Thank you so much to Sally Cronin for sharing an extract and review of my YA fantasy The Curse of Time Book 1 Bloodstone. x
Category: The Curse of Time – Book 1 The Bloodstone
Meet the Author: Mr. Sagittarius by M J Mallon – Meet The Authors
I’m being featured on Camilla Down’s blog MTA do pop over to read her beautifully presented post about my books, my life and me!
http://meetingtheauthors.com/2020/03/28/meet-the-author-mr-sagittarius-by-m-j-mallon/
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Fantasy and Sci Fi Interview – Ryder #Villain
Welcome Ryder!
Marje: Ryder. welcome. I’m delighted to have you come talk to me today. Our readers will be excited. I’d be thrilled if you could tell us who is Ryder and what makes you different?
Ryder – In the YA Fantasy Curse of Time Book 1 Bloodstone I’m the beautiful hero emerging out of the shadows who comes to Amelina’s aid. I frighten away two disturbing strangers as Amelina wanders down a dangerous pathway. BUT nothing is as it seems in The Curse of Time; am I a beautiful hero, or perhaps a mysterious villain? Amelina is puzzled and unsure where I fit in the puzzle of her unhappy life. One certainty remains: she finds me exciting, hypnotic, and exhilarating, a powerful elixir to her family difficulties.
Marje: Let’s begin – first question.
- Define misery.
Ryder:
Getting old is the worst thing that can happen to someone. You become ugly when you’re old, your looks go, your flesh is weak. I desire mastery over aging, a way to remain young forever.
- What are you renowned for?
Ryder:
I have a hypnotic personality. I can coerce people to do as I wish. I have such fun playing games with peoples’ emotions like a cat plays with its prey.
- What do you appreciate most in your friends?
Ryder:
Loyalty. My best mate Kyle would do anything for me, he’d die for me. I like to test his loyalty from time to time…
- What is your goal? And what obstacles stand in your way?
Ryder:
As I am a creature of shadow-my power comes from light. I must harness the power of the magical crystals in the Crystal Cottage, but it will not be an easy task. There are obstacles in my way: Amelina, a powerful Krystallos, Leanne, the cottage’s eccentric owner, Eruterac the creature and the cottage’s mythological protectors.
- If you were to die what would it say on your gravestone?
Ryder:
I will not die suckers! Shadows always remain. Humans are weak, pathetic individuals; I am not human.
Marje:
Hope you enjoyed the interview…
What would you like to know about Ryder?
To read a previous interview on my blog with the handsome but scary Ryder:
https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2017/07/02/mj-interviews-ryder-the-curse-of-time-bloodstone/
Buy Book: myBook.to/TheCurseofTime
Unique Selling Point: Unique, Imaginative, ‘Charming, enchanting and richly layered this is purely delightful.’
“This delightful book will appeal to teens and young adults who love stories filled with magical crystals, dark family curses, and mysteries waiting to be solved around every corner. Each chapter leads you on a journey of discovery where Amelina earns the right to use three wizard stones to reset the balance of time and finally break the curse that holds her family hostage. A captivating tale!” – Colleen M. Chesebro (Editor)
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A bit of fun! Avatars of my characters
It’s been a bit serious on my blog of late so this is a welcome change!
I discovered the Avatar Maker via Alicia Coleman’s blog: https://aliciacoleman.wordpress.com/2018/05/04/3-tools-used-to-create-my-characters/
It was such fun. I had a go at picking different noses, eyes, hair, lips, hairstyles and even ears! The hardest ones to create were undoubtedly Amelina’s mum and dad as they’re meant to look really odd. I think I succeeded up to a point, the wide eyes and stubble added the finishing touches to her dad! Ryder was tricky too as he’s meant to have two different coloured eyes so I opted for a multi-coloured eye instead.
So let me introduce you to the avatars of:
Ryder – who I couldn’t make up my mind about – should he have short hair?
Or a longer style? Vote on the poll on twitter: https://twitter.com/Marjorie_Mallon/status/995242808565993472
Here he is with Amelina, my main protagonist.
Esme the mirror girl and Ilaria Miss Super Perfect.
Jade the rock chick and Joselyn the worry chick.
Amelina’s mum and dad who’ve had a rough time and it shows!
And Aunt Karissa and Kyle, because Karissa loves nothing better than the opportunity to flirt with young men! Poor Kyle, no wonder his hair is sticking up! But, he’s being polite – it’s only just a couple of protesting hairs!
There is a price promotion on my Amazon UK kindle copy at the moment more about that here: https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2018/05/11/the-curse-of-time-ya-fantasy-offer-1-99-amazon-uk/
So before I go my question to you is this – which of Ryder’s avatars do you prefer?
Bye for now,
Buy Book: myBook.to/TheCurseofTime
Authors Website: https://atomic-temporary-67364188.wpcomstaging.com
Collaborative blog: https://sistersofthefey.wordpress.com
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon and @curseof_time
My Facebook Authors/Bloggers Support Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1829166787333493/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17064826.M_J_Mallon
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mjmallonauthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/
Tumblr: http://mjmallonauthor.tumblr.com/
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MJ Interviews The Creature
Welcome to Kyrosmagica!
Creature, you are some scary dude to look at but I mustn’t let that stop me from interviewing you.
So, pull up a chair, make your skeleton comfortable….
MJ: Tell me about yourself.
The Creature: There isn’t much to tell. I don’t get out much, most of the time I’m waiting.
MJ: Waiting for what?
The Creature: For something to happen or for someone to summon me.
MJ: So you’re catatonic until someone brings you to life in a painting?
The Creature: That’s pretty much it, most of the time I’m mingling with the worms, the bugs are feasting on me, and I’m dreaming about my dreds.
MJ: Your dreds?
The Creature: When I was alive I had dreadlocks, now I’m just skin and bone. I miss my dreadlocks.
MJ: Hah! Scary dreadlock dude tell us about the cottage.
The Creature: It’s my home, sort of. It’s not a public venue, you have to be invited to visit.
MJ: Why’s that?
The Creature: The Crystal cottage is a magical, powerful place. Magical places have to be protected. Crystal Magic can be dangerous if it is used by the wrong people.
MJ: So you protect it?
The Creature: Yes and no… I am a junior caretaker of sorts… There’s a hierarchy of protection. I can’t tell you too much about the cottage, you have to read the book to find out more.
MJ: That’s fair enough. Do you live alone?
The Creature: I live with a bunch of doves and a wacky lady who shares caretaking duty with me.
MJ: Just you two?
The Creature: No, there are other beings that protect the cottage, personages, legends and the like, but I hardly ever see them.
MJ: Sounds intriguing.
The Creature: That crazy author thinks so…
MJ: That’s me! Lol..
The Creature: Stop your procrastinating, author lady. When are you going to stop twiddling your hair and write book two?
MJ: Cheeky. It takes time to write if you are working full-time.
The Creature: You work full-time?
MJ: Yeah, I do now. I’m a receptionist, a meet and greet lady. I sit next to this security guy all day. The first thing I noticed about him is his distinctive tattoos on each hand. But, I better not go into detail in case someone accuses me of gossiping…
The Creature: Heaven forbid! Sigh… No one would know if I had a tattoo.
MJ: No, not by looking at you. Those bones don’t give much away. Did you ever have a tattoo?
The Creature: No. Never. Just me and my dreds. I bet you don’t have guys like me in your building.
MJ: No, but we do get some strange dudes. There’s this guy that looks like a vampire!
The Creature: What, black hair, cape, white skin, sharp teeth?
MJ: Yep, I reckon he packs his cape in his briefcase… Me and the security guy were talking about Transalvania and I jest not – the vampire dude walked in.
The Creature: Wow, no one would believe that! Talk about never a dull moment. I’m jealous. I’ll have to tell the worms about this…
MJ: Feel free to share. I suppose I better wrap up this interview, your worms are getting excitable and restless.
The Creature: AWWW, I was just warming up. My old decaying bones, bugs and worms take ages to warm up these days.
The Creature gets up, bends his knee joints, and scatters a family of worms at my feet. He sighs.
MJ: Ugh, keep your worms to yourself! Until the next time, dear Creature.
The Creature tries to grin but a few of his rotten teeth land on my lap.
I pick off the yucky teeth and wince.
MJ: I don’t mean to be rude but it’s time you went!
The Creature: Yeah, time to get back to scaring people. Being nice and polite is such hard work. Byeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.
MJ: Bye, Creature, say hello to the doves for me.
Hope you enjoyed my interview with the Creature.
The wonderful portrait of The Creature has been created by talented artist Carolina Russo: https://yesterdayafter.com
Isn’t it fabulous?
It will appear in black and white in the paperback version of my book to be released April 2018 along with Carolina’s portrait of Esme which you can see below:
Previous Character Interviews:
Shadow: https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2017/05/11/my-interview-with-shadow-a-black-cat-character-with-a-past/
Amelina: https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2017/08/20/mj-interviews-amelina-the-curse-of-time-bloodstone-sundayblogshare/
Ryder: https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2017/07/02/mj-interviews-ryder-the-curse-of-time-bloodstone/
Bye for now. It will be Esme next…
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My Social Media:
Authors Website: https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com
Collaborative blog: https://sistersofthefey.wordpress.com
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon and @curseof_time
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17064826.M_J_Mallon
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mjmallonauthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/
Tumblr: http://mjmallonauthor.tumblr.com/
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Kindle Countdown Deal: The Curse of Time – Book 1 – Bloodstone
Today, I have some wonderful news for you, my kindle book is on promotional offer. The kindle countdown deal starts today. So hurry, get the best price reduction today!!!
Here’s a short editorial review from author Colleen Chesebro:
“This delightful book will appeal to teens and young adults who love stories filled with magical crystals, dark family curses, and mysteries waiting to be solved around every corner. Each chapter leads you on a journey of discovery where Amelina earns the right to use three wizard stones to reset the balance of time and finally break the curse that holds her family hostage. A captivating tale!” – Colleen M. Chesebro (Editor)
And my first 5 star review on Amazon!!!!
This special offer is to celebrate my wedding anniversary this week. Hubby and I were married on the 26th of September many moons ago!
Here are some old photos of us in our prime!
A bit blurry I know, but they were taken a long time ago. It was our first skiing holiday together in Verbier, Switzerland. My husband is a keen skiier and is always happiest if he is about to launch himself at full throttle down a ski slope. I’d rather pat a horse! I didn’t have much luck with skiiing, but I am determined, I persevered and went for years. I stopped skiing after I fell off the edge of a pathway and had to be rescued by my ski instructor. But my husband still goes every year and loves it.
I so admire those who ski and participate in adventurous pursuits. I love the majesty and beauty of the mountains and I must confess I find a man in ski gear mighty handsome !
To order your kindle copy of The Curse of Time click the links below to be directed to Amazon. Go on I dare you!!!!
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Please vote for me in AuthorsDB First Line Contest
I’ve now entered the AuthorsDB First line contest as well as the cover contest.
I figured nothing ventured nothing gained.
I entered the first three lines of my prologue:
Most people would call our existence strange, but this is more than that, this deserves a headline. We’re not spectacular enough to feature on the national or international news, but we warranted a column in the local newspaper headed by seven not so lucky words: Missing Father Returns After Weird Aging Phenomenon. I’m glad that our short-lived fame died and the paparazzi, (what a joke,) got bored with us.
If you’d like vote for me in the first line contest click on the following link: https://authorsdb.com/2018-first-lines-contest/24835-first-lines-contest-2018-the-curse-of-time
To vote for the cover: https://authorsdb.com/2017-cover-contest-results/24831-cover-contest-2017-the-curse-of-time
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Cover Reveal: The Curse of Time – Book 1 – Bloodstone
Today, I am delighted to share with you my cover reveal for my debut fantasy YA novel:
The Curse of Time – Book 1 – Bloodstone
I’m delighted with the cover – Wendy Anne Darling at BOOKXEEDO Book Covers has done a marvellous job. Isn’t the cover just beautiful? Thank you Wendy so much.
Cover photography credit: Chronopage and grasshopper – John C Taylor, OBE.
Cover photography credit (spine) : Bloodstone – Alex Marlowe, via https://samanthamurdochblog.wordpress.com
Synopsis:
On Amelina Scott’s thirteenth birthday, her father disappears under mysterious circumstances. Saddened by this traumatic event, she pieces together details of a curse that has stricken the heart and soul of her family.
Amelina longs for someone to confide in. Her once carefree mother has become angry and despondent. One day a strange black cat and a young girl, named Esme appear. Immediately, Esme becomes the sister Amelina never had. The only catch is that Esme must remain a prisoner, living within the mirrors of Amelina’s house.
Dreams and a puzzling invitation convince Amelina the answer to her family’s troubles lies within the walls of the illusive Crystal Cottage. Undaunted by her mother’s warnings, Amelina searches for the cottage on an isolated Cambridgeshire pathway where she encounters a charismatic young man, named Ryder. At the right moment, he steps out of the shadows, rescuing her from the unwanted attention of two male troublemakers.
With the help of an enchanted paint set, Amelina meets the eccentric owner of the cottage, Leanne, who instructs her in the art of crystal magic. In time, she earns the right to use three wizard stones. The first awakens her spirit to discover a time of legends, and later, leads her to the Bloodstone, the supreme cleansing crystal which has the power to restore the balance of time. Will Amelina find the power to set her family free?
Continue reading Cover Reveal: The Curse of Time – Book 1 – Bloodstone
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#SundayBlogShare MJ Interviews The Grasshopper – The Curse of Time.
A big welcome… (If I dare!) to my next interviewee the intriguing Grasshopper, a fine bug of a creature who features in my soon to be released YA Fantasy – The Curse of Time: Book 1: Bloodstone. I have set a tentative date for the release of my e-book – 26th August, so keep a look out for further details and updates about that.
Today, I am interviewing the Grasshopper using the initials MJ – (my author nickname and tribute to my favourite superhero Spiderman’s Mary Jane!)
MJ: Grasshopper, I’m speechless, is that really you? Have you come to eat me up?
Grasshopper: Of course not dear girl, I don’t eat humans, even though I have pincer sharp teeth.
MJ: I can see that… Oh, what a relief! Tell me all about yourself Mr. Grasshopper.
Grasshopper: I am the world’s largest grasshopper escapement. I’m crafted out of the finest materials, only the very best for me.
MJ: Could you explain a little about the Corpus Christi Chronopage?
Grasshopper: The Chronopage is a large sculptural clock, and my home. It is the brainchild of a team of two hundred talented people including sculptors, engineers, scientists, jewellers, and calligraphers. It includes not one, not two, but six new patented inventions.
MJ: How extraordinary! It is a breath-taking invention and I have always found you phenomenally intriguing Mr. Grasshopper. Not surprisingly, you draw crowds of onlookers and tourists on King’s Parade.
Grasshopper: Oh, yes, no one can resist me. I provoke a reaction, people pause, take photos, respond in horror, or delight. And all the while time marches on, in its cruel, relentless manner.
MJ: Such is life. Hence the spikey teeth?
Grasshopper: Yes, I eat away at your life, your youth, your beauty. Sadly, it is my fate. I am at the mercy of my tragic role in this Chronopage. No one is exempt. I am its wretched servant.
Continue reading #SundayBlogShare MJ Interviews The Grasshopper – The Curse of Time.
M J Mallon YA Author and Poet 