Tuesday, 22 November 2022

Read an #excerpt from Liopleurodon: The Master of the Deep by M. B. Zucker #HistoricalFantasy #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub @MBZuckerBooks @MichaelZucker1 @cathiedunn


Liopleurodon:
The Master of the Deep
By M. B. Zucker


Publication Date: 20th September 2022. Publisher: Historium Press Books. Cover Design: White Rabbit Arts. Page Length: 251
Genre: Historical Fantasy.


From M. B. Zucker, award-winning author of
"The Eisenhower Chronicles"

Liopleurodon ferox was the deadliest sea predator of all time, the king of the Jurassic ocean. This whale-sized reptile's return to the early twentieth century triggers a geopolitical crisis in this new historical science fiction thriller. Former President Theodore Roosevelt foresees the threat the Liopleurodon would pose if it falls into the wrong hands. The race is on as Roosevelt leads the American effort to destroy it before the Kaiser’s Germany can turn it into a weapon.


Fans of Jurassic Park and Steve Alten’s Meg series will not want to miss this adventure filled with action, political intrigue, and characters that readers will remember long after finishing this novel.


Advance Praise for Liopleurodon: The Master of the Deep

"The storyline itself was superb ---- A Jaws/Jurassic Park thriller and a bit of a spy novel all in one - and compelling."
~ The Historical Fiction Company

Excerpt

 The Liopleurodon preys upon some humpback whales.

A pod of five humpback whales migrated north, searching for plankton. They were led by two bulls, each around 15 meters long. The cows were both between 10 and 12 meters, while the calf, making the journey for the first time, was only four-and-a- half meters. He primarily drank his mother’s milk. The males were tasked with defending the pod against potential threats. Their echolocation sensed something closing in on their position. Something big.

The aggressor was larger than any the whales had ever encountered, his speed greater than they could hope to match. The animal’s black back provided camouflage; he was unaware the whales were tracking him, still unfamiliar with this new world.

The Liopleurodon hoped that preying on mammals would rebuild his body weight—still low from the Jurassic ice age— and that the mammalian blubber could compensate his energy level, which was stifled by the colder climate and reduction in oxygen. He opened his jaws, sliding his teeth together, sharpening them. The Liopleurodon’s smell locked onto the five humpbacks—their sizes, their movements, their locations. He made his pick. He wanted the calf. He formed his plan of attack.

The whales initiated a defensive strategy. The females moved toward the calf while the bulls dove to challenge the Liopleurodon, their powerful flukes propelling them deeper. The pliosaur ascended, bringing all three males on a collision course. The Liopleurodon was as agile as a sea lion, using his flippers to effortlessly dodge the bulls without slowing down. He left them behind. The females placed themselves between the pliosaur and the calf. The Liopleurodon slammed into them, knocking them aside and shattering multiple bones in all three animals upon impact. He bit down upon the calf’s fluke, breaking it. The baby struggled and the Liopleurodon thrashed his neck, trying to tear the calf in two.

The females came back, headbutting the Liopleurodon in his torso, but the reptile’s reinforced rib cage absorbed the blows. The attacks were a distraction, however, and he dove deeper, his teeth gripping the calf’s tail, trying to drown the baby and escape the females. This brought him back within the males’ range, who each slammed into him. He lost his grip on the calf.

The calf’s fluke was too hurt to function. The Liopleurodon was so large that his descent created its own current, dragging the calf from the surface. The bulls chased the pliosaur while the cows balanced the calf on their heads, trying to raise him to the surface to breathe.

The bulls pursued the Liopleurodon deeper, placing more distance between the reptile and the calf. The water darkened. The Liopleurodon tracked his pursuers with his smell; they tracked him with echolocation. He was satisfied that the males were too far away from the calf to interfere again. He turned back, dodging them once more, and closed in on the cows and calf. The cows were distracted by lifting the calf and did not detect the Liopleurodon’s return.

The Liopleurodon grabbed the larger female’s fluke in his jaws and dragged her away from the others. He released her once he felt she was no longer a threat. The mother whale could not balance her child on her own. He sank. The calf’s lungs filled with water and he used his remaining strength to sing a death song to his pod.

The carnivore bit down on the calf’s back, shattering its spine. Blood puffed from his mouth. The four adult humpbacks watched powerlessly as the ocean’s returning apex predator swam away with the youngest member of th


You can pick up your copy of this book over on Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CAAmazon AU,

M. B. Zucker


M. B. Zucker has been interested in storytelling for as long as he can remember. He discovered his love of history at fifteen and studied Dwight Eisenhower for over ten years. 

Mr. Zucker earned his B.A. at Occidental College and his J.D. at Case Western Reserve University School of Law. He lives in Virginia with his wife.

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Monday, 14 November 2022

Look who has a new book coming out!!! Wolves of Wagria (Olaf's Saga, Book #3) by Eric Schumacher #Viking #HistoricalFiction #BlogTour @DarkAgeScribe @cathiedunn

 


Wolves of Wagria
(Olaf's Saga, Book #3)
By Eric Schumacher



Three kingdoms. Two friends. Only one way to survive.

For fans of Bernard Cornwell and Conn Iggulden comes the tale of Olaf Tryggvason and his adventures in the battle-scarred kingdom of Wagria.

It is AD 972. Olaf Tryggvason and his oath-sworn protector, Torgil, are once again on the move. They have left the Rus kingdom and now travel the Baltic Sea in search of plunder and fame. But a fateful storm lands them on the Vendish coastline in a kingdom called Wagria.

There, they find themselves caught between the aggression of the Danes, the political aspirations of the Wagrian lords, and the shifting politics in Saxland. Can they survive or will they become just one more casualty of kingly ambitions? 

Find out in this harrowing sequel to the best-selling novels, Forged by Iron and Sigurd’s Swords.


This novel is available on #KindleUnlimited.


Eric Schumacher



Eric Schumacher discovered his love for writing and medieval European history at a very early age, as well as authors like J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Bernard Cornwell, Jack Whyte, and Wilbur Smith. Those discoveries fueled his imagination and continue to influence the stories he tells. 

His first novel, God’s Hammer, was published in 2005.

You can follow Eric Schumacher on Amazon or by joining his newsletter at https://www.ericschumacher.net/readers-club.

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Wednesday, 9 November 2022

Look who is in the SPOTLIGHT!!! Squire’s Hazard (The Meonbridge Chronicles, Book 5) by Carolyn Hughes #Medieval #HistoricalFiction #BlogTour @writingcalliope @cathiedunn

 


Squire’s Hazard
(The Meonbridge Chronicles, Book 5)
By Carolyn Hughes


Publication Date: 6th October 2022 . Publisher: Riverdown Books. Page Length: 360 pages.
Genre: Historical Fiction

How do you overcome the loathing, lust and bitterness threatening you and your family’s honour?

It’s 1363, and in Steyning Castle, Sussex, Dickon de Bohun is enjoying life as a squire in the household of Earl Raoul de Fougère. Or he would be, if it weren’t for Edwin de Courtenay, who’s making his life a misery with his bullying, threatening to expose the truth about Dickon’s birth.

At home in Meonbridge for Christmas, Dickon notices how grown-up his childhood playmate, Libby Fletcher, has become since he last saw her and feels the stirrings of desire. Libby, seeing how different he is too, falls instantly in love. But as a servant to Dickon’s grandmother, Lady Margaret de Bohun, she could never be his wife.

Margery Tyler, Libby’s aunt, meeting her niece by chance, learns of her passion for young Dickon. Their conversation rekindles Margery’s long-held rancour against the de Bohuns, whom she blames for all the ills that befell her family, including her own servitude. For years she’s hidden her hunger for retribution, but she can no longer keep her hostility in check.

As the future Lord of Meonbridge, Dickon knows he must rise above de Courtenay’s loathing and intimidation, and get the better of him. And, surely, he must master his lust for Libby, so his own mother’s shocking history is not repeated? Of Margery’s bitterness, however, he has yet to learn…

Beset by the hazards these powerful and dangerous emotions bring, can young Dickon summon up the courage and resolve to overcome them?

Secrets, hatred and betrayal, but also love and courage – Squire’s Hazard, the fifth MEONBRIDGE CHRONICLE.


You can pick up this novel at Amazon. This book is also available on  #KindleUnlimited


CAROLYN HUGHES


CAROLYN HUGHES has lived much of her life in Hampshire. With a first degree in Classics and English, she started working life as a computer programmer, then a very new profession. But it was technical authoring that later proved her vocation, as she wrote and edited material, some fascinating, some dull, for an array of different clients, including banks, an international hotel group and medical instruments manufacturers.

Having written creatively for most of her adult life, it was not until her children flew the nest several years ago that writing historical fiction took centre stage, alongside gaining a Master’s degree in Creative Writing from Portsmouth University and a PhD from the University of Southampton.

Squire’s Hazard is the fifth MEONBRIDGE CHRONICLE, and more stories about the folk of Meonbridge will follow.

You can connect with Carolyn through her website www.carolynhughesauthor.com and on social media:

Tour Schedule 




Tuesday, 8 November 2022

Read an #excerpt from Skull’s Vengeance (Curse of Clansmen and Kings, Book 4) by Linnea Tanner #HistoricalRomance #AncientRome @linneatanner @maryanneyarde


Skull’s Vengeance
(Curse of Clansmen and Kings, Book 4)
By Linnea Tanner


A Celtic warrior queen must ultimately sacrifice what is most precious to her to vanquish her half-brother and reclaim the throne. 

AS FORETOLD BY HER FATHER in a vision, Catrin has become a battle-hardened warrior after her trials in Rome’s legion and gladiatorial games. To fulfill her destiny, Catrin must return to Britannia and pull the cursed dagger out of the serpent’s stone. Only then can she unleash the magic of the Druids to destroy her evil half-brother, the powerful sorcerer, King Marrock. Always two steps ahead and seemingly unstoppable, Marrock uses his power to summon destructive natural forces to crush any rival who tries to stop him.

To have the slightest chance of beating Marrock, Catrin must forge alliances with former enemies, but she needs someone she can trust. Seeking military aid from Marcellus, her secret Roman husband, is her only option, which rekindles their burning passion for one another. But Marcellus must play a deadly game in the political firestorm of the Julio-Claudian dynasty to support Catrin’s cause.

In order to destroy King Marrock and take back her kingdom. Catrin must align herself with a Dark Druidess, but she could ultimately lose her heart and soul for the price of the kingdom. Can she strike vengeance against Marrock with a secret weapon from the Otherworld?  

Excerpt

Chapter 35 Final Orders

Governor’s Headquarters, Lugdunum, 6 August, 28 AD

The centurion escorted them into a dimly lit chamber, where Decimus sat behind a large table on which scrolls were strewn. At his back were cubicles jammed with additional scrolls. A pudgy assistant dressed in an oversized, white linen tunic and toga hunched next to Decimus—like a dog waiting for orders.

The centurion announced Marcellus and handed the sealed scroll to the assistant to unseal and open. Decimus greeted Marcellus with an ice-cold stare. Marcellus nervously acknowledged Decimus with a slight nod and waited for him to read the imperial orders.

Decimus’s eyes shifted downward as he read the parchment. “Impressive,” he repeated, occasionally stealing a glance at Marcellus.

The anticipation of what Decimus’s final orders would be made Marcellus’s heart beat as rapidly as a war drum. The deathly silence finally broke with the clap of Decimus’s hand on the tabletop, signaling he was ready to begin.

“Leave us,” Decimus barked, exchanging glances with his assistant and the centurion. They both left the chamber and shut the massive door with a bang on their way out.

Decimus rubbed the corner of his eyelid as he studied Marcellus and the two ex-gladiators. “I find it unsettling, Marcellus, that you have brought two fierce gladiators with you.”

“Do you want them to wait outside?” Marcellus asked.

Decimus shook his head. “No. I want them to hear what I have to say. They can stand at the entry door.”

The governor’s unexpected response took Marcellus by surprise. He gestured for Negasi and Ferrex to do as Decimus ordered.

For a moment, Decimus rubbed the facial scar at the corner of his mouth. “So, you have an imperial order decreeing that you are the praetor of the northern garrison?”

“Yes, but Tiberius mandated that I report to you for final orders,” Marcellus said, still questioning why Decimus had asked the gladiators to stay in the chamber.

“You must be on friendly terms with Tiberius, then,” Decimus commented.

Marcellus nodded. “I met him at his palace on Capri.”
Decimus breathed in deeply. The blue vein in the crescent-shaped facial scar stretching from his left eye to his mouth pulsated as he spoke evenly. “Did you know your father threatened to cut off his patronage of me? He knows Catrin is alive and accuses me of being a liar. How did he find out?” 

“I never told him,” Marcellus replied. “But it is hard to keep a dark secret like that.”

Decimus regarded Marcellus with probing eyes. “What is clear, though, is that you had a falling-out with your father.”

“I am not here to discuss my personal life. I am here for final orders,” Marcellus said firmly, to divert the conversation.

Decimus leaned back in his chair but kept his eyes riveted on Marcellus as he spoke. “Well, then, let me give you an update on military operations. I ordered expeditionary forces to Britannia to defend the Catuvellauni territory from Marrock’s raids. I advised Tiberius of this.”

“Wise move,” Marcellus said without any inflection in his voice, despite Decimus’s contemptuous scowl.

“I made the decision because Adminius, a son of Cunobelin, petitioned for military support in late fall of last year. Did you know the prince is betrothed to Catrin?”

“I was not aware,” Marcellus said flatly, although he could feel his pulse pounding in his neck.

Decimus studied Marcellus for a moment. “I find it highly irregular to petition Tiberius directly to assign you as a commander of the northern legion.”

Marcellus met Decimus’s piercing stare. “That said, I assume my final order is to take immediate command of the fortress at Gesoriacum.”

Decimus rose from his chair, and his voice grew louder. “Subordinates do not assume. Subordinates do not overstep. Subordinates obey. Only I, as governor, understand the regional issues. I speak the native tongue, which you never bothered to learn. I am in charge of military operations here. Not you—a boy who needs to think with his head! Do you understand?”

Marcellus averted his gaze from Decimus’s glazed eyes and looked at the cubicles. “I understand. Would you enlighten me about my assignment?”

Decimus leaned forward, both hands firmly planted on the tabletop. “You are to remain in Lugdunum and hunt down rebels plundering Roman estates. Centurion Priscus Dius will report to you. You remember him?”

Marcellus clenched his hands in anger, recalling how the centurion had abused Catrin during training in the legion.

That slimy guard dog!

“What about the expedition to Britannia that Tiberius promised I would lead?” Marcellus asked, more bluntly than he intended, noting the frown on Decimus’s face.

“Tribune Arius Petronis is the commander for military operations in Britannia. Not you,” Decimus declared. “His forces are set to sail back to northern Gaul in September. After that, Tiberius will reassess the situation to decide whether we need to commit more troops to Britannia. Meanwhile, you will stay in Lugdunum.”

Marcellus cocked an eyebrow. “To do what?”

“Do you recall the raven at the gladiatorial game last year?” Decimus asked unexpectedly.

Marcellus’s stomach dropped. Catrin had used the raven as a stage prop to incite fear in the mob during the games. 

Decimus continued. “Remember, it flew out of the arena after Catrin’s fight? Alas, it has returned to haunt me. Every day, the black demon perches on a column at the coliseum, ready to swoop down on me. It has clawed the top of my head and made it bleed.” He inhaled sharply. “But it suddenly vanished about a month ago.”

“A good thing it is gone,” Marcellus said, thinking of the raven that had swept over him just before this meeting.

“Strange. The raids at Roman estates began around the same time the raven disappeared. The only explanation I can think of is that Catrin has returned to Lugdunum. As we both know, she speaks directly with Apollo and can summon her magic from his messenger, the Raven.” Decimus’s eyes narrowed. “Do you know where Catrin is?”

Marcellus nervously shifted his feet. “How would I know? She left my villa almost a year ago, after I freed her.”

A nasty scowl contorted Decimus’s face as he walked around the table and stepped up to Marcellus. “Now that you are here, it is strange the raven has vanished. That seems more than a coincidence.”

Marcellus gave a nervous chuckle. “Most likely, the raven found a mate outside the city.”

“Or perhaps the mate found the raven,” Decimus said, a biting sarcasm to his voice. “I’ve been told a woman leads the raids on the estates. And a raven is always with her.”

Marcellus swallowed down a sense of panic. He kept his eyes fixed on Decimus, though his heart raced with the thought that Catrin was spearheading the raids. It made sense. She’d freed Brutius’s slaves in Rome and had stolen coins.

“One of the plundered estates is yours,” Decimus added. “The thieves stole most of the horses. Some of the slaves went missing—possibly dead or kidnapped to be sold as slaves. A barn was burned down.”

Stunned, Marcellus felt his mouth gape open. “Catrin would never attack my villa.”

“Did I say it was Catrin?”


You can pick up your copy of this book at the following bookstores: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iTunes, Kobo, GooglePlay, and Booktopia



Award-winning author, Linnea Tanner, weaves Celtic tales of love, magical adventure, and political intrigue in Ancient Rome and Britannia. Since childhood, she has passionately read about ancient civilizations and mythology. Of particular interest are the enigmatic Celts, who were reputed as fierce warriors and mystical Druids.


Linnea has extensively researched ancient and medieval history, mythology, and archaeology and has traveled to sites described within each of her books in the Curse of Clansmen and Kings series. Books released in her series include Apollo’s Raven (Book 1), Dagger’s Destiny (Book 2), and Amulet’s Rapture (Book 3). Skull’s Vengeance (Book 4) is anticipated to be released in late 2021 or early 2021. 


A Colorado native, Linnea attended the University of Colorado and earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemistry. She lives in Fort Collins with her husband and has two children and six grandchildren.


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Look who is in the SPOTLIGHT!!! Apollo’s Raven (Curse of Clansmen and Kings Book #1) by Linnea Tanner, narrated by Kristin James

   Apollo’s Raven (Curse of Clansmen and Kings Book #1) By Linnea Tanner Narrated by Kristin James Publication Date: January 20, 2020 (3nd E...