Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Book Tour: Spell Breaker by Joni Parker



About the Book

Title: Spell Breaker
Author: Joni Parker
Genre: Fantasy

After Lady Alexin (Alex) breaks the spell around Seaward Isle, the inhabitants can leave the island for the first time in a thousand years.  At long last, the Elves and Dwarves can return home to Eledon, while the mortals are given the opportunity to stay or leave through a portal to the mortal world.  Alex chooses to stay with her Elf family only to be involved in a mission to rid the Elf World of its most notorious criminal, Sawgrass.  Alex must eliminate him before he implements his plan to kill her Water Elf family and take over Eledon.





Author Bio

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Joni left with her family when she was eight and lived for four years in Japan.  Upon return to the States, she and her family moved to Phoenix, Arizona.   She graduated from Camelback High School and attended Arizona State University until she dropped out and joined the Navy.  After three years as a Photographer’s Mate, she got out of the Navy, married a career sailor, and returned to college completing a bachelor’s and master’s degree at the University of West Florida in Pensacola, Florida.  She returned to the Navy as a commissioned officer and retired with over twenty-two years of service.  While active duty, she was selected to attend the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and attained a Master of Military Arts and Sciences degree.  After her retirement, she traveled the country with her husband in a motorhome until he passed away.  Joni returned to the workforce for another seven years and retired again to devote time to her writing.  She currently resides in Tucson, Arizona.


Links

Website/blog:  http://www.theblackelf.com 


Book Excerpt

The mapmaker’s shop was easy to find, and the door was open, but it appeared empty when she wandered inside.  In an adjoining room sat a Pixie Elf, absorbed in his work as he drew on a piece of paper with a ruler.    
Alex knocked on the wall.  “Pardon me, Master Elf, are you the mapmaker?”
                He grimaced, clearly irritated by the interruption.  “What do you want?”   
                “I’m looking for a map of Cardoon.”
                “I don’t have any maps of Cardoon.  I make maps for seagoing captains with large ships.  Now get out.”  He angrily waved his hand at her.
                “Oh, sorry.  All right, I’m leaving.”  She turned and glanced at his table.  “Is this a map of Eledon?” 
                “It’s none of your business.  Get out!”  He pointed to the door. 
Alex glared at the angry little Elf who could attack her knees at any second.  “If you don’t want any visitors, you should lock your door.”  She stormed away, but just as she reached the front door, two large male Elves stepped in.  Assessing them as goons, she stopped quickly, but was still miffed. 
“He just told me to get out.  He doesn’t want any visitors.  Hmpf!”  She folded her arms across her chest.  
                The mapmaker ran up from behind with his hands in the air.  “My apologies, Lord Sawgrass.  This young Elf rudely interrupted me as I was working on your map.  She was just leaving.”  He laughed nervously and pushed her legs from behind.
The two goons stepped aside as a tall blond male Elf stepped forward.  Alex felt her jaw drop as she realized this was Sawgrass.  She stared at the handsome Elf and blushed. 
He stared back at her with bright blue eyes and held eye contact with her for several long seconds. 
Then, she blinked and collected herself.  “Yes, and I won’t be back even if I should become captain of a ship.”  She glared down at the mapmaker.
                “What do you want a map for?”  Sawgrass smiled warmly.  He resumed eye contact with her and stepped closer.
                “This is my first time here, and I can’t figure out where I am.  I thought a map of Cardoon would keep me from getting lost.  I guess I’ll have to draw one myself.”
                “Have you ever done this before?”
                “I have…in Riverton.  I kept it in my pocket.”  Alex felt mesmerized by his continuous stare.
                “Riverton?  You were on Seaward Isle?”  He stepped closer to her.
                “Yes, I’d better leave and get some paper in the market.”  Alex felt her face flush.
                “Here, take some paper.”  The mapmaker handed her several sheets and pushed her.  “Now get out—I have important business to attend to.  Lord Sawgrass, once again, my deepest apologies.”  He bowed to him.
Excerpt 5:  (331 words)
From the bottom of the hill, Alex gazed up at the huge white mansion.  “This is a very large house.”
                “Lord Governor Sawgrass is very wealthy.”  The Elf pulled her along.   
“What’s your name?”
“We’re here.”  He opened the gate and let Alex in, still holding her hand firmly.  Another entrance was opened by another male Elf who stood guard.  He saluted and bowed to Alex as she entered where another male Elf saluted.  More goons—how many were there? 
She was led into a room where five beautiful Elven women stood waiting.  They were all tall and blond with pointed ears, wearing long dresses made of silk in blue, green, pink, yellow, and white, fitting tightly to the body and revealing a lot of skin. 
The one in white stepped forward.  “Lord Governor Sawgrass has asked us to help you prepare for supper with him.  My name is Whitelily.  He said you were tall, but I didn’t expect you to be this tall.  I understand your name is Alexin.”  She inspected her from all angles, checking her up and down.  “Come girls; let’s get Alexin ready for him.”  Whitelily led her down the hall.
                “What are you going to do?” Alex glanced at her nervously.
                “We’ll start with a bath.  Then, we’ll fix your hair and get you dressed.  We have several lovely dresses for you to pick from.”  Whitelily took her to the next room.
                “That’s not really necessary.”  Alex held up her hands to resist.
                “A little pampering is necessary.  Sawgrass insists.”  Whitelily waved her hands at the girls.  “Let’s get you undressed.”  She took off Alex’s cape while another unbuttoned her skirt. 
                Alex considered her situation as the girls undressed her.  She could kill them all and leave, but she wanted to meet Sawgrass again.  How else was she going to find out where Lameer was?  She decided to let it happen.




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