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New Release: Bloody Klondike Gold by A.K. Taylor

Posted on 09.19.16 | Soaring Eagle Books | Leave a Comment

Copper would like to announce that’s it’s release day for Bloody Klondike Gold by A.K. Taylor a short story that introduces a new mystery, thriller, adventure series for older kids, tweens, teens, and young adults: The Randi Braveheart Mystery Series.

bloodyklondikegold3d

Book Description:

A summer trip to the Klondike can be deadly…

Randi Braveheart and her friend go to the Mineral Creek mining claim for summer vacation and to visit her father, Will, during the second half of the six month mining season. The time of happy reunions, summer fun, and gold mining come to a close after a night of sabotage, the theft of the first half of the season’s haul, and a death threat.

Will the motley crew of miners and teens survive until the end of the season?

Bloody Klondike Gold is an introductory short story to the new Randi Braveheart Mystery Series by award winning Teen/YA author A.K. Taylor! Stay tuned for the first installment To Catch a Catfish coming in 2017.

Click Here to Read a Sample

Buy Bloody Klondike Gold

Hot Off the Press–Escape from Ancient Egypt by A.K. Taylor

Posted on 09.09.16 | Soaring Eagle Books | Leave a Comment

Copper would like to welcome back A.K. Taylor! She has just released the new edition of her book Escape from Ancient Egypt which is the second book of the award winning, illustrated  Neiko Adventure Saga! Interested? Use the links below to find your format or retailer of choice!

Book Description:

escapefromancientegypt3d

Being stuck in the past takes on a whole new meaning…

What if your worst enemy sent you on a one-way ticket to the past? Worse, later he shows up and tries to play match-maker with a dominant historical figure while all of history and the future are on the line? Survival is just one problem, but then add your friends into the mix…

Following an intense battle between the Indians and the Crackedskulls, Neiko and her comrades enjoy victory while her enemies suffer a crushing defeat. Victory is short lived for Neiko when Francesco pays her a visit at her home and sends her away in order to collect on his threat of revenge. She is banished into the ancient world of ancient Egypt during the reign of Ramesses II the Great on a one way ticket.

Lost and trapped in this ancient world, it doesn’t take very long for trouble to find her. Taken by a rich man, she is reunited with three her friends that had been missing, and an eleven-year-old mystery is finally solved, but one of Neiko’s friends is still unaccounted for. After escaping from the rich man and journeying to Thebes, Neiko and her comrades have actually jumped from the pan and into the fire.

Things go horribly awry when Pharaoh finds out about Neiko and becomes infatuated with her. Francesco comes to Egypt on orders to bring her back, but he has other plans. Can Neiko and her friends thwart Francesco, return to the 21st century, and escape from the past and one of the greatest kings that ever lived?

If you love the action, adventure, and time travel intrigue of Back to the Future and Time Machine (except without the time machine) and modern Native Americans in ancient Egypt, but the story of the Ten Commandments and the Prince of Egypt in reverse with a battle of wills and the motives of passion from Pharaoh, and the comic relief of The Big Bang Theory, you’ll love Escape from Ancient Egypt!

Praise and Awards:

Winner of the Wisebear Bronze Medal Award
Winner of the UpAuthors Approved Award
Rated best in YA Historical Fantasy

“Neiko has the potential for becoming a literary role model for young girls. The Escape From Ancient Egypt storyline is good conceptually with lots of action and we did find ourselves anxiously wanting to know how the author resolved Neiko’s dilemna. Taylor also does a nice job of drawing the reader into the fictional world of ancient Egypt literally with her fantastic artwork interspersed throughout the novel.”

~Wisebear Books

“An exciting and action packed book from start to finish. This is the story of a young girl who travels between different times and places, and leads a life in each. Neiko finds herself in some scary and challenging situations in each place, and the book has a good amount of suspense as the reader awaits her next move. The writing is fantastical and highly imaginative, without being too far-fetched that the reader will lose interest.”

~Biblio Phanatic 5 Stars

“There is never a dull moment, and the book is punctuated with wonderful illustrations which break up the chapters. It reminds me of those books you read as a kid where you had to choose the ending and second guess what was coming.

~N Bookwitch 5 Stars

The plot was incredibly original – Native Americans being sent back in time to Ancient Egypt as an act of revenge. How can that not spark the imagination? This fast-paced book kept me interested and intrigued from start to finish. Great writing style, great plot and great characters.

This fast-paced book kept me interested and intrigued from start to finish. Great writing style, great plot and great characters. It is a novel that I highly recommend for a rainy afternoon, with a big cup of tea.
~Lit Quest 5 Stars

Excerpt:

Tito went through the crowd trying to find Senu. He pushed by the dancers, musicians, jugglers and groups of people talking and the game table. Senu had been close by the feasting table most of the evening. He wasn’t hard to miss because he was always surrounded by people since he was an excellent host and handled a group well. He was always well known for throwing the best parties and having the best of everything including entertainment. Egypt’s elite always felt at home at Senu’s including Pharaoh. Senu’s house was one of the few homes he felt comfortable in besides his own. Not even protocol kept Pharaoh away from Senu’s house when he wanted to come.

Tito located Senu among a crowd of the wealthy still by the feasting table and talking with Ramesses. Tito swallowed hard and went forward anyway. “Senu, I need to speak with you right now,” Tito said while turning slightly away from the king in order to avoid his eye.

Senu looked at him with raised eyebrows and at full attention. “About what?”

Tito sighed in agitation. “About my sister—it’s urgent,” he said, motioning for him to come with him alone.

“All right, Thutmose,” Senu said with a nod to Tito. “Excuse me, my king,” Senu said with a slight bow to the pharaoh.

Ramesses nodded with a good-natured smile. “Do hurry back, Senu.”

Senu nodded as he went with Tito to a secluded corner away from all the other guests. “What is it? Did she find the man? Is he here?” asked Senu frantically as his eyes darted among the crowd.

“Yes, and you were just talking to him,” said Tito.

Senu’s eyes widened and his hands went to his head in a panic. He began to pace the floor. “Amon-Re, Anubis! I cannot help her if she gets into trouble—you have to prevent anything that may cause a problem—is she all right?” he rambled in panic and shock. “I am now in peril! If something happens, I could be ruined or worse!”

Tito grabbed him to stop him from making a scene. “Stop that before somebody sees you! Yes, she’s fine. The others already know. What else shall I do?” asked Tito.

“You mustn’t let her anywhere near Pharaoh—just in case. He may recognize her by the looks of things,” whispered Senu urgently.

“Why is he here?” asked Tito with a shrug.

“He is one of my invited guests to the party, but I thought he was too busy to come. He is a frequent visitor to my home when I have parties because I am the second richest man in Thebes to himself and because we are friends. I am just as surprised as you are that he is here. He has been talking about Neiko all evening—that is what he was talking about when you came. He remembers every detail of that day distinctly as well as every detail of her and the way she was painted, everything. He has stayed up for days waiting for her arrival or any news at all. He says he will not rest until he finds her. Seeing her fighting skill, her inner and outer strength, and fearlessness mesmerized him—although I feel he is not saying everything. That wasn’t all he saw that day. It seems like he knows her somehow. Women like her are extremely rare. He wants to take her in and decide what to do with her. I’m glad he doesn’t know of her beauty that goes with her strength and fighting ability. This is a grave situation, and you must warn Neiko. If he were to find her here and uncover her identity, then I believe he will want her for his wife—maybe even his Great Wife,” he said.

Tito put his hand over his mouth to hide his gasp and sighed in agitation because the “Great Wife” was a really big deal. Tito then rubbed his temples to relieve the tension. “Right,” he said as he looked in the direction where he told Neiko to stay, but she wasn’t there. “I told her not to move from that spot! I have to find her because she could be in a fix! Men have been after her all evening!” Tito said frantically as he pulled at his head cloth as he searched the crowd for any sign of Neiko.

“Who?” asked a voice from his left. “Who is lost?”

Tito turned to his left to the speaker and was face to face with Pharaoh himself. “My sister—I seem to have misplaced her,” he said nervously as he avoided eye contact with the king and fidgeted. Tito had to ignore his impulse to bolt.

“I do not know you. Are you new to Thebes?” Ramesses asked, cocking his head and looking at him with a grilling stare.

Tito began to sweat. “Er—yes, my sister and I do not get out much ever since our parents died. Sat-Hathor cannot speak or hear, so she gets into trouble from time to time,” Tito fibbed trying to create a believable sob story so Pharaoh wouldn’t ask too many questions.

“I am sorry to hear that.” Ramesses scanned Tito’s features from one angle then another. “Have we met?” Ramesses asked, looking at him with recognition. “It seems like we could have met somewhere—in some ways you remind me of a servant of my house: Sito,” he said with a frown as he rubbed his beard in intense thought. He spoke Sito’s name with a twinge of hate.

“No. You must be mistaken. I don’t even know whom you speak of,” Tito lied. Ramesses could never know that Sito was his twin brother or they would be busted. Great Spirit knew what would happen next. “Now, if you would please excuse my abrupt leave, I have to go find my sister—please excuse me,” Tito said thinking fast and trying to get away. He remembered to bow to the king during his exit.

Ramesses put his fists on his hips in a dominant stance. “I want to meet your sister. When you find her, bring her to me,” said Ramesses. “She seems to be the one woman I haven’t seen,” he said with a small grin.

“I’m very sorry, but that isn’t possible—please forgive us. She cannot speak or hear, and she is terrified of strangers. We live an isolated life, and the only person she knows besides me is Senu. She is also petrified of pharaohs—she also has very crude manners unfit for your attention,” Tito said trying to keep his composure and come up with something to deter the king’s curiosity.

Ramesses folded his arms and looked at him with an aggravated stare. “Do as I command. Let me see her. Why do you hide her from me, Thutmose? I will not harm her. I will only take a few moments of her time. Now go,” he snapped, waving his hand.

Tito sighed with relief and walked away and wiping the sweat of fear from his brow. “Oh boy. I have to do it so I don’t arouse his suspicions—he already knows something’s up,” he sighed and looked around for Neiko. He then saw Sut escorting her around, and Neiko was trying to get away from him. Tito stormed up and pushed Sut away from her. “Didn’t I tell you to keep your hands off of my sister?” asked Tito angrily.

“I don’t have to listen to you—you are not my king,” Sut snapped as he thrust his finger at Tito. “It is not good form to keep her sheltered all her life,” Sut retorted.

“I don’t care, and that’s none of your business! She is the most prized possession I have because my parents are dead, and she is in no shape to go and meet strangers! Don’t you tell me how I should and shouldn’t care for my sister. Find another woman and leave her in peace. We will be on our way. Come, Sat-Hathor,” said Tito as he put his arm around her.

Sut grabbed her arm and pulled her away from Tito. “You will go in peace, Thutmose! She will remain with me the rest of the evening—”

Tito socked Sut in the nose and jerked Neiko from him. “No! She won’t be with you or any other man here! Lay another hand on my sister again, and I’ll cut it off!” Tito said in hushed whispered that carried through the crowd as he straightened his back and poked out his chest.

Sut pinched his nose to stop the bleeding as he backed away. “This is far from over, Thutmose! You will pay for this,” he snapped and stormed away.

“Anytime!” Tito retorted and started to escort Neiko to a place where they could talk, but the queen stopped them.

The queen had an inquisitive look on her face. “You are very protective of your sister. I admire that. You look like someone I know. Your name is Thutmose, is it?” the queen asked.

Tito nodded silently. “My queen, this is my sister, Sat-Hathor.”

“Queen Nefertari,” she said bowing her head.

Tito bowed in signal to Neiko, but she curtsied. Tito slapped his forehead with his palm when he saw Neiko curtsy. “Pleased to make your acquaintance, and so is she. I speak on her behalf.”

Neiko’s cheeks flushed. Oh, right I was supposed to bow not curtsy. We’re not in Europe, Neiko, she said in her mind, scolding herself.

Nefertari was a bit confused and shifted her eyes at the pair with a curious smile. “Why doesn’t she talk?” asked Nefertari.

“She is unable to hear or speak—forgive her, my queen,” Tito said.

“I understand. You have my permission to call me by my name,” Nefertari said.

“Why are you not with your husband?” asked Tito.

“I got bored listening to him talking about his treasure cities and kingdom. That is all he speaks of—well—until that warrior showed up. Now all he speaks of is her. She was so interesting, but I was a little frightened of her. I was surprised she didn’t run him through with that spear, but he knew she wouldn’t—somehow—unless he tried to take her by force. He has spoken so highly of her, and I like to hear him tell the story of that battle she fought against Kenes. I overheard you speaking of your family to Sut, and I pity you. I thought that was so unkind in the way he was trying to take her from you. He is so desperate to find a wife, and Sat-Hathor was what he was looking for,” said Nefertari.

“I know, that is another reason why I don’t take her places that often, and I saw that you had the same problem,” Tito said.

“Oh yes,” Nefertari said rolling her eyes. “He pays no attention to them, but it does make him feel good about himself. But how does she feel about it?”

“Oh, she gets annoyed by it, and she can’t stand to be bombarded by strangers. She is so shy—she is afraid sometimes,” said Tito with a sideways smile.

“That is so refreshing and impressive. She was the only woman who wasn’t throwing herself on my husband to get his attention. She seems to cleave to you and no one else. Most want to have the attention of all the men in the room, but Sat-Hathor just wants to be beside her brother. I admire that,” said Nefertari.

“How do you feel about that warrior girl?” asked Tito. “I hope you don’t mind me asking—I don’t mean to be nosy.”

Nefertari smiled. “Oh no, it’s all right. In what way do you mean?” Nefertari asked as she pursed her lips and shrugged.

“In every way. And what would you say if your husband took her as a wife?” asked Tito. “Aren’t you and wouldn’t you be jealous?”

“I admire that warrior girl for who she was. I wish I could fight like that and have no fear of anyone or anything. I could plainly see she feared nothing. I would love her to be part of the family, and she didn’t want to come willingly, so that shows she is not easily won, and that is special. Also, it’s strange…she reminds me of someone that a person I know speaks much of. Most would come running if Ramesses asked them for their time with him. That girl is very unique, just like your sister,” Nefertari said, smiling at Neiko. “As for your other question, it would be safe to say that I would not be jealous. No one woman can expect to have all the attention of our God-king.”

“Really, how interesting,” Tito said trying to fight the urge to pry further into her business.

“In a way, you remind me of someone I know. His name is Sito. Do you know him?” asked Nefertari.

Tito shook his head. “No. I’ve heard of him, but I don’t know him,” Tito fibbed.

“Oh, you just seem to remind me so much of him like if you were twins or something,” said Nefertari with a chuckle.

Tito chortled with a nervous smile but said nothing.

Neiko looked at her with a “what-did-you-just-say” look and remained silent and then cut her eyes to her escort.

Tito smiled. “I appreciate the earlier compliment for my sister, and it’s not often you comment on another woman, is it?” asked Tito.

“No, and I bet you are proud of her—you should be,” said Nefertari.

“Thank you. I talked with your husband earlier, and he wants to meet my sister. I shutter at her possible display of poor manners. She is shy and afraid of strangers, even your husband, the king, but he insisted, so I must be going. Thank you for your time, Queen Nefertari,” said Tito, bowing.

“There you are. I have been looking for you,” said Ramesses, appearing out of the crowd like a ghost from a wall and walking up to his wife and kissing her on the cheek.

Neiko looked up from the floor to be face to face with the man she was hiding from. She tried to lead Tito away frantically, but he wouldn’t budge. “This is Sat-Hathor, my king,” said Tito signaling Neiko to stay still. He gave her a stern, “don’t-rabbit-or-we’re-dead” look.

“You and Nefertari became acquainted, Thutmose?” Ramesses asked with a pleasant smile.

“Yes, and she has spoken highly of my sister,” Tito answered with a timid smile.

“Good. I was wondering what was keeping you—I don’t have patience with some things,” he said, furrowing his brow. “I saw you deal with Sut harshly about his dealings with your sister. You care much for the well-being of your sister—how nice,” Ramesses said, looking at Neiko in the face.

Neiko turned away and looked at the floor as she fidgeted nervously.

“My sister has been a handful this evening,” Tito said in an attempt to prolong the conversation and to avert Ramesses’ attention back to him.

Ramesses didn’t respond to Tito’s comment. Neiko had his full attention. “She is quite shy,” Ramesses said, taking her hand and kissing it.

Neiko pulled it away like an asp had bitten it and looked at him in the eye to read his intentions with her fierce emerald-green eyes.

Ramesses looked into her eyes with his dark brown eyes. Their eyes locked because he noticed her eyes seemed very familiar.

Tito saw this, and his mind started racing especially since he could see some electricity from Pharaoh’s eyes. He jabbed Neiko’s arm to get her attention and to get her look at him to break the connection. He pointed to his eyes, to Ramesses, and shook his head to sign: you’re not supposed to look at Pharaoh in the eye. He turned back to Ramesses and asked. “Is there something wrong?”

Ramesses looked at Tito with an irritated frown at the interruption regardless if it was tradition that no one gave royalty eye contact; he wanted to gaze into her eyes. Ramesses’ brow furrowed in deep thought as his eyes fell to her face. “No, she seems familiar—like we have met somewhere. Do you think so, Nefertari?”

Nefertari looked at Neiko. She turned the corners of her mouth down and pursed her lower lip and shrugged. “No. I have never seen her before till just moments ago.”

Ramesses crinkled his nose and shook his head at Nefertari’s negligence. He looked at her from head to toe with his eyes studying her. Then he gripped her chin and tilted her face to his.

Neiko swallowed hard; her heart was thumping in her ears. Neiko shut her eyes and her mind screamed, Please go away. What is going on? Please don’t recognize me.

Tito’s heart started pounding; his breath shortened, and he gritted his teeth.

Ramesses released her chin, but his eyes never left her like he was in a trance. “I can’t place you, but those eyes are so familiar—I know of one with eyes of emerald that I seek and yearn for. I know you—somehow—somewhere. Are you she?” he said softly in lingering thought. He then broke the entranced stare and shook off the spell by shaking his head. “Your sister is truly a beautiful desert flower.”

Tito breathed with relief at the close call. “Thank you. We must be going. My sister and I haven’t had much time together this evening. Excuse us,” said Tito.

“Very well, you may leave,” Ramesses said, waving his hand and smiling since his request was satisfied.

Tito and Neiko quickly walked away nearly running.

“Thanks a lot, Tito! That was too close!” Neiko squeaked. “Why did you just stand there like that?” she demanded like he had gone nuts.

“I’m sorry, Neiko. I was hoping to warn you, but he got to us first. He demanded to meet you, and I tried to make up something to keep him away, but he wouldn’t buy it. He’s a stubborn son-of-a-gun just like in the history books. At least he didn’t recognize you. He knows your eyes, and he knows you somehow. Nefertari was so kind, and she thinks highly of you also. Nefertari also said I looked familiar. I wonder if she knows where Sito is—I think she does; she mentioned she knows him,” said Tito.

“I know, maybe she does, and that would be good. I’m glad he didn’t find anything else familiar, or I’d be in trouble,” said Neiko with a deep exhale.

“I talked with Senu, and he said it seems he has a quite flame for you,” Tito said.

Neiko looked at him like she had just seen a zombie. “I gotta stomp out this little flame before it becomes a doggoned forest fire!”

“Too true. There is more at stake. If you marry Pharaoh, then all of history will alter—definitely if it plays out like I hear from all the gossip. I won’t bother to explain because it’s not gonna happen, and you wouldn’t understand. All of history is at stake here, and so is our future…so is the entire land of Hawote including Raven and Bloodhawk’s. If we don’t get out of here, then the guys and I will be goners, and you’ll be someone else’s arm ornament and eye candy for sure—possibly Pharaoh’s if we’re exposed. You, Neiko Kidd, will not have ever liberated Hawote, and Bloodhawk will never have fallen in love with you, and your parents will not have ever known you—I think. I have to find out from Francesco on how this will work exactly. I assume you will have to die here in Egypt for the ‘cease to exist’ part to happen. You will be up the creek if you are taken as a wife by anyone—especially Ram—I mean Pharaoh,” Tito replied. “Now you’ve got me doing that!” Tito said jabbing her playfully.

Neiko giggled, but then her face was fierce. “Oh my gosh. Francesco is gonna pay for this!” Neiko hissed in vengeance between clenched teeth and fists.

“I don’t think he intended for your predicament with Pharaoh to happen. I think he wanted you to be enslaved or dead. And, I bet Bloodhawk made plenty of threats about this whole gambit altogether. If Neiko Kidd never was the Liberator, then the Crackedskulls will probably dominate, and I believe that is what Francesco wants. Your suffering is when you are working to death and separated from Hawote, knowing no one will know you, and history will reverse to the Crackedskulls’ favor,” said Tito.

Neiko clenched her fists, gritted her teeth, and shook with rage. “Where is that weasel? I’m gonna wring his scrawny neck!” she growled, holding her hands like she was actually choking Francesco.

“Neiko, calm down. Pharaoh is watching you,” Tito warned, nodding in Ramesses’ direction. “I will handle Francesco. When I do, you will remain with Mactalon and Panthero or Senu.”

Neiko nodded, and she turned and saw Pharaoh staring at her and smiling as he was talking with a few men and women were swooning all over him. He was also clutching that large amulet as he watched her. He ignored the women flirting with him; his full attention was on her and not them.

Neiko clutched Tito’s arm tightly as she looked at him with a “get me out of this” look.

“It’ll be all right,” said Tito comfortingly.

“I hope so,” Neiko said.

Tito put his hand on her shoulder. “Neiko, trust me. I’m gonna go find Francesco and interrogate that weasel till he turns blue. Go and find Senu or Mactalon and Panthero! You’ll be safe.”

“Okay,” Neiko said as she let go of his arm. Their friends were in close proximity to their position.

Tito disappeared into the crowd.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Where to Buy:
Ebook:

Amazon * B&N * iTunes * Kobo * Google Play * Soaring Eagle Books * Smashwords * Books2Read

Paperback:
Amazon * B&N * BAM * Book Depository * Indiebound * Createspace
Hardcover:
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Hot Off the Press–Neiko’s Five Land Adventure by A.K. Taylor

Posted on 06.27.16 | Soaring Eagle Books | Leave a Comment

Copper would like to announce the release of Neiko’s Five Land Adventure by A.K. Taylor. It’s still the same award winning story with its lovely black and white illustrations, but digitally remastered and re-edited! Now available in ebook, paperback, and hardcover. It is the first installment of the award winning series the Neiko Adventure Saga!

Book #2 Escape from Ancient Egypt coming soon!

Neiko's Five Land Adventure

Book Synopsis:

Winner of the IndieReader Approved Award!

What if the fate of two worlds were in the hands of one person: you?

The childhood secret of a troubled teen warrior is used against her by her enemies. It turns out what Neiko imagined is real, and she becomes trapped in the same world she imagined by an otherworldly evil that is worse than the devil. Getting home is the least of her problems.

The Indians and the Crackedskulls are locked in the turmoil of a war that has raged for centuries, and it is presently in a stalemate. Her enemies, Raven and Bloodhawk, have come up with a scheme to take her down, but in doing so they inadvertently open the door to another universe and to an otherwordly evil. Neiko later finds out that a land she thought she had only imagined is actually real, and the dark being is not a figment of her childhood imagination–he is terrifyingly real, and she faces him for the first time. To make matters worse, it is now in her world, and he has evil plans especially for her.

After several standoffs with the malevolent Ramses the Dark Pharaoh in Hawote, she is trapped in Qari by his strange and powerful magic. Trapped in another universe and in a place that is not exactly the way she imagined it. She must somehow find a way to teleport home. That is easier said than done; the odds are overwhelmingly against her and her scorpion-cobra companion as they must travel to find the answer and help, but at the same time avoid Ramses’ allies, traps, and tricks. Can she come back home and turn the tables on her enemies?

If you love the hidden worlds and magic of Percy Jackson and Harry Potter, travel to other worlds like Warriors of Virtue and The Neverending Story, and a strong female protagonist with a bow like the Hunger Games, and the comic relief of the Big Bang Theory, you will love Neiko’s Five Land Adventure!

Praise:

“AK Taylor writes unique stories with perfect character interaction and a plot that drives forward to a terrific ending in which the reader won’t ever forget.”
~ MCS Film Review Team

“Plenty of action and inspired imagination.”
~Wulfstan Top 100 Reviewer

“From the first word, Taylor delivers a fresh, vibrant tale of two different worlds.”
~Steven Knight Book review and author of “Born of Blood”

“An imaginative journey that is that is much of an adventure for the reader as it is for Neiko.”

~CC Cole Book Reviewer and author of the Gastar Series and nominated the book as a great book for kids.

“A great middle school or read to me book with tons of adventure and characters.”

~Paper Mustang Book Reviewer
 

“A fantastical twist to the childhood game of Cowboys and Indians and a wonderful coming of age story.”

~Indie Reader Reviewer
 “Neiko’s five land adventure is a gripping young adult fantasy tale. You get an exceptional feel for the protagonist, Neiko, as you travel through the rich worlds between reality and imaginary (well not really imaginary as Neiko soon finds out!) alongside her and her cohorts (I particularly liked Quickstrike)”
~Michael Dadich, Award Winning Author of the Silver Sphere
*~*~*~*~*~

Excerpt:

Chapter 2

While the car was leaving, Raven and Bloodhawk watched from the woods.

“What’s going on?” asked Bloodhawk.

“It looks like Neiko is missing another meeting,” replied Raven, his father.

“That’s good, but why is she missing so many?” he asked.

“I don’t know, but I’m sure Francesco will have the honor in telling us. A rebellious streak would be my first guess.”

“When is he going to come? I’m getting sick of waiting on that poor excuse for a man—I’m ready to plan and take action now!”

“Patience, my son. You’ll get the chance. Besides, we need to know their plans, and the meeting has just started,” said Raven, smiling at his impatient son.

“You’re right. But I’m so tired of watching Neiko go free. I’m so anxious to get her, bring her to the castle, and make her my queen. I would love the opportunity of kidnapping her myself.”

“Of course you do, but you couldn’t possibly sneak into that neighborhood without being seen or causing panic among the neighbors. Then the Seven Tribes would be on you like flies on day old carrion. You wouldn’t want that would you?”

“No, I could just shanghai her from her cousin’s house tonight when it’s dark, when she is sleeping.”

“Now, you know that won’t work either because you can’t fit in that house, you would be seen, panic will spread, and you may be caught and made into a circus attraction. Besides, you don’t know how long she will stay up. She stayed up just about all night once, remember? Bloodhawk, use your head like I taught you. You must not let your heart overpower your head. Just think, in a matter of months she will be in college and then getting her will be a snap. No one will know what happened, and it will be too late. College will separate her from everyone, and you can find the opportunity, and she will be yours.”

“Well maybe, but then she may be even more of a nuisance if she has too much time on her hands when college starts. So if I grab her now, then that’ll be all she wrote. Then she would be out of the way and be mine at the same time.”

“Very good, that’s the way. Both have their drawbacks and advantages, and you nailed them both, I’m proud. You know, you’re right. We do need to get her out of the way so we can conquer the Seven Tribes, but she needs to be safe; not in our custody till after we win. But at the same time be where she will be easy to retrieve, and be out of the way. But I have no idea how to do all of those at the same time.”

“Father, I don’t believe we can do all of them at the same time; we may have to give a little, but we can think of something that can put her out of commission. Her safety will be assured, but if we do decide to take her, then she won’t be too badly missed.”

Raven cocked his head in a questioning manner, looked at him blankly, and asked, “What are you getting at?”

“Well, like—um, if we made her look like a traitor, then her friends won’t miss her if she disappears suddenly. And they will think she ran away because she couldn’t stand the heat. Only we will know she is innocent, and we don’t have to worry about any suspicions or rescues; she will be out of the way, safe, and our helpless prisoner. When we win, they will never see her again and never know what happened or what hit them.”

Raven rubbed his hands together and smiled devilishly. “Oh, I get it. Try to ruin her reputation so that no one will believe her if something happens or if she finds out one of our secrets, and at the right time, get her. Good thinking, but there are a few problems with this.”

“Like what?” he asked frustrated.

“First, there will be few to believe that she would be capable of treachery; for those who are convinced, these believers will meddle, find the truth, and clear her name. Second, if we do take her, then her parents will be missing her. Also, people will discover that we are responsible and make a war to rescue her. You have the right idea of making tension between Neiko and her friends, but we need to take it a step further. We need to think of something to make tension with everybody. This includes her parents as well.”

“How will we make her guilty of treason in front of her parents? Eighteen-year-olds don’t sell important documents to enemy countries of the U.S.”

Raven laughed. “No, no. Not treason. We need to make a different approach.”

“Like what?! Treason is the most terrible crime I could think of. Should we try murder?”

“No. There is no need for a crime. All we need is something small and simple, but at the same time extremely damaging to reputation, mood, and friendships.”

“What are you suggesting?”

“I’m not sure yet, but it will come to me, and when it does, we will start to plan.”

“Goodie, I can’t wait,” laughed Bloodhawk cruelly.

Francesco came in running and complaining. “Crazy bunch of heathens! I can’t believe they didn’t plan anything. Who needs that wretch anyway?” he said moodily. “I’m terribly sorry, your majesties, but the meeting ran late thanks to Monganata and his stupid wife.”

Ignoring the rest, Bloodhawk and Raven thought of the same idea and pointed at each other and said in unison, “Crazy, that’s it!”

Francesco didn’t have a clue and asked, “What is it?”

Raven chuckled and looked at him and said, “Francesco, you’re a genius!”

“I still don’t understand. What’s so great about a crazy bunch of heathens?” he asked, frustrated. Francesco was a slender man, not very tall, with black hair and blue eyes. He was the Grand High Mohican, and he was wearing the traditional headdress of falcon feathers and a robe of rabbit fur. He always had a weakling appearance and an annoying high-pitched voice. His weakness was one hundred times more obvious when he was lined up with the massive monarchs.

Raven stood nine feet from head to toe and had an enormous build. His armor was titanium scale mail made from professional Crackedskull craftsmanship. His breastplate was made from silver and gold-colored titanium discs that overlapped each other to form a solid surface. The armor on his arms and legs was made of gold-colored titanium. His helmet was the most exquisite. The part in the back was gold titanium fixed with eagle feathers. The part around his eyes had outstretched wings of a bird of prey in a swoop that was elaborately colored in gold, silver, and white titanium. The part covering his nose was the hooked titanium beak that was colored as the beak of an eagle, and the remainder of his face was bare. His hands were bare, except at the end of his fingers where there were gold titanium finger guards that had retractable gold titanium claws.

Bloodhawk was much larger than his father, standing at eleven feet and having a build four times larger than his father was; he was also the largest in his entire bloodline. His armor was made exactly like Raven’s except it was colored black and silver. These two were not like any normal men; they were mostly human, but partly bird. Both had feet of eagles complete with talons that remained unarmored. Their eyes were like an eagle’s in looks; they could see like an eagle in the day and like an owl at night. Both of them possessed a pair of wings. Raven had a wingspan of fifteen and a half feet and colored with beautiful white plumage. Bloodhawk had solid black wing plumage and an eighteen and three quarter foot wingspan.

Raven told the Grand High Mohican, who was actually a Crackedskull, about the plot against Neiko.

Francesco’s mood changed. “So that’s the plan and where does ‘crazy’ come in?” he asked, perplexed.

“Aaah, that’s the part we build on. If we can ever make Neiko seem she is suffering from lunacy, then most of our plans will go into effect, and the Seven Tribes will fall,” replied Raven.

“So, then what? What happens to Neiko? Even if no one listens to her, she is still a walking time bomb ready to explode and a constant threat even then!” Francesco said in a worried way.

“Don’t get so excited. Once she is having problems with her family and friends and trying to make everyone believe her, then we will step in and remove her. Then we will wage full war on the Tribes, and it will be finally over,” replied Raven.

Francesco smiled evilly and rubbed his hands together. “So you mean you’ll off her? That sounds nice.”

Bloodhawk stood up and glared at him with hate. Francesco scrunched back in fright, and Bloodhawk fanned his fingers and his claws shot out of his finger guards. The already terrified man covered his head with his arms and curled into a ball. Bloodhawk raised his hand ready to swipe, and Raven threw his hand up. “No! Don’t. We have no need for this. We will not harm Neiko; we will take her away and by then no one will really miss her. She will no longer be a threat to you once we have her. Then we will take care of the rest.”

Francesco uncurled himself, shaking. “Alright, but h-h-how do we take care of her before the opportune time? I mean, she will give me headaches till then, and she will still have access to the army even then! What if she finds something out, like me being a Crackedskull? I mean, if it is proven, then I will lose my position, and your plans of conquest and my espionage will be shot.”

Raven scratched his chin. “Well, I can’t do anything about the headaches she will give you, but you can handle the rest yourself except the abduction part.”

“But how? How can I deny her from the army? By the way, who will be the kidnappers, and how will you keep it under wraps?” he asked, confused.

“Francesco, Francesco. Have you forgotten your power? You have the power to disband her against anyone’s say-so, even Monganata’s. But, you must have full evidence of her phony lunacy so that no one has a just argument. The rest is to be taken care of by you. That’s your job.  Keep us informed of the progress of our plan, and the next strategic moves are also your job. As for the kidnapping, I don’t know who will do that job. As for further planning, we will keep you informed of any changes.”

Before Francesco could say anything, Bloodhawk stood up. “I’ll do it! I’ll be the one who will kidnap her! This is a one-shot deal and no room for mistakes. She is no match for me, and I won’t fail. I won’t leave until she is my prisoner! Besides, I’ve been waiting for the chance to get my hands on her!”

Raven rubbed his chin and thought. “Alright, my son. That is a splendid idea, and a very good point. You get your chance. We will have to plan later on when and how you will move in with no problems from anyone, especially that thorn in your side Monchiska—that pain in the butt.”

Monchiska was the son of Sigma and Puma from the Scraah tribe and one of Neiko’s best friends.

Bloodhawk bared his teeth menacingly. “If anyone gets in my way from claiming my bride to be, then I will bathe them in their own blood!”

Francesco shuddered and felt a little sorry for anyone who crossed the path of this eleven-foot, angry Crackedskull prince; he hated it when his temper flared up and when he made death threats. He finally broke the silence saying, “Well, um—uh…sorry to bother you two, but…um, I was thinking, um—”

“Come on, spit it out, Francesco! Stop doddering!” Raven snapped with a tone that was so sharp and whip-like that he jumped.

“Well, what are we exactly going to use to make Neiko look like a lunatic? I mean, we need something that everyone knows about, especially her parents—and how are we going to find it?” he managed to ask fighting the knot in his throat.

Raven stopped and thought and thought. “I can’t think of anything. What do you have in mind?”

“I don’t know. I haven’t the slightest idea, but there has to be something—”

“Well, find it. That will be your second job.”

“What if she gets in my hair and—”

“Do what you have to do to throw her off and get to work—NOW! If you do find something, then contact me as soon as possible. Then we will plan what to do next; in the meantime, be patient. You have a lot of work to do. Try to keep Neiko under control. She will give you many pains, so be prepared.”

Francesco bowed to them and turned to leave, and Bloodhawk called after him in a harsh warning, “Neiko better not be harmed or have even a scratch, or I’ll make you my scratching post!”

He shuddered as he left the woods near the road and hearing the blood-curdling warning. Many thoughts went through his mind of all the work that must be done, and all of Bloodhawk’s curses and threats that he had hanging over his head. He knew he must keep his cool and work fast, too. He had to keep the world from falling around him, since there was a small strand of string keeping the wrath of the Crackedskull monarchs and the chieftains from the Seven Tribes from consuming him. Neiko was one of these chieftains, and she was slicing at this strand. Oh, if only I could clap my hands and Neiko be gone and married to Bloodhawk, then this nightmare would be over, or just easier to cope with, he thought. He walked into his home and breathed a long sigh of relief. Home sweet home, he thought then shuddered because Bloodhawk’s threat began to ring in his ears.

“I’m so tired,” he muttered. Without changing out of the robe, he flopped on the bed and fell asleep instantly.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

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Submissions Are Open!

Posted on 07.15.15 | Soaring Eagle Books | Leave a Comment

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Welcome to the Soaring Eagle books blog! Instead of a dummy post that says “hello world” we would like to formally welcome you!

On this blog we will show you handy-dandy publishing tips, our author news, new releases, and more! We also have a newsletter which we will partner with our sister company Soaring Eagle Publicity. It’s still in construction, so we are looking for readers, bloggers, and book lovers to join! Authors are welcome too, but selling to other authors isn’t really the goal.

We will also accept guest posts from time to time, but mostly about publishing and author stuff. We are going to be really, really choosy. If your submission doesn’t fit, but it is GOOD, it can be considered for the Newbie Author’s Guide blog.

How Soaring Eagle Books was Born

This story has a happy ending, but necessarily a happy beginning. As an author I entered the world as an independent author without a clue in the world and I have learned that I haven’t been the only one. I had no teachers, no one to ask, and I didn’t really know how to research the subject all that well at the time. I combed through information about companies that are “supposed” to help new authors get their books published–I had no idea I could do it myself or how. I sign on with a company after carefully going over the information that I did have at the time.

To make this part of the story short what seemed like the most exciting thing about my life became my worst nightmare. I wondered how I was going to get out of this and turn this whole mess around. Little did I know the road to catastrophe opened the way to enlightenment. It all started on how to begin again and much information flooded my way and it took years to learn it all.

I read many posts and a few books about several different models of publishing, researched different publishers, publishing models, contractors, marketing, etc joined author groups, talked to authors via social media and email through NAG (Newbie Author’s Guide). The learning curve was steep, but I am a fast and eager learner once I can find and consume information. I found out what I did and didn’t like about the way some publishers did or didn’t do things, why it is this way and not that way. If it could be tried and tested to be done this way, I was willing to try it if it made sense. Some of the visiting author who came to me after reading my story on my blog asked for advice and why I haven’t started my own publisher…

I wrestled with that idea for quite awhile. I had to undergo some other personal changes before I decided to try it. Why not make my own decisions and not have to concede to others’ rules about how to do certain things? I  knew I was ready to do it for  my own books, but I was a little nervous about working with other authors. When I was recommending other companies (which I will still do anyway, people have choices), they would confirm to me about some of the same things that bugged me about companies also bugged them–even the ones that are considered “good”.

Why Soaring Eagle Books is NOT a Pay-to-Publish Company

Pay-to-publish companies, subsidy publishers or “self-publishing” companies oftentimes get a bad rap and there is a whole debate on what makes a subsidy publisher/pay-to-publish company differ from a vanity publisher. Indie purists say you can’t pay a publisher to “self publish” your book. They aren’t entirely wrong. What you can’t (or shouldn’t) do yourself you should hire out people to help you, but you must find the RIGHT people. A whole different scenario of how things can go bad. You must do whatever it takes to craft a quality book to compete with traditionally published books. That’s the goal here. Who you choose to work with or do yourself doesn’t matter. If it is a quality book inside and out, mission accomplished. Period.

For any subsidy publisher or vanity publisher you are paying them to not only format and design your book, you also pay them for some “marketing” services that may or may not work to create a “package”. It may or may not work for a first book, but if you plan on publishing a lot of series or a lot of books in general, then this may become expensive and redundant in a hurry. They are also listed as your publisher and few–if any–allow you to use your own imprint. Very few–if any–allow you to keep ALL of your royalties after the retailers and such take their share? If you do use one of these companies, then you may not have direct access to your books for price changes and all that. You don’t own the accounts they create for you. You have to depend on them to report your sales to you unless you have devised a way to sort of keep track… Last but not least you ARE paying them to “publish” your book not simply package it for sale. They upload, do the sales reporting, possibly pick and choose your keywords and categories, forced to comply with their royalty rates, their renewals. NOTE: even if you are pure independent, there are renewal costs involved in some situations (website hosting, domain, some distribution, returns, etc). You may even pay or never get a copy of your book files to use for your own personal use.

This may be okay for some people. Some people not so much. That’s fine. However if your book and your publisher both suck, then you are in trouble. My starting out dilemma. The story was good, but the packaging and the publisher sucked, so how good the story was didn’t matter.

Some publishers are honest and some are not, and it’s not just a problem with the vanity publishers. Small presses have even been guilty of failing to report sales and pocketing royalties from authors. I have had this happen to me and I have spoken to a couple authors on Facebook who have had this happen with a small press with a traditional contract which can be even worse than a shady vanity publisher.

With all this going on this is where we come in. We don’t take any of the author’s money. You aren’t paying for us to publish your book. You own everything we create for you including the account we make for you. We don’t ask for your personal information. We simply help you package your book so YOU can publish it or we can help you out if you need us to. We don’t mail out the check or deposit it to your account; they come from the distributor like if you did it yourself. We are there for the folks who need a little help or all they can get. So for publishing we do formatting, interior and cover design, registration and distribution AND give you all printable copies (for print) of your own book for your own personal use (like using a local printer for your personal copies in addition to the standard distribution). If you do ebooks, then we give you all the formats for reviewers or whatever you want to do with them. It’s your book so we don’t care.

While we don’t have in house editors yet (hint, hint–if you’re a freelance editor that can do all kinds of edits aside from the copyedit, I’d like to talk to you), but maybe someday we will, but until then I have people I can recommend that I have worked with before, checked out, or have been recommended by others.

So case in short–Soaring Eagle Book’s publishing model is the middle road: it has the freedom of being totally independent and having everything you need to craft a quality book in once place and we have found the quality ones for you or we can still recommend people. Editing, cover design, and formatting are the biggest parts of the pre-publication process so you can’t skimp there and it show. Everything else will be a waste. We try to find the best price but not skimp on quality. If you can find someone who can do it for cheaper, go you! Just make sure it doesn’t look and feel cheap. Sample their work first or that cut corner will cut you a new one. Just sayin’. I am a miser just as much anyone, but if it cuts into the quality of something, then it’s not worth it.

What about the Marketing?

I do include a little something extra with every publishing level (based on distribution and format–so I may call it a “package”) without charging extra. I am trying to find marketing packages that actually work and not cost a lot. They will be different than what an author can do themselves for less or even free. Until that happens, I don’t plan on offering extra marketing here. I have a few pieces of the puzzle, but not all. I’m still trying to find those other pieces.

Presently what is offered at a lot of publishers are overpriced stuff that doesn’t work at the worst; and if it does work, it usually costs more than what an author can do themselves or hire someone else to do. I have a whole book about that which is going to be updated. There are sites Soaring Eagle Publicity offers things and I have tons of resources on NAG.

So they are a WIP as of right now. I will try them on my own books before offering them to anyone. So if you have some kind of out-of-the-box idea I would like to talk to you.

Questions? Comments? Want to get in touch? Leave a comment or go to the contact page!

Want to submit your book for publication? Head over to submissions. Check out our options in the publishing pages.

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