Last Few Weeks for Secrets of Yden

The publishing rights to my third Yden book, Secrets of Yden, will shortly be reverting back to me. By contract, I must keep the book off the market for 90 days. So if you’ve been thinking about reading it, act now or temporarily (until January 2017) hold your peace! I don’t believe the book will be available anywhere past October 12, 2016, but exact dates are up to the publisher. ~ Suzanne

Blurb: As Jon Hansen begins his senior year in high school, he and his friends are focused on the future. Unfortunately, a past skirmish on Yden is still having repercussions. Bailey of the Shark Clan is out for revenge, and he may have secret support in the Executive Council. Worse, time is stopping on Earth for increasingly long intervals, and only Jon’s ankh sets him apart. An unstable portal is the cause, but his search for answers uncovers an ancient prophecy that seemingly spells his doom. Can Jon repair the hole in the universe before time stops forever, or will he have to sacrifice himself to save the world?

Click HERE to go to the Yden series Amazon page. Kira: The Yden Trilogy Prequel is still free, and books one and two are in the KU program.

Prequel to the Yden Trilogy!

I’d like to announce the release of my Yden prequel KIRA, which shines the spotlight on Kira Szul, the Nomad princess who figures prominently in the Yden trilogy.

Blurb:

Although Nomad princess Kira has trained all her young life to be a warrior, she begins to yearn for something more. She unwittingly stumbles onto a plot to invade Nomad Territory, but not before being poisoned with a potion that makes her a slave to her enemy. Although she manages to blunt the worst effects, she’s never free of her obsession for the handsome warlord who seeks to make her his bride. Can she find an antidote for the incurable poison running through her veins, or is she destined to become the enraptured wife of a wicked conqueror?

At the same time, I’ve revised and released The Last Great Wizard of Yden, and added a bonus Yden short story in the back, called Ran! The novel has a re-imagined cover too, so it’s all shiny new for the dragon fans among us. Enjoy! ~ S.G. Rogers

Blurb:

Jon Hansen always thought his father’s tales about the magical planet of Yden were fiction. When his father is kidnapped by an evil wizard, however, Jon is forced to dig deeper. His investigation uncovers magical artifacts that will unlock another dimension—if only he can gather his courage to make the journey. On his quest to Yden, Jon encounters wizards, Cyclopes, and a warlord who seem to want him dead. Fortunately, he’s got friends by his side, as well as the ability to draw things to life. Can he and his friends defeat the most evil wizard the magical world has ever known, or will Jon become the latest addition to the Wolf Clan wizard’s gruesome collection of trophies?

KIRA and THE LAST GREAT WIZARD OF YDEN

are both available at Amazon.

EPIC Finalist TOURNAMENT OF CHANCE by S.G. Rogers

I was just informed that my fantasy novel, Tournament of Chance, is a finalist in the EPIC eBook Awards. In Tournament, a young woman pushes back against a brutal monarch when she discovers his promise of upward mobility is actually a sham designed to keep the peasants in their place. If you enjoy sword & sorcery, time-travel, magic, dragons, and characters determined to prevail against treachery and deceit, this novel is for you.

~ S.G. Rogers

What Amazon readers are saying:

“It’s fast paced and fascinating! I loved Heather, and Dane, and Jo, and Shimmer, and…You know, I loved everyone. This was a completely developed world.” – Kaitlin

“I was riveted by Heather’s story. SG Rogers kept me on the edge of my seat because of her fast pacing – I just had to know what happened next.” – Muddy Rose Reviews

“[A] captivating story about a young girl who crashes through the crystal ceiling of the kingdom she lives in by challenging the upper class in the Tournament of Chance.  Heather is a plucky, strong character who will appeal to young adults… It’s fabulous!” – Anteater1982

“What Reviewers are saying:

“I loved this book! It is fast-paced and engaging, and I honestly couldn’t put the book down! The characters were very real and I grew to love them. I admired Heather’s perseverance, and how she continued to come up with new solutions when the original plan failed. This has fantasy mixed in with time travel, which made for a fun, unique twist on the genre. Usually, I get a little confused with time travel tales, but not with this one. With each time period, more and more of the story was connected, and more aspects of the tale were explained. I loved seeing all the characters having to put their differences and backgrounds aside to work together to overthrow an evil king. This is fantasy at its finest, with kings and dragons, princesses and tournaments, and of course, magic and romance! Rogers is a talented writer, and I will definitely be reading more of her books.” – The Reading Retreat

“I loved every character in this book.  Dane was very swoon-worthy.  I loved how the relationship between Heather and Dane wasn’t rushed. I loved watching both characters grow and develop in this story.  They both changed for the better.  Heather was no damsel in distress and that is what I loved about her.  She was able to throw a knife and shoot arrows better than anybody.  Manny was hilarious!!!  He has a great since of humor.  Shimmer was very wise.  He was a great leader to follow.  I was glad Jovander got to meet Heather again after 8 years.  There wasn’t a character I didn’t like.  Each had something I loved about them.” – Ever and Ever Sight

“I really love how unique all the ideas in this book are. It’s not your basic fantasy and magic novel. It has a unique foundation in which S.G. Rogers enthralls you from the very beginning and doesn’t let you go. You experience emotions all over the spectrum and S.G. makes you really believe these are living, breathing characters. She paints a beautiful story that I just did not want to end.” – Book Worm Brandy

Everyone loves a rebel…except the men who make the rules.

If Heather wins the Tournament of Chance, she’ll be the first commoner to earn a place at court. Instead of a glorious victory, however, she’s arrested and marked for execution. After a daring escape, she joins the Dragon Rebels, who seek to overthrow the despotic monarchy and restore the former kingdom of Ormaria. Amongst the rebels are three shape-shifting wizards who claim to be rulers from the past. On a perilous quest to free the wizards’ magic, Heather battles wild dragons, vicious predators, angry trolls, and unexpected traitors. When a horrendous accident sends her back in time to fulfill a mysterious prophecy, she must rely on her warrior skills, wits, and endurance to survive.

Tournament of Chance: Dragon Rebel is available for the Kindle HERE

Wicked Chess – Excerpt from TOURNAMENT OF CHANCE by S.G. Rogers

A vast chessboard spread out on the lawn next to the castle gardens. The king sipped a glass of chilled white wine as he finished his move.

“Ponder that, my dear Lord Survill,” he crowed.

“My word, Your Majesty, you’ve got me on the run,” Survill exclaimed.

Various young pages stood on the checkered lawn, in chess piece costumes. Although a shady canopy had been set up for the king and his opponent so they could play their game in comfort, the pages waited in the fierce sunlight. As sweat dripped from underneath their hot and heavy paper-maché headdresses, the boys struggled to stand at attention.

Minister Uspy hastened from the castle toward the chessboard.

“Please forgive the interruption, Your Majesty, but I have news.”

King Chance’s brow creased in annoyance. “Has Jovander or that wretched girl been located? Hester, wasn’t it?”

“Heather is the name. They both have vanished, Your Majesty. And I’m afraid that Lord Embrue has not returned from Jagged Peaks, nor the soldiers that accompanied him,” Uspy said.

King Chance waved his fingers, dismissively. “No doubt they have fallen into a game of cards or a bit of debauchery somewhere. Embrue’s success at Merrymouth may have gone to his head.”

“That’s entirely possible, Your Majesty; however Embrue’s steed was found wandering the countryside yesterday. Several mounts from the king’s army have turned up as well,” Uspy said.

“Send Lord Tether with the cavalry to question the villagers about Embrue. If you get no answers, burn Jagged Peaks down.”

“And if the villagers cooperate?”

“Burn it anyway. The commoners must understand I am in charge.”

Uspy left. King Chance returned his attention toward the chessboard, where his bishop had just keeled over from sunstroke. “I’m going to need a new bishop. Drag that boy to the dungeon and beat him for having spoiled the game.”

If Heather wins the Tournament of Chance, she’ll be the first commoner to earn a place at court. Instead of a glorious victory, however, she’s arrested and marked for execution. After a daring escape, she joins the Dragon Rebels, who seek to overthrow the despotic monarchy and restore the former kingdom of Ormaria. Amongst the rebels are three shape-shifting wizards who claim to be rulers from the past. On a perilous quest to free the wizards’ magic, Heather battles wild dragons, vicious predators, angry trolls, and unexpected traitors. When a horrendous accident sends her back in time to fulfill a mysterious prophecy, she must rely on her warrior skills, wits, and endurance to survive.

Tournament of Chance: Dragon Rebel is available for the Kindle HERE

Magical Places – Formal Gardens

Formal gardens make frequent appearances in my stories.  Perhaps it’s the riot of colors, or the topiary, or the symmetry of a formal garden that stirs my imagination. I’d like nothing better than to meander down the pathways, admiring the flowers and the pleasing arrangement of manicured hedges.  To me, a formal garden is one of the living embodiments of magic… but I wouldn’t want to trim the shrubbery.

What locations do you consider magical?

~ S.G. Rogers

 

Excerpt from The Last Great Wizard of Yden:

Clusters of sculptures decorated the pathways and grassy lawns. Some were of magical creatures, but there were a great many sculptures of people.

“I can’t get over the number of lifelike statues,” Jon said.

“Well, at least we now know where the party is,” Fred said. When he poked a fisherman with his finger, it left a fading blue imprint in the stone. “Hey, look, it’s a mood ring statue!”

“Thermochromism,” Casey said.

Fred gaped. “What?”

“The rock is heat‑sensitive,” Casey explained.

Jon circled a statue of an old woman. “The level of detail is amazing.”

The central pathway through the garden featured a carving of a man on his knees. His arm was flung over his head, as if to ward off some unseen danger. Another man was prostrate on the ground. Brett frowned. “They look afraid.”

Jon exchanged an apprehensive glance with Kira. She drew her sword.

“Let’s head back to the beach,” Jon said.

“Sissies!” Fred said. He leaped over the prone statue. “Scared of a bunch of lawn decorations.”

Kira scanned the garden. “Perhaps it would be wise to fear their maker.”
The Last Great Wizard of Yden, a full length fantasy novel. Buy the e-book NOW through Astraea Press, Amazon, BN.com and other fine outlets ($2.99 MSRP) FINAL DAY SALE $0.99  and then enter to win the paperback through my Goodreads giveaway HERE.

Watch the book trailer HERE!

The Last Great Wizard of Yden Excerpt

Excerpt from The Last Great Wizard of Yden:

He stood in a large, dimly lit cave. Long stalactites streamed down
from the ceiling, and towering stalagmites thrust up from the floor of the chamber. The walls of rock surrounding him were embedded with iridescent crystals shining with reflected light. The place struck Jon as beautiful, but he felt apprehensive. With a sense of foreboding, he searched for the source of the shimmering light, hidden among the forest of rock and mineral formations.

As he wound his way past clusters of stalagmites, his foot
dislodged a fist-­‐‑sized raw diamond that skittered off into the shadows.
Suddenly Jon spied a column of bluish light in an open space. He darted
toward it but accidentally skidded on a pile of loose crystals. When he fell,
jagged gemstones lacerated the soft skin of his palms. Blood welled up in
the wounds, and as he struggled to his feet, red droplets flowed down his
trembling, throbbing fingers and splashed to the stone floor. Emerging
into the open space at last, Jon saw a man, rigid and immobile, imprisoned
in the column of light. The man’s eyes were closed—as if in death. Jon’s
heart thudded inside his chest and horror spread through his veins as he
stared into the man’s face.

“Dad?”

Jon stretched his blood‑soaked hands into the bluish light and his
wounds began to close. He knew, somehow, his father had healed him.
“Thanks, Dad,” he whispered, his voice choked with emotion. “I’ll find a
way to rescue you.”

Suddenly a feral growling came from the shadows. Startled, Jon shrank back as a huge black wolf leaped from the darkness, its cruel fangs aiming for his throat…

 Amazon, Astraea Press, BN.com

Book Trailer HERE

New Book Club With Benefits

Pure. Fiction.

Astraea Press has started a new book club on Facebook you will want to join. Why? For a two week period at the beginning of each month, Astraea Press will offer ONE free e-book to readers to read and enjoy 🙂 At the end of the month you can come back for a chat with other readers and the author. Readers are encouraged to post a reader review on Amazon, B&N and/or Goodreads with their thoughts on the book 🙂  There will also be the opportunity to win author swag!  You really don’t want to miss out.

The fun starts in June, and you must join the group HERE to be eligible to receive the book.  The very first free read will be…Come on over to Facebook and join the fun.

~ S.G. Rogers

Book Trailer for The Last Great Wizard of Yden

Want to see my new book trailer for The Last Great Wizard of Yden?  Grab some popcorn, click the icon, below, and enjoy!

There’s still time to vote for the book of the month at iBookBuzz.com!  Just go HERE to cast your vote.  I thank you for your support. 😀 ~ S.G. Rogers

 

 

Doodling Dragons

Excerpt from iBookBuzz nominated YA fantasy The Last Great Wizard of Yden…

When class began, the history teacher, Mr. Dace, droned on and on about the curriculum, policies, and procedures. After fifteen minutes, Jon started to tune out. He opened his binder and lost himself in a detailed drawing of a dragon.
“We’re going to end our semester with a field trip to the Tri-­County Museum,” Mr. Dace said.
The classroom erupted with excited chatter.
“Many of you will see this as a chance to goof off,” Mr. Dace continued. “But you will be writing a term paper on one of the exhibits.”
Mr. Dace strolled up and down the aisles as he spoke. He paused at Jon’s shoulder just as he was drawing a beautiful plume of smoke rising from the nostril of a dragon. Unfortunately, Jon was oblivious to the teacher’s presence.
“Doodling dragons is no way to get through life, Mr. Hansen,” Mr. Dace said.
Jon’s head snapped up. The entire class was watching, including Brett and Fred. Brett’s expression was unreadable, but Fred was licking his chops as if he couldn’t wait to eat him for lunch. Jon hoped his face wouldn’t explode from the blood rushing to his cheeks.
“Sorry,” he mumbled.
His classmates snickered. Mr. Dace went on to pass out the syllabus and first assignment. After the lunch bell rang, Jon felt like slinking off somewhere and melting into a hole. His book bag was jammed under his desk, and he bent to retrieve it. When he straightened up, he was startled to see Brett waiting for him.
“Hi,” she said. “You probably don’t remember me, but we met at the mall.”
“Oh, yes, I do.” He attempted to sound casual. “Nice to see you.”
She examined his drawing. “That’s a great dragon. Maybe you could draw one for me sometime?”
“Anytime.” Anytime at all, he thought.

For his sixteenth birthday, all Jon wanted were the keys to the family car. Instead, he got a lousy magic ring…

Artistic prodigy Jon Hansen yearns to fit in, but when he stumbles onto a supernatural kidnapping, his life changes forever.  Unfortunately, his search for answers uncovers a magical secret—one that makes Jon a danger to everyone around him.

The Wolf Clan wizard Efysian has been draining the magic from Yden. On a quest for eternal power, he’s willing to kill to feed his addiction.  To harness the ultimate source of energy, he travels to Earth.  This time, however, he has a persistent witness to his crime.

Can Jon survive long enough to outwit the most evil wizard the magical world has ever known?  Or will Efysian add the young wizard to his gruesome collection of trophies?

The Last Great Wizard of Yden, a full length fantasy novel. E-book available now through Astraea Press, Amazon, BN.com and other fine outlets ($2.99 MSRP). Now available as a trade paperback too! (HERE)

There is still time to vote for The Last Great Wizard of Yden in the iBookBuzz book of the month contest!  Click HERE to vote!

To return to Sweet Saturday Samples, go HERE.

Fair Lady of the Waterfall

“How can we break the Guardian’s spell?” Jon asked Dorsit.

“I’m not certain,” Dorsit replied. “But—”

“Terrific,” Fred interrupted. “So we’re stuck.” He waved to get Lialia’s attention. “Look, honey, what’ll it take to get the door open? Money? Jewelry? I’m sure JonBoy here will be happy to conjure you up a Porsche if you want.”

Lialia examined her manicure, bored.

“A poem may be the key,” Dorsit said. “It’s called Fair Lady of the Waterfall, and I think it must refer to Lialia.”

“Oh, no,” Fred moaned. “If you start with the poetry I’m gonna throw myself down that hole, guaranteed.”

“Hush,” Brett said as she smacked Fred on the arm. “How does it go, Dorsit?”

Dorsit recited the poem:

“Fair Lady of the Waterfall,

 Was stole away by Blackest Knight,

 Her heart this Knave he did Enthrall,

 Forever Cloistered far from Light.”

“The Rosebud may return to Flower,

 Young Champion of Fire and Claw,

 With Truest Love and Hell-born Power,

 From Driest Rock her Essence Draw.”

As Dorsit finished speaking, Lialia burst into tears.

“Okay,” Fred groaned. “I’m jumping into the pit now.”

(Excerpt, The Last Great Wizard of Yden)

~ S.G. Rogers

For his sixteenth birthday, all Jon wanted were the keys to the family car. Instead, he got a lousy magic ring…

Now available in paperback and e-book at Amazon, BN.com, Astraea Press