Have a look at Boy Altered by J.S. Pavoggi #RABTBookTours #BoyAltared #JSPavoggi #HistoricalFiction @RABTBookTours

Boy Altered

By J.S. Pavoggi

Amid the vibrant landscape of San Francisco in the late 1960s, eleven-year-old Jamie steps into the confines of a dark confessional booth. With promises of confidentiality, Father Nelson uncovers a chilling secret buried deep within the young boy’s subconscious.

Intrigued by his grave past, Father Nelson brings him into the church as an altar boy under the mentorship of Harry, an older acolyte. The priest quickly gains control over Jamie, using the boy’s complicated history and his own undisputed authority to initiate a dark turn in their relationship. Jamie falls deeper into the world of religion, and his blooming friendship with Harry becomes a needed distraction from the somber realities of the church.

Shaped by major cultural events, from the Manson murders to the moon landing, to Woodstock and the Civil Rights Movement, Jamie’s life unfolds as he navigates religion, power, and loss of innocence. A haunting coming of age story, Boy Altared explores a seismic shift into adulthood during one of the most turbulent decades in history.

Genre: Historical Fiction

Date Published: April 1, 2026

Grab a copy HERE!

 

 

 J.S. Pavoggi was born in 1957 and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, the sixth of eight children in a devout Catholic family. He attended parochial school, served as an altar boy, and came of age during the turbulence of the Vietnam War era and the cultural upheaval that followed.

After a 40-year career in public service with the United States Postal Service—where he also served as a union representative—Pavoggi experienced a life-altering heart procedure that changed the way he saw the world. What began as an impulse to write a better streaming series evolved into a powerful, fictionalized account of survival and healing.

His debut novel, Boy Altared, is a deeply personal work of historical fiction rooted in memory, silence, and resilience. Pavoggi lives in Arizona with his wife of 38 years. They have three children and four grandchildren.

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Have a look at The Queen’s Maid: Anne Boleyn in France by Rozsa Gaston #TudorFiction #FrenchHistory #WomenInHistory #WomensHistoryMonth @rozsagaston @cathiedunn

The Queen’s Maid: Anne Boleyn in France 

By Rozsa Gaston

The Tudor series continues! For fans of Philippa Gregory, Elizabeth Chadwick, Carol McGrath and Anne O’Brien.

A new adventure begins for Anne…

France, 1514

After an enlightening period of training as a lady’s maid at Margaret of Austria’s court, Anne Boleyn has been sent to France.

She arrives at the Palace of Tournelles, home of ageing King Louis and his new English wife, Mary Tudor, sister of King Henry VIII. As Anne speaks French, her main role is to serve as translator for Queen Mary.

Anne’s sister Mary is also at the French court, and Anne soon learns that not everyone is pleased about the union between the French king and his young queen.

The king’s cousin-in-law, Louise of Savoy, is desperate for Queen Mary not to fall pregnant, so that her son Francis will ascend the throne.

And with Louise and the English queen pulling Anne in two different directions, it will not be possible to appease everyone.

Can Anne successfully navigate the familial politics at the French royal court? Will she make her mark as one of the queen’s maids?

Or could her divided loyalties prove to be her undoing…?

THE QUEEN’S MAID is a thoroughly researched, fascinating historical novel set during the 16th century in Europe. It is the second book in the Anne Boleyn Chronicles series.

‘Wonderfully detailed and entirely enjoyable. This is a young Anne in whom I absolutely believe, and who does much to explain the woman she’d become.’ – Sarah Gristwood, author of Game of Queens

THE ANNE BOLEYN CHRONICLES SERIES:


Book One: Maid of Honour

Book Two: The Queen’s Maid

Book Three: Queen of Diamonds

Genre: Tudor historical fiction, Renaissance historical fiction

Pages: 244 pages

Book One

Book Two

Book Three

Rozsa Gaston is a historical fiction author who writes books on women who reach for what they want out of life.

She is the author of Maid of Honour: Anne Boleyn at Margaret of Austria's Court, 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 of the 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗨𝗖𝗘𝗥 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 for Early Historical Fiction, The Queen's Maid: Anne Boleyn in France, Queen of Diamonds: The French Royal Court, Margaret of Austria, 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 of the 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗨𝗖𝗘𝗥 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 for Early Historical Fiction, the four-book Anne of Brittany Series: Anne and Charles; Anne and Louis, 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 of the 𝟮𝟬𝟭𝟴 𝗣𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗟𝗬 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗲; Anne and Louis: Rulers and Lovers; and Anne and Louis Forever Bound, 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 of the 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗨𝗖𝗘𝗥 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 for Early Historical Fiction.

Other works include Sense of Touch, Marguerite and Gaston, The Least Foolish Woman in France, Paris Adieu, and Budapest Romance.

Gaston studied European history at Yale and received her master’s degree in international affairs from Columbia. She worked at Institutional Investor, WR Capital, and as a columnist for The Westchester Guardian before becoming a novelist. 

She is currently working on Book Four of The Anne Boleyn Chronicles, covering Anne Boleyn's time at the 1520 Field of Cloth of Gold. She lives in Bronxville, New York with her family.

Her motto? History matters.

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Read an interview with David Loux, author of The Lost Seigneur #HistoricalFiction #TheLostSeigneur #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub @ChateauLaux @cathiedunn

The Lost Seigneur

By David Loux 

The Lost Seigneur is a sequel to the award-winning Chateau Laux. 

It is the story of Jean-Pierre du Laux, a nobleman in southern France, who was wrongly imprisoned during a time of religious intolerance and subsequently endeavors to return to his family. Many years have passed since he saw them, and his long incarceration has broken his health.

Any reunion would clearly have been impossible, without the unlikely help of a youthful companion that he meets along the way.

Genre: Historical Fiction / Literary Fiction

Pages: 226

Grab a copy HERE!

INTERVIEW

Writing Interview Questions

Why did you choose to write your book in this era?


I have to think that the era chose me, rather than the other way around.  The Protestant diaspora from France occurred in several waves over extended periods of time, with families fleeing to Germany, Switzerland, England, the American colonies, and other places where they sometimes lived for several generations before relocating.  This made it difficult to trace the origins of the Laux surname, which I set about doing for a Laux family reunion that celebrated three hundred years in the United States.  The paper took a deep look at the name origin and came up with some surprising results.  During my research, I also learned about a shocking incident in my first-generation family in America that affected me deeply.  This incident became the genesis of my first book, Chateau Laux, and subsequently of its sequel The Lost Seigneur.


Did you find researching this era particularly difficult? What was the hardest thing to find out, and did you come across anything particularly surprising?


Fortunately for me, the noble origin of the family name meant that narratives already existed in English, French and Latin.  I read French, so that was not a problem, and the Bibliothèque Nationale de France helped with the Latin.

One of the hardest things to find out was just how divided France was when it came to matters of religion.  Most people know about the wars of religion between Catholics and Protestants, and how these wars not only divided the country but, in some cases, split families as well.  But I dare say that few people are aware of the religious conflict that divided France well before the wars of religion.  This conflict goes all the way back to the twelfth century with such groups as the Cathars, Waldensians and others offering different theological perspectives that challenged the dominant Catholic narrative, and even earlier if you include resistance to clerical abuses in general.  The Cathars, in particular, ruffled Vatican feathers with their focus on Mary Magdalene, as opposed to Saint Peter.  According to southern French mythology, Mary Magdalene fled to France and lived out her life there, after the death of Christ.

I knew that my immigrating ancestors were Calvinists.  But I was surprised to discover that the first several generations in this country had female children that they named Maria Magdalena at a time when both Catholics and Protestants considered Magdalene to be a fallen woman.  I had to ask myself why a family would name their girls after a fallen woman, no matter how subsequently redeemed she might be.  The answer of course is complicated and teases the imagination in interesting ways.

Can you share something about the book that isn’t covered in the blurb?



One of the things not covered in the book is that the du Laux family appears to be related to the same family group as the fictional Sir Lancelot du Lac of Arthurian fame.


If you had to describe your protagonist(s), in three words, what would those three words be and why?



Strong, resilient, compassionate.


What was the most challenging part about writing your book?



One of the most challenging parts about writing The Lost Seigneur was the patience it took to go through several drafts before arriving at the final version.  After the publication of Chateau Laux, I was under a lot of pressure to follow with the sequel.  The Lost Seigneur, however, would not be rushed.


Was there anything that you edited out of this book that would have drastically affected the story, should it be left in?



While the process of editing and rewriting left many bits and pieces in its wake, I can’t say that any of them would have been crucial enough to alter the story, had they been left in.

That said, the question provokes thought regarding one of the thematic elements of The Lost Seigneur, which is the French word hasard, as depicted in the book’s front matter.  The relevance of the word, as developed in the book, is that whereas God may offer us opportunities, we need the presence of mind to recognize them and the courage to embrace them.  The book might not have suffered without this emphasis, in some people’s minds, but would have been diminished in my own estimation.


What are you currently working on?



I am currently working on a book that would have to be categorized as a contemporary literary fiction with a historical emphasis.  It involves the modern-day restoration of the château portrayed in Chateau Laux and The Lost Seigneur, which has fallen into disrepair after years of abandonment.


What would you tell an aspiring author who had some doubts about their writing abilities?



Ability is relative.  Just look at the wide range of publications from both mainstream and indie writers, and you will find a full bell curve of writing talent.  If you have a story and want to tell it, then do so.  Write as many drafts as you have to in order to tell the story the best you can.  Then share it with readers and a good editor and listen to their advice.  Sometimes bad writing just needs another draft or two to end up being something you will be proud of.

Personal Interview Questions


What do you like to do when you are not writing?



I am a long-time tai chi practitioner, which I find very grounding.  I also enjoy flyfishing, though time on the water seems increasingly rare these days.


What did you want to be when you grew up?



I loved the outdoors and wanted to be anything that involved being out among the trees, water and fresh air.  


What’s for dinner tonight? What would you rather be eating?



Dinner tonight will be chicken and seafood jambalaya.  This is my wife’s recipe, but most of the time I cook for her and enjoy any food that gives her pleasure.


What would be a perfect day?



I try not to be goal oriented, though this is difficult, as I am a writer.  A perfect day would be out of doors in the heavy flush of spring, taking a walk through the woods, stopping by a shaded brook and meditating at the foot of a maple tree.


What is the best part of your day?



The best part of my day is in the morning, without a doubt.

Either or!

Tea or coffee:  Coffee in the morning and tea at any other time

Hot or cold:  Hot

Movie or book:  Book

Morning person or Night owl:  Morning person

City or country:  I have lived in both but prefer the country (with apologies to friends who thrive in an urban environment)

Social Media or book:  Book

Paperback or ebook:  Paperback

David Loux is the author of Chateau Laux, a critically acclaimed, award-winning novel that tells the story of a shocking incident in eighteenth century America. His second novel, The Lost Seigneur, expands on the themes detailed in Chateau Laux, and completes the story of a French family’s migration to America in the eighteenth century.

He lives in the Eastern Sierra with his wife, Lynn.

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Read a guest post by Mercedes Rochelle, author of The Usurper King and The Accursed King #HenryIV #Plantagenet #TheUsurperKing #TheAccursedKing @authorRochelle @cathiedunn

The Usurper King

By Mercedes Rochelle

Narrated by Kevin E. Green

From Outlaw to Usurper, Henry Bolingbroke fought one rebellion after another.

First, he led his own uprising. Then he captured a forsaken king. Henry had no intention of taking the crown for himself; it was given to him by popular acclaim. Alas, it didn't take long to realize that that having the kingship was much less rewarding than striving for it. Only three months after his coronation, Henry IV had to face a rebellion led by Richard's disgruntled favorites. Repressive measures led to more discontent. His own supporters turned against him, demanding more than he could give. The haughty Percies precipitated the Battle of Shrewsbury which nearly cost him the throne—and his life.

To make matters worse, even after Richard II's funeral, the deposed monarch was rumored to be in Scotland, planning his return. The king just wouldn't stay down and malcontents wanted him back.

Pages: 303

Genre: Historical Fiction

Grab a copy HERE!

This novel is free to read with #KindleUnlimited subscription.

What happens when a king loses his prowess? 

The day Henry IV could finally declare he had vanquished his enemies, he threw it all away with an infamous deed. No English king had executed an archbishop before. And divine judgment was quick to follow. Many thought he was struck with leprosy—God's greatest punishment for sinners. From that point on, Henry's health was cursed and he fought doggedly on as his body continued to betray him—reducing this once great warrior to an invalid. 

Fortunately for England, his heir was ready and eager to take over. But Henry wasn't willing to relinquish what he had worked so hard to preserve. No one was going to take away his royal prerogative—not even Prince Hal. 

But Henry didn't count on Hal's dauntless nature, which threatened to tear the royal family apart.

Pages: 299

Genre: Historical Fiction

Grab a copy HERE!

This novel is free to read with #KindleUnlimited subscription.

What Motivated Henry Bolingbroke to Take the Crown?

By Mercedes Rochelle

Before everything went wrong, Henry Bolingbroke had the most enviable life imaginable. Eldest son of the most important Duke in England, given unlimited financial resources, father of four sons and two daughters, allowed to gallivant across Europe—what more could a man ask for? Unfortunately, it all came to a screeching halt when Henry and Thomas Mowbray had a very public falling out and gave King Richard the excuse to exile both of them.

Why the exile? Aside from the fact that Henry and Richard never got along, Henry was one of the Appellants who challenged the king during the terrible Merciless Parliament back in 1388. Richard never forgave him, though he pretended to, in order to appease his father John of Gaunt. But, presented with the famous Trial by Combat that never happened, Richard couldn’t resist the opportunity and exiled both contestants—Mowbray for life, and Henry for ten years (reduced to six). 

Henry might have accepted his exile, but once John of Gaunt died, Richard confiscated Bolingbroke’s Lancastrian titles, lands, and goods, to be held in trust, “until Henry of Lancaster, duke of Hereford, or his heir, shall have sued the same out of the king's hands according to the law of the land or have another grant from the king”. What does this mean? Historians can’t agree, but it implies Henry might return at some point. Or maybe Richard meant for Henry’s son to claim it. There is also no consensus that Bolingbroke was exiled for life. 

Regardless, Henry decided to take matters into his own hands, with the ardent encouragement from the exiled Archbishop Arundel, who took on all the “grunt work” involved in returning to England. In fact, I have a sneaking suspicion that without Arundel’s persistence, Henry might not have had the gumption to make it all happen. It was certainly an intimidating concept, considering that Henry was threatened with execution if he returned. 

But return he did, after Richard took a small army to Ireland, leaving England in the hands of his irresolute uncle, the Duke of York. Henry ultimately landed at Bridlington, in Yorkshire with a small following and three ships. Imagine his surprise when Harry Hotspur coincidentally appeared at his doorstep, just to investigate the new arrivals; he happened to be in the neighborhood.  

This was a make-it-or-break-it moment. Hotspur was the son of Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland. He was also Warden of the East March of Scotland, and he was well within his rights to arrest Henry on the spot, putting an end to the fledgling invasion. But the Percies were disgruntled with King Richard. Besides, everyone knew what had happened to Bolingbroke. If the heir of Lancaster could be treated in such a manner, no one was safe. 

And so it began. It didn’t take long for Henry to gather a strong following and march west. Did he only intend to recover his patrimony at this early stage? Historians have argued over this for centuries. Sure, he could have recovered his birthright, but what then? He certainly insisted that this was his only motivation, and many people believed it—especially Harry Hotspur. When Henry confronted the Duke of York, he continued to insist he had only returned to recover the Duchy of Lancaster, though by then his words were beginning to sound unconvincing. 

Immediately after York gave in and joined the rebellion, they went to Bristol and Henry ordered the execution of LeScrope, Bushy, and Green. Was this the action of a duke, or did it belong to a king? Shortly thereafter—and well before Richard’s capture—Percy was getting quarrelsome and needed appeasing, so Henry appointed him Warden of the March toward Scotland. This satisfied the earl for the moment. Though once again, Henry overstepped his authority; only the king appointed the Wardens. 

By the time Richard had been captured, it was more than obvious that the king had no support whatsoever. The way Henry treated him pretty much betrayed their relative positions. The king was given no change of clothing, made to ride a broken-down horse, and was locked up tight in whatever place they stayed on the way to London. And everywhere they went, the populace cheered Henry as their liberator. Who could resist such acclaim? 

You could almost say Henry was forced to usurp the crown. He knew that if he released Richard, there would be no forgiveness. The king would eventually have him tried for treason—or murdered, like the Duke of Gloucester. He had to take the crown, to save himself. Was there any time in this whole episode where he could safely reclaim his patrimony? Before he had gone too far? I suspect not. Was he fooling himself? Again, I suspect not. But he needed to convince others to follow him, and he used the argument best devised to relieve their consciences—especially the Percies. Unfortunately, his best intentions backfired and his former supporters eventually became his bitterest enemies. 

Mercedes Rochelle is an ardent lover of medieval history, and has channelled this interest into fiction writing. Her first four books cover eleventh-century Britain and events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England. The next series is called The Plantagenet Legacy about the struggles and abdication of Richard II, leading to the troubled reigns of the Lancastrian Kings. She also writes a blog: HistoricalBritainBlog.com to explore the history behind the story.

Born in St. Louis, MO, she received by BA in Literature at the Univ. of Missouri St.Louis in 1979 then moved to New York in 1982 while in her mid-20s to “see the world”. The search hasn’t ended!

Today she lives in Sergeantsville, NJ with her husband in a log home they had built themselves.

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Read my review of The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven (The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven trilogy) by Jennifer Ivy Walker #medievalromance #arthurianlegend #paranormalromance @bohemienneiv

The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven

(The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven trilogy)

By Jennifer Ivy Walker

In this paranormal fantasy adaptation of the medieval legend of Tristan and Isolde, the rightful heir to the Irish crown must flee the wicked queen, finding shelter with a fairy witch who teaches her the verdant magic of the forest. Fate leads Issylte to the otherworldly realm of the Lady of the Lake and the Elves of Avalon, where she must choose between her life as a Celtic healer or fight to save her ravaged kingdom from the ruthless Black Widow Queen.

Tristan of Lyonesse is a Knight of King Arthur's Round Table who must overcome the horrors of his traumatic past and defend his kingdom of Cornwall against a Viking invasion from Ireland. When he becomes a warrior of the Tribe of Dana, a gift of Druidic magic might hold the key he seeks.

Two parallel lives, interwoven by fate. Haunted and hunted by the same Black Widow Queen.

Can their passion and power prevail?

Praise:

“A sensational, well-crafted, fantasy fiction novel, with a perfect blend of magic, mysticism, romance, tragedy, drama, and suspense.”  Finalist Award from Reader’s Choice Book Awards

“I loved the world-building, the drama…fantasy settings from actual places like France, Ireland, and Britain.”  Jennifer Ibiam, Readers’ Favorite Book Awards

“An incredible tale of love, courage, sacrifice, and the everlasting fight between good and evil.”  Pikasho Deka, Readers’ Favorite Book Awards

“Her world building skills are masterful. Her rich storytelling and blending of genres will delight readers and fans of paranormal, historical, and romance alike.”  Author Avis Adams

“A wildly romantic adventure, filled with the stuff of legends.”  Author Helen Johannes

“A new rival for Marion Zimmer Bradley’s crown.”  SandDancer Publications

“The world-building is second to none.”  N.N. Light’s Book Heaven

“Her wording is precise, lyrical, and beautiful, and character depictions are vivid and enthralling.”  Author Barbara Bettis

“An example of historical romance at its best.” Coffee Pot Book Club 5-star Editorial Review

“This beautiful fantasy novel captured my full attention from start to finish. Jennifer Ivy Walker infuses espionage, betrayal, love, magic, and danger throughout the story. The end left me yearning to read the sequel.”  Stephanie Chapman for Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews

Genre: Arthurian Fantasy / Historical Romance Fantasy / Paranormal

Pages: 522 Pages

Grab a copy HERE!

MY THOUGHTS

From the very first pages of The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven, Jennifer Ivy Walker draws you into a richly layered world of kingdoms, secrets, and simmering danger. Princess Issylte finds herself trapped between duty and desire, forced into the rigid expectations of royal life while longing for freedom beyond castle walls. But as her father’s new bride arrives and shadows begin to gather, it becomes clear that the true threat lies not in distant lands—but within the very heart of the court.

Issylte is a wonderfully compelling heroine. Though she may appear fragile at first, there is a quiet resilience within her that shines through her fear and grief. Her love of nature and independence sets her apart from the stifling expectations of royalty, and as the story unfolds, you begin to see her inner strength blossom in the face of manipulation and loss. Opposite her stands Queen Morag—cold, calculating, and utterly chilling. The contrast between them is stark, and it creates a tension that simmers beneath every interaction, making even the quietest moments feel dangerous.

Meanwhile, across the sea, Tristan’s story unfolds with equal intensity. Driven by past trauma and a fierce determination to prove himself, his journey through rigorous training and the looming Tournament of Champions adds a thrilling, action-packed layer to the narrative. His arc is filled with grit, ambition, and a deep emotional core that balances beautifully with Issylte’s more introspective journey.

This novel excels in its ability to weave multiple storylines together seamlessly. Court intrigue, forbidden desires, political alliances, and looming betrayals all intertwine, creating a tapestry that is as intricate as it is gripping. The pacing steadily builds, drawing you deeper into a world where nothing is quite as it seems, and danger lurks behind even the most beautiful façades.

The world-building is absolutely stunning. From the lush forests of Ireland to the rugged coastal strongholds of Cornwall, every setting feels vivid and alive. The author’s attention to detail brings each scene into sharp focus—whether it’s the opulence of royal feasts, the tension of a tournament field, or the quiet unease of a candlelit chamber where secrets are whispered. You can truly see and feel this world as it unfolds.

It would be impossible to discuss every element that makes this book so captivating without venturing into spoiler territory. But what stands out most is the emotional depth and the sense of looming inevitability that threads through the story. There is a constant push and pull between fate and choice, loyalty and ambition, love and power—and it keeps you utterly hooked.

To truly appreciate everything this novel has to offer, it’s best discovered without too much foreknowledge. With its seamless blend of historical fantasy, romance, political intrigue, and darker undertones, The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven delivers a captivating and immersive reading experience. It’s the sort of story that draws you in completely, making it difficult to step away, and leaves you eagerly anticipating the next instalment in the series.

Jennifer Ivy Walker is an award-winning author of medieval Celtic, Nordic, and paranormal romance, as well as contemporary romance, historical fantasy, and WWII romantic suspense.

A former high school teacher and college professor of French with an MA in French literature, her novels encompass a love for French language, literature, history, and culture, including Celtic myths and legends, Norse mythology, Viking sagas, and Nordic lore.

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Read my review of Eternal Dominion (The Eden Vault, Book One) by Dan Hardez #Fantasy #EpicFantasy #Dinosaurs @RABTBookTours

Eternal Dominion

(The Eden Vault, Book One)

By Dan Hardez

In a continent shaped by ancient secrets and forgotten science, power is measured not only in armies—but in monsters.

For centuries, the Kingdom of Valkalor has ruled through terror, harnessing prehistoric creatures to crush rivals and expand its dominion. Bound beneath the reign of the ruthless King Gadrion, the realm teeters on the edge of total war. When a new external threat emerges—one powerful enough to destroy the fragile balance restraining Gadrion’s ambition—the king seizes his moment.

But his plans begin to unravel when his daughters, Kendra and Cerelia, uncover the horrifying truth behind their father’s designs.

Forced into exile and hunted across savage lands, the sisters must navigate a brutal world of political intrigue, assassins, mercenaries, and carnivorous saurians. Their only hope lies in the Eden Vault—a legendary and ancient chamber rumored to wield power over creation itself.

As rival kingdoms march toward genocide and war threatens to consume the known world, impossible choices loom:

● Will uniting their father’s enemies ignite an even greater catastrophe?

● Can the Vault stop the coming war—or unleash a force far worse?

● And who is truly manipulating events from the shadows of Valkalor’s rise?

Blending epic fantasy, science fantasy, and high-stakes thriller pacing, Eternal Dominion launches The Eden Vault Series—a sweeping saga of dynastic power struggles, dinosaur-driven warfare, dark magic-adjacent mythologies, and deeply personal journeys of love, loyalty, and rebellion.

Perfect for readers who love:

● Epic fantasy with political intrigue

● Dark fantasy with moral complexity

● Monster and dinosaur-driven worlds

● Strong heroine-led narratives

● High-action, cinematic storytelling

Content Warning: Written for mature adult readers. Includes graphic violence, trauma, war, strong language, an intimate scene, and occasional drug use.

The war is coming.

The Vault is real.

And time is running out.

Genre: Epic Fantasy
Page Length: 422

Grab a copy HERE!

MY THOUGHTS

Gadrion has commanded his armies through battle after battle, but the fight he finds himself facing next is a lot closer to home. The Kingdom on Valkalor holds it’s ground firmly, protected by powerful forces much stronger than mere men. Abilities to meld with different creatures provides a distinct advantage, allowing soldiers to command the large and ruthless beasts against their enemies. But, amongst the excitement of a gladiatorial tournament in the lead up to Gadrion’s birthday, a truth begins to come to light that he must contain before it’s damage is irreversible.

Cerelia may not be the strongest of her siblings, but her first love has always been knowledge. She would rather spend her time reading, than training like her older sister, Kendra. However, when she begins to unravel hidden secrets within the kingdom, even she can’t sit by and let things play out without finding out the truth behind what her father’s true plans are. 

In the midst of family tragedies and drama, danger unfolds. Rival kingdoms add an intense layer of political intrigue to this novel, with forces stepping forth into the kingdom unbeknownst to the king, and more action happening further afield. Treachery burns bright within a few characters, and a fierce battle between loyalty and following the heart rings true. Careful strategy, spies, traitors, and not knowing who to trust – this book is packed full of intrigue and certainly keeps your attention held throughout! 

There are a lot of characters in this book. To begin with, it can be a little difficult to keep track of them all, but once you have got the main names down, everything slots into place and the story unfolds easily. Tensions rise throughout, as you follow multiple threads of the same story, things happening in different places, all leading up to one event – the tragedy of Northshard. From court dealings to sea battles, from dinosaurs to mermaids, this book doesn’t leave anything out. With incredible world building, the setting truly comes to life, and you can picture everything as and when it happens. In particular, the scenes of action, of life and death fighting, whether against men or dinosaurs, are written so amazingly, I quickly found myself lost in the pages. This is the kind of book that you read late into the night because you don’t want to put it down.

It would be impossible to talk about every aspect of the novel I want to, because to do so would include spoilers, and explanation into who each character is and their role in the story. So instead, I will narrow it down. Gadrion is, without a doubt, one of the most spine-tinglingly evil characters I have read about in a long time. He is without emotion, his only link to human pain and suffering through the crown he wears, allowing him to feel the emotions of others around him. And the worst part? The fear and pain are the emotions he most enjoys feeling radiating off others. He is not afraid to kill or maim to get what he wants, and his ambitions stretch far beyond what he lets those around him see. He is ruthless, deadly, and quite frankly terrifying. On the other hand, his youngest daughter, Cerelia, was one of my favourite characters of this book. She is brave, not because she is without fear, but because she pushes through it to try and do what is right. She protects those who she feels needs protecting, and tries to do right by everyone she meets. She is kind, caring, and a genuinely nice person. The differences between her and Gadrion are so stark, it is almost difficult to see how they are related.

There is so much I could say about this book, but this is certainly the kind of book you need to read for yourself to truly appreciate. With a vast mix of ancient civilisations, with a science fantasy twist of powerful objects and dinosaurs thrown into the mix, this is an truly fabulous epic fantasy novel with top-tier storytelling and world building that draws you into the story and holds you captive throughout.

Dan Hardez is an epic fantasy and science-fantasy author, lifelong learner, and storyteller whose work blends cinematic action, political intrigue, and speculative science into immersive secondary worlds.

An avid reader from childhood, Dan’s imagination was ignited early by novels that fused science, history, and suspense—sparking a lifelong fascination with worldbuilding and high-stakes storytelling. He completed his first novel-length story at age eleven and dreamed of crafting sweeping epics that explored power, discovery, and the cost of ambition.

Life eventually pulled him away from writing as he pursued a career and raised a family, but during the COVID pandemic—amid isolation and personal transition—Dan returned to the page after nearly two decades away. What began as an experiment quickly reignited his creative drive, evolving into The Eden Vault Series, a sprawling saga shaped by years of lived experience and deep research.

Dan is the author of Eternal Dominion, the flagship novel of the series, along with three prequel anthologies—Spectra, Cinderr, and Azemar—with the sequel, Fallen Crescents, currently in progress. His stories draw heavily from history, politics, paleontology, anthropology, and emerging scientific concepts, woven into dark, character-driven fantasy worlds.

A self-described “pantser,” Dan writes without rigid outlines, allowing characters to steer the narrative in unexpected directions. He often says he knows how the saga will end—but not always how the characters will get there.

By day, Dan balances a full-time career and raising two incredible kids. By night, he continues building the world of Valkalor, driven by a passion for storytelling and a deep appreciation for the readers who step into his worlds.

When he’s not writing, Dan enjoys traveling, following professional sports, and escaping into Colorado’s outdoors.

Readers can explore more about The Eden Vault Series, upcoming releases, and exclusive content at danielhardez.com, and connect with him on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and beyond.

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Read an excerpt from Strings by Jan Merritt #ContemporaryRomance #Romance @RABTBookTours

Strings

By Jan Merritt

With a national lockdown looming, a Southern journalist flees north, determined to jumpstart her career in the safety of a Minnesota wilderness, feisty and wary of entanglements, she piques the interest of a bored Native American rock star.

A pandemic is spreading across the globe. A national lockdown looms in the United States. A Southern journalist sees a chance to protect her health and jumpstart her career by escaping north to a Minnesota wilderness. Feisty and wary of entanglement, she piques the interest of a bored Native American rock star on his way home.

Robby Song’s career may be on hold, but Grace Wheeler is on a mission to build hers. To Robby, she’s an intriguing challenge. To Grace, he’s a distraction she’s not ready to handle. But the brutal Northwoods winter is coming. Grace flees back south . . . to soul-searching isolation and a puzzling middle-of-the-night call.

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Drama, Women’s Fiction

Pages: 414

Grab a copy HERE!

EXCERPT

“Interesting.” He looked out at the lake. “This is so different.”

“Different from what?”

“What I’m used to . . . when I come home. I’m not used to having conversations anymore with people I don’t know or who don’t know who I am. I’ve been away for sixteen years . . . living a totally different life. Normally, when I’m here, I have a sort of agenda. I know who I’m going to see — family and old friends. This time, I have no schedule, no pending dates, nothing to make me leave. I hadn’t realized I’ve been so isolated from dealing with people . . . with strangers . . . like you.” He leaned forward to get up and looked over at Grace. “And the women I’m around don’t treat me like you do. They’re much more agreeable.” He stood up. “I need food. You want to come or not?”

Grace looked up at him, pulling her hair back away from her face with her right hand. “I can imagine how the women you meet act, now that I know who you are. You’ve been living in a bubble, but who you are doesn’t mean a thing to me. And if you think I’m disagreeable, you’re in for a bad time if this pandemic lasts. In the real world, women have lives, and they’re not all focused on stroking . . . male . . . egos.” She stood up. “Not every woman is interested in being your groupie. The world has changed while you’ve been in your bubble.”

“Well, if you’re any indication, I should invest in a suit of armor.”

“Probably not a bad idea.”

 

Jan Merritt is passionate about teaching both in the classroom and on horses, but brain cancer changed her life. Surgeries and treatments have left her with a new brain, one that does not have skills to teach middle school English or balance to ride horses . . . but loves to create stories.

Jan lives on the coast of South Carolina with strong ties to northern Minnesota. Growing up was filled with rich but conflicting narratives. Her dad told stories about his pioneering Minnesota family, egalitarian values, and the importance of self-reliance. They made annual trips to family cabins on a lake north of Duluth. But in her friends’ homes back in Charleston, she was immersed in plantation lore, tales of the Confederacy, and exclusive traditions of a social set that she was not born into. She is married to a musician who is also a mental health therapist. They have three children.

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