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Tuesday, June 30, 2026
INTO THE DARKNESS
Heart of the Ash Wood (The Mythic Bones Duology Book 2) by Kate Gateley + giveaway
by Kate Gateley
June 30, 2026
Cover art by Britt Low @covet_design
Dual POV (+1)
Canadian PNW backdrop
”Slutty little glasses"
Men in therapy
Neurodiversity Rep.
Unique magic & weapons lore
Grumpy/sunshine
Open door romance
Druids, plants, and science
FMCs who are 30+ (and MMCs who are 40+)
A satisfying HEA ... at long last.
𝙒𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙘𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙣?
𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘁, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗿𝘂𝗶𝗱 𝗱𝗼𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗽𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗹𝘆 𝗯𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘃𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗹 𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗲𝘀. 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗮 𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗼 𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗵𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱—𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗼 𝗩𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘂𝘃𝗲𝗿'𝘀 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗱—𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗺.
𝙃𝙀𝘼𝙍𝙏 𝙊𝙁 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝘼𝙎𝙃 𝙒𝙊𝙊𝘿 is the second novel in Kate Gateley's latest contemporary fantasy and romance series, the Mythic Bones Duology, a standalone story set within the “Lost Wells” world. It's perfect for fans of A Discovery of Witches and Outlander, with a modern, Canadian twist.
website
Kate Gateley is an award-winning Canadian contemporary fantasy and romance author. She holds a BA in Linguistics and a BSc in Physiology from the University of Saskatchewan and is a member of the Writers’ Union of Canada, the Federation of BC Writers, the Vancouver Island Romance Authors, and the Independent Book Publishers Association.
Her ongoing study of ancestral memory and her endless curiosity about human psychology (among other side quests) continue to inform her writing and earn her honours as an author, including two consecutive Canadian Book Club Award wins and three shortlist nominations for the novels of The Lost Wells Trilogy.
Kate currently lives, writes, and creates on a small farm in traditional, unceded Quw’utsun territory (Cowichan Bay, BC) with her wonderfully helpful husband, two amazing kids, two dogs, two geese, and a whole lot of ducks and chickens. She enjoys a wide variety of hobbies, drinks a great deal of coffee, and is barefoot as often as possible.
Follow @kategateleyauthor for more updates!
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#canadianauthor #themythicbonesduology #heartoftheashwood #romancebooks #fantasy
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CLOSES JULY 3
Monday, June 29, 2026
5 Sheep Book Review: The Malfunction (Deilonium Trilogy Book 1) by Orval Wax
The Malfunction: Book 1 of the Deilonium Trilogy
by Orval Wax
February 1, 2026
Tropes: Robot-hunter, Technology out of control, Billionaire oligarch taking over the world, robots becoming human through uncontrolled AI learning, Nature vs. AI, humans playing God and destroying the world.
It was only supposed to be a simple intelligence boost - a routine procedure to make the lovebot better company outside of the bedroom.
And then something went wrong.
Whether it was through mathematical probability, or divine intervention, Lance the LUV U-69 amorous companion droid has accidentally been downloaded with enough brainpower and free will to crack open the lid on a very dangerous can of worms.
Unless AWOL Retentions Agent Charlie Bear Claw can stop him.
In Book One of The Deilonium Trilogy, the primitive hunter with a troubled past stalks his high-tech prey on a secret mission. But their personal struggles soon become trivial in light of the unholy force they find undermining the fabric of the world. As the pair draws closer to their showdown, both man and robot come to realize they are ultimately at war with a common maniacal enemy.
Triggers: animal death (violent fight with a grizzly bear), sex with robots is implied but never described, (human-like) robot death.
REVIEW:
Well, I must have the other two books in the trilogy! Mr. Wax has a wonderful Homo sapiens' brain. I just loved the book--short chapters that went back and forth between the characters in perfect understanding of the whole story.
Fast pace reading and I did not want to put the book down. I understood the concept of the story and the back-and-forth life changes the characters discovered in themselves--robot and human.
A whirlwind and inspiring read for all ages--late teens to 82-year-olds. If Mr. Wax makes more trilogies, I hope they are all released at the same time, you do not want to have to wait to see what happens next--great writing.
I give the book 5 Barts- more if possible.
Grandma Sheep
About the Author:
website
Orval Wax is an entirely biological Homo sapiens who has acquired his intelligence not through artificial downloads and algorithms, but through his life's genuine analog experiences on Planet Earth - his current place of residence. He divides his time with the writing of books, adventure travel, and undermining Big Brother with his skills as an ecowarrior and agent for humanity and Planet Earth. He is the author of The Deilonium Trilogy dystopian science fiction series: The Malfunction, Robots and Renegades, and Operation War Whoop.
PILLYWIGGIN Awakening - The Complete Story Arc (Books 1-2) by Debbie Bishop
PILLYWIGGIN Awakening is a contemporary epic fantasy that weaves dark mystery, military strategy, and technology into a world where power is never given—only built. For fans of Lord of the Rings and Fourth Wing.
This is no tale of a magical savior.
This is the story of stray kids who grow into warriors—and become their own heroes.
This is the story of stray kids who grow into warriors—and become their own heroes.
PILLYWIGGIN Awakening - The Complete Story Arc (Books 1-2)
by Debbie Bishop
June 26, 2026
Illustrators: John Delaney, Parich Smutkochorn
Part of: PILLYWIGGIN (11 books)
Publisher: Angelgate Entertainment
Genre: Epic Fantasy, Metaphysical Fiction, Fae Fantasy, Found Family
Peter has spent his life hiding among humans.
A light fae raised at an elite academy, he thought his disguise was to protect his place in the human world. A betrayal and ominous nightmare cause sudden caution, but when a mystical creature he has never seen before warns he is in danger, Peter realizes he must flee. To maintain his cover, he creates a clone and sends him to his home in the mystical realm, then sets out to discover who is hunting him—and why.
CAPTURED. FORGOTTEN. FORGED.
Stolen fae young men face their final day before they become dragon food. Taken from their homes and imprisoned in a brutal mine, they have survived through secret training, strategy, inventive tech, and stubborn hope. They failed to escape before, with severe consequences.
A prophecy whispers that a girl will one day free them.
She doesn’t even know they exist.
At a Paris fashion show, Peter collides with a mysterious girl—and discovers she is his twin sister. Together they possess a dangerous power, and those who control the realms will do anything to claim it. Or destroy it.
PILLYWIGGIN Awakening is a contemporary epic fantasy that weaves dark mystery, military strategy, and technology into a world where power is never given—only built. For fans of Lord of the Rings and Fourth Wing.
This is no tale of a magical savior.
This is the story of stray kids who grow into warriors—and become their own heroes.
by Debbie Bishop
June 26, 2026
Illustrators: John Delaney, Parich Smutkochorn
Part of: PILLYWIGGIN (11 books)
Publisher: Angelgate Entertainment
Genre: Epic Fantasy, Metaphysical Fiction, Fae Fantasy, Found Family
Peter has spent his life hiding among humans.
A light fae raised at an elite academy, he thought his disguise was to protect his place in the human world. A betrayal and ominous nightmare cause sudden caution, but when a mystical creature he has never seen before warns he is in danger, Peter realizes he must flee. To maintain his cover, he creates a clone and sends him to his home in the mystical realm, then sets out to discover who is hunting him—and why.
CAPTURED. FORGOTTEN. FORGED.
Stolen fae young men face their final day before they become dragon food. Taken from their homes and imprisoned in a brutal mine, they have survived through secret training, strategy, inventive tech, and stubborn hope. They failed to escape before, with severe consequences.
A prophecy whispers that a girl will one day free them.
She doesn’t even know they exist.
At a Paris fashion show, Peter collides with a mysterious girl—and discovers she is his twin sister. Together they possess a dangerous power, and those who control the realms will do anything to claim it. Or destroy it.
PILLYWIGGIN Awakening is a contemporary epic fantasy that weaves dark mystery, military strategy, and technology into a world where power is never given—only built. For fans of Lord of the Rings and Fourth Wing.
This is no tale of a magical savior.
This is the story of stray kids who grow into warriors—and become their own heroes.
3 YEARS AGO
Peter, wearing jeans and a hoodie, checks the papers in his hands as he crouches next to a fireplace. His black hair shines a bit, illuminated by the warm glow of fire in a dark room. The only other light coming from the screen of a laptop next to him. He tosses the papers he used to make identification into the flames, then compares a new passport to his old one. He turns slightly while slipping the new fake passport into a pocket and we see his tear-filled face. He wipes his eye with his sleeve and then grabs an iron poker to stir the fire, ensuring every bit of the old documents burn. He stirs a little extra as if he is lost in his thoughts. His tears increase.
Peter, wearing jeans and a hoodie, checks the papers in his hands as he crouches next to a fireplace. His black hair shines a bit, illuminated by the warm glow of fire in a dark room. The only other light coming from the screen of a laptop next to him. He tosses the papers he used to make identification into the flames, then compares a new passport to his old one. He turns slightly while slipping the new fake passport into a pocket and we see his tear-filled face. He wipes his eye with his sleeve and then grabs an iron poker to stir the fire, ensuring every bit of the old documents burn. He stirs a little extra as if he is lost in his thoughts. His tears increase.
The screen of his laptop is erasing his hard drive.
A message pops up, “Files deleted and replaced. Extracting myself now. Be safe, Peter.”
Peter carries the computer to a desk in a wall of cabinets and bookshelves and places it in the center, open. He pauses to look at his old passport then gently lays it next to his computer as if he is saying goodbye to an old friend. This bedroom, a dorm in the academy where he has lived most
of his life is ultra luxurious. Dark wood paneled walls, thick velvet blue curtains, which are closed now, and a bed laden with overstuffed yet soft pillows, fresh linens and thick comforter encased in an embroidered duvet.
Peter rolls up a blanket as he watches the last of the embers dissolve into red glow, then black ash. Stuffing the blanket into his pack, he zips it, straps it on, and takes one last look around. Pausing, he sighs sadly.
Opening the door of his room just a bit, he peers out.
The hallway is dark and still. Peter sneaks out then closes the door behind him quietly.
About the Author:
Website-Facebook-Twitter
LinkedIn-Instagram
Goodreads
Debbie Bishop – Award-Winning Author of YA Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Comics & Self-Help
Debbie Bishop is an award-winning author of young adult fantasy, science fiction, comics, and inspirational nonfiction. She is the proud recipient of the International Impact Book Award, the Literary Titan Gold Book Award (for both fiction and nonfiction), and First Place – Fiction Epic Fantasy from BookFest.
Her latest YA fantasy duology, PILLYWIGGIN: The Lost Shadow Boys and PILLYWIGGIN: Awakening, delivers dark fae magic, dragons, and epic coming-of-age adventure across hidden realms. Fans of Throne of Glass, Fourth Wing, and A Court of Thorns and Roses call it “gripping and full of heart.”
Awakening explores the unity of light and dark through characters discovering courage, identity, and purpose — a message of hope wrapped in rich myth and magic.
Debbie’s nonfiction book, What Is the Meaning of Life? YOU, earned acclaim for its insight and encouragement, inspiring readers worldwide to reconnect with their own purpose.
She first gained recognition in comics with her sci-fi action series Black Tide (Image Comics), set in present-day Atlantis. The collected graphic novels feature art by Mike S. Miller and Norm Breyfogle, while the companion novel Enter the Game expands the backstory of its hero, Justin.
Debbie also co-wrote War Eagles with Carl Macek, inspired by an unrealized concept from King Kong creator Merian C. Cooper, at the personal request of animation legend Ray Harryhausen.
For younger readers, her whimsical chapter book The Fairies of Bladderwhack Pond — illustrated by Andy Park (Marvel Studios) — continues to charm families and fairy lovers.
She is also co-author of the playful Pre-Fab Cookbook, featuring humorous commentary by cartoon characters Dish & Flo and filled with fun, fast recipes.
Debbie says, “The scenes come to me like a movie — I just write them down. I love mixing fiction with real-world science, history, and hope.”
Her stories uplift, entertain, and remind us that even in dark times, heroes rise.
Website-Facebook-Twitter
LinkedIn-Instagram
Goodreads
Debbie Bishop – Award-Winning Author of YA Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Comics & Self-Help
Debbie Bishop is an award-winning author of young adult fantasy, science fiction, comics, and inspirational nonfiction. She is the proud recipient of the International Impact Book Award, the Literary Titan Gold Book Award (for both fiction and nonfiction), and First Place – Fiction Epic Fantasy from BookFest.
Her latest YA fantasy duology, PILLYWIGGIN: The Lost Shadow Boys and PILLYWIGGIN: Awakening, delivers dark fae magic, dragons, and epic coming-of-age adventure across hidden realms. Fans of Throne of Glass, Fourth Wing, and A Court of Thorns and Roses call it “gripping and full of heart.”
Awakening explores the unity of light and dark through characters discovering courage, identity, and purpose — a message of hope wrapped in rich myth and magic.
Debbie’s nonfiction book, What Is the Meaning of Life? YOU, earned acclaim for its insight and encouragement, inspiring readers worldwide to reconnect with their own purpose.
She first gained recognition in comics with her sci-fi action series Black Tide (Image Comics), set in present-day Atlantis. The collected graphic novels feature art by Mike S. Miller and Norm Breyfogle, while the companion novel Enter the Game expands the backstory of its hero, Justin.
Debbie also co-wrote War Eagles with Carl Macek, inspired by an unrealized concept from King Kong creator Merian C. Cooper, at the personal request of animation legend Ray Harryhausen.
For younger readers, her whimsical chapter book The Fairies of Bladderwhack Pond — illustrated by Andy Park (Marvel Studios) — continues to charm families and fairy lovers.
She is also co-author of the playful Pre-Fab Cookbook, featuring humorous commentary by cartoon characters Dish & Flo and filled with fun, fast recipes.
Debbie says, “The scenes come to me like a movie — I just write them down. I love mixing fiction with real-world science, history, and hope.”
Her stories uplift, entertain, and remind us that even in dark times, heroes rise.
Saturday, June 27, 2026
Excerpt: Dragons of Mu by Pamela Ackerson + giveaway
The Eternals, a non-magical woman as the Chosen One, Marfóir, and her best friend join in the battle to slay the most evil dragon on earth who’s plan is to take over the world.
by Pamela Ackerson
Genre: Epic Fantasy Adventure
Drakine is rising. The only hope is the hero no one expected.
One non-magical woman is the Chosen One. Destiny won’t wait. With her fiercely loyal friend, Lottie, by her side, and Blaze’s army behind her, Amy is thrust into a war against the most evil dragon ever to preside over the dragon realm on the Island of Mu. A creature whose heinous ambition is nothing less than total annihilation of the mortal world and complete global domination.
To survive, they must fight the ancient powers and unite the fractured kingdoms. The Island of Mu is burning… and only she can turn the tide. Grab your copy today.
She
rubbed the back of her head, felt a small lump, and winced. Her head
was throbbing. Her knee was yelling at her and now she heard angry,
men’s voices.
One of them yelled, “Over there! There she is. Get her!”
Another pulled out a long knife and they ran toward her.
Amy rushed into the woods. Turning around, she could see they were catching up to her.
Up, Amy, up. They won’t be looking up.
She climbed an oak tree as high as she could. Pulling on the long skirt, she squatted on a branch.
The branch felt odd and slithered underneath her. A large, looming face in the shape of a dragon stared at her unblinking.
Holy cr—
The creature put a long claw to its mouth and said, “Shhh.”
Amy took a deep breath. A scream was building inside her but before she could release the ear-piercing screech, she was muzzled by the creature. Her heart jolted as its wing enveloped her and she lost consciousness.
A few moments later, she was gulping for air. Fully expecting to open her eyes and see the hotel lobby, she was stunned to be staring into the eyes of a dragon.
–A dragon, a huge dragon with big, green eyes.
You’re safe.
Amy shook her head. “No. No, I’m not. There’s no okay in this, whatever this is at all. This is crazy. Why is this happening?”
Where did you come from?
She stared at his mouth. It wasn’t moving.
This hallucination was freaking weird. A talking dragon that didn’t move his lips. They’re going to take her away and leave her in the psych ward for the rest of her life.
Her eye began twitching. It wasn’t real. None of it makes sense.
Think, Amy. Dragons aren’t real. How could a dragon talk?
Anything can happen in a hallucination. She repeated to herself. This isn’t real.
Was she dead? Is this purgatory? Her own personal nightmare of an afterlife? Could she have injured herself so badly that she died?
She wasn’t a bad person. It certainly wasn’t in Hades. Well, it better not be Hades.
A talking, psychic dragon communicating with his mind.
Of course, it makes soooo much more sense.
She watched as the men ran into the woods, searching for her.
The dragon spoke in a deep, soothing voice, “Why are you dressed in that garb?”
Amy stared at the huge beast.
The beast’s green eyes penetrated her with a questioning glare.
“A— a party. We were going to a party.”
He looked at the bracelet.
“Someone put them in my shopping bag.”
“Let’s go. We need to get you into normal clothing. I’ll take you to Bev’s.”
Amy started climbing down the tree.
“No, no.” The dragon grabbed her and placed Amy on his back before taking flight.
Amy squealed, inhaled and released another louder scream.
“Stop.” His body jolted. “Your obnoxious squawking is impaling my ears.”
Within a few moments, they soared through the air and flew from cloud to cloud.
Her stomach flipped and she swallowed the huge lump in her throat.
“Ugh, no ups and downs, please.”
He laughed. “No quick drops? You’re the slow-boat kind of person.”
Her heart was finally returning to its normal beat. She was getting comfortable riding on his back and was beginning to enjoy the view.
“Whoa! This is awesome. I never have flying dreams.”
The dragon huffed.
Amy was mesmerized. It was freaking fantastic. The warm heat from the sun and soft air on her face, the flapping of his wings, it was glorious.
She could do this. It was peaceful. He was gliding along and she was euphoric.
Hold on.
“Hold on? No, don’t ruin the moment!”
The dragon took a deep dive. Amy let out an earsplitting shriek and gripped the back of his neck tighter as he gracefully landed on the ground in front of a small, wooden cabin.
He grunted in pain.
“Your fingernails are cutting into my skin.”
“Sorry.” Amy dismounted him like she would a horse.
“You don’t look like you’re sorry.”
She gave him an angry side-eye.
He grumbled, “Go. Tell her I sent you.”
“Um. You want me to knock on a stranger’s door, in the middle of BFE, and tell her a dragon sent me?”
“We’re not in Egypt.”
She snapped, “What? We’re in the middle of freaking nowhere. That’s what BFE means!”
Ignoring her irritation, he responded, “We’re in Ireland.”
“Ireland? I’ve never been to Ireland. How am I dreaming that I’m here? I’ve only seen pictures and this in not anything like the pictures.”
“It’s fine.”
“No, it’s not fine. I don’t have a passport with me!”
She rubbed her forehead. Why would she need a passport in a dream?
“No worries.” He blew out a frustrated breath. “I’ll be back in a blink. In the meantime, tell her Blaze sent you.”
“Oh, look. A fairy circle.”
His wide-eyed, incredulous stare gave her pause. He shook his head. “Wow.”
She shrugged.
“I can’t keep up with you.”
“Yeah, I get that a lot. My mind goes really fast sometimes.” She limped toward the fairy circle.
“What are you doing?”
Amy chuckled. “Making a wish.”
He looked at her like she was growing horns.
“Um, yeah. Make a wish and the fairies will grant it only if they see fit. You have to watch out for all the fairies protecting the fairy circle. You don’t want to step on them, you know.”
Amy stepped back from the circle. “Hello, little fairies. I hope you’re having a pleasant day.”
He harrumphed and walked away.
“Hey, it’s my dream. I can do what I want.”
Amy raised her hand to knock, but never made contact. An elderly woman, in her mid-seventies, opened the door.
“Oh, I thought I heard Blaze’s voice.”
“I’m Amy. He told me to tell you—”
The woman opened the door wider. “Come in. The sun’s going to be setting soon and it’ll be a bit chilly.”
The elderly woman had light hair, dark blue eyes, and a wide, pleasant smile. Her hair was rolled up into a bun tucked on the back of her head. Amy’s memories immediately went to the cartoon with the grandma lady who owned the canary, Tweety.
Amy cautiously entered the house and as she turned to look about, a man rushed through the doorway.
He was an average-looking man except for his eyes. They gleamed an effervescent green. The man’s dark hair was a deep contrast to his light skin.
She never cared for the five o’clock shadow but it did do him justice.
“There you are, Blaze.” She handed him a mug.
“Thank you, Bev.”
“Mark on his way?”
“Soon. He has a few things he needs to take care of before he comes.”
Mark? As in Harlow?
Bev turned to Amy. “What would you like, dear? I’ve got some hot tea on the table or, if it pleases, I can pour another draught.”
“T—”
“She needs normal clothes.”
Amy glared at Blaze. “And who are you?”
“I’m the man who saved your skinny bum and brought you here.”
“And how, pray tell, did you do that? A dragon…” Her voice trailed off.
Bev looked puzzled. “So, she’s not from medieval times?”
“No.”
“She didn’t time-travel here?”
“No.”
Time travel? Amy interrupted, “I can speak for myself.”
“Really?” He snorted. “Go ahead, darling, and explain how you got here.”
“Fine. I was at a party.” Amy flipped her hand in the air. “I tucked the jeweled comb in my wig and the next thing I knew, these men attacked me and I’ve been having this dream or possibly been unconscious ever since.”
Blaze sat at the table. “You’re not unconscious.”
“Then you tell me what’s happening.”
Bev took her arm. “Oh, sweetie, it’s been a day for you, hasn’t it? Sit, relax, and have a cuppa. I’ll get you some clothes that should fit you. We’ll get you all sorted out.”
The concern in Bev’s voice was telling.
Wariness clung to Amy as a hesitant smile tugged at her lips, a stark contrast to how she was feeling.
“I don’t need clothes. I just want to wake up.”
Bev asked, “Wake up?”
Blaze waved Bev’s question off and spoke to Amy, “Somehow, you’ve managed to get two very powerful and magical relics to bring you here. People have gone to war to possess the magical comb and bracelet.”
Amy grunted.
“Those men stole the relics to take over Mu and conquer the magical world. They will not hesitate to kill you for them.”
Amy bit her upper lip, repressing a nervous giggle. “Not ruby-red slippers? Will lightning flash from the jewelry when you try to remove it from my hair and wrist? Do I repeat ‘there’s no place like home’ three times?”
Blaze glowered. “I don’t find your sarcasm amusing.”
She removed the jeweled comb and handed it to Blaze. “Here. Take it.”
Bev glared at Blaze and tapped Amy’s hand. “Blaze can get you back to where you belong and to your party whenever you’re ready.”
“Good.” Amy put her wrist toward Blaze. “I’m more than ready.”
Blaze reached to take the bracelet off her wrist. “It won’t come off.”
Bev put her hand to her chest. “What?”
Amy’s voice shook in panic. “No, no, take it off!”
“It won’t come off.”
“Fine, then I’ll do it.”
She fiddled with the clasp and finally threw up her hands in frustration. “It won’t come off!”
Bev walked over to the cabinet and brought back a bottle of Irish whiskey and three glasses, and said, “It has begun.”
One of them yelled, “Over there! There she is. Get her!”
Another pulled out a long knife and they ran toward her.
Amy rushed into the woods. Turning around, she could see they were catching up to her.
Up, Amy, up. They won’t be looking up.
She climbed an oak tree as high as she could. Pulling on the long skirt, she squatted on a branch.
The branch felt odd and slithered underneath her. A large, looming face in the shape of a dragon stared at her unblinking.
Holy cr—
The creature put a long claw to its mouth and said, “Shhh.”
Amy took a deep breath. A scream was building inside her but before she could release the ear-piercing screech, she was muzzled by the creature. Her heart jolted as its wing enveloped her and she lost consciousness.
A few moments later, she was gulping for air. Fully expecting to open her eyes and see the hotel lobby, she was stunned to be staring into the eyes of a dragon.
–A dragon, a huge dragon with big, green eyes.
You’re safe.
Amy shook her head. “No. No, I’m not. There’s no okay in this, whatever this is at all. This is crazy. Why is this happening?”
Where did you come from?
She stared at his mouth. It wasn’t moving.
This hallucination was freaking weird. A talking dragon that didn’t move his lips. They’re going to take her away and leave her in the psych ward for the rest of her life.
Her eye began twitching. It wasn’t real. None of it makes sense.
Think, Amy. Dragons aren’t real. How could a dragon talk?
Anything can happen in a hallucination. She repeated to herself. This isn’t real.
Was she dead? Is this purgatory? Her own personal nightmare of an afterlife? Could she have injured herself so badly that she died?
She wasn’t a bad person. It certainly wasn’t in Hades. Well, it better not be Hades.
A talking, psychic dragon communicating with his mind.
Of course, it makes soooo much more sense.
She watched as the men ran into the woods, searching for her.
The dragon spoke in a deep, soothing voice, “Why are you dressed in that garb?”
Amy stared at the huge beast.
The beast’s green eyes penetrated her with a questioning glare.
“A— a party. We were going to a party.”
He looked at the bracelet.
“Someone put them in my shopping bag.”
“Let’s go. We need to get you into normal clothing. I’ll take you to Bev’s.”
Amy started climbing down the tree.
“No, no.” The dragon grabbed her and placed Amy on his back before taking flight.
Amy squealed, inhaled and released another louder scream.
“Stop.” His body jolted. “Your obnoxious squawking is impaling my ears.”
Within a few moments, they soared through the air and flew from cloud to cloud.
Her stomach flipped and she swallowed the huge lump in her throat.
“Ugh, no ups and downs, please.”
He laughed. “No quick drops? You’re the slow-boat kind of person.”
Her heart was finally returning to its normal beat. She was getting comfortable riding on his back and was beginning to enjoy the view.
“Whoa! This is awesome. I never have flying dreams.”
The dragon huffed.
Amy was mesmerized. It was freaking fantastic. The warm heat from the sun and soft air on her face, the flapping of his wings, it was glorious.
She could do this. It was peaceful. He was gliding along and she was euphoric.
Hold on.
“Hold on? No, don’t ruin the moment!”
The dragon took a deep dive. Amy let out an earsplitting shriek and gripped the back of his neck tighter as he gracefully landed on the ground in front of a small, wooden cabin.
He grunted in pain.
“Your fingernails are cutting into my skin.”
“Sorry.” Amy dismounted him like she would a horse.
“You don’t look like you’re sorry.”
She gave him an angry side-eye.
He grumbled, “Go. Tell her I sent you.”
“Um. You want me to knock on a stranger’s door, in the middle of BFE, and tell her a dragon sent me?”
“We’re not in Egypt.”
She snapped, “What? We’re in the middle of freaking nowhere. That’s what BFE means!”
Ignoring her irritation, he responded, “We’re in Ireland.”
“Ireland? I’ve never been to Ireland. How am I dreaming that I’m here? I’ve only seen pictures and this in not anything like the pictures.”
“It’s fine.”
“No, it’s not fine. I don’t have a passport with me!”
She rubbed her forehead. Why would she need a passport in a dream?
“No worries.” He blew out a frustrated breath. “I’ll be back in a blink. In the meantime, tell her Blaze sent you.”
“Oh, look. A fairy circle.”
His wide-eyed, incredulous stare gave her pause. He shook his head. “Wow.”
She shrugged.
“I can’t keep up with you.”
“Yeah, I get that a lot. My mind goes really fast sometimes.” She limped toward the fairy circle.
“What are you doing?”
Amy chuckled. “Making a wish.”
He looked at her like she was growing horns.
“Um, yeah. Make a wish and the fairies will grant it only if they see fit. You have to watch out for all the fairies protecting the fairy circle. You don’t want to step on them, you know.”
Amy stepped back from the circle. “Hello, little fairies. I hope you’re having a pleasant day.”
He harrumphed and walked away.
“Hey, it’s my dream. I can do what I want.”
Amy raised her hand to knock, but never made contact. An elderly woman, in her mid-seventies, opened the door.
“Oh, I thought I heard Blaze’s voice.”
“I’m Amy. He told me to tell you—”
The woman opened the door wider. “Come in. The sun’s going to be setting soon and it’ll be a bit chilly.”
The elderly woman had light hair, dark blue eyes, and a wide, pleasant smile. Her hair was rolled up into a bun tucked on the back of her head. Amy’s memories immediately went to the cartoon with the grandma lady who owned the canary, Tweety.
Amy cautiously entered the house and as she turned to look about, a man rushed through the doorway.
He was an average-looking man except for his eyes. They gleamed an effervescent green. The man’s dark hair was a deep contrast to his light skin.
She never cared for the five o’clock shadow but it did do him justice.
“There you are, Blaze.” She handed him a mug.
“Thank you, Bev.”
“Mark on his way?”
“Soon. He has a few things he needs to take care of before he comes.”
Mark? As in Harlow?
Bev turned to Amy. “What would you like, dear? I’ve got some hot tea on the table or, if it pleases, I can pour another draught.”
“T—”
“She needs normal clothes.”
Amy glared at Blaze. “And who are you?”
“I’m the man who saved your skinny bum and brought you here.”
“And how, pray tell, did you do that? A dragon…” Her voice trailed off.
Bev looked puzzled. “So, she’s not from medieval times?”
“No.”
“She didn’t time-travel here?”
“No.”
Time travel? Amy interrupted, “I can speak for myself.”
“Really?” He snorted. “Go ahead, darling, and explain how you got here.”
“Fine. I was at a party.” Amy flipped her hand in the air. “I tucked the jeweled comb in my wig and the next thing I knew, these men attacked me and I’ve been having this dream or possibly been unconscious ever since.”
Blaze sat at the table. “You’re not unconscious.”
“Then you tell me what’s happening.”
Bev took her arm. “Oh, sweetie, it’s been a day for you, hasn’t it? Sit, relax, and have a cuppa. I’ll get you some clothes that should fit you. We’ll get you all sorted out.”
The concern in Bev’s voice was telling.
Wariness clung to Amy as a hesitant smile tugged at her lips, a stark contrast to how she was feeling.
“I don’t need clothes. I just want to wake up.”
Bev asked, “Wake up?”
Blaze waved Bev’s question off and spoke to Amy, “Somehow, you’ve managed to get two very powerful and magical relics to bring you here. People have gone to war to possess the magical comb and bracelet.”
Amy grunted.
“Those men stole the relics to take over Mu and conquer the magical world. They will not hesitate to kill you for them.”
Amy bit her upper lip, repressing a nervous giggle. “Not ruby-red slippers? Will lightning flash from the jewelry when you try to remove it from my hair and wrist? Do I repeat ‘there’s no place like home’ three times?”
Blaze glowered. “I don’t find your sarcasm amusing.”
She removed the jeweled comb and handed it to Blaze. “Here. Take it.”
Bev glared at Blaze and tapped Amy’s hand. “Blaze can get you back to where you belong and to your party whenever you’re ready.”
“Good.” Amy put her wrist toward Blaze. “I’m more than ready.”
Blaze reached to take the bracelet off her wrist. “It won’t come off.”
Bev put her hand to her chest. “What?”
Amy’s voice shook in panic. “No, no, take it off!”
“It won’t come off.”
“Fine, then I’ll do it.”
She fiddled with the clasp and finally threw up her hands in frustration. “It won’t come off!”
Bev walked over to the cabinet and brought back a bottle of Irish whiskey and three glasses, and said, “It has begun.”
About theAuthor:
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Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Wall Street Journal bestselling, award-winning author, Pamela Ackerson is a time traveling adventurer. She was born and raised in Newport, RI where history is a way of life. She lives on the Space Coast of Florida where everyone is encouraged to reach for the stars!
Her literary journey is as diverse and adventurous as the time-traveling escapades she writes about. With a rich tapestry of genres at her fingertips, she weaves stories that span from the wild frontiers of the Old West to the intricate cultural tapestries of Native American history. Her work doesn't stop at fiction; she delves into the realms of history, self-help, and even marketing, showcasing a versatility that resonates with a wide audience.
Ackerson's presence on the Space Coast of Florida reflects her forward-thinking approach to writing, always aiming for the next big leap in her storytelling odyssey. Her prolific output is a testament to her dedication to her craft, inviting readers to join her in exploring the vast landscapes of human experience and imagination.
Honest reviews of Pamela's books are always appreciated.
Absolutely no AI programs were used to create any story she has written.
Thank you and have a good moments day.
X-Bookbub
Amazon-Goodreads
Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Wall Street Journal bestselling, award-winning author, Pamela Ackerson is a time traveling adventurer. She was born and raised in Newport, RI where history is a way of life. She lives on the Space Coast of Florida where everyone is encouraged to reach for the stars!
Her literary journey is as diverse and adventurous as the time-traveling escapades she writes about. With a rich tapestry of genres at her fingertips, she weaves stories that span from the wild frontiers of the Old West to the intricate cultural tapestries of Native American history. Her work doesn't stop at fiction; she delves into the realms of history, self-help, and even marketing, showcasing a versatility that resonates with a wide audience.
Ackerson's presence on the Space Coast of Florida reflects her forward-thinking approach to writing, always aiming for the next big leap in her storytelling odyssey. Her prolific output is a testament to her dedication to her craft, inviting readers to join her in exploring the vast landscapes of human experience and imagination.
Honest reviews of Pamela's books are always appreciated.
Absolutely no AI programs were used to create any story she has written.
Thank you and have a good moments day.
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