#Kindle countdown deal continues – Visions of Zarua £1.99 #epicfantasy

Posted on September 10, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

This is the last day of my UK Kindle Countdown deal, so if you missed Visions of Zarua for 99p, you can still pick it up for £1.99 today.

Why not read a sample here

Or you can go direct to the Amazon page and see what others having been saying about my debut fantasy Amazon UK. There are more reviews on Amazon US and the book’s goodreads page.

I’ll keep this post short and sweet, but later I’ll be posting about my experience so far with KDP Select.

As ever please help me spread the word. And if you have read Visions of Zarua would you consider leaving a short review? These reviews are the best selling tool any author can have, so I appreciate your time helping me reach more readers.

Thank you and have a great weekend.

#Kindle Countdown Deal: Visions of Zarua 99p today only! #epicfantasy #fantasy

Posted on September 9, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

My first ever Kindle Countdown deal is live today in the UK. Why not pick up this standalone epic fantasy for 99p.

Average Customer Review: 14 customer reviews

Visions of Zarua | dark sorcery with slithering secrets, 8 April 2016

Highly recommend for fantasy, magic and mystery fans!, 27 May 2016

brilliantly written fantasy, finished it and wanted more!, 7 July 2016

Two wizards, 350 years apart. Together they must save the realm of Paltria from Zarua’s dark past.

An ancient darkness haunts the realm of Paltria.
Apprentice wizard Paddren is plagued by visions of a city on the brink of annihilation. When his master Kalesh dies in mysterious circumstances, the Royal Order of Wizards refuses to investigate.
Helped by his childhood friend, the skilled tracker Varnia, and her lover Leyoch, Paddren vows to find the killer.
The investigation leads Paddren down a sinister path of assassins, secret sects and creatures conjured by blood magic. But he is guided by a connection with a wizard from centuries ago – a wizard whose history holds the key to the horror at the heart of the abandoned city of Zarua. Can Paddren decipher his visions in time to save the Paltrian people from the dark menace of Zarua’s past?

99p today only at Amazon UK

Please share and help me spread the word.

#Tuesdaybookblog – Visions of Zarua KDP Countdown Deal #epicfantasy #kindle

Posted on September 6, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

News Update

I’m running my first promotion since joining KDP Select. On Thursday 9th September, Visions of Zarua will be £0.99 in the UK. As part of the Kindle Countdown deal, it will then be £1.99 on 10th until returning to its usual price of £2.99 on 11th September.

It’s also available for free if you are a kindle unlimited subscriber.

Why not take a chance on this standalone epic fantasy that’s currently shortlisted in the Creative National Writing Competition 2016.

Here’s what a few reviewers have been saying;

Thrilling and dark fantasy novel that really keeps you gripped from beginning to end!, 27 Jan. 2016

brilliantly written fantasy, finished it and wanted more!, 7 July 2016

Wonderful 3-dimensional characters in an epic fantasy, 12 July 2016

A gripping fantasy with a strong premise and endearing characters, 16 July 2016

See all the reviews on Amazon UK

Blurb

Two wizards, 350 years apart. Together they must save the realm of Paltria from Zarua’s dark past.

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This is an experiment and I’m interested to see if the KDP Select countdown deals have any impact on sales. Please help me spread the word.

I’ll blog about the results once I’ve finished working through the latest draft of The Lost Sentinel, my next book planned to be published late 2016 / early 2017.

Blog update #amediting The Lost Sentinel #fantasy

Posted on August 26, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

I am happy to report that I’ve finally finished what I hope is the final draft of The Lost Sentinel – Bloodlines Trilogy Book One.

I’m going to be taking some time out from blogging to read though it before passing it to my first beta readers. I’m hoping it’s all come together in this latest round of edits.

Then it’ll be time to look for book cover ideas and try to perfect my blurb!

Not sure I’ll be on schedule to publish before the end of 2016, but I’m really hoping to stick to my plan of publishing a book a year.

When I return to blogging, I’ll have some tips to share on keeping track of events whilst writing a trilogy or series.

Have a great weekend everyone.

#Bookreview – David Gemmell Lord of the Silver Bow #fantasy #epicfantasy

Posted on August 16, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

Lord of the Silver Bow – David Gemmell

My review

When I shared this book on my Fridaybookshare post, I found it impossible to find a line or paragraph to share. How can I when I love every part of the book? I’d have to transcribe the whole thing!

It’s my third read through of Lord of the Silver Bow and my passion for it hasn’t diminished. I loved every moment of it; the characters, the heroes, the writing skill, the world of Troy…

I wish I could get everyone to read David Gemmell’s work (especially would-be writers). Gemmell was a master of creating characters that you’ll love or love to hate, characters that stay with you long after you’ve finished reading. See my little tribute to him here.

There were many times reading this that my eyes welled and my throat burned trying to hold back the tears. Having read it before I knew what I was in for, but I was still a snivelling wreck at the end of the book!

The best thing is knowing that I still have two more books in the trilogy to devour. I can’t wait to start, even though I know there is a lot more heartache and tears to come!

Please read this book and let me know what you think.

A 5 x 5 x 5 star read!

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Here’s the blurb in case you missed it on my previous post.

Three lives will change the destiny of nations.

Helikaon, the young prince of Dardania, haunted by a scarred and traumatic childhood. The priestess Andromache, whose fiery spirit and fierce independence threatens the might of kings. And the legendary warrior Argurios, cloaked in loneliness and driven only by thoughts of revenge.

In Troy they find a city torn apart by destructive rivalries – a maelstrom of jealousy, deceit and murderous treachery. And beyond its fabled walls blood-hungry enemies eye its riches and plot its downfall.

It is a time of bravery and betrayal; a time of bloodshed and fear. A time for heroes.

#FridayBookShare – Lord of the Silver Bow by David Gemmell #fantasy

Posted on August 12, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

Set up by Shelly on her blog. Anyone can have a go – all you need to do is answer the following questions based on a book you enjoyed reading and use the hashtag #FridayBookShare. Be sure to like, comment, and share other participants posts.

First line of the book.

Recruit fans by adding the book blurb.

Introduce the main character using only three words.

Delightful design (add the cover image of the book).

Audience appeal (who would enjoy reading this book?)

Your favourite line/scene.

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FIRST LINE – To sleep is to die.

RECRUIT FANS (BLURB) – Three lives will change the destiny of nations.

It is a time of bravery and betrayal; a time of bloodshed and fear. A time for heroes.

INTRODUCE THE MAIN CHARACTER – Helikaon; brave, heroic, legendary

DELIGHTFUL DESIGN –

AUDIENCE APPEAL – Anyone and everyone who likes fantasy. There is the historical element as well, and the myths of Troy etc. I would say the Troy trilogy is some of Gemmell’s best work.

YOUR FAVOURITE LINE – Utterly impossible to choose. I think I love every line in this book! Each sentence means something, and hints at events to come. I’ll go with this…

‘What is wrong, Odysseus?’ she asked him. ‘Is it the coming battle? Do you fear for your friend?’

Odysseus shivered suddenly. ‘I am filled with fear, but not for his safety. Helikaon is a fighter, but there are depths to the man which should never be plumbed.’

20 pages later we find out what Odysseus feared…

Buy it now at Amazon UK or Amazon US

David Gemmell – 10 year anniversary of my writing hero’s death #fantasy

Posted on July 28, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

This is just a brief post to highlight the wonderful work of David Gemmell. He was my inspiration to start writing fantasy and I’ve loved all of his books, without exception!

Whenever I’m asked who my favourite author is, the answer will always be David Gemmell.

I remember when I learnt of his death. I’d just found out I was pregnant with my second child and was contemplating the impossible task of typing up the scribbled first draft of Visions of Zarua before the baby’s arrival. David Gemmell’s death really affected me. No more Druss, Waylander, Skilgannon, Connavar or Jon Shannow… the list of wonderfully flawed heroes goes on and on.

I was so pleased to hear that his wife, Stella Gemmell, had agreed to finish the book he was working on when he died. The last book in the Troy Trilogy – Fall of Kings. I read the book with tears in my eyes for the great story teller that was lost, but also because that last book was brilliant and I knew I would never get to read any more of his work.

I read that he died at his desk. I don’t know if it’s true, but I like the romantic notion of dying whilst doing one of the things you love best.

I have a long list of books on my TBR pile, but to honour the great man I shall make this my next read.

If you want to read a heroic fantasy story you could pick up any one of Gemmell’s books. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

5 days left to buy Visions of Zarua $2.00 #Smashwords #fantasy

Posted on July 27, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

For the whole month of July I’ve been running a 50% sale with Smashwords. 1000’s of books are discounted so it’s worth having a look at the sales page.

Here’s Visions book page. You just enter the code SSW50 and the discount will be applied. Smashwords is good for buying ebooks from different retailers / different formats i.e. kobo, nook, iTunes and of course kindle (mobi, pdf etc.).

For me, this is a last attempt to drum up some interest in Smashwords before I enrol in KDP Select. It will be interesting to see if the KDP scheme has any impact on sales, so I’ll keep you informed of my findings.

In the mean time, here’s the blurb…

Two wizards, 350 years apart. Together they must save the realm of Paltria from Zarua’s dark past.

An ancient darkness haunts the realm of Paltria.

Apprentice wizard Paddren is plagued by visions of a city on the brink of annihilation. When his master Kalesh dies in mysterious circumstances, the Royal Order of Wizards refuses to investigate.

Helped by his childhood friend, the skilled tracker Varnia, and her lover Leyoch, Paddren vows to find the killer.

The investigation leads Paddren down a sinister path of assassins, secret sects and creatures conjured by blood magic. But he is guided by a connection with a wizard from centuries ago – a wizard whose history holds the key to the horror at the heart of the abandoned city of Zarua. Can Paddren decipher his visions in time to save the Paltrian people from the dark menace of Zarua’s past?

Also available via

Amazon UK

Amazon US

There are some brilliant reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. If you are intrigued, why not check those reviews and see what you think.

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A quick question for all you indie authors out there, have you switched to KDP select and what do you think? Would you recommend it?

#SundayBlogShare – Less than 24 hours to win a paperback copy of Visions of Zarua #fantasy

Posted on July 24, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

There is less than 24 hours to go in this worldwide giveaway on goodreads. Almost 1300 people have entered so far and I’m gratified to see Visions on over 1000 people’s bookshelves!

If you’re not sure whether to enter, why not take a look at the reviews on Goodreads – average rating 4.42 (12 ratings / 11 reviews).

Enter the giveaway here.

There are also some great reviews on Amazon UK (average rating 4.5stars) & US (average rating 4.4 stars).

Plus the Smashwords discount is still running for 50% off ebook / kindle.

You may also want to check out my recent blog tour for Visions of Zarua. Reviews, Q&A and some picture quotes like this…

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On a personal note, the kids have just broken up for the summer hols. It was a busy & emotional time, especially with my son leaving junior school, but he has taken it in his stride and can’t wait for Seniors in September.

I plan to be quite busy with them for the next few weeks, plus I’m still trying to finish my next book. I have a couple of posts lined up but then things may go quiet at my end. Please still leave comments and I will check back when I can.

Happy summer everyone.

Visions of Zarua #review on YouTube

Posted on July 15, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

I’m really pleased to share Visions of Zarua’s first YouTube appearance. Thanks to Rosie Amber for sharing her review here. Please head over to YouTube and like the video review. She has reviewed lots of other books on YouTube, maybe you’ll find your next read among them.