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Tuesday, September 27, 2022

September Vignette - "Harvest Moon" by Linda Mooney

"Harvest Moon"

             Alaman found her outside, sitting on the deck in one of the lounge chairs. Smiling, he opened the back patio door and went to join her. It didn’t take him long to discover why she was out here.

            “I should have known this was where you’d be. Observing another full moon, my love?”

            Veelancia glanced over her shoulder. Her deep green eyes shone like two tiny lanterns that allowed her to see in the dark. “Would you kill the lights inside, please?”

            He replied by waving a hand behind him, and the cabin went dark.

            It was as if that signaled the universe to pump up the power, and the Milky Way burned with greater luminosity overhead. But the brightest glow came from the beautiful sherbet orange-colored orb hanging above the treetops.

            A scraping noise let him know his wife had brought the other lounge chair around the pool and set it beside her. He eased himself down in it to join her.

            “All right. Tell me what I’m looking at. What’s it called this month?”

            She laughed softly. The sound of it made his heart flutter. No matter how many years they’d been together, her gentle laughter always affected him that way, and always would.

            “This won’t surprise you, but it’s called the Harvest Moon,” she replied.

            “Of course. This is the time of harvest.”

            “And it’s also known as the Full Corn Moon, or the Corn Moon, or the Barley Moon.”

            “Didn’t you say last month’s moon was the Barley Moon?”

            “They’re interchangeable,” she acknowledged. “Just like you can sometimes call the full moon in October the Harvest Moon.”

            Alaman let out a bark of laughter. “How do you manage to keep track of all that? Why does it have to have a name, anyway? To me, a full moon is a full moon.”

            “Why do you pay so much attention to when the equinox occurs, you with your spells and potions?” she countered.

            “That’s different.”

            “Uh-huh.”

            He knew that tone, and chuckled as he stared back up at the glittering panorama above them. “Well, it’s the perfect night for moon gazing. The rains have let up long enough for us to get a cloudless sky.” He started to breathe in the surrounding scents when he paused. “Unless you…”

            “No, I didn’t have a thing to do with the weather…this time,” she quickly countered.

            He chuckled. “Anyway, I’m glad autumn will soon be here. I like the summer, but not the sweltering nights.”

            “I like the cooler, crisp days, too.” She smiled at him. “Remember that one September night a few years ago?”

            How could he forget? He could almost feel the blood rushing to his extremities as he recalled their first time together. The perfection of it. The love between them. It hadn’t been long after that when he asked her to marry him.

            “Damn it.”

            The sudden irritation in her voice drew him out of the memory. At the same time, he heard a soft zzt!, accompanied by a tiny flash of light.

            “Speaking of rains and sweltering nights…” she began. In the bright moonlight, he saw her gesture again. It was answered with another zapping sound and pinprick of light occurring almost in front of her nose.

            “Woman, are you seriously taking out mosquitos one at a time?”

            “Humor me. It gives me delicious satisfaction to get them back for trying to bite me.”

            “You know there’s an easier way to keep those pests off of us, don’t you?” Lifting his hands, he made a spreading motion. A thin web of the palest yellow spread upward and outward until it became a protective dome that settled over them.

            Veelancia cast him a disapproving eye. “You sure know how to take all the fun out of bug killing.” She pointed above them. “And that blanket you put up is blocking our moon.”

            He could tell she was somewhat teasing, but there was also an underlying tone of annoyance. “If I dismiss it, the mosquitos will return.” He had to say it even though he knew she was already aware of the consequences. To his amusement, she waggled the fingers of one hand, creating a thread-like pattern that wove above her fingertips.

            “Then I challenge you to a shooting contest. Loser has to conjure up dinner tomorrow.”

            Alaman felt the smile spread over his face. “Is that all? Why not make this more interesting? Raise the stakes a bit.”

            Her eyebrows rose. “Name it.”

            “Winner gets to pick the position.”

            She cracked up. “You’re on!”

            A simple wave, and the net disappeared like wet cotton candy.

            For the next hour, they zapped every mosquito that dared to approach the two sorcerers, and the air flickered like celebratory sparklers. Neither of them kept score. It wasn’t necessary or important. What mattered was this moment in time, on a balmy September night, with just the two of them, and the memories they were creating underneath the glow of the beautiful Harvest Moon. 


Monday, September 26, 2022

HERE BE NEWS for Monday September 26, 2022

 




 Monday September 26, 2022 

Welcome to HERE BE NEWS, where each monday we bring you all the latest from the fantasy romance authors at Here Be Magic:



Tuesday September 20, 2022:  PG Forte discusses the joy of repetition, especially in connection with Holiday Romance stories.


                            


It's release day 📖 for A Creepy CATalyst! 🐈 
Being a witch who can shift has its perks—seeing ghosts isn’t one of them. 
Book 2 in the Witch Shifter series. 
#cozymystery #ghost #paranormal 

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

Throw a Few Snowballs, Hang up a Stocking, Laugh, Cry, Repeat.

 A few years ago, my mother broke her neck. It was a really bad break. Bad enough that they prescribed some very large doses of some fairly hefty painkillers–and then kept her on them for several weeks during which she was….well, in the words of Willy Wonka, she was living in a world of pure imagination. 

 But when November rolled around, it brought Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas. And that was a Christmas miracle. Everyone is happy in Hallmark Christmas world, and if they happen to be going through a less-than-happy spot, it’s generally nothing that a cup of someone’s secret recipe hot chocolate, or a kiss under the mistletoe won’t cure. 

 It didn’t matter if she missed half of one movie because she was arguing about what state she was currently living in (hint: it was the same one she’d been living in for the past 20 years, the same house for most of those, although she didn’t believe that, either). Or if she woke up from a nap and found herself halfway through a different movie. Because the same actors were sure to be in that movie, too! And, whatever was going down on screen, it was always clear that, sooner or later, either Lacey Chabert or Candace Cameron Bure would end up with Tyler, or Chad, or Jack, or Andrew…or all of the above. Except not all at once, or in a kinky, polyamorous way. Unfortunate, but there you have it. 

 The only person who was less than thrilled with this was my father. He loved mysteries. And there’s nothing remotely mysterious about a Hallmark romance. I mean, unless you count figuring out the identity of your secret Santa. 

 “They’re all the same story!” he used to complain. And, YES, I kept trying to tell him, that’s the WHOLE POINT. 

 I kind of love the repetition, to be honest. The reason that so many of the same things happen in multiple Christmas books and movies is because they’re the kinds of things that a lot of real people do—in. Real. Life. Things that they do repeatedly. Year after year. You can call it tradition, you can call it habit, you can call it clever marketing or a serious lack of originality…okay, just make sure you’re not standing too close to me when you say the last two, but it’s part of what makes Christmas…well, Christmas. And I am THERE for it! 



Curious as to why I keep posting about Christmas books when it's barely even Fall? That's because, this year, it's ALWAYS Christmas in my head. I have Christmas stories releasing in November and December of this year, and April, May, October, November and December of next year. 

Whew. I'm getting exhausted just thinking about it! 



Let's Get Naughty 
A Limited Edition Romance Anthology 

If you think it's too soon to get on Santa's naughty list...think again. 

Cancel your plans and spend this holiday season with 36 romance authors who have teamed up to bring you a delicious holiday treat. Come on over, grab a blanket, and get started on finding your next favorite author today. 

 Let’s Get Naughty is the perfect anthology for you to binge this holiday season.


BUT FIRST!!!



It's happening tomorrow! One day only. Wednesday September 21st. Get ready to fill your e-reader with over 600 free romance books at https://www.romancebookworms.com

Monday, September 19, 2022

HERE BE NEWS for Monday September 19, 2022

 




 Monday September 19, 2022 

Welcome to HERE BE NEWS, where each monday we bring you all the latest from the fantasy romance authors at Here Be Magic:



Tuesday September 13, 2022: Ruth Casie answers a few FAQs about her featured story, The Lady and Her Quill. 


Thursday September 15, 2022: Deborah Bailey discusses the importance of origin stories for fictional characters. 





One day only. Wednesday September 21st. Get ready to fill your e-reader with over 600 free romance books at https://www.romancebookworms.com



               




Let's Get Naughty 
A Limited Edition Romance Anthology 

If you think it's too soon to get on Santa's naughty list...think again. 

Cancel your plans and spend this holiday season with 36 romance authors who have teamed up to bring you a delicious holiday treat. Come on over, grab a blanket, and get started on finding your next favorite author today. 

 Let’s Get Naughty is the perfect anthology for you to binge this holiday season.

Thursday, September 15, 2022

Origin Stories Aren’t Just for Superheroes

When I’m developing a character, usually I have a very rough idea of who they are. No, I don’t do lists of characteristics. Instead, I usually write a paragraph or a page about the character. I let them tell me who they are. Sometimes it comes to me as a conversation. Other times I see an entire scene. It all depends.

But eventually I’ll have to figure out who this character is. What experiences shaped them? What are they looking for?

When we think of origin stories, it might bring to mind stories about mythological heroes and heroines. Or characters from comics, such as Superman or Wonder Woman. But origin stories aren’t only for those types of characters.

For instance, when I was writing my lion shifter hero, Mac, for Family Pride: Love and Challenges, it was relatively easy for me to create his story. An alpha male who was balancing between being a business owner in the human world, and an heir to a lion shifter pride. I had to figure out what his motivations would be (to be successful in the human and shifter worlds) and his conflicts (not being completely comfortable with his balancing act).

When I added his romance with a human woman, it increased his inner conflict. He didn’t want to harm her by fully being the lion shifter. Yet, he also had a human mother, so it wasn’t as though that type of pairing couldn’t work. In time I filled in his early life, his relationships with his parents, brother and his grandmother, the family matriarch.

Once I understood all of the family dynamics, and his own desires and motivations, I understood him enough to write him. Actually, I got to know him so well that when I tried to write a sequel featuring his brother, it didn’t work. Mac’s character was so strong that he took over that story as well.  

On the positive side, that means that when I get around to writing book three of the series, I’ll know exactly how his character arc should go. (Though on the downside, I had to abandon plans for the story featuring his brother. It just refused to work.)

So, yes, origin stories are for all characters – not only the superheroes. Knowing what those stories are might just be a big help in your story development.

If you’re interested in learning more, I’m presenting a workshop starting 9/19/22 on this topic for Savvy Authors. Visit their website for more information and to register:  https://savvyauthors.com/community/classes/creating-origin-stories-for-your-characters-with-deb-bailey.1868/

Tuesday, September 13, 2022

Ruth A. Casie's Answers to a Few Asked Questions and Her Featured Story

 

The Lady and Her Quill by Ruth A. Casie



Her mind kept telling her to stop loving him, but her heart couldn’t let him go.

Renowned author Lady Alicia Hartley has lost her muse after a bad review. She blames it all on the author JC Melrose. A chance encounter with a handsome, witty Justin Caulfield has her heart racing, and her muse seemingly back. Is he her savior or her worst nightmare?

He didn’t see the turbulent ocean. He was too busy dealing with a different tempest.

The recently retired Captain Justin Caulfield is facing his own demons. As gifted author JC Melrose, his stories honor men who died at the hand of one man. His only focus is to avenge their deaths, that is, until he meets and falls in love with Lady Alicia.

The two authors take on a writing challenge based on a story of stolen gold taken from the newspaper headlines all to determine the better writer. While researching the story, Lady Alicia is captured by the thieves’ ringleader. Can Lady Alicia turn this mystery into an award-winning story? Can Justin save his real-life heroine? Can they both overcome their own challenges for a happily ever after?

Buy Link – Amazon Kindle Unlimited

~~~~

Frequently Asked Questions

What do people get wrong about romance?

At a recent gathering (socially distanced) I heard those words from men who I believed were progressive, educated, understanding. They thought they were being cheeky. They thought they were being brash. They thought they were being funny. When in fact, they weren’t thinking at all. And rather than correct them, teach them, embarrass them, I said nothing. I smiled and ate a tasteless sandwich.

And the position isn’t unique to men. While I didn’t attend a meeting of a woman’s organization I belong to a member who was there mentioned with regret that she suggested my book for the book club but was told no one reads those types of books.

In a repressed environment, prior to the 18th century where women had no rights, women wrote stories from their heart dreams of independence, control, and freedom. To quote Maya Rodale, “We are writing stories about women who triumph in a world that doesn’t want women to triumph.” It breaks away from the accepted norm of the era which is threatening to those in control and can be linked to the rise in the call for women’s rights.

Romance stories take you on a journey as a woman in any era, in any genre finds her fulfilment and a deserving happily ever after.

What attracted you to your current partner?

I was a single mom with two young daughters. I had no idea how to socialize other than with other moms, usually in play groups. I joined a singles group that played softball. I’m not an athlete, so I volunteered to handle the BBQ. As the season changed, a small group in my age range broke off. They asked if I would host parties at their houses. At the time, our local paper had a singles page. I advertised the parties and if you wanted to come, you had to call for reservations. A gentleman called to make a reservation for the Super Bowl Party. He came to the party and called me the following day. He thanked me for the dinner and asked that I put him on the list for the next party. Then he invited me to the Philharmonic. During a light supper, I took out index cards of women his age and went through them to see who he was interested in. He humored me. We spoke during the week and went out the following Saturday. I took out another bunch of index cards. He showed no interest in any of them. I was quickly running out of people to introduce him to. At our third meeting, I took out the cards, looked at him, then put them away. He took my hand across the table. “I’ve been waiting three weeks for you to realize it is you I want to be with.” It is 37 years later. He is called Daddy by my girls and our son, and Pop Pop by our grandchildren. He is my hero in so many ways.

What is the best or worst thing that has ever happened to you as a writer?

This is a hard question. There are so many wonderful things. Fangirl moments with Diana Gabaldon, Eloisa James, Nora Roberts. Included in anthologies with some of the best romance authors. The first time a person recognized me and showed me my book on her Kindle. A call that my story made the USA Today bestselling list.

As for the worst, please read my response to ‘what inspired you to write this book.’

What would you like people to know about you?

Nothing is more important to me. Give me opportunity and I will tell you all about them My oldest daughter, a pre-school teacher has rallied during the pandemic to teach 15 three-year-olds remotely. Her younger sister has just started a cottage cookie business. Her creations are AWESOME. Her brother is a cyber security engineer (I would proudly tell you what he does but even his mother doesn’t know – his work is top security). We have hour grandchildren and cannot wait to see them all for the holiday.

I am passionate about my family, and I bring that passion into my writing.

If you had to do it all over again, would you still choose to write books?

Yes, but I wouldn’t have waited so long. I loved my job at the bank and spent over 25 years there. However, the creativity and camaraderie I have found in the writing community has been wonderful, and I find out more about myself with each book I write.

What inspired your featured book?

A combination of things inspired The Lady and Her Quill. I was so excited when my first book was published. Ok. I will admit that I get excited when each book is published. It really never gets old. But with my first book I was so eager and hungry to be part of this new world. My author friends were enthusiastic, encouraging, excited for me. I signed books for them and was asked to speak at meetings, in front of readers. It was exciting and wonderful.

I remember my first 5-star review and the ones that followed. I diligently read all the reviews to see what worked and what didn’t. Then there was this 1-star review. I remember staring at the rating before reading what the reviewer had written. When I got the courage (yes, it took courage) to read it I was shocked. There was little about the story in the review but a whole lot about me. It was a personal attack.

I remember the hurt, the fear, the I’ll-never-write-again feeling. My editor and friends set me on the right course. But that review lingered in the back of my mind. So… my heroine, Lady Alicia Hartley is one of those scribbling women of the Regency who gets a review that attacks her self-confidence and set her in a tailspin… Sound familiar?

Postscript: Today, I would thank that reviewer. She made me stronger, more resilient, and much more determined.

Tell me more about the Ladies of Sommer-by-the-Sea.

The Lady and Her Quill is Book 1 of the Regency series The Ladies of Sommer-by-the-Sea



Welcome to Sommer-by-the-Sea, a vibrant village nestled on the rugged northeast coast of England, 15 miles north of Newcastle upon Tyne. Here, the world is centered on the country village and the lives of the landowning and professional families. Sommer-by-the-Sea is populated with aristocrats, gentry, self-made men, shop owners, local workers, and servants, a cross-section of the people of the time. Steeped in history dating back as far as the Vikings, the villagers are proud and celebrate their heritage.

Everyone from the elite summer residents to the year-round residence keep businesses flourishing and gossip thriving. As with any small town, there are challenges and successes, secrets, disagreements, and feuds. There is no shortage of romance, mystery, drama, and even a murder or two.

Graduates of the Sommer-by-the-Sea Female Seminary have a unique education. Along with the usual studies available, the head mistress has nurtured each woman’s innate ability and helped them develop into the women they are today. This shared unique experience has kept the graduates close.

Each lady has her own story to tell as she is called to action and must demonstrate she is smart, strong and sensible and must challenge the accepted definition of a “woman’s place.” For these women, arranged or political marriages will not do. If she chooses a husband, it will be for love, on her own terms, and with a man who will accept her as a partner. 

It is with pleasure I introduce you to The Ladies of Sommer-by-the-Sea, and their stories.

Book 1 – The Lady and Her Quill

Book 2 – The Lady and the Spy

Book 3 – The Lady and Her Duke

~~~~

About Ruth ~


Ruth A Casie is a USA Today bestselling author. She writes historical adventures from the shores of medieval Scotland to the cobblestone streets of Regency London. Within the pages you’ll discover ‘edge-of-your-seat’ suspense, mind boggling drama, and heart melting emotions embracing strong women and the men who deserve them. Grab your favorite cup of tea, or an ale if you prefer, and join her heroes and heroines as they race across the pages to find their happily ever after.  Ruth hopes her stories are your next favorite adventures!

Where You Can Find Ruth:

Website:  https://ruthacasie.com/

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/ruthacasie/

Facebook private reader’s page, Casie Café: https://www.facebook.com/groups/963711677128537/

Facebook Author Page:  https://www.facebook.com/RuthACasie/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/RuthACasie

Amazon Author Page:  https://amazon.com/author/ruthacasie

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4792909.Ruth_A_Casie

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ruth-a-casie

Newsletter Signup:  http://bit.ly/RuthsNewsletterSignUp



Monday, September 12, 2022

HERE BE NEWS For Monday September 12, 2022

 




 Monday September 12, 2022 

Welcome to HERE BE NEWS, where each monday we bring you all the latest from the fantasy romance authors at Here Be Magic:


Thursday September 8, 2022: Nicole Luiken discusses "
the different requirements of the beginning of the first book in a series and later books" in her post, Opening Hooks for Series Books. 


            


Redemption

A Fallen Angels Paranormal Romance Collection



Perfection is impossible, even for this collection of angels. ​ 

Once esteemed immortals find themselves banished from the heavenly realm and condemed to a life on Earth amongst the mortals, unless they find a way back through the veil. Before they can find redemption they must first learn how to navigate their new life. 

Will they find a new appreciation for humanity and choose this life over the one they were created for? Grab this limited edition collection now before it disappears beyond the veil.





During the month of September, you can get this e-book for 99c!
But only on my website!
Just use code word: CHARM

THE CHARM
*Sweet Sci-Fi/Fantasy Romance
by Linda Mooney
Word Count: 60K
$3.99 e / $9.99 p / $19.95 a

She sold herself to a dark and angry master. He bought her, hoping she would save his world, and himself.

Tired of letting his people down time and time again, Egan Pri, costell of Unurit, has decided to do whatever it takes to save his people. A Charm is coming to town, and if he can scrape up enough money to buy her, his people could reap the benefits…but he's skeptical. Still, he'll try anything. The only rule? Keep her happy. He could do that.

Genesee ii Duuru, a magical gypsy of sorts, is ready to be sold. She feels the pull of a planet desperate for her help. The sadness, the hopelessness—it's time for her to do her part, what she was born to do. With two offers on the table, does she go with her heart, or the betterment of her tribe?

Genesee finds herself wanting to heal more than just the land and the people. But with this being her first sale, she fears she's gotten in over her head. What had started out as answering a call for help had morphed into her becoming a pawn in a political game she had no business being a part of.

Forgotten enemies, unexpected allies, and a love forbidden.

Warning! Contains puffy balls of light, drought, glass weaving, near starvation, budding knives, internal conflicts, revenge years in the making, and one woman's attempt to revive one man's cold and lifeless heart with her own warmth and love.

*NOTE: This is a sweet romance, but you can get the love/consummation scene for free by clicking the link below. This scene is NOT included in the print or audio editions.

Excerpt and Buy Links

Saturday, September 10, 2022

Bring It Back(list) - THE CHARM, a Sweet Sci-Fi/Fantasy Romance by Linda Mooney

During the month of September, you can get this e-book for 99c!
But only on my website!
Just use code word: CHARM

THE CHARM
*Sweet Sci-Fi/Fantasy Romance
by Linda Mooney
Word Count: 60K
$3.99 e / $9.99 p / $19.95 a

She sold herself to a dark and angry master. He bought her, hoping she would save his world, and himself.

Tired of letting his people down time and time again, Egan Pri, costell of Unurit, has decided to do whatever it takes to save his people. A Charm is coming to town, and if he can scrape up enough money to buy her, his people could reap the benefits…but he's skeptical. Still, he'll try anything. The only rule? Keep her happy. He could do that.

Genesee ii Duuru, a magical gypsy of sorts, is ready to be sold. She feels the pull of a planet desperate for her help. The sadness, the hopelessness—it's time for her to do her part, what she was born to do. With two offers on the table, does she go with her heart, or the betterment of her tribe?

Genesee finds herself wanting to heal more than just the land and the people. But with this being her first sale, she fears she's gotten in over her head. What had started out as answering a call for help had morphed into her becoming a pawn in a political game she had no business being a part of.

Forgotten enemies, unexpected allies, and a love forbidden.

Warning! Contains puffy balls of light, drought, glass weaving, near starvation, budding knives, internal conflicts, revenge years in the making, and one woman's attempt to revive one man's cold and lifeless heart with her own warmth and love.

*NOTE: This is a sweet romance, but you can get the love/consummation scene for free by clicking the link below. This scene is NOT included in the print or audio editions.

Excerpt and Buy Links

Thursday, September 8, 2022

Opening Hooks for Series Books

 

Today I’m pondering the different requirements of the beginning of the first book in a series and later books.

Writers are always told to hook the reader on the first page, the first paragraph, or even the first sentence. Some books start straight out with the Initiating Incident, plunging straight into the story.

My favourite example of an Initiating Incident done well is The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison. Maia is rudely woken from sleep by his unpleasant guardian and taken to meet a courier who announces that his father and older brothers have perished and Maia is now the Emperor of the Elfiands. Another example of this type of beginning is Polaris Rising by Jessie Mihalik, which opens with the heroine struggling against being captured by bounty hunters.

Frequently, however, the story just doesn’t permit this kind of start. The writer needs to establish the Old Stable World, often showcasing the main character’s unhappiness, before the story jars them out of their stagnating existence. In those cases, in order to still hook the reader, a Bridging Conflict is often employed.

I am a big fan of Patricia Brigg’s urban fantasy series, and she writes very good Bridging Conflicts. Her newest Soul Taken opens with Mercy lying in a mud puddle having been briefly knocked unconscious. The scene has tension because her mate, Adam, is protective and on edge, but there is also a fair bit of humour—she was hit by a gourd during a game of werewolf baseball in a corn maze. We are quickly reoriented into Mercy’s world and relationships and entertained along the way, but the story doesn’t truly start until chapter two or three.

In an episodic series like this one, readers often need these reminders of what happened in the last book, who everyone is and the particulars of the world, so its difficult to start with the Initiating Incident. Readers want to reconnect and remember why they fell in love with these characters.

Of course, not all series are episodic like this. Some are merely one long story arc that has been chopped into parts for better reader consumption. In those cases, book one or two may end with a cliffhanger, thus allowing the next book to open with the reader dropped straight back into the conflict.

Right now, I have a book in my TBR that I’m struggling a little to get into, The Desert Prince by Peter Brett. This is book one of the Nightfall Saga, but in some ways it’s also book six, because it’s a next-generation sequel to The Demon Cycle series. The first chapter has been very much about introducing Olive, the main character, and showing the Old Stable World. There is very little conflict (she’s worried about a test on Herb Lore, that’s it.) I can’t help contrasting this to the first chapter of The Warded Man, book one of the Demon Cycle, which had an electrifying opening that grabbed me by the heartstrings.

A sequel series opening represents unique problem for the author. The Warded Man opened on a world that was plagued by demons, world with a lot of inherent danger, but the heroes of that series solved the problem and created a peaceful world, which is what Olive has grown up in. Her Old World is very different from the Old World of the first series. Now, I have faith that very soon now, a mountain of trouble will fall on Olive, and the excellence of the previous books in the series means that the author has built up a large degree of trust and goodwill that he may now draw upon. I will keep reading. But if I’d never read the Demon Cycle and started The Desert Prince as just the first book in a series by an author I’d never tried before I might well never get past the slow opening.