Come visit with Claire and I on our Instagram livestream tonight! I'll be doing art for Come Marching Home and we'll be chatting about books and writing and probably a lot of random stuff. Don't miss out!
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
Sunday, October 11, 2020
COME MARCHING HOME Blog Tour!
Welcome to the blog tour for Come Marching Home! I'm very excited to share this book with you and finally, tomorrow (Tuesday Oct 13th) it will be out!
Official Schedule
October 12th (Monday)
Excerpt/Highlight at Sadie's Spotlight
October 13th (Tuesday)
*Release Day*
*Live Art and Q&A livestream with Hazel (Feat. Claire Banschbach) on Instagram 8:30 PM EST*
Excerpt/highlight at E. Paige Burks' Blog
Excerpt/highlight at Worlds of Fiction
October 14th (Wednesday)
Author interview/character interview at Haunting Ghost Town
October 15th (Thursday)
Review at Rose Print Publishing
October 16th (Friday)
Excerpt/highlight at Not Unworthy
Excerpt/highlight at The Page Dreamer
Excerpt/highlight on M. H. Elrich's Instagram
Title: Come Marching Home
Genre: Fantasy
Synopsis: After being away for over a year, Alfonse Keller has returned from the trenches on Teuton’s western front, fighting in the war that’s broken out against the Steppes. He should feel relieved now that’s he’s back in his own village in the care of his brother Ernst, but he’s not. It seems like nothing has changed except for him, like he’s a traveler from a different world.
When Alfonse left to join the army, he was a natural magician making a name for himself, but after a tragic incident resulting in the death of his friend, and his own crippling injury, he no longer has the ability to use magic.
Suffering from constant nightmares and revisited trauma, Alfonse can’t get the trenches out of his head. Ernst tries to help, but he doesn’t really understand either. How can he, when Alfonse doesn’t really understand himself? He feels like a phantom, standing on the outskirts of a life he’ll never live again.
As Ernst tries to do everything he can for his brother, he can’t help but feel like Alfonse is slipping away, that maybe part of him never left the trenches at all. But how can he save his brother when Alf refuses to let anyone in?
Want This Swag Pack? Order the book before the end of the month!
What's in it?
A bookmark with the lovely cover art by C.B. Cook
A Sticker with adorable chibi art by H.S.J. Williams
A playlist curated by myself to listen to while you read the book
And if you buy the paperback, you'll also get a signed bookplate!
How to get your goodies:
Simply buy the book in any format before the end of October
Email proof of purchase to sirwilliamssquire@gmail.com
And I will have your goodie pack in the mail :)
** I will be doing a live art-stream and Q&A on Instagram (@modern_bard67) with Claire Banschbach (@cmbanschbach) on Tuesday night (October 13th) to celebrate the release! Join us for randomness while I try to draw and answer questions at the same time.
Giveaway!
Put your name in for this giveaway! 2 people will be winning a signed copy + swag pack!
Thursday, October 8, 2020
Order Come Marching Home and Get Goodies!
I'm running a pre-order deal! If you pre-order Come Marching Home, or buy the e-book or paperback before the end of the month, you'll get a goodie pack!
What's in it?
A bookmark with the lovely cover art by C.B. Cook
A Sticker with adorable chibi art by H.S.J. Williams
A playlist curated by myself to listen to while you read the book
And if you buy the paperback, you'll also get a signed bookplate!
How to get your goodies:
Simply buy the book in any format before the end of October
Email proof of purchase to sirwilliamssquire@gmail.com
And I will have your goodie pack in the mail :)
Purchase Links:
Friday, October 2, 2020
Cover Reveal: COME MARCHING HOME
Hi guys! I'm so excited to share the cover reveal for my new book today:
I'm really excited to share this book with you as it's one that I am rather personally fond of. It was really fun to write a book that has a slightly historical feel, but it actually set in a fantasy world, and I really loved writing about Alfonse and Ernst (and Alf's dog) and I hope you will all enjoy this story too.
Come Marching Home will be released on Tuesday October 13th, and I will be doing a blog tour that week (If you want to sign up to participate in that, I really need some more hosts, so check out this form if you're interested)
In the meantime, the ebook is up for pre-order AND I have some pre-order goodies if you pre-order the book, or order a copy of Come Marching Home before the end of October (because I can't put the paperback up for pre-order, so if you wanted the paperback, you can still have the chance to get the goodie pack ^_^)
All you have to do is order the book (either through Amazon or Smashwords) and email me the receipt (just a screenshot is fine) at sirwilliamssquire@gmail.com with you address and I will send out your goodie pack.
Goodies:
-A bookmark
-A sticker with art by H.S.J. Williams
-A playlist curated by myself
-And if you order the paperback, you will get a signed bookplate
Pre-Order Links:
Add Come Marching Home on Goodreads
My Links:
Goodreads Author page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5289626.Hazel_B_West
Twitter: https://twitter.com/artfulscribbler
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modern_bard67/
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/hazelwest
Thursday, July 9, 2020
Review: A Is For Apple (A Snow White Anthology)
This is a super fun and very unique collection of Snow White retellings! I thought I would do a short review on each of the stories in this anthology:
The Poet’s Missing Daughter (Phoenix Xiao): I really liked the Chinese setting to this one, I thought that made for an interesting basis for a Snow White story. I also really liked the investigative narrative; again, very unique feel. Also loved Lotus! It was a bit of a vague retelling, and I might not have recognized it as a Snow White story reading it by itself, but I still enjoyed it a lot.
The Kingdom of the Mirror (Julian Barr): This was a really cool retelling. I liked seeing Snow White written as a high fantasy and was also intrigued by the fact it was told from the Queen’s perspective. This actually made her into a rather sympathetic character over all since we got a background and reason for her motives. Would really be intrigued to see where the story went from here.
Snow White and the Silent Death (J. W. Atkinson): This was a really cool story because we got some of Snow White’s POV while she was in the coma. The idea that she was in some sort of purgatory during this time where lost souls of those killed by the queen are fighting a constant war was a really interesting and unique concept. Also one that I feel adds a lot to the story and climax and to Snow White’s personality. I really liked Peli and was happy that Snow got to be reunited with her mother again, if only briefly.
Skin Deep (Mark Hood): This was an interesting modern take on Snow White but, ultimately, not my cup of tea. I do like how it read like an exposé but it felt like reading exactly that, like one of the hundreds of exposés that come out of YouTube drama. That being said, it was very realistic because of that and the beauty community is pretty apropos for a Snow White retelling. Good story, well done, just not for me.
The Many Failures of Evil (Marlene Simonette): This was a dark and rather creative retelling. I am also fond of retellings that kind of mix around typical tropes to make a new story and this one turned out very interesting. I especially liked the characters and the cursed nature of the land. Quite a lot of interesting elements went into this one, both in the fantasy aspect and the rather more psychological aspect as well. A Very dark and intriguing story, overall enjoyed it.
A Fruitful Heist (Robyn Sarty): I’m always a fan of heist stories and really enjoyed seeing these elements mixed into a Snow White story. I really liked the modern fusion for this one and the ‘apple’ being the prize for the heist. My only complaint for this one is that I would have liked to see more of it.
Conclusion: Overall, a really fun collection of some genuinely unique retellings of Snow White. I read a lot of retellings so it’s always nice to find ones that still feel fresh. Would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves retellings and is looking for a fun, quick summer read!
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
THE LAST GLADIATOR by Daniel Ottalini
Hey guys! Today I'm sharing Daniel Ottalini's new novella from his Steam Empire Chronicles The Last Gladiator. If you haven't read any of his books before, they are a steampunk take on the Roman Era and are super cool!
What makes a gladiator? Brawn? Showmanship? Skill? Heart?
For Lucia Rhodanus Fortem, the arena is a ticket to fame, fortune, and belonging.
But the long familiar arena is changing, and gladiators are, quite literally, a dying breed. Their replacements – Mechagladiators – piloted constructs made of the best Roman technology, stand ready to take their place on the hard packed dirt of the Coliseum.
What human can stand against the tide of progress? Who dares face down a mechanical beast? How can the power of human connection forge a bond stronger than steel?
The last gladiator in Rome faces the toughest challenge of all in this prequel novella for the Steam Empire Chronicles, Daniel Ottalini’s Roman Alternate History World.
If you like Gladiator combat, class struggle, Roman history, alternative history, and love in a time of conflict, these books are for you!
Purchase Links
If you haven't read these books yet, the first is the series, Brass Legionnaire is free right now on Smashwords so grab a copy HERE
Other Links
Friday, April 24, 2020
An Interview with Lysander and Flynn
The Bentley pulls up at the radio station and Sinclair gets out to open the door. Sir Lysander the Righteous Man and Oliver Flynn step out of the back and enter the station where they are directed to the recording room.
There is tea on the table, waiting for them as they take their seats. The Interviewer comes in and sits down across from them, pouring her own cup of tea as she sets a stack of papers down on the table.
“Is everyone ready?” she asks.
“Of course,” Flynn smiles as he plucks his cup from the table. “Thank you so much for inviting us today.”
“Oh, it’s our pleasure, I’m sure everyone is looking forward to hearing what you have to say.” The Interviewer turns to the man in the sound booth. “We’re ready to go on.”
“Oh, it’s our pleasure, I’m sure everyone is looking forward to hearing what you have to say.” The Interviewer turns to the man in the sound booth. “We’re ready to go on.”
He nods and does a count down.
The Interviewer smiles. “Hello, London, we’re live here today with Sir Lysander, the King’s Righteous man and Oliver Ha—”
“Ah, I prefer to go by Flynn, miss.”
“Oh, of course, I apologize,” the Interviewer says, a bit flustered. “As you know we’re here today to talk a little about this book of yours.”
“Oh, of course, I apologize,” the Interviewer says, a bit flustered. “As you know we’re here today to talk a little about this book of yours.”
Flynn smiles as Lysander gives a longsuffering look. “Ah, yes, well, as you know, it is my first publication, but I quite enjoyed the process of writing it.”
“I think the question everyone wants to know is, whether it’s all true?” the Interviewer asks.
Flynn grins and touches his nose. “Everything, of course.”
“Aside from some poetic license,” Lysander adds.
“Some small cases of poetic license—as all good writers know is necessary,” Flynn corrects.
“Well, poetic license or not, it is certainly an astounding story,” the Interviewer sips her tea. “Quite revealing.”
“You’d be surprised what I didn’t allow him to put in,” Lysander says. “National security and all that.”
Flynn sighs and leans back in his chair. “Yes, I did have to omit a couple things, but I think the story itself survived as is.”
“And everyone here highly encourages those to read it as a lost tale of our recent history,” the Interviewer says as she takes up the sheets of paper again. “We have a few questions people have written in with.”
“Perfect! Ask away!” Flynn says, picking up his tea.
The Interviewer glances at the paper. “These are from Deborah: “What is your favorite kind of music?”
“I used to like Classical,” Lysander says blandly. “Now I’m a little weary of it.”
“I like 2000s rock, and 1980s music is good too,” Flynn says. “And Lysander does keep soundtracks to his favorite movies. Lots of Star Wars…”
Lysander shrugs. “That is true. I do like soundtrack music.”
“How about your favorite animal?”
“Oh, cats, definitely,” Flynn says. “They are the best companions. And a cat’s purring is scientifically proven to reduce anxiety. Can you get better than that? What about you, Lysander?”
“I like dolphins, actually.”
“They’re psychopaths,” Flynn comments.
“You could say the same about cats.”
“Cats can be sociopathic, there’s a difference, and it’s really only an act—they’re still high-functioning.” He folds his arms across his chest. “But whatever. Strong, silent types and their dolphin obsession…”
“How about your idea of a perfect day?” the Interviewer cuts in, seeing that this could get out of hand quickly.
“Well, I am usually quite content relaxing in my flat—with my cat—a good book, and a cup of hot, dark tea. Nothing quite like that,” Flynn smiles.
“Well,” Lysander adds, “I suppose my idea of a perfect day would be one where I didn’t have to worry about anything and actually could relax. I might even pick up a book myself.”
“But you can’t curl up with a dolphin,” Flynn comments.
“I regret saying anything about the dolphins,” Lysander growls.
The Interviewer flips her page. “These questions are from Sarah: First of all is what are the best and worst things about each other?”
“Oh, here we go,” Lysander says, looking like he’s battening down the hatches.
Flynn grins and sips his tea. “Well, obviously, Lysander’s personality is the worst thing about him. Since he can never show what he’s feeling—except anger, he’s very good at that. But if he’ll promise never to repeat that I said this ever again, I have to admit that he’s very loyal.”
Lysander smirks slightly and takes a drink of his own tea. “Flynn is annoying to a fault, but he’s good at what he does, and, dare I say it, smarter than me—on occasion.”
“Well, don’t act like the compliments are being dragged out of you on the rack or anything,” Flynn scoffs, but also smiles like a pleased cat.
“On a similar topic, who do you think has the best hair?” the Interviewers asks.
“Oh, me of course, I actually do something with it,” Flynn instantly jumps in.
“You don’t do anything with it, look at it,” Lysander accuses. “It’s a complete mess.”
“It’s strategically rakish—that’s what the ladies like,” Flynn protests.
“It’s strategically ridiculous, is what it is.”
“You’re just mad because I don’t have to spent fifteen minutes to get it to look like anything but a rats’ nest in the morning.”
“I do not take that long with my hair…”
The Interviewer sighs and signals for a commercial break.
***
Back on air, things have settled down. Sinclair brings more tea and the interview continues.
“Another question we for you is possibly even more controversial than the hair,” the Interviewer says almost hesitantly. “But we at the station are curious: who is your favorite Doctor?”
“Ah!” Flynn smiles. “A good question!”
“Well, I like Ten,” Lysander says. “Though the show did pick up again with Twenty-Two, I’ll admit that.”
“Ugh, how basic,” Flynn scoffs. “First the obvious choice and then modern Doctor Who? No, I do like both Ten and Eleven, but I have to go classic. Four is my favorite. Frankly anything but Thirteen.”
“Well, I think most people can agree there,” Lysander shrugs.
“We have time for one more question before we go,” the Interviewer says. “What is next for you two?”
“I’m doing what I have always done,” Lysander says with a shrug. “Keeping my country safe, serving my king.”
“And I’m essentially doing what I’ve always done too, more or less,” Flynn says. “Just…different application.”
“I’m doing what I have always done,” Lysander says with a shrug. “Keeping my country safe, serving my king.”
“And I’m essentially doing what I’ve always done too, more or less,” Flynn says. “Just…different application.”
The Interviewer smiles and folds her hands in front of her. “Thank you for agreeing to the interview today. I hope our listeners will take the time to read your book.”
“Of course, we enjoyed being here,” Flynn smiles. “At least I did.”
Lysander nods in agreement.
“One thing before you go,” the Interviewer asks, reaching down to her side. “Could you sign my copy of the book?”
Flynn grins and Lysanders sighs, running a hand over his face.
“Of course, my dear,” Flynn tells her and accepts the pen Sinclair instantly offers. “Anyone else?”
The interview concludes and Sir Lysander and Flynn leave to go back to duty as the sun shines down on London and its protectors.
Links
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