol finds himself stranded in the middle of an ocean, lost across land and time and seas.

Unsure what is expected of him, Jerrol learns to appreciate the idyllic life of the Birtolians, the vibrant people and the beautiful coastline. To his growing horror he realises the devastation which lies in their future.

Can Jerrol prevent the destruction of the gentle people he has grown to love? Is he meant to? Desperate to find a way home, he begins to leave clues in anything he thinks will survive the test of time. Taelia and the Sentinals are his only chance of ever returning to his own life but can they find him before the Lady sunders the Bloodstone and changes the Birtolian Empire forever?

The fourth installment of the Sentinal Series takes us the beautiful Island Empire of Birtoli. Only once, it wasn’t an archipelago of islands, it was a land of majestic mountain ridges, mystical forests and exquisite sandy bays joined as one to the southern Vespiri borders.

Purchase Sentinals Across Time h ere.

Novella o.5: Sentinals Stirring (Free novella if you sign up to my newsletter.)

Book One: Sentinals Awaken

Book Two: Sentinals Rising

Book Three: Sentinals Justice

Book 3.5: Sentinals Recovery (Novella)

Book Four: Sentinals Across Time

Realm of Darkness Author Spotlight – Creatures of the Night by C. A. King

Some gorgeous covers have been revealed over the last few weeks for the Realm of Darkness Anthology. I am delighted to share CA King’s’ Creatures of the Night

Only available as part of the Realm of Darkness Anthology.

Have you preordered your copy yet for the insane price of 99c/99p? I can’t wait to read these wonderful books. See all the covers revealed so far here.

Creatures of the Night by C.A. King

Zoe spent her whole life training how to fight demons – how to kill them. Not once did that curriculum include falling in love with one. Now she’s faced with hard choice: betray one to save the other.

Will she side with the family and friends who have always been there for her or trade it all for the romance she so deeply desires?

Odds are, no matter which path she follows, her heart won’t make it out unscathed.

Preorder Realm of Darkness Boxset

Only available as part of the Realm of Darkness Boxset available for preorder now on Amazon and other retailers for only 99c/99p!

When darkness falls, beware of the creatures that come out to play…
Fall under their spell over and over again in this ultimate paranormal and fantasy romance boxset! Over 40 full-length novels with heart melting heroes and devastating anti-heroes, full of romance, magic, mystery, and adventure can be yours for an insanely low price.

Ready to be swept away? Your book boyfriends are waiting… Enemies-to-lovers, alphas, fae, werewolves, dragons, shapeshifters, vampires, gods, angels, demons, and more: with novels ranging from sweet to spicy, there’s a flavor to sate your every craving.

You won’t find these exclusive novels anywhere else, so don’t miss your chance. Over ten thousand pages by New York Times, USA Today, and International bestselling authors and at less than three cents per book, this collection is a steal, but only for a limited time. Grab it today before it’s gone forever…

About the Author: C.A. King

USA Today Bestselling & Award Winning Author, C.A. King, was born and raised in Halton County. She currently resides in Ontario, Canada with her two sons.

After the loss of her loving parents and husband, Ms. King was devastated. She decided to retire from the workforce for a year or two to do some soul searching. It was during this time that writing became her passion. She found she was able to redirect her emotions through her writing and decided to publish some of her works.

Carol Ann King is proud to have her name join the list of Canadian born authors. She hopes her writing will help inspire another generation of Canadians to continue adding to the literary heritage and rich culture Canada already has to offer.

Realm of Darkness offer-free drinks companion

The authors of Realm of Darkness have put together a free gift for preordering the set for $0.99 on Apple iBooks.

👉Preorder Realm of Darkness for $0.99

then

👉Submit to get your companion

Preorder Realm of Darkness Boxset

Only available as part of the Realm of Darkness Boxset available for preorder now on Amazon and other retailers for only 99c/99p!

What’s Realm of Darkness all about?
42 full-length fantasy romance, paranormal romance, and romantic fantasy books. ALL for a buck!
Publication date: October 4th 2022
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Fantasy

When darkness falls, beware of the creatures that come out to play…

Fall under their spell over and over again in this ultimate paranormal and fantasy romance boxset! Over 40 full-length novels with heart-melting heroes and devastating anti-heroes, full of romance, magic, mystery, and adventure can be yours for an insanely low price.
Ready to be swept away? Your book boyfriends are waiting… Enemies-to-lovers, alphas, fae, werewolves, dragons, shapeshifters, vampires, gods, angels, demons, and more: with novels ranging from sweet to spicy, there’s a flavor to sate your every craving.

Realm of Darkness Author Spotlight: Dread of Dragons – by Monica Enderle Pierce

Some gorgeous covers have been revealed over the last few weeks for the Realm of Darkness Anthology. I am delighted to share Monica Enderle pierce’s Dread of Dragons

Only available as part of the Realm of Darkness Anthology.

Have you preordered your copy yet for the insane price of 99c/99p? I can’t wait to read these wonderful books. See all the covers revealed so far here.

Dread of Dragons by Monica Enderle Pierce

Her flame could free him from his nightmares. His passion could open her heart. Together, they must rise. Slow-burn fantasy romance with dragons, magic, and a heroine who must overcome her own doubts in order to find true strength.

Preorder Realm of Darkness Boxset

Only available as part of the Realm of Darkness Boxset available for preorder now on Amazon and other retailers for only 99c/99p!

About the Author:

Monica Enderle Pierce and her characters have been kicking the crap out of evil since 2012. She writes fantasy and science fiction. Her stories are filled with strong women, smart men, love, adventure, and magic. She has an English literature degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, and she lives in Seattle, Washington, with her husband, their daughter, a neurotic dog, and two crazy tomcats. When she’s not sending characters into battle or off on an adventure, she’s reading minds, seeing through walls, and reveling in the glorious Pacific Northwest rain.

International Women’s Day – Gender equality for a sustainable future – March 8th, 2022

It’s time to celebrate International Women’s Day. A day to recognise that women play an equal role in the world, in all aspects, and yet still in the twenty-first century women are still struggling to find their voice, to have equal access to resources, to be heard.

It astonishes and saddens me that even in this day and age, women have to fight to be treated equally, just because of gender. Yes, each gender may excel or be more suited to different roles, but that doesn’t make either one better than the other, there are always exceptions and everyone should be treated equally.

In 2022, climate change is front and centre as we all experience the changes in weather patterns in the world around us, and yet women are suffering even more, often being on the front line of gathering food, water, fuel.

As resources become more constrained, it’s the women who are trying to support their families with basic supplies, struggling to find what once was plentiful.

If you are interested in further information on how climate and gender equality are interlinked, check out this post by UN Women.org.

Source: Burcu Kölelifor UN Women (2022).

Along with climate change, gender equality seems to still be a prevalent issue in many areas, even that of authors. There are many amazing independent women authors creating wonderful stories, and yet their still seems to be a stigma in the publishing world attached to women authors writing Fantasy or science fiction. Many women choose to use their initials instead of their first name, to give the impression that they are male in the belief that readers will find their books more acceptable in a male dominated genre. And then you have the reverse, the romance or YA genre is dominated by women, but men are just as capable writing a good romance or a book for the younger generation. The gender of the author should not come in it.

I did consider using my initials when i first started publishing my books, but I chose to use my first name. It’s a perfectly good name! And I believe in my books to stand on their merits, no matter my gender. I hope readers feel the same. Let me know in the comments if you have faced this dilemma or whether the gender of the author makes any difference to the book choices you make. One day, these arguments won’t need to be made. It shouldn’t make any difference which gender you are, it is the writing that should be judged and enjoyed.

This may not be on par with the challenges of climate change or life impacting struggles of many women aorund the world, but it is still an insidious encroachment on the rights of women to be treated equally. Is that really too much to ask?

Realm of Darkness Author Spotlight – Splitting Dawn by Katherine D. Graham

Some gorgeous covers have been revealed over the last few weeks for the Realm of Darkness Anthology. I am delighted to share Katherine D Graham’s Splitting Dawn.

Only available as part of the Realm of Darkness Anthology.

Have you preordered your copy yet for the insane price of 99c/99p? I can’t wait to read these wonderful books. See all the covers revealed so far here. You can check out my Author Interview with Katherine, and my book review of A Vow that Twisted Fate.

A fan of vampires princesses and princes???? Read on…

Splitting Dawn by Katherine D. Graham

Kierra is a Princess with a gargantuan secret; the kind of secret that people are murdered for – she is the first Hybrid …

Lunev is the Crown Prince of the Vampirian Kingdom. Keeping the only Hybrid alive and out of the hands of the Demons during her annual Waning is his primary responsibility and duty – even if that means plunging his own kingdom further into their own war with the Demons.

But what started as duty forged a love that threatens to engulf both the Human and Vampirian kingdoms into the Demon King’s flames.

Will Kierra and Lunev’s love save their world? Or will their love bring about its ruin.

Only available as part of the Realm of Darkness Boxset available for preorder now on Amazon and other retailers for only 99c/99p!

About the Author:

Katherine D. Graham is a bestselling Fantasy author from Tennessee, in the USA. She is also a developmental editor and a Reedsy Reviewer.

Katherine’s debut indie Epic Fantasy novel, The Vow That Twisted Fate, is an Amazon bestselling New Adult Fantasy novel, a Fantasy finalist in the 2021 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, and a five-star IndieReader-approved novel.

Katherine holds a BA in Foreign Language/Lit: Japanese from the University of Memphis in Tennessee, where she also studied English (and editing). She worked for the Memphis Public Library and Information Center in her college years, and is still a vocal supporter of the Friends of the Memphis Public Library.

In addition to the library system, Katherine actively raises support for the St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, The House of Mews cat sanctuary, the Memphis Zoo, and Swim Across America.

Katherine loves adventures, especially traveling. She also enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time with her family and three cats.

Book Giveaways and Competitions

March is a busy month! Not only March hares bouncing around with endless energy, there are lots of book giveaways and bookswag competitions.

Bookmark my competitions page to keep up to date with the latest opportunity to win books and bookish swag. This month:

Win one of 100 eBook copies of Sentinals Awaken (US readers only)

Win a signed paperback copy of contemporary romance novel, Touch by Angela Cairns (UK readers only)

Win a $50 Amazon Giftcard (International)