Journey To Osm - No Metal No Magic

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSCPkLaFJ4_/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1np2sa9d9o0q4

Silver Dagger Book Tours and Giveaways - The Black Trillium by Simon McNeil

The
Black Trillium

by
Simon McNeil

Genre:
Post-Apocalyptic Fantasy

Confederation
rules in Trana—so says the king.

But
Fredericton is a long way from the shores of Lake Ontario, and
schemes for power will bring together three extraordinary young
warriors.

Savannah

A
desert girl who came to Trana looking for refuge but has never found
a home

Kieran

A
privileged city boy dreaming of rebellion and hardened by
cruelty

Kyle

The
disgraced heir to the throne desperate to win back his place in his
father's heart

Sworn
enemies or reluctant allies, they all have one thing in common: an
incomplete half of the legendary fighting skill known as the
Triumvirate sword art. They fight for glory, for power, for the
monsters lurking beneath the streets, and for the mysterious society
moving in the shadows of Trana—the Black Trillium.

Add
to Goodreads

Amazon
* Apple
* B&N
* Kobo

Simon McNeil is the
author of The Black Trillium, a story of revolution and martial arts
set in the ruins of Toronto. This novel is published by Brain
Lag Publishing.

He is an online
marketing communications specialist with a major educational
institution when not wandering the world looking for trouble. He is a
life-long martial artist, has published several articles in Kung Fu
Magazine and he’s probably a little bit too fond of kung fu movies.

He lives in Toronto,
Canada with his wife who has happily laid out rules to prevent the
sword-through-glass-lampshade incident from ever happening again. The
Black Trillium is his first novel.

Later that day I was tending the fire in the kitchen hearth. Uncle Stephen came back in from his deck. His lips were almost blue from the cold but whatever he’d been speaking to his friend about had been clearly more important than his comfort.

“Kieran, I’ve spoken to Jean. He told me what happened, with Sawchuk.”

“You aren’t mad, are you?”

“No, I understand.”

“Well good, because I didn’t mean to attract his attention, it’s just…”

“He suspects me. And not entirely without reason; surely you have suspected.”

I gave my uncle a skeptical look.

“You know the stories about the fall of Quebec and the freedom fighters who opposed MacMillan’s father.”

“The Black Trillium,” I said.

“And I’m sure you have heard that some of them survived. Well…” He paused and he looked at me steadily. “Jean and I both fight for the Black Trillium. We have since we were young. In Jean’s case he was at the fall of Quebec.”

The fall of Quebec. It was one of those moments of infamy you heard about in hushed rumour, almost legend already, though not yet in the distant past. That Mr. Chamblais might have actually been there was shocking. I sat still for a moment, trying to control my surprise and awe before I spoke.

“And now something has happened.”

“In Broken Tower. The lordling there killed a Confederation minister as an offering to us, seeking allegiance. We turned him down. We weren’t ready to free Trana and he’s forced our hand. Things are going to be very hard in the next year. War is coming to Trana. So you have a choice to make.”

“A choice…” I could hardly believe what he was telling me. It made sense. My uncle’s strange friends, his opposition to Confederation, Sawchuk’s suspicions, all these things fit the pattern of a rebel in hiding.

“Yes, you can fight with us. If you do you will have to do… terrible things. War is always terrible. But you can. Or Jean can bring you to safety somewhere nearby.”

“What about you?”

“I have to stay here. It’s my home. I’ll fight to defend it.”

“So will I,” I said.

“Be careful Kieran, I never wanted to draw you into a war.”

“No. But if I start running now, when will I stop?”

“If you are sure,” he said.

And I was.

“Yes,” I said, and I looked up at uncle Stephen burning with fierce pride.

“So why were you fighting with Argus Sawchuk?”

“I was talking with Teddy Li about the situation, you know, down in Broken Tower and he came around, accused me of treason.”

“The situation is fragile, we must be careful not to alert the wrong people clashing with lumps like Sawchuk.”

The stranger slipped into the room then and said, “The situation is beyond fragile. It is devolving and there will be war soon.”

Uncle Stephen seemed to deflate a little, his shoulders sagging. He took a deep breath. “I know that, Jean. But I’d prefer it didn’t start on my doorstep.”

“The truth is that we must deal with Sawchuk.”

I had a fantasy of drumming the bully out of Kensington, tarring him and feathering him, anything to see him gone.

“Let’s go now!”

“You’ll stay put today.” Uncle Stephen sounded firm.

“But…”

“No, your uncle is right. Sawchuk won’t readily forget you were the reason he was beaten today. He’ll be on the lookout for you as soon as he recovers and the chances are good he won’t be alone. You stay put, for today. Tomorrow we will see to your education.”

“Yes, sir,” I said. “I understand.” I thought calling him sir would be appropriately respectful, but he just chuckled at me.

“Mr. Chamblais will suffice,” he said.

“If you don’t mind me asking, Mr. Chamblais, what do you mean you’ll see to my education? I already know my numbers and letters.”

“There is much a rebel must know beyond reading and writing. I don’t suppose you know how to handle a sword.”

I’d never thought of it that way. I’d played at swords with my friends when I was a kid but Kensington was a peaceful place. I hadn’t ever learned to fight.

“But first you must be initiated.”

“Initiated,” I said. “Some sort of ceremony?”

“Something like that.”

The rest of the day passed slowly. I stayed inside while uncle Stephen and Mr. Chamblais “dealt with the Sawchuk problem” and the weather was miserable in any case. I felt almost resentful, like I wasn’t getting to join a romantic brotherhood of freedom fighters, but was instead being made a prisoner in my own home by a strange raggedy man.

I went to sleep reluctantly, my head buzzing with thoughts of heroism and rebellion, excited and terrified about what lay before me.

Website
* Facebook *
Twitter * Instagram
* Amazon
* Goodreads
* Brain
Lag Publishing

Follow
the tour HERE
for exclusive excerpts, guest posts and a giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Kids Did It - Hello November 2018

 HELLO NOVEMBER! 

$250 Cash Giveaway

Wow! I can not believe we're nearing the end of another year. It's the season for love and giving but also stress. Let us knock some of that weight off of your shoulders by giving you a chance to win BIG during our Hello November $250 Cash Giveaway! You have the option of choosing between $250 PayPal Cash OR a Gift Card of choice! 

This event was organized by The Kids Did It & The Mommy Island and sponsored by fabulous bloggers, authors, and Etsy shop owners! 

Pull up a chair and carve your way through the daily entries!

Giveaway Details:

ONE entrant will be selected from the entry form to win $250 PayPal cash OR a $250 gift card of choice. Open for entry WW, 18 years and older from 11/01/18 at 12:01 a.m. ET thru 11/30/18 at 11:59 p.m. ET. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. A winner will be chosen after/around December 1, 2018. The winner will have 24 hours to respond to notification email to claim their prize or a new winner will be selected. See Rafflecopter for official rules. 

The Kids Did It & The Mommy Island ARE responsible for sending the winner their prize via PayPal or e-gift card. The winner has the option of choosing between PayPal and an e-gift card of choice. Prize may be less than $250 if you choose a gift card with fees. Any fees associated with PayPal are the responsibility of the winner and will be deducted from the total prize amount.

A huge THANK YOU to these fabulous bloggers, without which, this giveaway would not be possible. Please note the first entry is to show them love on one of their posts below and is NOT optional. All entries are verified.

An InLinkz Link-up

Follow The Kids Did It on Facebook and Twitter then enter for a chance to win!

Twitter profiles with no profile picture and dummy accounts are ineligible for entry and will be blocked. Authentic accounts only are eligible to win.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Reviews for The Blue Unicorn's Journey To Osm by Julie

When Blue was born, he was supposed to be the savior. The oracle had prophesied it beforehand. All of the unicorns in the land of MarBryn had horns of some type of metal and each one had their own magic. But when Blue was born, his horn was only a plain blue hide. With no one to fulfill the prophesy, no more unicorns would be born. Twenty years later, the Numen relayed to the oracle the path that Blue must take, to save the tribe and bring them back to their homeland of Unimaise. But first he must confront the evil sorcerer Magh.

The plot was interesting and easy to follow. I liked the human qualities of the unicorns. It made their journey unique in that they were all family to each other. The characters that Blue meets on his adventure were also unique and loveable. I enjoyed all of the illustrations throughout the story. They were beautifully done. They also helped to visualize each creature after reading their descriptions. My favorite part of the book has to be when Blue was going through the rainbow land. The descriptions truly described a rainbow. I don’t think you have to be a child to enjoy this story.

Unicorn Book Feature - Black Unicorn - Book 1 By Tanith Lee

Unicorn Book Feature

Year of the Unicorn

By Andre Norton

Year Of the Unicorn returns to Andre Norton’s Witch World with a tale of adventure and magic. The orphan Gillan grew up in an abbey in High Hallack, always knowing she was different and never feeling at home. When the lords of High Hallack pledge twelve brides to the Were Riders in exchange for their protection, Gillan is faced with an opportunity few would consider: to take the place of one of the twelve chosen women and go off to parts unknown to marry one of these strange wild men. But Gillan leaps at the chance to leave the only home she has ever known in the hopes of finding something she was meant to do. And her rare gift to see through illusions that fool others will prove vital in a journey where nothing is as it seems.

Get It At Amazon.

Sybrina's Blue Unicorn Book Store - Unicorn Bath Bomb

Unicorn Bath Bomb

Sybrina's Blue Unicorn Book Store

Where you'll find unicorns, more unicorns and nothing but unicorns! Visit now.

Book Reviews for The Blue Unicorn's Journey To Osm by Nicole

Melissa 

Shelves: fantasy, reviewed, ya, illustrated

The Blue Unicorn's Journey To Osm by Sybrina Durant is a children's fantasy book about a group of unicorns written in third-person. It is perfect for children who enjoy fantasy stories (and especially unicorns). The book is aimed at younger children and filled with beautiful illustrations. This is a great book to read with a child.

Phrase Thesaurus Samples - Vol 4 - Earth Views - SS1-1

Sybrina's Phrase Thesaurus Sample Phrases

Volume 4

Earth Views (Skyscapes - Morning - Sunrise)

Sybrina's Phrase Thesaurus is a 4 Volume Set of thousands of descriptive phrases to help authors break through writer's block.  This group of phrases describe morning sunrises.

 

Get this writer's aid at all online book stores.  

Sybrina's Blue Unicorn Book Store - Unicorn Garden

Unicorn Garden

Sybrina's Blue Unicorn Book Store

Where you'll find unicorns, more unicorns and nothing but unicorns! Visit now.

Book Reviews for The Blue Unicorn's Journey To Osm by Nicole

Nicole rated it really liked it

I am a huge fan of unicorns and was super exited when I found this book! "The Blue Unicorn's Journey to Osm Illustrated Book" is true gem. "The Blue Unicorn's Journey to Osm Illustrated Book" is a beautifully illustrated fantasy novel that pulls the reader directly into an incredible fantasy world that you don't want to leave.
The illustrations done by Dasguptarts perfectly match the story and help set the atmosphere. The love the beautiful color map provided that clearly identifies locations such as, Egada Home of the Cussers, Muzika Woods, and the Rainbow Colored Bands of Weita.
Author Sybrina Durant takes us on an adventure, following Blue, the unicorn who was was supposed to be the savior of his fellow unicorns. He was born without magic or the metal horns attributed to his tribe of unicorns. Fast forward twenty years and the adventure truly begins.
"The Blue Unicorn's Journey to Osm Illustrated Book' is such an imaginative, creative tale. I truly enjoyed reading it. I hope Sybrina Durant will publish future books similar to this. "The Blue Unicorn's Journey to Osm Illustrated Book" is easy to read and a true joy. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy young adult fantasy books. "The Blue Unicorn's Journey to Osm Illustrated Book" is quick, fun read for all.

Unicorn Book Feature - The Unicorn Quest - By Kamilla Benko

Unicorn Book Feature

The Unicorn Quest

By Kamilla Benko

An enchanting, exciting fantasy about a real-world girl searching for her sister in a land full of magic and strange creatures, blending the timeless feel of A Wrinkle in Time with Frozen's powerful themes of identity, enchantment, and sisterhood.

Claire Martinson still worries about her older sister Sophie, who battled a mysterious illness last year. But things are back to normal as they move into Windermere Manor . . . until the sisters climb a strange ladder in a fireplace and enter the magical land of Arden.

There, they find a world in turmoil. The four guilds of magic no longer trust each other, the beloved unicorns have disappeared, and terrible wraiths roam freely. Scared, the girls return home. But when Sophie vanishes in the night, it will take all of Claire's courage to climb back up the ladder, find her sister, and uncover the unicorns' greatest secret.


Get it at Amazon.

Sybrina's Blue Unicorn Book Store - Unicorn Umbrella

Unicorn Umbrella

Sybrina's Blue Unicorn Book Store

Where you'll find unicorns, more unicorns and nothing but unicorns! Visit now.

Book Reviews for the Blue Unicorn's Journey To Osm by Elf

starsA tale that can be enjoyed by all ages

By Elf2060 

Format: Kindle Edition

“The Blue Unicorn’s Journey to Osm” written by Sybrina Durant and illustrated by Dasguptarts is a lovely children’s story that blends fantasy and a bit of science fiction in a sweet tale. The gentle reminders of the importance of acceptance and maintaining a sense of self worth are artfully woven into this fun adventure tale. The brightly colored illustrations underscore the fantastical creatures that populate the tale while elements of science are slipped in through descriptions of the types of metal horns utilized by various unicorns and fun words such as didgeridoo are woven into the story. The story can be read on multiple levels, from very simple for a young child to an older individual who can appreciate the nuances and inside jokes such as where the ice cubes originate. Those who enjoy the story should make sure to pay attention to the author’s notes at the end which detail accessory items including a coloring book as well as provide an illustration of a unicorn’s parts and a fun activity.

Silver Dagger Book Tours and Giveaways - Water To Water by Karen A. Wyle2

Water
to Water

by
Karen A. Wyle

Genre:
Science Fiction

Two
young Vushla questioned what everyone knew about death. What should
they do with the answer?

When the time comes for
Vushla to die, they go into the ocean and are dissolved away. Or so
Terrill has always believed, and still believes after taking part in
his father's final journey. But when he meets a young Vushlu who
lives by the sea, Terrill must confront information that calls this
fundamental belief into question. Will the two of them discover
the truth? And what should they do with what they find?

Add
to Goodreads

Amazon
* Books2Read

Karen
A. Wyle was born a Connecticut Yankee, but eventually settled in
Bloomington, Indiana, home of Indiana University. She now considers
herself a Hoosier. Wyle's childhood ambition was to be the youngest
ever published novelist. While writing her first novel at age 10, she
was mortified to learn that some British upstart had beaten her to
the goal at age 9. 

Enjoy This Character Interview with Kititit the Weesah Peddler

Q. How did you become a peddler?

A. Well, now. That’s a ways to think back . . . . When I was a young sprout, we had a neighbor who was a peddler, wagon and all. I thought her wagon was about the prettiest thing I’d ever seen, all painted up as it was. And she used to let me help load the goods in the back – leastways, helping is what she called it. Getting in the way is what I’d call it, remembering. And when she’d been away and came home again, she always had stories to tell about the places she’d been. I’d never been anywhere, and I got to hankering after a life like she had.

Q. Your wagon – did it used to be your neighbor’s?

A. Right you are! Though by the time she figured she was ready to stay home and play with her grandchildren and take it easy, the wagon was what you might call used up – the canopy, anyway. My folks gave me a new one, and I picked what to paint on it.

Q. You have a mate and children, I hear. How have you managed to strike a balance between traveling and family life?

A. Well, I don’t have just any mate. I made sure to find a lady as liked to hear stories. I promised to always bring back plenty of stories. And she’s an independent sort – doesn’t need someone at her elbow all the time, telling her how to do things. A mate as hung around every day might get annoying for such as her. So we suit each other. And the longer I’m away, the longer I stay home and do my bit with the young ‘uns and the beasts and the garden and all. And now that some of our young ‘uns are grown, she has plenty of help when she needs it.

Q. You’re acquainted with Terrill and Honnu, I believe. How did that come about?

A. I’ve known Honnu a good piece of his life, I’d say. I visit a few different fisher villages, and he lives – or lived, I’m not sure which is right just now – in one of ‘em. I was the first Weesah he ever saw, I reckon, and how he would stare! Anyhow, he’s a curious fellow and always likes to hear my traveler’s tales.

Q. That brings up an interesting point. Aren’t you somewhat given to exaggeration in those tales of yours? Should Honnu believe everything you say?

A. (laughs) No, I can’t say as he should. But I reckon he knows that. Now, I wouldn’t say he knows just what to believe and what not to. But if he ever asked me, serious-like, I’d tell him.

Q. And Terrill? How did you meet him?

A. That was luck, if luck is something that happens, as to which I’ve no firm opinion. His da took ill, and Terrill was one of the funeral party as took him to the sea. I left Honnu’s village about the time they left to head home again, and we got to talking on the road. A nice young fellow. On the serious side, and tending to worry more than is comfortable for a youngster his age. I did my bit to cheer him up, when I could.

Q. And how did Terrill and Honnu meet each other?

A. (chuckles) Well, I’ll maybe let you ask one of them about that. I’d best be packing up and heading on, pretty soon. Any last questions? Or might you be wanting something from the wagon before I go? I’ve got some good knives I picked up a few towns back. Or if you’ve little ones at home, I have toys -- balls for juggling, and these dolls. See the bits of shell that make up the armor? And of course, I have fish. Always plenty of fish.

 

Terrill should spend this time remembering his father, calling up all the memories he wanted to preserve. What was his earliest memory of Da?

His earliest memory of any kind . . . he would have liked a more pleasant one. Someone had smacked his hand, on the unarmored palm, for making some mess or other. But he couldn’t remember who had done it. It wouldn’t have been Da, not for such a young child making a mess. Ma, maybe, in a moment of exasperation. Or his uncle, visiting.

Terrill might have been a couple of years older the time Da gave him a ride, telling him to put his arms around Da’s torso and hold tight, Terrill’s baby legs splayed wide across Da’s broad back. Da had put just a little bounce in his gait, enough to be thrilling, but not enough to loosen Terrill’s clasped hands . . . .

What arose next was from a few years later, but still from childhood. A hot day, the hottest so far that year, with the end of the season seeming forever away. Da going from creek to creek to find the coolest one, and pouring a bucket of almost-cold water all over Terrill, Terrill gasping in pleasure and relief . . . .

Another memory, very different, almost as far back: Terrill standing outside, watching the sky colors shift from day to night, wondering if the sky looked the same everywhere, even in the far-off cities where his older siblings wanted to go. He had turned to go back inside and only then seen Da, walking back and forth, slowly, in the road a few paces away, his shoulders slumped, a posture Terrill could not remember having seen before. Something was wrong, and Terrill had no idea what it was. He had never had the courage to ask about it.

He would never know.

 

Website
* Facebook *
Twitter * Amazon
* Goodreads

Follow
the tour HERE
for exclusive content and a giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Phrase Thesaurus Samples - Vol 3 - Physical Attributes - HD3

Sybrina's Phrase Thesaurus Sample Phrases

Volume 3

Physical Attributes

Sybrina's Phrase Thesaurus is a 4 Volume Set of thousands of descriptive phrases to help authors break through writer's block.  This group of phrases describe locations of the head.

 

Get this writer's aid at all online book stores.  

Book Reviews for the Blue Unicorn's Journey To Osm by Marchus

Book Reviews for The Blue Unicorn's Journey To Osm

Marichus Real rated it really liked it  ·  review of another edition

The only hope of the metal horns unicorns to survive and return to his home Unimaise is a Prophecy about a blue unicorn but when he was born, his horn was no metal and everybody knows the meaning of that: No metal, no magic.
A colourful journey with a group of Unicorns who are trapped in a place that is not their home. A story about friendship, loyalty, love and magic against evil and death.

The pictures are wonderful. It is always nice to look at a unicorn and even more when the pictures have beautiful colours.