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ABOUT THE BOOK
Guarding his nation’s last hope, a teen must escape enemy lands.
While Anargen, Caeserus, and Bertinand are held captive in Stormridge, the war to restore Ecthelowall’s Commonwealth has been waged for months. Their friend Terrillian is on its frontline and hopes are high.
For Barons Fenwrest and Sornfold the fight is too close to their children, whose union represents the only viable challenge to the Monarchists claim to Ecthelowall’s ancient throne. Enter Thomas Fenwrest, an orphan and page to Sir Hurstwell, who is captain of Baron Fenwrest’s guard. The pair must escort the teens to Castle Yerst expecting boredom to be their only danger. Everything quickly spirals out of control when the Monarchists somehow deliver a devastating blow to the Restoration army and Thomas and Sir Hurstwell face the increasingly difficult task of keeping their charges alive. Ancient sorcery and bitter grudges combine to ensnare them. As desperation sets in for the Restoration and Thomas, to where will they turn for hope?
Publisher: Expanse Books
Release Date: September 13, 2022
OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES
EXCERPT
“Mia?” he tried again and reached out and gently put his hand on her shoulder.
“No, I’m fine.” She evaded his touch. “I can’t believe he was right. We were still celebrating the victory that turned back the Monarch and guaranteed Cromwell’s safety for good. But somehow, we’ve lost everything. Our safety. The Viceroy. Father. They’re just gone.”
“We don’t know that for sure. Both the Viceroy and your father could have been in the back of the lines; maybe they escaped during a strategic withdrawal.”
She shot him a glance, eyes reddened with suppressed tears. “Father doesn’t retreat, and he would never let his men fight dangers he would not face himself.”
Thomas looked at the ground. He did know that, and could respect the Baron for it. “Whatever our differences, your father is an honorable man.”
“Was,” she corrected. “Was honorable. No one else escaped this. This is the worst slaughter in Ecthelowall’s history. I can see the bodies of pages and nursemaids. What kind of monster kills them?” A tear slid down her cheek, and she wiped it away, but she was breaking; a faint moan escaped her lips.
Running his hand through his hair, Thomas scanned the area. They had to hurry, but he knew he couldn’t force her on. Heartbreak has a way of numbing the body to the survival instincts outward injuries excite.
He wrapped his arms around her and felt her grip him fiercely. She sobbed into his chest. Thomas rubbed her back gently, murmuring soothing sounds.
After a few moments, Mia pushed away and regarded him warily. Her voice choked as she asked, “What are you doing?”
He raised his brows. That was a delicate question. She might fall apart if he revealed his belief that her father was gone. But as he looked into her pain-stricken eyes, he recalled how he’d longed for honesty in his time of hurt. “Um, I guess I’m consoling you.”
She shook her head. “We can’t even stand being in the same room together. Why would you want to console me?”
Suspicion was heavy in her voice and her tone much louder now. Whatever she thought he was up to, it was clearly blinding her to the precarious position they were in. He held up his hands placatingly. “Easy. I meant you no ill. I just understand, is all.”
“Understand? Understand what?”
He sighed. “What it’s like to lose a father. To lose everything.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Brett Armstrong, author of the prize-winning novel, Destitutio Quod Remissio, started writing stories at age nine, penning a tale of revenge and ambition set in the last days of the Aztec Empire. Twenty years later, he still tells stories enriched by his Christian faith and a master’s degree in creative writing. His goal with every work is to be like a brush in the Master artist’s hand and his hope is the finished composition always reflects the design God had in mind. He writes to engage, immerse, and entertain with deep, thoughtful stories. Continually busy at work with one or more new novels to come, he also enjoys drawing, gardening, and playing with his beautiful wife and son. Brett’s book The Gathering Dark is a 2020 Selah Awards Finalist in the Speculative Fiction category.
Connect with Brett by visiting brettarmstrong.net to follow him on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.
GIVEAWAY
(2) winners will receive a $25 Amazon gift card, a copy of Quest of Fire: Desperation, a digital map of the western Lowlands, a digital copy of a limited-release short story about a character in Desperation, and Quest of Fire‘s theme music.
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 8, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 15, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
TOUR SCHEDULE
Great excerpt.
ReplyDeletethanks, Hallie!
ReplyDeleteFantastic excerpt, Quest of Fire: Desperation sounds like a book that my granddaughter will enjoy reading and I am looking forward to sharing it with her! Good luck with your book Brett and I hope the tour was a success!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing it with me and have a terrific day!