Writing Challenge- Day Three #TurvyTruthOrDare

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

Admit Achilles heel OR Stand on Stand up and do four cartwheels in a row

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 Three – Time for a truth!

King Benedict observed Jerrol as he entered the study followed by Birlerion. The young Sentinal had been absent for a few days, but he was back behind Jerrol’s shoulder as if he had never left it.

An air of mystery preceded them, the silver-green uniform the two men wore giving off an archaic feel that was out of place in the city of Old Vespers. Birlerion towered over Jerrol, tall and straight with silver eyes and ancient weapons, people noticed whenever a Sentinal was present.

“I heard a strange story about some Sentinals in town,” the king said.

Jerrol rolled his eyes. “Someone thought it might be a good idea to try and impress the townsfolk. It seems they went to extremes.”

Birlerion huffed. “They were eager enough for a hug.”

“But not to see all that you offered,” Jerrol said, trying not to smirk.

A slight blush stained Birlerion’s cheeks. “At least they won’t take us so seriously anymore.”

“And why is that a good thing?” the king asked.

The ghost of a smile flitted over Birlerion’s face. “We’re trying to fit in. They won’t be so scared of us if they see us making fun of ourselves.”

Benedict pursed his lips and nodded. “I see. Though my preference would still be that Sentinals are treated with a healthy respect.”

“I don’t think you need to be concerned, sire,” Jerrol said. “Most of the sentinals are a serious lot. It seems we got the enthusiastic ones here in Old Vespers.”

“I’ll have you know we are all serious when it matters,” Birlerion said, “It doesn’t hurt to have a little fun now and then.”

“I’m sure,” Benedict murmured. He leaned back in his chair. “What is your weakness, then? Is there something I should be worried about?”

Birlerion twisted his lips. “We are not superhuman, Your Majesty. Just touched by a goddess. But she took all her magic with her, and we are no longer able to wield her power, only use the skills we’ve learnt.” He fell silent for a moment and then sighed. “We are formidable but not invincible.”

“And not very good at holding your ale,” Jerrol muttered.

Laughing, Birlerion shook his head. “Your ale is potent. I am not one for drinking. Tagerill would call Serillion and I lightweights. No matter how much he tries he cannot toughen us up. I think we’ll let him explore the taverns on his own.”

King Benedict grimaced. “Now that sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.” He considered for a moment. “I think it’s best we sustain the Sentinals’ reputation for now, at least until we know what is going on. Try and avoid any further revelations to the townsfolk. There will be plenty of time for you to make friends once we understand who our real enemy is.”

Birlerion exhaled, but nodded in agreement. “Of course, Your Majesty. I’ll pass the word.”

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 Two #TurvyTruthOrDare

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

Share a silly hidden talent OR Stand on corner holding sign for hugs for 10 minutes

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!

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

Day Two- It’s a another dare!

Serillion lifted his head off the pillow and groaned. The room spun, and he swallowed, trying not to heave. “Oh Lady help me. My head.”

Jerrol laughed at him. “It’s not your head you should be worrying about.”

Serillion covered his eyes with his arm. Why did the sun have to be so bright? Jerrol’s words percolated into his brain, and he froze. Oh Lady! They hadn’t, had they? “Why?” he asked, hoping the fuzzy memories from the night before were just a drunken haze.

“Well, there are reports of three men streaking down the Port Road,” Jerrol replied. His voice turned thoughtful. “I suppose it was fortunate it was after midnight and there weren’t that many people to see it.”

Serillion groaned. “I’m gonna kill Tagerill.”

“I think Birlerion is already making him suffer.”

“They can’t be up already.” Serillion retched and Jerrol shoved a bucket towards him. After a moment that Serillion would prefer not to remember, he wiped his mouth and blearily stared at Jerrol. “Why are you here? Did they send you to torment me?”

“Birlerion said that if you needed a hug to help you feel better, you would find them on the corner of market square. Something about trying to redeem themselves in the Lady’s eyes. He thought you might want to help them.”

“Help them do what?”

“Someone dared them to beg for hugs. They seem to think it was Leyandrii. Anyway, that was the only explanation I could get out of them as to why they were standing on street corners with a sign asking people to hug them.”

Serillion chuckled and then groaned again.

“I was debating about joining them as there was quite a queue!” Jerrol said. “@writertracybrown was at the front, she seemed quite eager!! As were @mummybearreads, @D_a_i_s_ywood and @bookworm_oakey to name a few!” Jerrol said.

“They can have all the hugs. I’ll just die here, quietly,” Serillion moaned, covering his face with his pillow.

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

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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.

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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!

#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

Book Review Alert: The Cartographers by Peng Shepherd

Reviewed: March 28th, 2022
Released: March 17th, 2022
Genre: Contemporary Fiction

There are some maps you can lose yourself in…

Nell Young has lived her life in and around maps. Her father, Dr. David Young, was one of the most respected cartographers in the world. But this morning he was found dead – or murdered? – in his office at the New York Public Library.

Nell hadn’t spoken to her father in years, ever since he fired her after an argument over a seemingly worthless highway roadside map. A map which was mass-produced – and every copy of which is now being found and destroyed. But why?

To answer that question, Nell will embark on a dangerous journey into the heart of a conspiracy beyond belief, the secrets behind her family, and the true power that lies in maps . . . Read My thoughts…

Book Review Alert: Renegade Angel by KC Freeman

Reviewed: March 27th, 2022 (ARC)
Released: October 4th, 2022
Genre: Paranormal Fantsay

Exclusively available in the Realm of Darkness Anthology.

A warrior for good. A soldier for Heaven. A heart of gold. A body of sin.
Jasper Moreau has served as a guardian angel for centuries. He battles the demons and monsters in the dark so humanity can pretend they don’t exist. But being a guardian angel isn’t all divine love and light. Sometimes the human side of his nature needs to feed his own lustful appetites.

Savannah only wants to ride horses and be part of a family-her rodeo family. The rodeo was the one place she was finally able to escape her dark past and hide from supernatural abilities. She seems destined to remain the comical rodeo clown, but Fate has a mind of its own. And Fate means to stir up trouble. Read My thoughts…

Book Review Alert: The Wrong Apocalypse by Philip J. Dennis

Reviewed: March 23rd, 2022
Released: February 19th, 2021
Genre: Horror/Satire

One moment we are spending time with friends, family, lovers. Then, before we knew it, the whole world went to hell and we find ourselves hiding indoors, scared for our lives over what is happening outside. It’s the Apocalypse. Not the apocalypse you’d have expected, no.

We dare not go near the window for fear of being seen. We dare not go outside for fear of what will happen to us. Mindless, bumbling, soulless husks with vacant eyes wander the streets. No, not politicians. Zombies!As if that isn’t enough, we find ourselves hiding in the least likely place you’d expect to find yourself during a Zombie Apocalypse. Hush Now. A sex shop in the city centre. We have limited supplies. Instant noodles, tins of beans, packet of rice. But we have all the novelty candy underwear we can eat.

We are not alone. There are others out there. Survivors like us. We have a plan. We were to meet up with friends in their restaurant. And that plan still stands. Somehow we will get out of this place. We will survive this! Read My thoughts…

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.