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Albert Camus

Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.

Monday, March 18, 2019

his vengeance runs deep - A Hundred Breaths (A Hundred Kisses #0.5) by Jean M. Grant

"The storylines are intriguing, suspense filled and keep the reader immersed until the last page. I couldn't put the book down and I had just read A Hundred Kisses. The author does a wonderful job of describing Scotland in the mid to late 1200s. Her characters run the gamut of good to not so good to downright evil." Texas, Goodreads


Description:

Published: February 18th, 2019

1263, Scotland

Simon MacCoinneach’s vengeance runs deep. The blade is the only way to end the blood-thirsty Nordmen’s reign upon Scottish soil. His soul might be lost, but the mystical Healer he kidnaps from the isles could be the answer for his ailing mother…and his heart.

Isles-born Gwyn reluctantly agrees to a marriage alliance with this heathen Scot in return for the sanctuary of her younger brother from her abusive Norse father. Her brother’s condition is beyond the scope of her Ancient power, for larger healings steal breaths of life from her own body.

As Simon and Gwyn fight to outwit her madman father and a resentful Norse betrothed, Gwyn softens Simon’s heart with each merciful touch. Gwyn’s Seer sister foresees a bloody battle—and an end to the Nordmen—but Simon will also die. Will Gwyn save Simon on the battlefield even if it means losing her last breath

GUEST POST
What is the Silver Veil? 

I began my writing journey with delving into medieval Scotland, a time that was marked by political upheaval, clan strife, invading foreigners, disease, and superstition. Lots of juicy stuff to write about! That last part—superstition—is where I took artistic liberty in my trilogy. I do enjoy a straight-up historical romance, but something about this paranormal element lured me in. I had to write about it. 

The Silver Veil is my primary paranormal element in my “hundred” trilogy. Loosely based on ancient Scottish culture and lore books, I delved into the world of The Silver Folk, or Ancients. I created a culture that could have very well existed, that utilizes natural powers accessed across a “veil” between this world and the next. Healers harness their ability by the conduit of water. Feelers heighten their aura-sensing and emotion-feeling through Fire. Seers experience visions whispered on the Wind. All three gifts find root in Mother Earth. 

The Ancients of the isles are written as having been present in the isles for centuries. They pray at the circles of stones, but who or what built them is still a mystery to these people. Their history has been passed down as oral stories, and in A Hundred Breaths, we learn that they do have some books written in an Ancient language. Heavily influenced by the Norse raiders, over time they have assigned Norse god names to their powers of Water, Fire, Wind, and Earth. Who has these abilities? Some, but not all. How strong are their powers? It depends on the person. The abilities are inherited, but who, what, and how intense the power…is up to the gods. And me, the author (tehe!). 

In all three of the books of the soon-to-be trilogy (though each book is great as a standalone), there is a clash and blend of cultures and religion: Christianity in the Scots (along with a hefty dose of superstition), the gods of the Norse culture, and lastly, the spirituality of the Ancients. 
With any special ability, there are those who wish to do harm, though all the Ancients I’ve written (so far) use their gifts for good. However, there are drawbacks to these abilities: curses and “side effects.” In each book the protagonists fight to overcome these deficits and harness the inner power within them… 

Can Water truly heal, even at a cost to Gwyn’s own life? 
Can Fire be harnessed for good and help Deirdre overcome her “curse” of a hundred kisses? 
Does the Wind tell lies, distorted visions that the Seer Domhnall no longer has control of?

About the author:
Jean’s background is in science and she draws from her interests in history, nature, and her family for inspiration. She writes historical and contemporary romances and women’s fiction. She also writes articles for family-oriented travel magazines. When she’s not writing or chasing children, she enjoys tending to her flower gardens, hiking, and doing just about anything in the outdoors.


Author's Giveaway a Rafflecopter giveaway

13 comments:

Jean M. Grant said...

Thanks for hosting me!
A question for readers:
What are some of your favorite paranormal elements in books?

Goddess Fish Promotions said...

Thank you for hosting

Stephanie LaPlante said...

Sounds very interesting. Thanks for the awesome giveaway. Some of my favorite paranormal elements in books are witchcraft, ghosts and Werewolves.

Bernie Wallace said...

How many books have you had published? Bernie Wallace BWallace1980(at)hotmail(d0t)com

Dale Wilken said...

Sounds like a really great read.

Jean M. Grant said...

Thanks for stopping by today!
Bernie - I seem to be seeing you ever week on my tour. Happy to answer all your questions. Published: 4 so far (4th is out next month).

My favorite elements seems to mystical/magical powers. Though I recently read a neat book with shifters.

Debbie P said...

This book sounds like an awesome read. Great cover.

Bernie Wallace said...

What book would you most compare this book to? Bernie Wallace BWallace1980(at)hotmail(d0t)com

Bernie Wallace said...

Did you help design the cover? Bernie Wallace BWallace1980(at)hotmail(d0t)com

Bernie Wallace said...

Who is your favorite character from your book? Bernie Wallace BWallace1980(at)hotmail(d0t)com

SavingsInSeconds said...

Have you always been interested in mythology, or was this something new for the novel?
Dianna

Bernie Wallace said...

How long ago did you come up with the idea for your book? Bernie Wallace BWallace1980(at)hotmail(d0t)com

Dan Denman said...

I like the artwork in the book cover. This sounds like a good fantasy adventure.