sentinelreign

Posted on June 27, 2018 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

On 29th June, The Sentinel’s Reign will be released into the world and I hope you will all help me celebrate the second book in the Silent Sea Chronicles.

I made the decision not to run a proper blog tour this time around. Last year it exhausted me and took the shine off the publication of The Lost Sentinel.

I do have a few guest posts, interviews and mini excerpts lined up over the coming weeks and hopefully a few reviews will be going up very soon as well. I hope to write an update post each day with links to the bloggers who’ve agreed to help promote my new release.

And here they are;

Rainne over at Rainne’s Ramblings has posted an exclusive look at the prologue of The Sentinel’s Reign.

And Ari Meghlen interviewed me on her blog today. It’s always fun answering questions about my writing journey. Please check out both these lovely ladies blogs.

That’s about it for today’s update.

I would love to get a few more pre-orders in and see The Sentinel’s Reign hit the kindle charts hard on release day, will you help me? You can pick it up at the bargain price of 99p, just follow the link here.

Thank you for your support.

#Tuesdaybookblog #bookreview How to write a fantasy book description by Jesper Schmidt @SchmidtJesper

Posted on June 26, 2018 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

My review of ‘How to write a fantasy book description’ will follow, but first take a look at the blurb.

Blurb

Do you find it difficult to write the blurb for your book? Do you hate writing book descriptions?

If your synopsis always comes out bland and boring, with no chance of leading to more book sales, then this guidebook is for you.

How to Write a Fantasy Book Description is a step-by-step approach. It lays out everything you need to know in five simple and effective steps.

Learn how to hook readers by:

Writing incredible taglines that grabs attention
Escalating the tension throughout your blurb and captivate readers
Using spellbinding words to dazzle customers
Learning how to avoid meandering into subplots and instead make your blurb a joy to read
Understanding how long your blurb needs to be and how to use cliffhangers effectively
Discovering easy methods to format your blurb before uploading to online retailers like Amazon

In addition, you will find bonus chapters on how to write book descriptions for series, box sets and non-fiction.

If you like easy to follow instructions, sprinkled with helpful examples, then How to Write a Fantasy Book Description is for you.

Jesper Schmidt is a fantasy author. He is the creator of several how-to books, like the bestselling Fantasy Map Making and Twitter for Authors.

My Review

I follow Jesper Schmidt’s newsletter and when he asked for people to join his launch team for this book I jumped at the chance of an ARC. I have read both his other How to books and found them very helpful. Here’s my review of Twitter for Authors.

Fantasy Map making is a book I plan to use in the future and I will review it once I have created the world maps for my Silent Sea Chronicles trilogy.

I find writing book descriptions very difficult and with the publication of my second book looming, the timing of this how to guide was perfect. Mr Schmidt starts with how important book descriptions are and gives 5 common mistakes authors make.

He then talks us through 5 steps to creating a great blurb including tag lines and character introductions. He uses examples of current blurbs on Amazon to showcase his points and there are task lists at the end of each chapter to help you keep focused.

What I found really helpful was the author using his own fantasy book blurb and walking us through the process of how he came up with his killer blurb, including his mistakes.

After helping you draft your blurb, the book focuses on the editing stage and gives you areas to check like repetition and boring middles.

There are a couple of extras which are handy – blurbs for box sets and series, formatting and an appendix of words relevant to fantasy.

The whole process of writing a book description feels much less daunting when following these steps. I highly recommend this book to all fantasy authors out there.

Amazon link

On a personal note – I used the knowledge from this book to update my blurb for The Lost Sentinel before I ran a kindle countdown deal on Amazon. I’m glad to say that I sold more copies than I had with previous promotions!

Check this how-to guide for yourself on Goodreads

#Tuesdaybookblog The Sentinel’s Reign – 10 days to go! #bookbloggers and #reviewers wanted

Posted on June 18, 2018 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

I can’t believe there are only 10 days to go before Book 2 in the Silent Sea Chronicles is published!

The Sentinel’s Reign is out on 29th June 2018 but you can pre-order it now for only 99p / 99c. The price will go up soon after publication, so why not ensure you get your copy for the bargain price. Order here.

Blurb

The new Sentinel’s reign is doomed to failure unless Tei can prevent the Kalayan people from plunging into war.

With the new Sentinel initiated and the magic restored on Kalaya, life is flourishing for Tei and the exiles. But Rathnor’s plans for war soon escalate and thwart any chance of peace.

Brogan’s position on the Assembly is uncertain as rumours circulate that he is an exile spy.

After an attempt on his life, Farrell is more determined than ever to build a home for his people on Stone Haven. But the council have their sights set on Kalaya and Farrell struggles to steer them from war.

As trouble brews within and outside forces gather against them, can the exiles keep their hold on the magic, or will this spell the end of Kalaya and its people?

The Sentinel’s Reign is a heroic fantasy. If you like character-driven adventures then you will love The Sentinel’s Reign.

This is the second book in the Silent Sea Chronicles trilogy and follows on from The Lost Sentinel.

The Sentinel’s Reign universal book link

At the moment I haven’t planned a blog tour, but if you are willing to post about The Sentinel’s Reign around the publication date, I would be very grateful. Please get in touch in the comments or on my contact form, or just re-blog and share. Thank you!

I am also looking for book bloggers who maybe interested in reviewing books 1 and 2 in the series. Again, please get in touch.

The Lost Sentinel is One today! #fantasy #epicfantasy

Posted on June 16, 2018 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

Happy Birthday to The Lost Sentinel – a year old today!

It has received some wonderful reviews on Goodreads and Amazon so I thought today would be a great day to share a few quotes.

Praise for The Lost Sentinel…

‘Wow, after reading this book I am emotionally drained… but in a good way.’ MPB – My Peacock Books

‘Surrounded by some wonderful characters who get under your skin almost from the start Tei sets out on a harrowing journey which is heartwarming, moving, and terrifying all at once.
…this story bowled me over, it was an absolutely outstanding epic fantasy and the kind of writing fantasy authors should be aspiring to.’ Claire – Brizzle Lass Books

‘The Lost Sentinel contains plenty of action, intrigue, and challenges throughout, making this a thrilling fantasy adventure indeed. It’s the sort of book I enjoyed reading while reclining in a comfy chair on the sunny front porch of my house. It didn’t overwhelm me with information, itty bitty details, or dull monologues, but rather it whisked me away to someplace magical, alluring, and dangerous.’ Angela – Pooled Ink Reviews

‘This is the second book of Suzanne Rogerson’s that I have read so I felt that I had some sort of idea of her writing style but wow has she raised the bar. What makes it even more exciting is that this is the first book in a trilogy so I know it is going to be one hell of an epic journey for both the characters and readers alike.’ Susan Hampson – Books from Dusk till Dawn

‘The world building is incredible, it’s my favorite aspect of the book and I think it’s the best achieved. The descriptions are exceptional, without doubts.’ Sofia – A Book. A Thought.

‘I love the characters in this story. From Tei, the reluctant seeker, to Garrick, the hunky hero, you get a broad range of personalities. One of my favorite things about this author is her ability to develop her characters in a way that feels natural and flows well within the story. In the same way she develops her fantasy world. There is no heavy world drawing passages but you get your knowledge of the way things work as a natural part of the story. And then you have the story itself which is full of surprising plot twists, moves at a really great pace, and draws the reader in from beginning to end. As with the author’s first book, I cannot say enough good things about this book.’ Jennifer – A line from a book.

‘Great beginning to a fantasy series, can’t wait to read the rest.’ Jaye Dawes – jenanita01

Why don’t you help me celebrate The Lost Sentinel’s birthday by checking the book out for yourself. You can download a free sample and read it for free if you are a Kindle Unlimited member.

Blurb

The magical island of Kalaya is dying, along with its Sentinel. With the Kalayan people turning their back on magic, can Tei help the exiles find their new Sentinel before it’s too late?

The Assembly controls Kalaya. Originally set up to govern, they now persecute those with magic and exile them to the Turrak Mountains.
Tei, a tailor’s daughter, has always hidden her magic. When her father’s old friend visits and warns them to flee to the mountains she must leave her old life behind.

On the journey, an attack leaves her father mortally wounded. He entrusts her into the care of two exiles, Rike and Garrick, and on his deathbed makes a shocking confession.

Struggling with self-doubt, Tei joins the exiles in the search for their lost Sentinel. But mysterious Masked Riders want the Sentinel too, and time, as well as hope, is running out.

How can Tei help the Kalayan people reunite and save the magic when their ignorance threatens to destroy them all?

Follow Tei’s journey through the magical land of Kalaya and the Astral Plane.

If you love character-based fantasy, then you’ll love The Lost Sentinel – Book 1 in the Silent Sea Chronicles trilogy.

***

If you like what you’ve read so far, click the Universal Amazon link

And of course if you have read The Lost Sentinel, please consider leaving a review to help other readers discover my work.

Thank you in advance, and enjoy the rest of your weekend.

The Lost Sentinel 99p in the kindle countdown deal + pre-order The Sentinel’s Reign for 99p #fantasy #epicfantasy

Posted on June 4, 2018 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

I am running a Kindle Countdown Deal for Book 1 in the Silent Sea Chronicles. The Lost Sentinel is just 99p for one week only.

Book 2 The Sentinel’s Reign is also on a pre-order offer of just 99p. The price will go up after publication on 29th June 2018.

That means right now you can pick up both books for just £1.98

Here’s the info about the first two books in the trilogy…

BOOK 1 – THE LOST SENTINEL

The magical island of Kalaya is dying, along with its Sentinel. With the Kalayan people turning their back on magic, can Tei help the exiles find their new Sentinel before it’s too late?

The Assembly controls Kalaya. Originally set up to govern, they now persecute those with magic and exile them to the Turrak Mountains.

Tei, a tailor’s daughter, has always hidden her magic. But when her father’s old friend visits and warns them to flee to the mountains she must leave her old life behind.

On the journey, an attack leaves her father mortally wounded. He entrusts her into the care of two exiles, Rike and Garrick, and on his deathbed makes a shocking confession.

Struggling with self-doubt, Tei joins the exiles in the search for their lost Sentinel. But mysterious Masked Riders want the Sentinel too, and time, as well as hope, is running out.

How can Tei help the Kalayan people reunite and save the magic when their ignorance threatens to destroy them all?

Follow Tei’s journey through the magical land of Kalaya and the Astral Plane.

ORDER FOR 99p / 99c 1 week only

BOOK 2 – THE SENTINEL’S REIGN

The new Sentinel’s reign is doomed to failure unless Tei can prevent the Kalayan people from plunging into war.

With the new Sentinel initiated and the magic restored on Kalaya, life is flourishing for Tei and the exiles. But Rathnor’s plans for war soon escalate and thwart any chance of peace.

Brogan’s position on the Assembly is uncertain as rumours circulate that he is an exile spy.

As trouble brews within and outside forces gather against them, can the exiles keep their hold on the magic, or will this spell the end of Kalaya and its people?

JUST 99p / 99c TO PRE-ORDER A COPY NOW

Note – To those who pre-ordered The Sentinel’s Reign at the higher price of £2.99, please be assured you are covered by the Amazon price promise guarantee and will only be charged 99p on the publication date 29th June 2018.

And the winners of The Lost Sentinel giveaway are…

Posted on June 2, 2018 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

Thank you to those who entered my first ever Rafflecopter giveaway last week. Two winners have been randomly selected and I have contacted them this morning via email.

The winner of the signed paperback is Iri and the ebook is Freddie. Congratulations to both of you, check your emails for more details!

For those that missed out, The Lost Sentinel is going on sale for 1 week only as of 4th June 2018. I will be posting more about that next week.

In the meantime, have a great weekend everyone!

Rebecca Reads: Visions of Zarua by Suzanne Rogerson

Posted on June 2, 2018 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

This morning I’m really pleased to share a 4 star review of Visions of Zarua. Rebecca is a YA Mystery author and she says she’s really liked how I merged the genres of fantasy and mystery.

via Rebecca Reads: Visions of Zarua by Suzanne Rogerson

The Lost Sentinel Paperback & ebook #giveaway #fantasybook #heroic #fantasy

Posted on May 23, 2018 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

To celebrate the upcoming release of my new book, The Sentinel’s Reign, I wanted to run a giveaway for Book 1 in the Silent Sea Chronicles – The Lost Sentinel.

Please enter for the chance to win either a signed paperback or an e-book. There are up to 7 ways to win!

Here’s the link to the Rafflecopter giveaway running until 30th May 2018. Please reblog and share this with everyone you know.

The magical island of Kalaya is dying, along with its Sentinel. With the Kalayan people turning their back on magic, can Tei help the exiles find their new Sentinel before it’s too late?

I will contact the winners by email after 30th May 2018. Good luck!

***

#Tuesdaybookblog The Sentinel’s Reign Pre-order now and call of help #indieauthor #fantasy

Posted on May 22, 2018 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

The Sentinel’s Reign is due out on 29th June 2018, but you can pre-order your copy here. It is book 2 in the heroic fantasy series Silent Sea Chronicles.

At present I don’t have plans to run a blog tour, but I would love as many bloggers as possible to post about The Sentinel’s Reign before, during and after its release. Please get in touch and I can send you the promotional bits beforehand.

I am also looking to send out ARC copies if anyone would like to review Book 2 in the series (books should be read in order, but please get in touch to discuss).

My last request for help is that I am tweaking the blurb, so I would love your help to make this really appealing to new readers.

Blurb

The new Sentinel’s reign is doomed to failure unless Tei can prevent the Kalayan people from plunging into war.

With the new Sentinel initiated and the magic restored on Kalaya, the future is thriving for Tei and the exiles. But Rathnor’s plans for war soon escalate and thwart any chance of a peaceful life.

Brogan’s position on the Assembly becomes tenuous as rumours circulate that he is an exile spy.

Farrell is recovering from an attempt on his life and is more determined than ever for his people to build a home on Stone Haven. But the council have their sights set on Kalaya and Farrell struggles to steer them away from the temptation of war.

As trouble festers within and outside forces gather against them, can the exiles keep their hold on the magic, or will this spell the end of Kalaya and its people?

The Sentinel’s Reign is a heroic fantasy. If you like character-driven adventures then you will love The Sentinel’s Reign.

This is the second book in the Silent Sea Chronicles and should be read in order.

***

Thank you for your help. I will be running a belated paperback and e-book giveaway for Book 1 – The Lost Sentinel in the next few days so keep an eye out for news of that.

The Lost Sentinel – Suzanne Rogerson

Posted on May 16, 2018 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

Here is a recent review of The Lost Sentinel on Nana’s Fantastical Reads. Please go check it out.

Nana's fantastical reads

The Lost Sentinel by Suzanne Rogerson is an independently published fantasy book that sparked my interest. I was intrigued by the concept of a magic that connects the people to their land and the consequences that ensue when the magic-wielders are being persecuted. Sadly, it wasn’t easy for me to connect to the characters and understand their development since we have three perspectives and a lot of time jumps that make the connection difficult.

Goodreads summary:

The magical island of Kalaya is dying, along with its Sentinel. With the Kalayan people turning their back on magic, can Tei help the exiles find their new Sentinel before it’s too late?
Kalaya is controlled by the Assembly – set up to govern but now under the control of Rathnor, who is intent on persecuting those who have magic, many of whom have taken refuge in the Turrak Mountains.
Tei has been raised…

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