I am happy to share a new book release from fellow RRBC author, Vashti Quiroz-Vega!
Hi, everyone! Thanks for stopping by. I’m grateful to be a guest on Jan’s fabulous blog.
Which type of heroes do you like best in stories?
I prefer heroes who have flaws. Someone who is genuinely good but who has made mistakes, who has faced challenges and doubts, and who is sometimes vulnerable . . . a person who perhaps starts off ordinary, and as the story unfolds, becomes more apparent. I enjoy reading about heroes who are intelligent, selfless, kind, and courageous. They feel the fear and do what needs to be done anyway. I find the classic hero, who is perfect in every way and completely fearless, kind of boring. Gadreel is the type of hero I enjoy reading about.
Excerpt:
Sabina dismounted her horse and treaded up to the gate. She placed a hand on the stone wall and lurched back. “A witch cast a binding spell on this town.”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“A magical binding is a hex that restrains people, preventing them from doing something.” Sabina placed both palms against the gate and closed her eyes briefly. “An effective sorcerer did not want the people of this town to leave.”
“Why?” I asked.
“I’m not sure.”
I rode past the gate into Warwick, and the others followed me.
We climbed off our mounts. I kissed my horse on its neck and told him to lead the others to water. They galloped away, and we ambled on. Every surface, every blade of grass and twig, grew long ice crystals. In the distance a low clinging fog concealed the homes at the top of the road.
We continued toward the east of town and ran across a monastery. Blackened and charred walls crumbled under the weight of ashes. The ruins were still smoking, even in this frigid weather. We maneuvered the creaking threshold and came across the charred remains of several monks. One of them lay curled knee-to-nose, while another gripped his pectoral cross with both hands. Glass littered the floor where the windows had broken, and oil lamps lay blackened and twisted on the ground amid the corpses.
“Almost nothing escaped the bloody fire,” Golem said.
Dracúl banged his fist against a wall, almost knocking it down, and stormed out of the monastery. I followed him, and the others trailed behind.
“There’s a castle on the hill,” I said. “Let’s go there. Perhaps there’s someone who can tell us what happened here.”
Dracúl stared ahead, blood tears pooling in his eyes, and we moved on.
More rotting bodies lay strewn on the streets as we made our way to the castle. Most had missing parts. Many of the corpses’ middles had a strange bowl-shaped appearance. Upon closer inspection, we realized that their organs had been removed. Their chests and abdomens caved in because they were hollow.
“Why?” Golem whispered.
There should have been a foul stench in the air, but the cold, dry winds somehow inhibited the release of the disgusting stink coming off the dead bodies.
We knocked on doors and searched inside the dwellings. We passed the charred remains of a house. Upon investigation, we learned that the only edifices burned down were those that stored food and sheltered livestock, but this particular house was a regular family home. Why was it burned? Only its skeleton stood under the vibrant wintry sun. Sabina rushed inside, and before long, a scream pierced the air. We hurried in to find Sabina motionless with her hands covering her mouth. I steeled myself, went to her, and gasped at the gruesome scene.
I hope the excerpt intrigued you. Please let me know in the comments below. Thanks again for the visit.
I agree with you, Vashti. The classic heroes are boring. They are human beings also even though so often the human side is not the major part of the story. I love your books because the characters are so real and human-like. Thank you for hosting, Jan.
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Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment, Miriam!
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You’re welcome, Jan! I was busy taking care of my small business during the tour and let Vashti know. I’m glad to eventually come by.
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Every book I’ve read has been a good read. Congratulations Vashti. I plan on reading this one too.
Thank you Jan for always being such a good host.
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Thank you, Shirley. I appreciate you stopping by to support Vashti!
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I’m so happy you’ve enjoyed the series so far, Shirley. I hope you enjoy this one too. Thank you very much! ❤
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I haven’t had much time to read lately, but I am SO looking forward to reading Gadreel’s story. Thanks for sharing her with your followers, Jan. 🙂
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Thank you, Yvette! 😀
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My pleasure, Yvette! Thanks for stopping by!
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Hi Vashti, you’ve left us on a cliffhanger – great work!
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Hi, Wendy! Thanks for coming over to support Vashti!
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I’m happy you think so, Wendy. Thank you! 😀
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I really bonded with Gadreel and the story. Chilling excerpt, Vashti.
Thanks for hosting Jan 🙂
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I am anxious to get to this part of the series, Denise. I’m glad you enjoyed Vashti’s story and thank you for stopping by!
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Thank you, Jan!
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I’m super excited to hear that, Denise! Thank you so much! ❤
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Congratulations Vashti, I am so happy for you. Wishing you great success with this one too. Thank you Jan for hosting the launch of Vashti’s new book.
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Hi, Balroop! Thank you, my friend! I’m happy to see you. I appreciate your support. 😀
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Thank you for stopping by to support Vashti today, Balroop!
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Great excerpt, Vashti. Best wishes on the book. Thanks, Jan, for hosting Vashti today.
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I completely agree, John. Great excerpt! Thanks for stopping by!
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I’m happy you enjoyed the excerpt, John. It means a lot to me. Thank you! 😀
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Hi, Jan! Thank you for having me as a guest on your blog. I’m excited to be here. ❤
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My pleasure, Vashti! I wish you much success!
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Wow, the cover is well chosen, it makes you want to know more about the book!
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Thank you, Erika! I’m happy to hear that. I always aim for that with my covers. I appreciate your visit and comment.
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Yes, very well chosen! A great first impression 👍
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Hi, Erika! I love all three of Vashti’s covers in this series. You are right. they make you want to know more! Thanks for stopping by!
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I just said to her, that it makes a great first impression! My pleasure, Jan 😊
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Thank you! The illustrations for each cover were drawn to depict a scene from the books and represent the main characters. I designed the surrounding part to reproduce an ancient tome.
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Flawed heroes are my favorite type as well, Vashti.
That was some excerpt!
Have a fantastic tour day, and thanks to Jan for hosting!
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They are definitely more fun to write and read. I hope you enjoyed the excerpt. Thank you! I’m having a lot of fun so far. 😀
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Hi, Mae! Thanks for dropping by to support Vashti today!
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Flawed heros are my favorite. Congrats on the new release, Vashti!
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They’re unpredictable and fun! Thank you very much, Teri! 😀
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Thanks for stopping by to help support Vashti, Teri!
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Another great excerpt. Really enjoying this tour. Wishing you all the best, Vashti.
Thanks, Jan.
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Yay! I’m so happy you enjoyed the excerpt, Staci! Awww. Thank you very much, my friend. 🙂
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It has been a fun tour, Staci! I’m honored to host Vashti today!
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❤ xo
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Hi to you both! Jan, I bet it’s a welcome change for you to be back to hosting authors after your book tour! Vashti, congratulations on your latest book and I love the cover and excerpt. I’m not sure I want to hear what Sabina has just witnessed! 😀😀 Intense!
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It is a most welcome change, Annika. 🙂 And I will be back to my regular Tuesday posts very soon where we will explore learning about runes. Thank you for stopping by and I’m glad you enjoyed the excerpt!
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Hi Annika! I’m thrilled that you loved the excerpt and cover. Thank you! Ha, ha. What happened in that town would astound you. 😉
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Congratulations to Vashti! I’m glad I wasn’t eating my breakfast while reading the excerpt…eek! Thanks for hosting, Jan.
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Exactly, Jill! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
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Hi Jill! Thank you! 😀
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I read this while eating breakfast. (Just saying) Good stuff, Vashti.
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Oh dear, Craig. That would have ruined breakfast for me. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
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Ha Ha!
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Ha, ha. I’m glad you enjoyed the excerpt, Craig. I hope you had a scrumptious breakfast. After working in the medical field for years and discussing cases during lunch breaks, not much makes me queasy anymore. 😉
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It didn’t bother me. I’m just poking a bit of fun.
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I have Sabin chillin’ on my Kindle eader, Vashti. Looking forward to an exciting read! Thanks for sharing, Jan. 🙂
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Thank you for your support, Mark!
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I appreciate that, Mark. I hope you enjoy the book once you get to it. Thank you! 😀
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Congratulations, Vashti! I’m enjoying your book tour and the enticing excerpts. Bravo! Thank you, Jan, for hosting Vashti today. 😊
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Thank you, Gwen. It is a pleasure to host Vashti today!
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Awww. Thank you very much, Gwen! I’m enjoying the book tour as well. I’ve been guest to several amazing bloggers and authors, including you. 😉
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Hi Vashti, Hi Jan,
Vashti, you have spoken to my heart. Those are the kind of characters I like too. I love flawed characters. I go from the point of view that if I am not perfect, why should my characters be perfect. They should be people that others can relate to just I relate to them. Good Luck with your new release. I have your book on my TBR list and look forward to reading it.
Jan, thank you for hosting Vashti. I really enjoyed reading her thoughts.
Wishing both of you a great day.
Shalom aleichem
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A great point, Pat! Thank you for stopping by to support Vashti!
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Hi Pat! We’re definitely on the same page. You’re absolutely right, I don’t think anyone can relate to a perfect being because none of us are perfect. Thank you for putting my book on your TBR list and for your kind wishes. I appreciate you. 🙂
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It’s lovely to see Vashti doing the rounds with her new book. Wishing you all the very best with your launch, Vashti. I’m looking forward to reading this series 🙂
Jan, thanks for hosting Vashti today 🙂
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Thank you for stopping by, Harmony!
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Hi, Harmony! It’s lovely to see you as well. I appreciate your lovely comment. Thank you! 😀
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