Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Tomboyish spunk

Another female classic fighting game character who handled adversity with admirable strength was Annie from the Power Instinct series. 



With her unassuming girl-next-door look, one might not assume her on sight to be a tough as nails fighter - but she sure was! Even after being supposedly defeated, she keeps her fist tightly clenched, a sign in my mind that she isn't quite as helpless as her empty health bar implies! It's a good thing her opponents in this game are honorable enough not to attack her again while she's down - for them that is, since if they did, I would bet on her to make an angry comeback and kick their butts!



Monday, December 2, 2013

Big, big update!

First, the sixth in the Legend of the Iron Flower series, Iron Melting, is now available for purchase.


The continuing saga of a warrior whose army-slaying sword belies her kind heart.

Wracked with anxiety over a dread prophecy concerning her children and guilt for the men she has killed to protect them, weary heroine Rose decides to take a break by visiting her mother with her family. But ill fortune strikes again as she and her husband Finn encounter The Lost, an organization of people who have lost everything and wish to balance the scales of fairness by making everyone suffer as they have. When they learn The Lost serve the same destructive force their children are foretold to revive, it looks like they may have to face a reckoning earlier than expected.

Sixth in the Iron Flower series. Includes a bonus short story, "Scar Maps." Find it on:

Amazon US - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H16B2AS/?tag=bilthestaarts-20

Amazon UK - http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00H16B2AS/?tag=bilthestaarts-20

Smashwords - http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/383537


Also, 3 new short stories are out - check out Deep Web Dweller, Troll Regeneration, and Kraken of the Mountains in the sidebar.

Finally, enter my Goodreads giveaway for a paperback copy of Iron Bonds, the third book in the Iron Flower series!

https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/73398-iron-bonds

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Something different - help a girl achieve her dreams

I stumbled upon this the other day on a forum and thought some of you might be interested in signing this petition to let a Catholic school student wrestle on her high school team. Check it out if you think young women should get the same opportunities in sports as their male counterparts:

https://www.change.org/petitions/let-girls-wrestle-equality-for-amanda-leve

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Paperback giveaway for Iron Champion

Enter my Goodreads giveaway for a chance at a free paperback of Iron Champion!

https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/67865-iron-champion

Also, my other giveaway for a paperback of the second book in the same series is still open.

https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/65856-iron-flower

Saturday, September 28, 2013

New release - the fifth in the Iron Flower series


Action-packed fantasy adventure with a powerhouse female epic warrior in the spirit of Achilles or Beowulf.

The continuing saga of a warrior whose army-slaying sword belies her kind heart.

Nearly indestructible heroine Rose gets a letter from a foreign king inviting her to discuss opening a new branch of the center for magical study she helps run. Upon arriving in his kingdom of Terlon, she learns that his true motive is to request her aid against invaders from a larger country. Though annoyed by his deception, her compassion does not allow her to turn a blind eye to the suffering of his people and she agrees to help.

Following unfavorable developments in the war, Rose finds more and more responsibilities being heaped upon her shoulders. A bitter dispute breaks out over the leadership of Terlon with her caught in the middle, and a battle with the enemy nation's war god looms near. But even that might not be the most daunting trouble fate has planned for her.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/product/B00FGJFHVW/tag=bilthestaarts-20


http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/product/B00FGJFHVW/tag=bilthestaarts-20

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/361786

Friday, September 20, 2013

Free short story and a giveaway!

First, the prequel to the Tales of the Gothic Warrior short story series, Gothic Genesis, is free on Amazon through 9/23.

UK link - http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/product/B00DMQMEIA/tag=bilthestaarts-20
Secondly, enter my Goodreads giveaway for a chance at a free paperback copy of Iron Flower, the second novel in the Legend of the Iron Flower series!

http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/65856-iron-flower

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Best in the Elf-ing World free through 08/27

If you liked the previous installments in the Gothic Warrior series or don't mind jumping in out of order (reading them chronologically doesn't really matter so...), here is the 4th free - and as for that review, I guess I've learned my lesson not to post about my promos on IMDB...

Saturday, August 3, 2013

New release - Blood of Kings


An action-packed new take on Arthurian legend from the eyes of an unexpected protagonist.

Illegitimate Mildred "Mildy" Pendragon wants just one thing: To prove to Camelot that she's as much a warrior as her daddy, King Arthur. With her cowardly Greek squire Ares and metrosexual best friend Lance at her side, she strives to prove her legendary bloodline through knightly deeds. But no matter what she does or who she beats, she cannot seem to win over chivalric society.

On quest to save the fey from destruction by an evil mage, Mildy meets the mother she has never known and learns the bitter truth of her incestuous birth. She continues to fight for good despite her disillusionment, but accidentally kills Arthur's favorite knight and makes a bitter enemy of her father. Can she defy fate and save her family from imploding, or is the saga of the Pendragons destined to end in tragedy?

A full-length novel. Get it at:

Amazon US
Amazon UK
Smashwords

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Toughness in the face of hardship


One of my favorite video game characters ever was Janne from the old World Heroes series. Based on Joan of Arc, she was one of the first (if not the first) female fighting game characters to rock a sword and awesome armor, but that's not the only reason I like her...


Not the most inspiring picture at first glance, but look closely at her sword arm. Yup, she has one of the toughest looking downed poses ever in fighting game history - even with her health bar empty, she STILL holds up her blade in defiance! Toughness shows through best under adversity and Janne certainly displays it here, looking like she still wants to fight on despite her supposedly "knocked out" (more like just stunned by my estimation) status. What a beast!

 Janne © ADK

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Bad Milk currently free at Amazon

Yup, this short and not-so-serious story starring Rose is free from July 18-22... just click the picture and enjoy!

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Iron Tears (4th in the Iron Flower series) released... and a big sale


Action-packed fantasy adventure with one of the toughest heroines you've ever seen!

The continuing saga of a young warrior whose army-slaying sword belies her kind heart.

Famed warrior Rose receives a request for aid from Count Brandon, who uses the ogre attacks in his territory as an excuse to get her close intending to woo her. Unknown to him, her husband Finn secretly comes along to help. But the monster problem turns out more serious than any of them expect, especially when they must also protect a pair of much less experienced friends. Can the three mightiest warriors of their nation work together in their strained relationship long enough to save their land?

Available on Amazon at full price (click the small pic in the sidebar) but for the month of July you can get it and the previous two books in the series for half off instead at Smashwords! Also, if you haven't already, you can pick up the first book, Iron Bloom, there for FREE! Here are the Smashwords links for all of them, just use the coupon codes (SSW50 for the discounted books and SW100 for the freebie) and enjoy!


Iron Tears


Iron Bloom

Iron Flower
Iron Bonds



Thursday, June 27, 2013

New stuff out

2 new stories are out, plus 4 of the older ones (and 1 of the new ones) are now available as a collection at a 40% discount! Check out Bleeding Iron, Gothic Genesis, and the Tales of the Gothic Warrior Omnibus in the sidebar or at the links below!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DL3WX8K/?tag=bilthestaarts-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DMQMEIA/?tag=bilthestaarts-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DMDSOEG/?tag=bilthestaarts-20

Friday, June 7, 2013

Out now - the third book in the Iron Flower series!



 The continuing saga of a young warrior whose army-slaying sword belies her kind heart.

Nearly indestructible warrior Rose has brought the use of magic back to her world with the help of her love Finn and scholar friend Derrick. Yet there is no time for weary heroes to rest as Death General Joghra, military leader of the most advanced nation in the world, and vengeful giantess Fiona come with a vast army to conquer their homeland. But as Rose and Finn clash with these titans with their underhanded tricks and endless horde, will it be the magic she has always feared that ends up costing Rose her love?

Check it out on:
Amazon
Smashwords

Friday, May 31, 2013

Monday, May 20, 2013

New Gothic Warrior short out and new cover for Saving Fate

What happens when a brawling goth girl journeys into a mystical elven realm? The answer lies below...

Also, check out my updated cover for Saving Fate! Badass, no?

TRAGIC - new release by J.A. Huss

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 TRAGIC: Rook and Ronin, #1
By J. A. Huss
New Adult Contemporary Romance
Published May 15, 2013
Science Future Press

 DESCRIPTION: Rook Walsh is TRAGIC

 Because life so far – just sucks. Some girls get parents. Rook got the foster care system. Some girls get Prince Charming. Rook got an abusive frog. Some girls get lucky…

 Rook got a second chance.

 And she took it. Because when fate throws you a bone – you grab it with both hands and run.

Antoine Chaput knows the minute he spies Rook in his photography studio that she’s got The Look. The dark and desperate look he must have to land the exclusive TRAGIC media contract.

Rook is paired up with top model, Ronin, and he’s everything her abusive ex-boyfriend wasn’t. Patient, gentle, happy, attentive, and sexy! He knows exactly what to do to make Rook blush for Antoine’s camera. 

Rook’s luck changes in an instant and suddenly she’s the darling of the modeling world. It’s a dream job to go with a dream guy and all she has to do is look pretty and follow directions. But there’s always a price to pay – and Rook is about to get the bill.

New Adult Contemporary Romance *Mature Content* Recommended for ages 17+ due to sexual situations and language usage

BUY LINKS:
GOODREADS: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17404203-tragic
AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/TRAGIC-Rook-Ronin-1-ebook/dp/B00CTUWEFI/ref=sr_1_57?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1368772994&sr=1-57&keywords=NEW+ADULT
KOBO: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/TRAGIC-Rook-and-Ronin-1/book-zMg6ASV4_0u-Ss9uI88JJA/page1.html?s=gtlqBAjs0Eiz4WGEdvDK5Q&r=1
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1115333691?ean=2940016616315

 ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

 

J. A. Huss likes to write new adult books that make you think and keep you guessing. Her favorite genre to read is space opera, but since practically no one reads those books, she writes new adult science fiction, paranormal romance, contemporary romance, urban fantasy, and books about Junco (who refuses to be saddled with a label).

She has an undergraduate degree in horses, (yes, really–Thank you, Colorado State University) and a master’s degree in forensic toxicology from the University of Florida. She used to have a job driving around Colorado doing pretty much nothing but shooting the breeze with farmers, but now she just writes, runs the New Adult Addiction and Clean Teen Reads Book Blogs, and runs an online science classroom for homeschoolers.

AUTHOR LINKS:
GOODREADS: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6446815.J_A_Huss
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJAHuss
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/JAHuss
WEBSITE: http://newadultaddiction.blogspot.com/

EXCERPT:
Antoine's camera is on Ronin's left, so Ronin's left hand begins to caress my foot with small circles, a touch so light it actually makes me squirm because my feet are totally ticklish. He takes the hint and slowly sweeps up my calf, which is just about the most sensual feeling I've ever experienced. I moan out a little and his bruising kisses are back, crushing against my mouth.

Just as Antoine takes his attention to our lips Ronin's right hand also begins at my foot, swirling his fingertips around the soft pad of my arch. I laugh into his mouth and he pulls me close, my hair hiding our faces for a moment, and says, "Shhhh, now. Be good, Gidge." And then his right hand sweeps up my leg and under my dress, caressing the same small circles along my inner thigh.

"Oh, shit," I whimper as I bury myself in his neck. Just a few more inches and I'm going to come undone. My neck tilts back as the sensations all crash together and he takes his kisses to my plunging neckline, his left hand, the one still out in the open, slips up to my breast just as the hidden hand drops down a little farther, just a flutter of a touch against my crease.

He reaches over, not with the hidden hand, and picks up a glass of wine and hands it to me.

My fingertips barely understand what to do with the glass because the only thing on my mind is where his other hand is. We each take a sip and then he bites into a cherry, taking half of it in his mouth, and spits out the pit.

Antoine barks something harsh in French and Ronin laughs. "It's a fucking pit, Antoine, it's not litter." He rolls his eyes at me. "Sit still now, Rook, and keep your mouth closed for a moment."

My mind is still on his fingers as they caress my inner thigh, but I do my best not to squirm.

He brings the cherry to my lips and I keep my mouth closed. This makes him smile and then he traces my lips, dripping juice as he paints them. I'm just about to let my tongue dart out and get the juice when Ronin's mouth reaches up and licks it off, stopping to suck on my bottom lip, and then gives it a little nibble that makes me cry out.

He bites into another cherry and again, to Antoine's disgust, woofs out the pit into the grass. Spitting is a skill only boys really acquire. They are so good at it. It might gross out Antoine, but not me. I think just about everything Ronin is doing with his mouth is astonishing right now. The secret hand under my dress appears again. He lifts my left hand and paints each fingertip pad with cherry juice, then sucks it off, nibbling them one by one, just like he did my lips.

I just stare at him and his eyes never leave mine. "What?" he finally asks.

"You—" I say.

He raises his eyebrows.

"—are bad."

He laughs. "If you were naked right now I'd drip this juice all down your belly and let my tongue—"

"OK, that's enough," Antoine says. "Excellent job, Rook." Fucking Antoine. I bite my lip as Ronin licks my fingertips one more time and then grins up at me like an idiot. "Want to come over and watch a movie, Gidget?"

I nod enthusiastically as Elise helps me up, and then Ronin bounces to his feet and puts his arm around me protectively. "You fell asleep pretty quick last time, are you sure you're up for a movie?"

I'm not sure if a movie is the code word for sex or not right now, but either way, I'm definitely up for it.

-- J.A. Huss, Author
Goodreads
Amazon
I Am Just Junco ~ New Adult SF Series
New Adult Addiction Book Blog
Clean Teen Reads Book Blog

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Behold...

Another fun short starring Rose is out now. Not exactly new since it was published in Afterburn SF a few years ago, but if you haven't read it before, feel free to check it out...

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Available April 3rd - the second novel of Rose the Iron Flower



Years are only one way to age in this tale of a young warrior whose army-slaying sword belies her kind heart.

One of the greatest fighters in the world, nearly indestructible Rose lets few things strike fear into her—but magic is one of them. Nonetheless, she seeks out the magical dangers left by the ancients alongside warrior partner Finn and curious scholar Derrick in order to protect others from them. Their mission is complicated by Rose and Finn's budding romance, as her choice of lifestyle conflicts with his expectations for the woman he loves. But after their quest pits against such titanic foes as a prince able to slay a thousand men in a day and a draconic archmage, will Rose be forced to embrace the very magic she fears?


You can purchase Iron Flower at:

EXCERPT

"Are you two… together? I see how much you like being with each other."

They weren’t "together," in the sense Derrick meant, but Finn wondered if he might be well on his way to falling for her. He loved being around her, but never thought of it in a romantic sense. He had always regarded her the way he would a favorite male drinking buddy—fun and exciting to be around, and always ready to cheer him up if he was feeling down. However, he had felt less pleasure at being with other women, ever since they'd met and become better and better friends.

As for the question, Finn took the easy way out. Getting louder with each word, he proclaimed, "Rose is the best friend and greatest warrior I've ever met. I'd fight an archmage of the Old World for her, hell, she would fight one again for me! I'd have her watching my back over any army you could find! She is the shield which protects me, the wall which shelters me, and I am her sword, that strikes down any who would threaten her!”

He had risen from his seat, and felt somehow uplifted by his overblown tirade. As he sat back down, he said in a dramatic tone, "So in answer to your question, yes. Of course we’re together." Laughter surrounded him then, but Derrick did not laugh. He looked closely at Finn, as if trying to find a hint of his true feelings.

Monday, April 1, 2013

New releases from author J. A. Huss

 photo 00_RANGE_release_day_FINAL_zps5ef78ccf.jpg
RANGE
THE MAGPIE BRIDGE
I Am Just/Not Junco
J. A. Huss
Published: March 27, 2013
Genre: New Adult Science Fiction
RANGE INFO
Two years have passed since Inanna stole Junco away from Lucan. Two years of unimaginable pain. Two years of isolation, mutilation and torture. Two years of fear and loneliness in a morph tank. And that’s not something you just get over, even if you are psycho-assassin, Junco Coot. Now Junco has to learn to live with the consequences. Her Siblings are suspicious and angry, half her team is dead, Tier is wreaking death and destruction, Lucan is holding his secrets close, and she is spiraling out of control. There is only one partnership that matters anymore – only one person she will trust and take direction from – and only one way out of the Hell she’s been sentenced to. Junco is tired of fighting and death. She’s had enough and this time she means to end it – once and for all. Junco is tired of fighting and death. She’s had enough and this time she means to end it – once and for all.
 photo 99_350cents_sale_series_zps50cdc891.jpg
MAGPIE BRIDGE INFO
Raubtier Aves, 039-1, a.k.a TIER Son of Lucan Ranking Officer of the Avian military Powerful Ruthless And devoted to Junco, no matter what Tier was left with one specific order and he’s not about to screw it up. He might lose all his allies, his brothers, his shot at defeating the High Order, and his own Eternal Salvation - but he’s willing to risk it all to keep one small girl alive. Tier reveals his part in the epic tale of The Seven Siblings, spilling secrets and motivations that will leave you breathless and wanting more. The Magpie Bridge paves the way for the final installment in the new adult Series, I Am Just Junco. The final book in the Junco Epic, RETURN, will be released on December 2, 2013.
New Adult Addiction New Adult Addiction
New Adult Addiction New Adult Addiction
EXCERPT The last time I was here in Subjack's tunnels pops back into my mind. The day I met Gideon again after being separated for years, back when I was still tucking down those memories. He was acting the same way with me then, exasperated with my detached attitude."—I don't want you to start any shit in here, got it?" "Why would I start shit, Gid? I'm not a complete psychopath." He stares down at me, his eyes darting back and forth as he searches mine, then blinks and straightens up. "OK, whatever then. No scenes." I shrug. Why would I create a scene? The biometrics on the door are triggered by someone on the other side and it slips open with a perfunctory whoosh. When I look into the new room, Tier is staring down at me and I lunge at him, clasping my hands around his throat. "You asshole, how dare you come here!" More words are spewing out of my mouth, 'fuck' mostly, 'bastard' and 'dickhead' put in several appearances, and then we're wrestling on the ground. I've got my foot wrapped around his neck and he's trying to grab my hands as Gideon pulls on me. I swing back with an elbow and crack Gid hard in the chin and he growls. My pretty flower dress is picking up little dust bunnies and all sorts of other debris as we roll around on the floor but I could give a shit. "How dare you," I growl as I lean down into Tier's ear. "How dare you show your face to me again!" "Junco!" he commands me as he squirms. "Calm the fuck down! That's an order!" I wriggle out of his grip and swing my foot around, slap him in the face with it, and then flip over and crack him once in the neck. "Fuck you and your orders, you prick." His hands scramble to grab me by the waist, then slip up my dress and I remember I'm hiding something. Something he's not supposed to know about. I stop my struggle for a brief moment, hoping his hands will stop, but they don't. They slide right up and find my secret. And then he lets go and pushes me off him.
Bad-Ass Junco is BACK!
(And-She's-A-Crazy-Bitch Giveaway)
 photo 450_new_prize_pack_graphic_zps8c0f6bbd.png
Win The Junco-is-Psycho RANGE Blog Tour $150 Grand Prize.
Or one of two runner up prizes! CUSTOM Silver Junco Angel Wing Locket Necklace from birdzNbees
ABOUT THE AUTHOR J. A. Huss likes to write new adult books that make you think and keep you guessing. Her favorite genre to read is space opera, but since practically no one reads those books, she writes new adult science fiction, paranormal romance, contemporary romance, urban fantasy, and books about Junco (who refuses to be saddled with a label). She has an undergraduate degree in horses, (yes, really–Thank you, Colorado State University) and a master’s degree in forensic toxicology from the University of Florida. She used to have a job driving around Colorado doing pretty much nothing but shooting the breeze with farmers, but now she just writes, runs the New Adult Addiction and Clean Teen Reads Book Blogs, and runs an online science classroom for homeschoolers.
New Adult Addiction New Adult Addiction New Adult Addiction New Adult Addiction

Thursday, March 28, 2013

The Next Big Thing Blog Hop

Author L.G. Castillo tagged me in the Next Big Thing Blog Hop. This is a blog event where authors answer ten questions about the "next big thing" they're writing, then tag other authors to answer questions on their blogs. This is a way let readers know what you're writing while also helping them discover new authors. Anyway, onto the questions!

1. What is the working title for your next book?

Iron Flower - officially coming out April 3rd.



2. Where did the idea for the book come from?

There are many strong female characters in fantasy, but I've always thought there weren't enough physically powerful nonmagical warriors among them. So Iron Flower is the second in a series - don't worry, you don't have to have read the first to enjoy it although I'd recommend both ;) - of books about one strong and tough beast of a heroine. She's a true top end physical powerhouse in her world, like a female Beowulf with some more modern sensibilities and resilience.

3. What genre does your book fall under?

Fantasy, or more specifically New Adult Heroic Fantasy (the first book to bear that designation I think :D).

4. What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?

Considering the size of the main characters Rose and Finn, probably a couple of pro wrestlers or strongwoman/man competitors who would likely have no acting ability lol. But if we've not being so faithful to the size, I guess I could see Alexandra Daddario playing Rose and Chris Hemsworth playing her love interest Finn.



I guess Emile Hirsch could play pseudo-sidekick Derrick.


OTOH if we're staying true to the size somebody like 6 foot tall pro wrestler Melanie Cruise would have to play Rose... after putting on some more muscle.


Maybe Finn could be played by Reuben de Jong, the nearly 7 foot strongman competitor/kickboxer/MMA fighter/pro wrestler who played the giant albino guy on Spartacus. He too would have to put on some... fat I guess.


Hey what, they're epic heroes of "heroic" stature! Emile Hirsch could still play Derrick lol.

5. What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

Years are only one way to age in this tale of a young warrior whose army-slaying sword belies her kind heart.

6. Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

Self-published.

7. How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?

It didn't take very long, only about a month or so - a month in which I did a lot of writing, granted.

8. What other books of the same genre would you compare yours with?

I would compare it with David Gemmell's Druss novels, or going further back, Beowulf.

9. Who or what inspired you to write this book?

Well, this is pretty similar to question 2. But to expand on it Rose is supposed to be not just a normal strong warrior, but as hinted by the Beowulf comparison before, an over the top type of character in the vein of the epic heroes of old. The closest thing to her in popular fantasy would probably be Brienne, but Brienne's from more of a gritty realistic setting while Rose is truly larger than life.

10. What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

There is a fair romantic element for those who like that kind of thing, and it features a nineteen year old heroine trying to find her place in the world. Also the writing IMO is very accessible, so those who tend to shy away from fantasy due to difficult language or long descriptions can feel safe knowing they can dive right into this.

Here are some more authors you may like, who will be making their The Next Big Thing blog posts next Thursday. Bookmark them and wait!


Friday, March 22, 2013

Seeds of Despair - free from 3/22 to 3/26

Yup, Freya's second cartoonishly violent adventure is free right now - sitting at #18 in Urban Fantasy at the time of this posting. Grab a copy and enjoy the fist to face fury!


Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Coming soon - the next tome chronicling the legend of The Rosy One!

Yup that's right, the next book starring nearly indestructible epic heroine Rose will be here in a couple of weeks! Check out a sample from this tale of one mighty (but gentle) bruiser of a warrior!

Rose's voice was barely more than a whisper when she began to talk. "I'll be brief, for I can't stand to think of it. I came here while serving as bodyguard to my merchant friend Alex, but during my stay I learned that an unknown, supposedly immortal creature of massive size abducted travelers around Whitehill at its leisure, leaving everyone nearby in fear of the evil magic it was said to wield.

"It was widely thought by the townsfolk that the creature lived in these very ruins, though the only known entrance seemed too small for such a beast. But this was never proven, because no one who went to confirm it came back alive. So being the foolhardy adventurer I was—and still am, I suppose—I went there myself, though everyone who didn't hate me outright begged me not to. I thought I was prepared for any foolish beast, but though the foe I found in this cavern had the body of a beast, it possessed the intellect not merely of a man, but a man above men—an archmage.

"The creature was as long as six horses—not counting the tail—and tall as three, and had the appearance of a great hulking, winged black lizard. It was covered in an armor of scales like steel shields, with claws and teeth the match of a small army's blades. Not only that, but it was capable of speaking through thought, and when it saw me, it talked to me of horrible things. It told me it loved experiencing the terror of the people it killed, and ate human souls to expand its own knowledge through absorbing theirs. And it told me... that mine was the next it would consume and extinguish forever."

Derrick rolled his eyes, and Rose glared at him. What the hell was his problem? A scholar was supposed to keep an open mind! He struggled to spit out the words, "A-a dra-dragon?! Did it breath fire and cast spells too? Rose, Finn may humor you because he likes you, but I really think you had a bout of madness last time you were here. No human can fight a dragon alone and survive, and besides, there's no way that's a dragon's body."

Anger pushed Rose's fear aside to an extent, and she scowled and said more loudly, "Look at the gouges and burn marks on the stone floor. What do you think did that, if not a dragon's claws and breath?"

Both men looked down and saw the evidence of the beast's presence. The stone even looked to have been partially melted and rehardened in some places. Derrick gaped incredulously. "But how did you ever manage to beat it?"

Rose frowned. "Look, I was trying to get to that part. Now, if you please, let me continue. I may be foolishly brave, but I like to think I'm not a fool in other matters, and not being a total fool, I went to several of the areas where it was thought to have attacked. At some of these sites, I found marks of intense flame on the trees and rocks. So before I went to seek out the beast, I soaked a heavy cloak in water and allowed it to freeze in the cold air. I carried the frozen garment uncomfortably on my back as I fought the beast with my sword held two-handed; I needed the extra punch.

"I used my agility to frustrate its attempts to snatch me while attacking with my sword. But its armored scales made it nearly impossible for me to wound it, and I tried to get closer so that I could strike at its underbelly, which I hoped to be more vulnerable to my blade. Then, it unleashed its flaming breath, but I was ready for that.

"When it opened its mouth to spit death, I charged at it, whipping my frozen cloak before me. The flame was so intense, the ice was melted and the water dried in a second, and I was badly burned when the cloak was set ablaze before I could reach the dragon's head. I had to run the last few steps through that fiery hell unprotected—boy, that was rough. But I stabbed through the inferno and put out the beast's eye. Then, I thought victory was mine, but it wasn't to be so easy.

"Before I could pierce the creature's brain through its eye, it struck me with a wild swipe of its claws, and knocked me to the ground badly slashed across the chest. Even half blind, it retained its ferocity and stomped on me, breaking more than one rib. When it saw to its shock I was still alive, it sucked in a great breath, and in desperation, I threw my sword"—Derrick stared at the notion of the massive thing being thrown—"and pierced the back of its mouth. But again, I hadn't penetrated deep enough, and now I was unarmed.

"Luckily for me, the drake's mouth filled with blood, denying it the ability to breathe fire. Still, its fury was undimmed, and it lashed at me with its tail while attempting to pull the sword out of its mouth. Its tail hit me with the force of a battering ram and nearly knocked me out, but its impact threw me up into the air, where I grabbed hold of its neck and began to climb agonizingly towards its head. It battered me against the roof and walls, but I saw this hurt itself as well, and gaining hope I forced myself onward.

"But I lost my grip as I got on top of its head, and with shocking agility it caught me—in its mouth. It was the worst pain I've ever felt, and that's saying a lot. A dozen ivory swords pierced me at once, and I thought I had suffered my death wound."


What happens next? Well clearly she lives, but how? Find in the full version of Iron Flower!

Saturday, March 9, 2013

New $0.99 short out

Yup, here it is - the third in the Gothic Warrior series! Girl vs... something (no spoilers) in a cage fight! Can she win? Well, she might already be pretty beat up by the time she gets there - but never count out the Gothic warrior!