Thick mist obscures half of the full moon, and surrounds the medieval castle in a shroud. The hostesses of the Author Roast and Toast gather on a battlement, looking out over the eerie landscape.
"Ooooh, creepy," Melissa says. "Hard to believe this is a summer night."
"Hard to believe we're not here for a gothic horror novel," Lyn says.
With an indelicate snort, Mary glances down at her steam punk attire. "Even harder to believe that someone told me to dress like Lara Croft from Victorian Britain."
Sniggering, Lilly and AJ hide behind their hands. Both ladies wear modern evening gowns better suited to the gala event being thrown to honor the fantasy anthology, Portals. The authors of the newly released work are likewise tastefully attired, so Mary appears even more the sore thumb.
"I don't know what could have happened," Lyn says to Mary. "Didn't you get the memo? I had it sent out via courier. Hand delivered by none other than-"
Mary cuts her short, glaring fiercely. "Mac!"
"Don't kill the messenger!" Mac throws up her hands and hurries away. She takes off in pursuit of Oliver, headed in the opposite direction with a tray full of a sinister looking red beverage being served in wine glasses.
"I'm so glad I'm not on the hook this time," Melissa mutters. "Mary, I think you look adorable."
"Oh yes," Lilly and AJ chant together. "You're just so darn cute!"
Before we tuck in to the deliciousvirtual fare on offer - all with connections to the stories in the book: Ma's Grizzly Bear Stew and Delia's Homemade Lasagna, a chocolate ' Whistling Past 'the Graveyard' Cake,* Cup o' Worms*, Battlesby Hall cheese and red wine, to go with Mexmur's wild game appetizers and Night Queen's Brew -
Happy Book Birthday to Portals!
Portals
Genre: Fantasy Anthology (mixed sub genres)
Release Date: June 5, 2014
Keywords: Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Sword and Sorcery, Urban Fantasy, Steampunk, Short Stories, Picture Prompt
Description: No matter what world you call home, or what your station in life, there are just some paths that weren't meant to be tread.
Ordinary World by Laurie Treacy
Imagine a new neighbor moves next door, a creepy guy who gives fifteen year-old Amy Silva the willies? Amy wonders what the stone archway in the backyard is for. Her life becomes even more stressful when her family reveals they’re witches.
Could Amy’s new neighbor have anything to do with a local girl’s disappearance or be a threat to her magical loved ones?
Maronda’s Quest by Christy Thomas
The Grand Wizard has decreed Maronda enter the Portal of Life to embark upon a quest of great importance, but despite her Ma’s claims it is a blessing, premonitions of danger persist.
Lenox works to prove his worth to wed her, his true love, but it appears a wizard plots to remove him from Maronda’s life forever. To secure their future together, Lenox decides to accompany her on the quest, even if forbidden. He must ultimately choose between using his dragon fighting skills which could lead to his death, or give Maronda her greatest desire.
In the end, it’s Maronda who must learn to live with the consequences of his decision
Mexmur, the Huntress by Anna Simpson
Long ago a dragonkeeper betrayed his charges. To bring back magic, to set things right, Mexmur is sent through the portal.
Can she succeed armed with only a poem, talon and blade.
A guardian to the entrances between worlds, Gladys has been called to bring a little girl back from Fairyland. Passing through the Entrance of Lost Souls is no fun, neither is hunting down a deranged banshee, but what is a guardian to do?
And, is the banshee really kidnapping the girl...or saving her from something else?
Where Once were Hearts by Havva Murat
After losing both his parents, his entire fortune and his childhood sweetheart, Master Bartholomew Battlesby sets out into the wilds of Northern England to make the acquaintance of his only surviving relation, the landed recluse, Mr. Horatio Grimsby who has an eerie penchant for both tinkering and clockwork. But, on finding his relation dead, with a gaping hole in his chest, and the beautiful, but scornful, Miss Evangeline Witherop ruling in his place, Bartholomew learns there is more than one way to lose your heart.
Can Bartholomew reignite the spirit of love and mercy within Miss Witherop, or will he suffer the same fate as his poor, heartless cousin?
The Lunatic Queen by Michael Siciliano
The land of Mershinka has been thrown into perpetual night. Their King is dead and a moon witch, known as The Night Queen, rules from the royal palace in Grosnov. An endless fog shrouds the land, killing crops and starving the populace. Cold-eyed enforcers put down rebellions while volksa, twisted wolf-creatures, roam the mists looking for prey. Many have given up hope and wait for the inevitable end. All seems lost.
Two teenagers, Pavel and Tamara, devise a plan to kill Vazya the Night Queen when the moons Kainsk and Seresnya are down, end the stifling enchantment, and bring the sun back to their dying land. But, they need a watch to tell time, a compass to guide them through the mists, weapons to fight off Vazya’s minions, and all the courage they can muster.
*Courtesy of 'Ghoulish Goodies Cookbook
*Courtesy of 'Ghoulish Goodies Cookbook
Tour Schedule |
Book Blitz and Tour-wide Giveaway
Paperback copy of Portals and a $10 Amazon gift card.
Ends 7/03/2014
***GIVEAWAY***
Welcome to the Roast, Portals authors. Hope you enjoy the party, congratulations on your Anthology - can't wait to get my hands on a copy!
ReplyDeleteHi there Hywela Lyn.
DeleteThis is a wonderful idea. Thanks for throwing the bash.
*rubbing palms together and looking around* Nice buffet.
Anna Simpson from Shout with Emaginette
Hello, all. Thank you for such a delicious looking bash. How are the lovely hostesses today? *Gives Oliver a wink* What? He started it.
ReplyDeleteHi Echo, we're thrilled to have you as our guests and to be able to help you celebrate the release or Portals! You're all looking fabulous! Do have some of this lovely graveyard cake - iot's yummy chocolate underneath the icing and oreo crumbs! :)
ReplyDeleteHey Echo,
DeleteYah, you do look good. Nice shoes Hywela Lyn. :-)
Oops where did that superfluous 'o' come from?
ReplyDeleteHah, it just snuck in there, I suppose. That's a lovely gown your wearing. Can you walk okay in those shoes?
DeleteGood Morning! Looks like it's gonna be another lovely summer day. How everyone is well. ;-)
ReplyDeleteHello, Melissa. So far so good. Have either of you ever had grizzly bear before? I'm sorry, I'm just really curious.
DeleteEcho, I hear Grizzly is good. I've never personally tried it, but if you can wrestle one to the ground, kill it, skin it, and cook it, I'll give it a go. lol! Then again, I think I'll just have a cheeseburger.
DeleteAnd here I thought if I ever went camping, I wouldn't want to run into a bear. Little did I know I should be waiting for him with a turkey baster and a really big bowl..:-)
Deletelmao. Oops! Sorry Echo. Damn, I should have never chugged those first two drinks so early in the morning. It's Mary's fault. She scares me. Welcome to your roast chickies!
DeleteI think I'll need some wine to go with stew. *pokes a fork into stew pot* It does smell pretty good. :-)
DeleteMellisa, Just wanted to thank you for such a nice welcome. :-)
DeleteMysterious things are happening today. Could it be part of the fantasy for the Portals release? I commented earlier and it just vanished. Poof! Gone. Just like magic. Maybe I just need another drink? Or a sample of some of that delicious food? Or perhaps, I'll just sneak a copy of the book and dig in....better yet, I'd rather check out those hot guys over by the bar.
ReplyDeleteSave the one on the left for me. Or maybe the one on the right--or that one over there! Yes, that one most definitely. :-)
Deletehehehe
DeleteThings certainly are a little weird round here as you say - went into another room and lost two hours! Hi Emaginette, lovely to see you here - so glad you're enjoying the party and thanks for the compliment - but I can't take the credit all the hostesses work hard on the Roasts - Melissa wrote the intro this week, I just do the pictures and we all pitch in each week to help Oliver with the washing up! :)
ReplyDeleteWell, I'd better to seek her out :-)
DeleteMmmm, have another slice of cake first - and how about some Night Queen's Brew?
ReplyDeleteOh look, that hunky guy in the long cloak over there is winking at you. Yes, that one, the one next to the hunk with his arm around Echo!
Hah! Yeah, come on Anna join us. Did you try some of Mexmur's wild game appetizer's? What a huntress, these are delicious. :-)
DeleteYes, secret recipe--sprinkle of magic and if you find a jewel be sure not to swallow it. :-)
DeleteWow! Thank God for photo shop. That's all I got to say. I have been trying to comment for hours and just found out a setting was not right. So now I'm in!
ReplyDeleteDo you think I look trampy? Oh good, finally. Love the premise of this story, another must read for sure. Oliver bring on the drinks, everyone is too sober! Virtual booze is the only safe way to go! LOL How about a strawberry Daiquiri?
ReplyDeleteMary you look beautiful. Sure, I'll take one of those. *takes a sip and sighs*
DeleteYou don't look tramp, Mary, but I'd be real careful bending over so the "girls" don't fall out of that low-cut dress. lol!
ReplyDeleteHave to admit it gets their attention hehehe
DeleteTee-hee, you're right there, Lilly,Though actually I think 'trampy' was the look our Mary was going for! LOL ! Good to see you Mary sweetie,I must say steampunk does rather suit you! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone! What a great spread. Hm, never tried Grizzly before. Loved the intro. Thanks for hosting this wonderful party for the Portals authors and everyone:)
ReplyDeleteLyn, you know me too well...LOL I'll skip the Grizzly myself.
ReplyDeleteHere come the guys, the trampy look works you know. See you later ladies, you can have what's left!! Mmmm muscles.
ReplyDeleteLOL Mary, sweetie, how generous! BY 'what's left' were you referring to the food or the 'other' guys?
ReplyDeleteWhat do you think? Mary walks off with guys on both arms. I left a few...LOL
ReplyDeletethey are lying Mary. You'really definitely trampy, but in a good way. :-)
ReplyDeletedamn phone!
DeleteEven Mary's leftovers look pretty good to me. Maybe, I should be having coffee or clean my glasses. Ohh, what's that?
ReplyDelete'cuse me, when did Grr get here?
I think I'm in the mood for some lasagna. Mackenzie, can you pass me that dish at your side? I'm gonna try some of that Night Queen's brew, too. This is delicious. Compliments to the cook. :-)
ReplyDeleteOh, how lovely. I think I need to get a piece of that cake before the dragon eats it up.
ReplyDeleteYou know a party's gotten wild when someone brings out their dragon. :-)
ReplyDeleteYeah, I guess he followed us. Sorry about the emeralds dropping around him. He sheds like the devil when he's nervous. I'll put him outside. Anyone want a ride round the kingdom?
ReplyDeleteHeck they eat whatever they want, but too much cake make it hard for them to fly. Fat might float in the water, but not so much in the air.
ReplyDeleteOne piece Grr and *ducks out of the way* please watch your tail.
Ooh me please, may I? Please, please, pretty please
ReplyDeleteOf course. Grr is very friendly. Come on up you go. :-)
ReplyDeleteWheee, thanks Emaginette, that was fantastic, Grr is wonderful! (A bit different to a horse, but once I got used to sitting behind his head it was fantastic). What a way to see the countryside!
ReplyDeleteHi Chisty, *waves* sorry didn't see you there, just be for my first ride on a dragon! :)
ReplyDeleteI keep forgetting to come here on Fridays. Looks like I missed a fun party too. Love the book cover. It's fun to read books that have many authors and stories. Hope I am not posting two comments. I don't see my other one.
ReplyDeleteSue B
LOL Sue, wondrous are the ways of Blogger! I don't thnk you've posted twice though, but it's always nice to see you here. There are still some refreshments left and don't mind Grr, he's a very friendly dragon!
ReplyDeleteTY. It has been happening all day with my posts on many blogs. Had to do them twice. It's messing with me. LOL. I am glad he is a friendly dragon.
ReplyDeleteSue B
Thanks to the authors of 'Portals'. It's been so exciting having you as our guests and we wish you much success with the anthology.
ReplyDelete