The King Who Disappeared (+Giveaway)

Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to live in a castle during the era of knights and dragons? Well, join me today as author Hank Quense visits to tell us about his latest fantasy release, THE KING WHO DISAPPEARED.

Be sure to check out the giveaway at the bottom of the post. The author is giving away two print copies (US only) of his book and three eBook copies.

Here’s a synopsis of the book:

Bohan, a king, is at war with Jerado, an evil wizard who controls four neighboring kingdoms.  Bohan, his wizard, Ansgar, and his guards are trapped in a cave by Jerado who magically seals the cave.  Ansgar casts a sleep spell on all of them. It will last until the cave is unsealed.

          More than 200 years later, an earthquake unseals the cave and frees Bohan.  While catching up on history, he learns Jerado is still alive and rules the country as dictator.  Bohan learns this from a sympathetic constable named Leticia.  After talking to Bohan and his guards, she recognizes him from school lessons as the King Who Disappeared. Bohan determines to go to the capital, Dun Hythe, and gain revenge.  Leticia promises to go with him to find out what happened to her father who was arrested and disappeared.

          Jerado learns that Bohan is still alive and headed to confront him. He tells Lithgow, his son, and Flavia, his daughter about Bohan.  Lithgow is the War Minister and Flavia the Minister of the Interior. They hate each other and each plans to succeed their father when he retires.

          Jerado orders Lithgow to use his soldiers to block and kill Bohan.  Flavia, who also has troops, decides to kill Bohan before Lithgow can.  Bohan and his guards, all heroes, brush past Flavia’s soldiers and route Lithgow’s.  Jerado now orders Lithgow’s troops to seal all the city’s gates and search everyone entering the city. 

          Meanwhile the citizens in Dun Hythe are suffering from Jerado’s rule and from Flavia’s imposition of lower wages to raise profits for the many businesses she controls.  The wage restrictions impact on the Godmother’s bottom line.  She is the head of a crime family who controls all vice in the city.  She is also the head of the two largest and most powerful labor guilds, the teamsters and the dock workers. With Flavia’s wage restrictions in place the citizenry does have any money to have fun in the Godmother’s saloons or gambling halls.  Also the workers don’t make enough money to feed their families. 

          Jerado’s Treasurer, Maurice, learns a few of Jerado’s family secrets.  He knows how Flavia embezzles vast amounts of money from the contracts she gives out.  Maurice learns about Bohan and the attempts to kill him. These and a few other secrets ensure his early death if Jerado ever finds out what he knows.  Maurice meets with the Godmother and they agree to help each other for their mutual protection.

          Now close to Dun Hythe, Leticia agrees to enter the city and scout it out.  Hopefully she can find a way for Bohan to enter the city.  She also wants to meet with the Godmother because her father was once a high-ranking official in the dock workers guild.  Leticia hopes the Godmother can find out where her father is.

          Within the city, rumors swirl about the reappearance of the King Who Disappeared.  The Godmother ignores the rumors and is stunned to learn from Leticia that Bohan is really alive and outside the city.  After a lively discussion, The Godmother agrees to smuggle Bohan into the city in return for a guarantee from Bohan for protection for her business.

          Bohan and his mates enter the city by boat in the middle of the night and meet with the Godmother and Maurice who tells Bohan the layout of the palace and how to sneak into it.  To make a distraction, the Godmother will call a city-wide general strike to coincide with Bohan’s attack on Jerado.

          Bohan and Ansgar sneak into the palace at night with Maurice in the lead.  Leaving Maurice behind, they advance into the living quarters and confront Jerado.  A confusing battle ensues as the two wizards throw spells at each other.  Using Ansgar’s spell as a distraction, Bohan gets close enough to Jerado to use his sword on the wizard thus gaining revenge.

          With Jerado out of the way, Bohan arrests Lithgow and Flavia, proclaims himself king and agrees to work with the Godmother, orders a wage increase for all the workers.

          Everyone is happy except Jerado’s children who must perform menial work for the rest of their lives.

Now for those of you unfamiliar with the author, here’s a bit of background on him.

Author Hank Quense

Hank Quense writes humorous and satiric sci-fi and fantasy stories.

He also writes and lectures about fiction writing and self-publishing. He has published 19 books and 50 short stories along with dozens of

articles. He often lectures on fiction writing and publishing and has a series of guides covering the basics on each subject.

He and his wife, Pat, usually vacation in another galaxy or parallel universe. They also time travel occasionally when Hank is searching for new story ideas.

Hank’s Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B002BM76IE

Thanks for stopping by today during Hank’s visit. Have you ever made up stories about wizards and kingdoms?

Giveaway

Author Hank Quense is giving away two print copies (US only) of THE KING WHO DISAPPEARED and three eBook copies. Click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instruction to enter to win. If the widget doesn’t show up, just check HERE.

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Queen Moxie {+ Giveaway}

◊ QUEEN MOXIE by Hank Quense

◊ Series: Princess Moxie, Book 3

◊ File Size: 4861 KB

◊ Print Length: 85 pages

◊ Publisher: Strange Worlds Publishing (February 1, 2018)

◊ Publication Date: February 1, 2018

◊ Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC

◊ Language: English

◊ ASIN: B0775W1NWP

SYNOPSIS:

         

In this humorous tale, it is now ten years since Moxie became Queen of Usca in south-west Britain. A tribe of Picts shatters her peaceful reign by migrating from the north and occupying territory just outside her border.

Moxie decides to build a fort to help control the wild Picts. To her surprise, she discovers that the fort has been built on land claimed by the forest fairies. Oberon, the King of the fairies, destroys the fort using magic.

Moxie threatens Oberon with military might. Oberon threatens Moxie with magic. To counter Oberon, Moxie asks Camelot to send Merlin to help her out and Arthur agrees.

Once Merlin arrives, Moxie demands that he confront Oberon and use magic spells to defeat the Fairy King. Merlin isn’t thrilled by the request. Moxie wants him to cast field magic spells, a type of spell casting that Merlin has never been able to master.

The Picts hear about the fort and decide Moxie has become hostile. They determine to attack rather than wait for Moxie to attack them.

Meanwhile, Moxie’s only child, the ten-year-old daughter, Aethelwine, decides she won’t be the next queen, leaving Moxie without an heir.

Tristan, a Knight of the Round Table, has been exiled by Arthur for insulting all the nobles with his songs and is staying in Moxie’s castle. He is working on a play to be staged in Stonehenge. Tristan hopes the play will end his exile since it praises King Arthur and Camelot

Faced with threats from the fairies and the Picts, Moxie decides to take on the fairies. Merlin tells Moxie and Oberon they are both idiots for fighting each other when the real threat comes from the Picts who will be able to conquer both after they fight a battle and are weakened by casualties.

Moxie and Oberon agree to a treaty and combine forces to confront the Picts who have been reinforced by boatloads of warriors.

Can Moxie and Oberon convince the Picts to back down?
And what about Aethelwine?
Is Tristan’s play any good?

Have you ever read a story that is hard to share because you’re afraid of giving too many spoilers? That’s how I feel about QUEEN MOXIE, a delightful new tale by Hank Quense.

This tantalizing story deals with King Arthur, knights, fairies, magic, fascinating lands, and a queen trying to defend her throne and be a mother at the same time. The football game (oops) adds a touch of reality and another layer of amusement to this amazing story.

This fun story is filled with adventure, humor, and eclectic characters. The queen has her hands full defending her land and dealing with her nine-year-old rebellious daughter. This tale will have you laughing from beginning to end.

QUEEN MOXIE is a charming story that will give you an entertaining new outlook on the era of King Arthur and the people of that region. This is a story you won’t be able to put down.

Queen Moxie by Hank Quense, Princess Moxie Series (Book 3), Strange Worlds Publishing, @2018, ASIN: B0775W1NWP, 85 Pages, 4861 KB

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the author. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

To enter the giveaway, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. This is a delightful book, I hope you’ll check it out. Be sure to enter the giveaway. Have you ever thought of King Arthur and Camelot battling fairies? 

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Queen Moxie on Tour {+ Giveaway}

I’m happy to welcome author Hank Quense here today as he is on tour with his latest release, QUEEN MOXIE.

Come join in the fun and enter to win one of the wonderful prizes being given away by the author. First, a summary of the story.

• File Size: 4861 KB
• Print Length: 85 pages
• Publisher: Strange Worlds Publishing (February 1, 2018)
• Publication Date: February 1, 2018
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0775W1NWP

In this humorous tale, it is now ten years since Moxie became Queen of Usca in south-west Britain. A tribe of Picts shatters her peaceful reign by migrating from the north and occupying territory just outside her border.

Moxie decides to build a fort to help control the wild Picts. To her surprise, she discovers that the fort has been built on land claimed by the forest fairies. Oberon, the King of the fairies, destroys the fort using magic.

Moxie threatens Oberon with military might. Oberon threatens Moxie with magic. To counter Oberon, Moxie asks Camelot to send Merlin to help her out and Arthur agrees.

Once Merlin arrives, Moxie demands that he confront Oberon and use magic spells to defeat the Fairy King. Merlin isn’t thrilled by the request. Moxie wants him to cast field magic spells, a type of spell casting that Merlin has never been able to master.

The Picts hear about the fort and decide Moxie has become hostile. They determine to attack rather than wait for Moxie to attack them.

Meanwhile, Moxie’s only child, the ten-year-old daughter, Aethelwine, decides she won’t be the next queen, leaving Moxie without an heir.

Tristan, a Knight of the Round Table, has been exiled by Arthur for insulting all the nobles with his songs and is staying in Moxie’s castle. He is working on a play to be staged in Stonehenge. Tristan hopes the play will end his exile since it praises King Arthur and Camelot

Faced with threats from the fairies and the Picts, Moxie decides to take on the fairies. Merlin tells Moxie and Oberon they are both idiots for fighting each other when the real threat comes from the Picts who will be able to conquer both after they fight a battle and are weakened by casualties.

Moxie and Oberon agree to a treaty and combine forces to confront the Picts who have been reinforced by boatloads of warriors.

Can Moxie and Oberon convince the Picts to back down?
And what about Aethelwine?
Is Tristan’s play any good?

For those who aren’t familiar with the author, here’s some background on him.

Hank Quense writes humorous and satiric sci-fi and fantasy stories. He also writes and lectures about fiction writing and self-publishing. He has published 19 books and 50 short stories along with dozens of articles.

He often lectures on fiction writing and publishing and has a series of guides covering the basics on each subject. He is currently working on a third Moxie novel that takes place in the Camelot era.

He and his wife, Pat, usually vacation in another galaxy or parallel universe. They also time travel occasionally when Hank is searching for new story ideas.

For more on Hank and his writing, visit his Amazon Author Page.

Now for the giveaway.

The giveaway will consist of 5 eBook copies of QUEEN MOXIE, 2 eBook copies of PRINCESS MOXIE, a 2-book boxed set. Click on the Rafflecopter widget below to enter or click here.

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Thanks for stopping by during Hank’s visit. You can check out his tour page here. Be sure and stop back later in the tour for my thoughts on this delightful release. Would you want to be the next heir to a kingdom?

Knock, Knock … It’s Me!

Hi all, it’s Mason. I hope y’all remember me. I know it’s been awhile since I’ve been here at Thoughts in Progress.

I didn’t intend on being away so long but one day turned into two, two turned into four and then it just snowballed. With the holidays and a full-time job now outside the home, life has been a bit crazy (whose life isn’t, right?). Then I decided since we were having such fun weather here in the South (extremely low temperatures, ice, snow, you know) that it was the perfect time to get this nice cough and cold that’s going around. You know the one that doesn’t want to leave you once you get even if you take all the medicine the doctor prescribes for you. It has finally decided to visit someone else and I’m feeling better (not coughing with every other breath).

My plan is to get back to blogging on a regular basis. That means sharing new books and authors with you here and visiting with you on your blogs. If I don’t make it by to see you today, I’ll be by soon I promise.

Meanwhile, I need a bit of help. I had a note on my calendar concerning DEADLY SWEET by Lola Dodge for today, but I can’t find anything in my emails about it. The note didn’t say if it was a book tour, feature or what. If you have contacted me about this book, please contact me again.

One other bit of information concerns a book tour I’m handling through MC Book Tours. Author Hank Quense has a new book, QUEEN MOXIE, that will be on tour today through Feb. 20. If you’d like to participate in the tour, just drop me an email or visit the tour page.

Thanks so much for stopping by. Has this crazy cough/cold visited with you?

Moxie's Decision and Maski {+ Giveaways}

I'm doing something a bit unusual for me today. If you visit here often you know I normally only feature one author on tour at a time. I'm making an exception today to highlight two amazing authors.

I'm doing this in one post rather than two so please bear with me that the post is longer than usual. You also have the opportunity to win some fascinating books. So here's the first spotlight.

Sometimes it’s fun to add a little laughter and satire to our daily routine so that’s why I’m delighted to be a part of author Hank Quense’s MOXIE’S DECISION Blog Tour with MC Book Tours today.

Entertaining from beginning to end, MOXIE'S DECISION is uproariously funny and satire at its best. Selected as one of 2016's best YA novels: Huffington Post. It’s also a top pick! Indie Reader: 5 stars

You can enter to win a copy of MOXIE’S DECISION today. Be sure to check out the giveaway details below.

◊ Series: Princess Moxie (Book 2)

◊ Paperback: 306 pages

◊ Publisher: Strange Worlds Publishing (October 15, 2015)

◊ Genre: Fantasy, Action, Adventure,

◊ Language: English

◊ ISBN-10: 0985779195

◊ ISBN-13: 978-0985779191

Moxie has a plan; she’s determined to rule as queen after her father, King Smedley, dies.

 

But Smedley refuses to acknowledge her as his heir. Her uncle also wants the throne and he’s already tried once to eliminate Moxie as competition.

Moxie recognizes she hasn't been trained to rule and she needs lessons about the real world. Moxie goes on a quest to learn how to rule and to learn about life outside the castle.

Moxie faces unexpected obstacles as she struggles with adventures in a brutal reality that tests her mettle and determination.

This is a fantasy coming-of-age story that is decidedly different than the usual ones. The book is filled with satire and humor. What more can a reader wish for?

It takes place against the backdrop of Camelot, but this isn’t the Camelot of legends. It’s Camelot in a parallel universe where the Knights of the Round Table play football and Guinevere coaches the team’s cheer leaders. The wizard Merlin struggles to understand the Magic of the Mind using primitive ink stained diagrams and Stonehenge is a theater-in-the-round.

 

Moxie’s rollicking adventures are the stuff of comedy. Enjoy!

Add MOXIE'S DECISION to you Goodreads shelf!

Author Hank Quense

Hank Quense writes humorous and satiric sci-fi and fantasy stories.

He also writes and lectures about fiction writing and self-publishing. He has published 19 books and 50 short stories along with dozens of

articles. He often lectures on fiction writing and publishing and has a series of guides covering the basics on each subject. He is currently working on a third Moxie novel that takes place in the Camelot era.

He and his wife, Pat, usually vacation in another galaxy or parallel universe. They also time travel occasionally when Hank is searching for new story ideas.

Be sure to visit Hank’s Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B002BM76IE

This tour-wide giveaway (prizes courtesy of the author) is for five (5) eBooks copies (worldwide) of MOXIE’S DECISION and three (3) print copies of MOXIE’S DECISION (U.S. entries only). The giveaway ends at 12 a.m. (EST) on Monday, July 3.

To enter the giveaway, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. If the widget doesn’t appear, just CLICK HERE for a chance to win a copy of this fun book.

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Now for the second spotlight.

 

Award-winning author Joylene Nowell Butler is showcasing not one, but two of her intriguing books in two different formats and you could win a copy of one of them. 

Joylene won the IPPY Silver Medal with Broken But Not Dead. Once only available in print, the book has received a fresh new cover and title for readers to enjoy and is now available in eBook format. Maski: Broken But Not Dead is the prequel to Joylene’s 2016 release, Mâtowak: Woman Who Cries, which is now available in audio format.

◊ Maski: Broken But Not Dead
◊ By Joylene Nowell Butler
◊ Psychological Thriller

◊ Publisher: Dancing Lemur Press LLC
◊ eBook ISBN 9781939844385

To the Breaking Point...

When Brendell Meshango resigns from her university professor position and retreats to her isolated cabin to repair her psyche, she is confronted by a masked intruder. His racial comments lead her to believe she is the solitary victim of a hate crime.

          However, is all as it appears? After two bizarre days, the intruder mysteriously disappears but continues to play mind games with her. Taught by her mother to distrust the mainstream-based power structures, and with her stalker possibly linked to a high level of government, Brendell conceals the incident from the police. But will her silence keep her safe?

          Then her beloved daughter, Zoë, is threatened and Brendell takes matters into her own hands. To save Zoë, Brendell searches for the stalker and confronts not just a depraved madman but her own fears and prejudices.

Maski: Broken But Not Dead is available on Amazon.

◊ Mâtowak: Woman Who Cries
◊ By Joylene Nowell Butler
◊ Psychological Thriller

◊ Publisher: Dancing Lemur Press LLC

A murder enveloped in pain and mystery...

When Canada's retired Minister of National Defense, Leland Warner, is murdered in his home, the case is handed to Corporal Danny Killian, an aboriginal man tortured by his wife's unsolved murder. The suspect, 60-year-old Sally Warner, still grieves for the loss of her two sons, dead in a suicide/murder eighteen months earlier. Confused and damaged, she sees in Corporal Killian a friend sympathetic to her grief and suffering and wants more than anything to trust him.

Danny finds himself with a difficult choice-indict his prime suspect, the dead minister's horribly abused wife or find a way to protect her and risk demotion. Or worse, transfer away from the scene of his wife's murder and the guilt that haunts him…

The audio version of Mâtowak: Woman Who Cries is available through Audible and Amazon. Click on the links to hear an audio sample of the book.

Author Joylene Nowell Butler

Joylene, Métis, is the author of Dead Witness, Broken But Not Dead, and Break Time. She and her husband and their two cats reside in Canada for the summers and Nayarit, Mexico, for the winters. They believe life should be an adventure. 

For more on Joylene and her writing, visit her website and blog, as well as connect with her on Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter, and Amazon.

Comments on Maski: Broken But Not Dead:

“A psychological thriller filled with suspense, action and drama...” - John Bell, 93.1CFIS-FM: Prince George, BC

“Riveting and beautifully written. You won't be able to set it down.” Judith S. Avila, author

This tour-wide giveaway is for two (2) eBook copies of Maski: Broken But Not Dead and two (2) audio copies of Mâtowak: Woman Who Cries. The giveaway ends July 6.

To enter, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. If the widget doesn’t appear, just click on this link and you’ll be taken to a page where the widget should be.

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you'll check out these tantalizing stories.

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