This weekend Narratess has organised another huge indie books sale with hundreds of books on offer in the genres of fantasy, sci-fi and horror. This year the price point selected for most books is £1.99, though some are free and others £2.99. Here’s the link to check out the Indie book sale.
Visions of Zarua is in the sale and I’ve made it available across all countries at £1.99. This was my debut novel and I’m proud to showcase it in this sale.
Perfect for fans of epic fantasy with split timelines, chosen one tropes, mystery, magic and creatures conjured by blood magic.
Release date 16th November 2015
I’ve recently changed the blurb, what do you think?
What if an apprentice wizard’s haunting visions of a long-dead hero were the only key to stopping an ancient sorcerer’s resurrection?
Paddren is a wizard plagued by visions that are not his own. When his master is brutally murdered by a monstrous Nagra, Paddren’s terrifying visions of a fallen city and a long-dead hero intensify. Accompanied by his loyal friend Leyoch, and Varnia, a fierce tracker hiding a volatile magical bloodline, Paddren hunts the assassin.
But the trail leads them into a conspiracy far greater than simple murder. A rogue faction of wizards is using blood magic to resurrect a sorcerer whose power once nearly destroyed the realm. As the kingdom of Paltria edges towards war, Paddren must lead his friends into the cursed ruins of Zarua. To stop the resurrection, he must decipher the visions of the ancient Guardian who failed to kill the sorcerer three centuries ago and hope he has the strength to succeed where others have failed.
This novella is a gripping introduction to the ‘In The End’ trilogy, a non-stop action zombie thriller.
Blurb
Sixteen-year-old Jordan dreams of excitement, hoping something would happen to make his tiny Cornish village more interesting. During his school holidays, left by himself with nothing but pixelated zombies on the Xbox for company, he wishes for a life where the adventures are real.
Then one morning, he gets more than he planned for when, unexpectedly, a mysterious affliction descends, sending his brother and the rest of the village into a murderous rage. Despite his panic, Jordan finds temporary sanctuary, shutting himself in a cupboard to await rescue. Soon the sirens come, but quickly fall silent and no one arrives, leaving him no option but to fight against his fear or face dying by the hands of the infected villagers.
Once out of hiding, the joy at seeing soldiers with guns soon falls away when he realizes they’re not there to save him but to eliminate the risk of the disease spreading. With a huge new wall erected around the village where he’d grown up, can Jordan conquer his fear that the soldiers are hunting down everyone, not just those that are infected? Can he summon the courage to fend off those who had been his family and friends, those who have lost all sense of being human? Can he get out to the safety of the big wide world before the same fate falls his way?
My Review
I really enjoyed this novella. Having read book 1 – In the End, I knew to expect a gripping, action-packed read and I wasn’t disappointed.
Jordan is a resourceful kid, he has to be if he wants to survive. Although he was a bit slow on what was going on, it is entirely realistic – a zombie outbreak would not be the first thought to cross my mind either. I found myself caring for Jordan and willing him to make it to safety along with his young neighbour, Tommy, that he has to help get out of the village before the soldiers catch up with them.
I was surprised by the ending and it made me want to read book 1 again. At least I have books 2 and 3 to carry on with.
The complete trilogy is available now.
I’ve read book one ‘In The End’ and somehow forgotten to review it on my blog. So, firstly here’s the blurb.
When humanity faces an undead nightmare, one man’s party turns into a race to survive.
Logan has always taken things a little too seriously. So when his New Year’s Eve attempt to unwind descends into chaos, he’s the first to realize it’s no joke. After Logan and his friends miss the evacuation transport, he’s given a choice: lead the group to safety or watch all of his friends come back from the dead…
When Logan discovers the military and government have no interest in saving them, making it to sanctuary alive may be their only hope. And after he learns his party of survivors might hold the key to a cure, the fate of humanity rests on his shoulders. But saving his species could mean sacrificing himself…
Can Logan stave off the end of the world or will one wrong decision doom humankind?
In The End is a fast-paced post-apocalyptic zombie thriller. If you like nightmarish settings, reluctant heroes, and action-packed adventures, then you’ll love GJ Stevens’ spine-chilling novel.
Here’s my review as posted on Amazon and goodreads
This is the first zombie book I’ve read and I’m so glad I took a chance on a different genre. I loved the fast pace and short chapters which kept me turning the pages. For the poor characters thrust into this nightmarish situation there is no let up. Even when you think they’re safe to lie down and rest, just for a moment, another shocking twist is waiting around the corner. Be warned, it ends with a cliff hanger and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
***
I’m looking forward to continuing with the trilogy very soon.
You can follow GJ Stevens’ blog and get free books if you join his newsletter.
I am really happy to be sharing news of a new release from my author friend G J Stevens. Before the End is out today!
Blurb
Digging up this once-in-a-lifetime story could have lethal consequences…
Jess Carmichael longs to break a news feature that will change the world. But the TV reporter never expects a mysterious telephone call from her ex to be the source. Rushing to a shady government facility, Jess struggles to believe the outrageous reports…
With her loyal camera crew by her side, the intrepid journalist arrives in Cornwall at her partner’s last known location. But when Jess pushes for access, she gets more than she bargained for. Still kept in the dark, she’s about to play a starring role in a twisted and grisly exclusive…
Can Jess expose a sinister cover up before millions fall prey to a zombie outbreak?
Before The End is the second and standalone book in the thrilling post-apocalyptic series In The End. If you like dark horror, fast-paced action, and bloodthirsty zombies, then you’ll love GJ Stevens’ high-stakes tale.
GJ Stevens started writing fiction at the age of thirty. Even as an engineer with a large family and a full time career with plenty of adult responsibilities, he has always had a creative side. After years of self-suppression, the flood gates opened and his novel In The End is the culmination of many years of finding time from nowhere to learn the craft.
Whilst working to independently publish and make a success of his novels, Gareth lays bare his publishing journey through his blog, drawing together advice and knowledge from those already in the industry.
As a lover of the outdoors, every year he spends weekends out in the desolate countryside of the UK hiking and camping with his long-time friends which he uses as inspiration for both his creative fiction works and the subject of many a blog post. GJ Stevens is on the beginning of his publishing journey and wants to share the highs and lows with anyone who will listen.
BOOK ONE
I read book 1 earlier this year and highly recommend In the End. It was a real page turner and I loved the fact a zombie thriller was set in England, especially as Cornwall was a childhood holiday destination of mine. Thankfully we never had to deal with any zombies!
My mini review of In The End from Goodreads – 5 stars ‘This is the first zombie book I’ve read and I’m so glad I took a chance on a different genre.
I loved the fast pace and short chapters which kept me turning the pages. For the poor characters thrust into this nightmarish situation there is no let up. Even when you think they’re safe to lie down and rest, just for a moment, another shocking twist is waiting around the corner.
Be warned, it ends with a cliff hanger and I can’t wait to see what happens next!’
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 