Suzanne lives in Middlesex, England with her husband, two children, a crazy cocker spaniel and a rather aloof cat.
Her writing journey began at the age of twelve when she completed her first novel. She discovered the fantasy genre in her late teens and has never looked back.
Now an author of four fantasy novels including the Silent Sea Chronicles trilogy and her debut fantasy, Visions of Zarua, Suzanne has also turned her hand to short stories. At last count, she has 4 books to her name including two feel-good Christmas collections. 2026 is the year she plans to publish her new romance series - The Mermaid Hotel Series - set in Cornwall with a matchmaking hotel owner.
She loves gardening and has a Hebe (shrub) fetish. She enjoys cooking with ingredients from the garden and regularly feeds unsuspecting guests vegetable-based cakes.
Suzanne collects books, is interested in history and enjoys wandering around castles and old ruins whilst being immersed in the past. She likes to combine her love of nature and photography on family walks, but most of all she loves to escape with a great film, binge watch TV shows, or soak in a hot bubble bath with an ice cream and a book.
I can’t believe I almost missed this huge milestone; Visions of Zarua is now 5 years old! Thanks facebook for reminding me.
I’ve been a bit distracted this week as my gorgeous puppy has been spayed and I’ve been like a neurotic mother watching over her. Thankfully she seems to be bouncing back and is almost her usual self. I know she can’t wait to get back to the park and play with her ball!
To celebrate the 5th birthday of my debut fantasy, Visions of Zarua, I wanted to give away a few copies to eager readers.
If you fancy an ebook or audiobook, just drop me a comment and I’ll be in touch. I would love an honest review once you’ve had time to read / listen, but there is no obligation. I just want to spread some birthday love.
Mini blurb
An ancient darkness haunts the realm and only Paddren can defeat it. Shunned by the Royal Order of Wizards, he must rely on his friends for help. He’s guided by a connection to a long dead wizard who holds the key to what happened in the abandoned city of Zarua. Can Paddren solve the mystery and decipher his visions before the dark menace of Zarua’s past is unleashed?
Over the last 5 years Visions of Zarua has been well received by readers and reviewers with an average star rating of around 4.4.
Recent Reviews
Dab of Darkness audio review – ‘The world building is captivating, the characters engaging, and the plot full of suspense…’
Lexi – Amazon review ‘…I loved the style that was created and the medieval lore. I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a good mystery fantasy book.’
In 2019 the audiobook came out here’s a trailer produced by the brilliant narrator Guy Barnes.
'If you are in the mood for an epic fantasy with a a great underlying mystery, I strongly recommend Visions of Zarua!'
The Czech edition also came out in October 2019 in the Pendragon world fantasy series alongside my writing hero Robin Hobb! I visited the bookshops in Prague and went to my publishers to sign some copies, though thinking back it all seems so surreal now.
As my debut novel, Visions of Zarua will always be special to me and I hope on its 10th birthday I’ll still feel the same. For now, I’ll leave you with one of my favourite pictures of Poppy showing Visions some love. Sadly, Poppy is no longer with us, but this picture still makes me smile.
If you are interested in finding out more please check out these links for Visions of Zarua on Amazon, Audibleor iTunes.
And if you want a free birthday copy of the ebook or audiobook, just let me know.
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Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic and heroic fantasy
I’m conducting a short poll for all listeners of audiobooks. I’d love to know what people think of the use of sound effects in audiobooks. I mean the odd effect to enhance the audio experience, not full on audio drama with music etc. Even if you are not a big audiobook listener, do you have an opinion on how audiobooks should be produced?
I think it’s an interesting subject to discuss, so please take part in the twitter poll below
When the audiobook of The Lost Sentinel came out last month I decided to go all in with the promo and set up not one, but two blog tours!
There is still plenty of time to join in the fun and get your free audiobook via audible. Join in the November tour with Audiobookworm promotions which runs 8-15 November 2020…
Or, if you need a bit more time to listen and review then you have a second chance to join in with Rachel’s Random Resources one day audible blitz on 17th January 2021.
If you want to check out The Lost Sentinel before you commit, here’s the Amazon link and Goodreads page where the ebook has plenty of reviews to help you decide if this might be just the adventure you’re looking for.
‘The narrator makes this book so much better! – I first read this book on Kindle and I loved it, But when I found out it was being made into an audiobook I was anxious to listen. I know a good narrator can make a great story into an excellent story that is exactly what the narrator did in this book.’
I can’t wait to share the tour with you next month, but until then have a great weekend.
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Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic and heroic fantasy
I’ve been so busy editing my new project and reading how-to books on writing a series that I’ve completely forgotten to share some great events that are taking place at the moment.
Firstly, Visions of Zarua is on sale for a limited time at just 99p worldwide on Amazon.
With the audiobook also out, you can get a huge discount if you purchase both. An audiobook for just £2.99 is a bargain! Audible.
I’m also excited to announce that the first audiobook tour will be taking place in November with Audiobookworm. Here’s the tour link to check the details and sign up.
The audiobook has only been out a few weeks and we’re eager to see what listeners think, so if you fancy a free review copy why not sign up and join in the fun in November.
Here’s a sample of George Ellington in action…
If November is too soon to commit to listening and reviewing fear not, there will be more opportunities in January 2021 in the form of a 1 day blitz with Rachel’s Random Resources. More details on this to follow.
And I’m excited to say the production of book 2 The Sentinel’s Reign is coming on really well, fingers crossed we can get it out before Christmas.
I hope to share news of my new project very soon, so watch this space.
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Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic and heroic fantasy
Last week my writing journey reached another milestone; the first book in the Silent Sea Chronicles trilogy came out in audiobook. A few years ago I never dreamt this would be possible. Thanks to the wonderful narrator, George Ellington, Tei, Brogan, Farrell and the rest of the gang are here for you to enjoy.
The first review is up on Audible
5 Stars – ‘I first read this book on Kindle and I loved it, But when I found out it was being made into an audiobook I was anxious to listen. I know a good narrator can make a great story into an excellent story that is exactly what the narrator did in this book…’ Janalyn on Audible.
Check it out on audible to read more of this review.
Don’t forget if you have bought the eBook then you can get the audiobook at a fraction of the cost. I know this great discount works in Audible and I assume it’s now working on Amazon.
Take a look at this trailer for a tiny taste of what’s in store.
We are both so proud of this audiobook and would love to know what you think. Plus, book 2 is half way through production so it wont be long before you can listen to the first two parts in the trilogy. If you do pick up a copy, we’d love you to share a quick review to help others decide if it’s the book for them.
Thanks for reading and have a great weekend everyone.
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Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic and heroic fantasy
I’m doing some research on the subject of novel length. During lockdown I wrote a romance novella and I’m hoping to publish it this year. However, whilst searching for similar length books, I’ve found it very difficult to find any at all.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on novellas and if you would consider trying one.
Also writers, have you any experience publishing short fiction? Do you have any advice to offer on marketing these shorter works etc?
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Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic and heroic fantasy
Today I’m excited to share news of a new release, The Lumbermill by Laya V. Smith.
The Blurb
Sending a pair of mass murderers to the chair got his name in the papers, but veteran fighter pilot turned detective, Augy Small, couldn’t celebrate. The culprits confessed, but the cops only ever found one body. Who had the killers died to protect?
Katya Tyler, a Russian enigma with a wad of cash in one hand and a hit list in the other, claims to have the answers. First, she wants Augy’s help to bring down a massive underground network of human traffickers.
As the case unfolds, every clue is an echo of his past. The horrors he experienced in the Pacific, shadows of scars he still carries, and rumors of a place long since destroyed.
The Lumbermill is back in operation. Every day more innocents are harvested, their screams muffled in darkness. And the only way Augy can stop it is to go back into the nightmare he thought he’d escaped forever.
Praise For The Lumbermill
“Shocking, alluring, and utterly absorbing. Whether you’re a fan of classic noir or white-knuckle action, I dare you to not be totally sucked in by The Lumbermill. As I turned the pages, I could smell the cigarette smoke and feel the fire on my back. What a ride!”
-Luke Swanson, The Ten and The Other Hamlet Brother
“Your mind wants to think of old black and white Dashiell Hammett or James. M. Cain PI tales, but Laya keeps digging deeper, tightening knots that tie her characters to dark pasts and to the utter blackness no one could imagine happening. Monsters do exist, and they are hard to defeat because death means nothing to them.”
-Val Conrad, The Julie Madigan Thriller Series
“A brutal, twisted, and beautifully written portrait of a detective taking on a web of evil.” Timothy Gene Sojka, Payback Jack
“The Lumbermill is an action-packed thriller that hits all the right notes of the noir tradition. And yet, it’s also much more than that, with the vivid character development of Augy Small, a self-aware protagonist who struggles to overcome the emotional scars of lost love and his time as a POW. An engaging read, although not for the faint-hearted, The Lumbermill is hopefully the first of more novels from Laya V. Smith.”
-Alastair Luft, One Kingdom Under Heaven
Author Bio
Laya V. Smith was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah and still calls the city home with her husband and two children. She is a member of International Thriller Writers, AWP, and LUW. She has a degree in history from the University of Utah. “The Lumbermill” is her debut novel.
The Lumbermill sounds intriguing, I hope you have the chance to check it out.
There is also an audiobook narrated by the author Laya V. Smith and George Ellington. You may know George narrated my new audiobook The Lost Sentinel.
I’ll leave you with the very cool and creepy book trailer from Laya’s YouTube channel (Laya also very kindly produced a trailer for my audiobook, which is also on her channel). Enjoy!
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Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic and heroic fantasy
Yes, finally the audiobook is available and I’m really excited to share a sample of it with you now…
George Ellington has brought the characters to life and takes you on a magical adventure which I hope you’ll enjoy.
You can find the audiobook of The Lost Sentinel on Audible, Amazon and iTunes (link not yet available for itunes). And the great news is work is already going well on book 2.
I would love to get some reviews up, so if anyone is willing to give an honest review get in touch to discuss getting a free code.
Here’s the trailer I shared at the beginning of the week for another little taste of the book.
Thanks for stopping by. Let me know what you think of the audio sample and trailer.
Books, games, music, and life — filtered through the mind of a writer, drummer, and philosopher who thinks too deeply about all of it. If it moves something in your chest, I'm interested.
Suzanne Rogerson Author 