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Showing posts with label magic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label magic. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 4, 2022

Rituals & Runes Release!

 


The runes are cast, the rituals prepared. Now it's time to break the rules...

Fall under the spell of swoon-worthy supernatural heroes and magical heroines in fantastical worlds filled with dangerous adventures and epic romances.

Witches, Wizards, Shifters, Vampires, Demons, Devils, and other mythical creatures prowl the pages of this limited edition collection of paranormal romance and urban fantasy tales.

Scroll up and secure your copy of BRAND NEW, unforgettable stories from your favorite USA Today bestselling authors and exciting up-and-coming talent before it’s gone forever!


Grab here for .99!












Thursday, April 30, 2020

Bird's Eye View by Kerry Evelyn. A novella from the Once Upon Academy Anthology

One by one I'll giving you my opinion of all the Once Upon Academy Short stories in the anthology except of course my own. Keep in mind I hadn't read any of the stories until I got a copy of the book. 
The first story is Bird's Eye View by Kerry Evelyn.
I loved the simplicity of the story. She doesn't add in too many characters and spends the story mostly building two characters Nettie and Reggie. I loved getting to  know them.
Reggie's been at OUA for 4 years and has no clue what to do when he graduates or maybe he'll stay for grad studies. All he knows is he likes to fly. Nettie is a freshman. She hates birds yet she works on this fear volunteering to work with children and baby birds. 
The two don't know each other until they are locked in the observatory tower together by accident. Well, it wasn't an accident that Reggie was locked in there but it was chance that Nettie was there. She was simply trying to watch a meteor shower.
Through their experience they get to know each other and their lives are put in peril.
Suspense, fantasy, romance, mystery it's all in this finely crafted short story. At OUA magic is commonplace and Kerry Evelyn masterfully weaves these elements into the story. I felt like I'd been transported to OUA.

Get your copy in ebook!
I want the paperback!
Join the OUA mailing list!


For the rest of the week you can email your proof of purchase to onceuponacademyantho@gmail.com and get the welcome packet.

Thursday, April 23, 2020

Bone Stars character interview with Grenna

I am pleased to have another Once Upon Academy student with us here today. Meet Grenna.
http://onceuponacademy.com/
TTO:
Hi Grenna! It's so nice to meet you. Tell us have you decided on a major at the Once Upon Academy?

Grenna:
Yeah... Um... I chose psychic communication.

TTO:
You don't sound convinced?

Grenna:
I am now. At first I only chose it because OUA doesn't have vet classes but now I'm commited and actually enjoying it.

TTO:
Wonderful news! Do you have any magical abilities?

Grenna:
Yes. It's been difficult for me to accept this and even more difficult to talk about it, especially in public. I see auras, colors surrounding people that change with their moods.

TTO:
Wow! Can you tell me my mood?

Grenna:
You're mostly green meaning health and harmony. There's also a pink ring in the middle of the green. I'm not sure what that means. I'm only beginning to understand and interpret what I see.

TTO:
I'll take health and harmony! Why did you choose Once Upon Academy?

Grenna:
Well... it wasn't my first choice. I wanted an Ivy League school like Harvard. I think my parents had something to do with my application and acceptance to OUA. They won't admit it but I'm sure they are the guilty party.

TTO:
What is your greatest accomplishment?

Grenna:
Graduating highschool with a 4.5 GPA. I worked hard for that, studied constantly.

TTO:
Describe yourself in three words?

Grenna:
Shy, unathletic, and smart

TTO:
Do you have any handicaps and how do you compensate?

Grenna:
Not really. At first the aura thing was like a handicap but once I figured it out it's really quite helpful.

TTO:
What is your favorite food?

Grenna:
Does coffee count? I live on that right now. My favorite is blond with a double shot and Italian cream.

TTO:
Of course coffee counts!  Do you have a favorite book or movie?

Grenna:
Medical texts, mostly on animal anatomy and physiology. Now that I say that I realize I spent far too much time studying in high school. I need to get out and watch some movies!

TTO:
Do you consider yourself an introvert or extrovert?

Grenna:
An introvert!

TTO:
Is there anything else you'd like to add before we close?

Grenna:
I'd just like to add thank you for inviting me. 

Thank you Grenna!


Find out more about Grenna in the Once Upon Academy Anthology!

Bone Stars by Elle Klass

Grenna isn't too thrilled to attend the Once Upon Academy. She was hoping for something less magical and more Ivy League, until she meets Mandevar, a magic physics major who’s hot under his apparent nerdiness and begins to think otherwise.


Their first date is where the adventure begins. Mandevar is a bit of a mystery and continues to surprise her. Turns out he isn't the only surprise when they get lost together in an enchanted forest.

Get Grenna's Acceptance Letter here!


Preorder links:
Amazon
Books2Read
Get your hands on the paperback!


Song of the Reaper character interview with Lyra Piper

With me today is another student from Once Upon Academy. Welcome Lyra Piper!
TTO: Welcome Lyra. So tell us what is your major at Once Upon Academy?

Lyra: Spell Casting with Concentrations in Reaper Studies and Musical Empathy

TTO: That sounds exciting and busy. Is there any special reason you chose Once Upon Academy?

Lyra: My sisters and I were accepted after my Dad (Reed Piper) took the position as the new music professor. Honestly, I didn't want to go, but I've been having some uh, anger issues lately and the only ones who've stuck by me are my dad and sisters. They were so excited to go that I didn't have the heart to ruin it for them.

TTO: It sounds like a great opportunity. I hope you are enjoying the school now that you are there. The school is filled with magic. Do you have any special abilities?

Lyra: My whole family can play pretty much any instrument. I can totally lose myself when I play my violin.  Oh wait, you mean "special skills"... The night I arrived at OUA I found out that my dad, sisters, and I can compel people with our music. Apparently, it's a skill passed down from my great (x10 or something like that) grandfather. But that wasn't the biggest surprise. We also have a family curse that I couldn't avoid. I'm still kind of dealing with it. Do you mind if we don't talk about it?

TTO: No problem! Piercings and tattoos are so popular these days. Do you have any?

Lyra: Besides the holes in my ears, nope. Now that I'm 18 though I'm totally getting a tattoo!

TTO: What would you consider you greatest accomplishment?

Lyra: My day of my greatest accomplishment is also my worst day ever. Last year, I'd been accepted by Julliard to audition for a spot in this years class. My performance was flawless. Afterward, they hinted I was going to be accepted. 

Then I blew it. 

It's so embarrassing...Like I mentioned earlier...I've been having a hard time dealing with my anger and some other girl auditioning was a total asshole...I mean jerk. Crap, can you bleep that out? She made me so mad I couldn't just walk away...not my finest moment. 

Julliard decided I wasn't a good fit after that.

TTO: When one door is closed another is opened. How would you describe yourself in three words?

Lyra: Loyal, Badness, Fun

TTO: Not talking about the thing we aren't talking about. Do you have any handicaps?

Lyra: No, not unless you count my family's curse (she shrugs).

TTO: Would you consider yourself an introvert or extrovert?

Lyra: Normally, I'd say extrovert but lately I've been kind of pissing most people in my life off so...I've become an introvert by default.

TTO: I think you're great! How about food. What is your favorite?

Lyra: Pizza. Hands down. I could eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

TTO: Me too! We should grad a slice sometime. How about movies or books, do you have a favorite?

Lyra: I'd have to say, Princess Bride. It was one of my mom's favorites and when I watch it...it makes me think of her.

TTO: Before we wrap this up, is there anything else you'd like to add?

Lyra: My sisters and I started a band before we came to OUA, Rockin' Sirens. Maybe you could let your readers know. We play at parties, coffee houses ~ really anywhere and can play pretty much anything.

TTO: Definitely! You heard it, look out for the Rockin' Sirens! Thank you so much Lyra for joining me today.
Find out more about Lyra in the Once Upon Academy Anthology!

Song of the Reaper by Stephanie Harrell
Lyra and her twin sister Aria already had their gap year figured out. They would follow the path of their older sister in getting a job, then spend their evenings playing in their band, captivating audiences with their entrancing, rock and roll sound.

Then Lyra and her sisters learn they’ve been accepted to Once Upon Academy, a school they'd never heard of, and only because their dad was chosen to be the new music professor.

Figuring her way around a new school, having a princess for a roommate, and learning fairy tale creatures do exist is just the beginning. Not only does she have to balance classwork, homework, and a new social scene, but she now has to deal with the consequences of a family curse that will definitely take up all of her free time…

It also doesn't help that she can’t stop thinking about her new reaping partner, Cole, who barely acknowledges she exists.

This semester may just be the death of Lyra Piper.

Grab Lyra's Acceptance Letter here!



Sunday, April 19, 2020

Sense & Sensitivty character interview with Princess of Viasens

Today we have a real live Princess with us! Joining us from the Once Upon Academy.

TTO:
Let's start with your name because there's a bit of a story behind it and I think the readers will want to hear.

Princess of Viasens: (Adeline)
My adoptive fathers called me Adeline Augustin-Mignon. Recently, I learned my birth name: Adeline Sophia Margarette Sauveterre, Princess of Viasens.

TTO:
I hope you don't mind I'm going to be less formal and call you Adeline. What is your major at OUA?

Adeline?
I haven't declared a major.

TTO:
Why did you choose Once Upon Academy?

Adeline:
I never applied for Once Upon Academy, but I chose to go when my letter arrived for so many reasons—out of duty to the crown and the people of Viasens, out of respect for my poor birth parents' wishes, but most of all, out of a desire to know what the world outside my doorstep was truly like, since I didn't have much of a chance to explore it.

TTO:
Do you have any special skills?

Adeline:
I am adept at needlecraft, but I know that's not what you mean. My "special skill" is my extreme sensitivity. It applies to everything from my five senses to my intuition. It's been more of a burden to bear throughout my life than a blessing. The reason I can sew, knit, and crochet so well is because I make my own clothing. I've made more pairs of gloves than I can count.

TTO:
That's an incredible talent. I can barely sew a button. Do you have any tattoos, piercings or scars?

Adeline:
I could never get a tattoo or piercing—I would faint from the pain!—but I have countless scars. They're in the usual places—knees, elbows, and wherever small children hurt themselves the most—but there are so many. Luckily, they are all covered by the clothes I wear.

TTO:
What is your greatest accomplishment?

Adeline:
I secretly planned a special evening for Papa and Pappy's twentieth anniversary. I copied the handwriting of some of their business partners and sent them on a wild goose chase all afternoon while I prepared the dinner. So many things went horribly wrong! Ultimately, however, the night was a success

TTO:
How would you describe yourself in three words?

Adeline:
I am empathetic, curious, and cautious.

TTO:
Do you have any handicaps and how do you compensate?

Adeline:
Oh, let me count the ways! I wear gloves and special shoes to prevent the pain of everyday touching and walking, I stay inside almost all of the time to avoid disturbing sounds and smells, and I am always the last to finish a meal because I have to wait so long for my food to cool. These are all small things, of course, and I truly don't mind having to accommodate myself. I do feel a little sorry for my fathers, and for their business partners—most of them are used to my peculiarities by now, but that wasn't always the case.

TTO:
We all have pecularities. I'm sure your fathers understand. Do you consider yourself an introvert or extrovert?

Adeline:
I am an introvert.

TTO:
What is your favorite food?

Adeline:
I love cocoa, but it must be at a lukewarm temperature, or I'll surely burn my tongue!

TTO:
Do you have a favorite book or movie?

Adeline:
We don't have movies where I come from, but I do love a particular book—forgive me, the title and author escape me now—about four sisters growing up together. I don't have any siblings, and friends are hard to come by when your sensitivity prevents you from leaving the house very often, so escaping into their lives was a true joy. 

TTO:
Is there anything else you would like to add?

Adeline:
I just hope Once Upon Academy is as life-changing as it claims to be. I'll need a miracle ???.

Find out more about Adeline in the Once Upon Academy Anthology.

Sense & Sensitivty by Emma Fontaine

After learning she's the secret daughter of the princess who sat on the pea, sensitive shut-in Adeline Augustin-Mignon is swept away to Once Upon Academy, a magical school filled with surprises around every corner.

One of those surprises is Quilo Stenberg, handsome son of a cold-hearted villainess. Adeline knows she shouldn't be getting herself into that kind of trouble, even if his rumored icy exterior seems to melt only for her.

But when they're paired up together for a dangerous project, Adeline and Quilo must use their unique abilities to save each other's grades.

And each other's lives.

Grab Adeline's Acceptance Letter Here!
Preorder:
Books2Read
Get your hands on the paperback!




Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Magic, Mystery & Zombies!

We are in the times of the COVID-19 apacolypse, stuck in our homes, anxiety is high as we watch breathlessly while the infection rate grows! 
In these times we need something to do besides hang on social media and cringe.
I have various books sales going on. Magic, Mystery and Zombies is free!



Blurb:
Wet your whistle with a taste of award winning author Elle Klass young adult fiction. There's something for everyone who can't get enough teenage heroines and heros, including new release Isandro Volume 1 of the hidden journals.

Disclaimer:
You may experience uncontrollable laughter, nail-biting and hair tugging as well as a desire to continue reading and even share with a friend or neighbor.

What's Inside:
Baby Girl - In the Beginning and Moonlighting in Paris
Zombie Girl - Premonition and Infection
The Bloodseekers - The Vampires Next Door

hidden journals - Isandro

Amazon

Thursday, March 19, 2020

Malefic Mixology character interview with Raven Black

Joining us today is Raven Black from the Once Upon Academy!
TTO:
Tell us Raven, what do you have magic or a magical skill?

Raven:
I have magic in general but Transfiguration and Magical Mixology are my specialties.

TTO:
Very intriguing. Why did you choose Once Upon Academy?

Raven:
Well my mom has always wanted me to come here, it's always been her dream and somewhere in life it became mine too. Of course I'm here for academic reasons but I totally hope I find love!

TTO:
Do you have and special skills?

Raven:
I can mix the best cocktails, turn my friends into animals or my enemies and I'm really good with nature.

TTO:
Tell me about your tattoo?

Raven:
I have a little heart tattooed on my stomach, but shhhhh... don't tell my mom, she doesn't know!

TTO:
Mum is word! What is your greatest accomplishment?

Raven:
Hmmm.... this is a tough one. Getting accepted into the most prestigious college for the magically and fairytale inclined.

TTO:
That's a huge accomplishment. Congratulations! How would you describe yourself in three words?

Raven:
Pink! Cheerleader and fierce!

TTO:
Do you have any handicaps and how do you compensate?

Raven:
Some would say my obsession with finding love is a handicap but I don't think so. If I don't look for it how do you find it? I compensate by listening to my bestie Cindy and keep my eyes wide open.

TTO:
Do you consider yourself and introvert or extrovert?

Raven:
Definitely and extrovert, I'm a cheerleader!

TTO:
What is your favorite food?

Raven:
Pizza! No wait icecream... hm... Okay final answer chocolate! 

TTO:
Do you have a favorite book or movie?

Raven:
Dirty Dancing would be my favorite movie and Pride and Prejudice my favorite book. Two of the greatest love stories ever!

TTO:
Anything else you would like to add before we close?

Raven:
I am so excited for this year at Once Upon Academy! Wish me luck, maybe I'll find my dream guy!

TTO:
Luck! Best wishes in finding your dream guy. He's going be very lucky. 
Thank you for joining us today!
Find out more about Raven in the Once Upon Academy Anthology. 

Malefic Mixology by Breezy Jones

   Being the daughter of the dark fairy, Raven Black knows how badly love can end.  When she gets accepted to the most prestigious college for the magical and fairytale world Raven can’t help but long for a fairytale ending. 
    When the hottest guy in school, Stephan Briar sets his sights on Raven, she’s lost in his blue eyes and quarterback muscles. But love is blind.
     When Li Feng- notorious bad boy swoops in to help pick up the pieces of her broken heart, Raven doesn’t know what to do.  

     True love could be a single step away if only things were so simple.

Grab Raven's Acceptance Letter Here!


Preorder Link:
Books2Read
Get your hands on the paperback!



Wednesday, March 4, 2020

Once Upon Academy Anthology!

The pre-order is here!

For several months now we (myself and several other amazing authors) have been creating a magical world where anything can happen. Each character is descended from a fairy tale character.

Get the Academy Acceptance Letters for each story here. These are a FREE glimpse at each story and character. 

OUA pre-order Amazon / OUA pre-order other retailers


My story Bone Stars is a modern-ish Hansel and Gretal, well Grenna is descended from Hansel. She is a bit OCD about her studies, has a magical talent that she's kept very quiet and is ready to open up and finally accept magic - maybe.
Grenna isn't too thrilled to attend the Once Upon Academy. She was hoping for something less magical and more Ivy League, until she meets Mandevar, a magic physics major who’s hot under his apparent nerdiness and begins to think otherwise.

Their first date is where the adventure begins. Mandevar is a bit of a mystery and continues to surprise her. Turns out he isn't the only surprise when they get lost together in an enchanted forest.


Sunday, January 29, 2017

Soul Journey by Miranda Shanklin Audiobook review

Really enjoyed this one!



My Review:

Anissa is a high school student, cheerleader, dating a hot football player, everything's good. Her parents' force her, more or less, to meet the new neighbors. Immediately she's attracted to Chase and feels a closeness to his sister Penelope. Everything in her life gets a little strange after that.

This is the first book by Miranda Shanklin I've read or listened too and I really enjoyed it. She builds believable characters who aren't perfect yet are strong enough to face adversity. I read a lot of YA fantasish books and the plot and concept are one of a kind. The story ends with a nice segway into the next book in the series without leaving it at a dreaded cliffhanger.

A fun read with great pacing!

Amazon/Audible