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out some facts about the series, an excerpt, and giveaway below...
out some facts about the series, an excerpt, and giveaway below...
(The Incarn Saga #2)
By Katharine E. Wibell
YA, NA Epic Fantasy
Paperback & ebook, 340 Pages
April 29th 2018
Summary
According to legend, when the world was young, two gods of war — one male, one female — were destined for each other. Yet Ullr, forever unfaithful, lost the love of Issaura, his true match, and was forsworn. His violent anger and bitter rage grew and intensified, poisoning all creation and humanity.
Now that the Raiders’ long ships have faded from sight, the kingdom of Elysia is beginning to recover from the summer’s war with the brutal invaders from across the sea. Yet darker forces have taken root, forces that can alter the future of the land and its people in unthinkable ways. Seventeen-year-old Lluava must discover the means to prevent her world from collapsing. But in doing so, will she succumb to that darkness?
Top Ten Facts You Need to Know about The Incarn Saga
1) The Incarn Saga is a four volume Young Adult/New Adult high fantasy book series. The first book sets the stage while the next three are a little darker and grittier. The first two are published: Issaura’s Claws and Ullr’s Fangs.
2) The series is based in and around the Kingdom of Elysia in which two races begrudgingly coexist: humans who are the patriarchal rulers that had conquered the native race of Theriomorphs generations ago.
3) Theriomorphs differ from humans since they can transform, or shift as they call it, into an animal form.
4) Theriomorphs have no choice in their animal form. They are simply born with this ability.
5) The animal forms are referred to as dual forms.
6) Male Theriomorphs typically have impressive dual forms like bears, rhinos, and bulls, and are frequently predators; females are often smaller, less aggressive species like ducks, house cats, parakeets.
7) The Raiders, brutal invaders from across the sea, threaten the Kingdom of Elysia.
8) The Raiders have been inspired by Vikings in myth and history.
9) Seventeen-year-old Lluava Kargen, a female Theriomorph, is drafted for the upcoming war and the series follows her training and then her experiences during the ensuing war.
10) Lluava is different from others of her kind for not only is she a headstrong female Theriomorph but also one that has a magnificent and predatory dual form—the white tigress.
Excerpt
In the failing light, Lluava sat her weary body down on one of the
cut logs that served as benches around the ever-blazing cooking fires. She
ached from an exhaustion that was more than physical. In her hand, she held a
steaming bowl of clumping porridge, or maybe repurposed hash. Although its
taste was barely better than its looks, this mysterious gruel was the only
thing the town could provide to feed the army for their extended stay. Lluava
had grown accustomed to its bland taste and grainy texture. It might not be
ideal, but it kept everyone’s strength up when they needed it.
“May I sit next to you?” Varren’s formal upbringing emerged even
when there was no need.
Nodding, Lluava shoveled down the sludge. Eating quickly was her
trick to keep the so-called food from sticking to the back of her throat. In
contrast, Varren sat down, whispered a prayer of thanks, and began to eat. They
remained silent until Varren had finished.
Wiping his mouth, he said, “I would like to head back to the
capital tomorrow. Since you are my military partner—no, that is not the
reason.” Varren seemed flustered. He was not one to fumble with his choice of
words. Eloquence had always come naturally to him, so why could he not state a
clear thought now?
“Yes?” inquired Lluava, hoping to coax him to continue.
Varren stood up in his most formal manner and asked, “Lluava,
would you come with me to the royal palace? I want to introduce you to
Grandfather and the High Council and, well…I would like you to be with me when
I return to court.”
Lluava understood his fear of what he was about to do, for
altering an age-old law was all but unheard of. Nevertheless, excitement
fluttered inside her like a newly fledged bird. Varren wanted her near him.
This was his way of admitting how much he needed her at his side. This day had
truly brought wonderful news.
She was about to say yes when a new thought crossed her mind. “How
long do you expect to be at court?”
“I do not know. Why do you ask?”
Lluava fingered the carefully folded letter in her pants pocket.
“Well, I had hoped to visit home. I haven’t seen my family since the draft.”
Thoughtfully, Varren said, “I will not force you to come. You can
leave at any time. However, I would like you to be with me when—”
Lluava interrupted. “Don’t worry. I’ll be standing by your side
from now until eternity.” She grinned at her pathetic attempt at poeticism.
“That is good. That is great!” Varren could not hide his relief.
“Well, I will say good night to you now. Tomorrow will be a new and exciting
day.”
With that, Varren gently took Lluava’s hand and kissed it, which
sent a tingling sensation up her arm. As he left, Lluava thought, Oh, what am I
getting myself into?
Next morning, Lluava ran to the shanty that served as Ymen’s
dispatch headquarters. Since a large portion of the Southern army was stationed
here, the king’s messengers came to the town every two weeks. Lluava had to
hurry so as not to miss the chance to send off her own letter. She had
forgotten to do this errand the day before, and with her departure imminent this
was the only chance she would have before she left.
Attempting to catch her breath, Lluava retrieved the letter from
her pocket. It was surprisingly unwrinkled. Perhaps the gods were watching over
her. She handed the parchment to the small man loading full satchels onto his
horse. Annoyed at the last-minute arrival, he began to lecture Lluava on the
importance of punctuality. She in turn quietly reprimanded herself for her
forgetfulness. Satisfied with his thorough scolding, the letter carrier asked
Lluava in a disinterested manner, “Are you human or Theriomorph?”
This simplest of questions caught Lluava off guard. An inner heat
coursed through her body as she growled out the formal reply.
“I am Lluava Kargen, daughter of Haliden Kargen, and I am Theriomorph.”
Other Books in the Series
(The Incarn Saga #1)
“If they fail to trust each other, the consequences will be devastating. Death and destruction are on the horizon and time is running out.”
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About the Author
Katharine Wibell’s lifelong interest in mythology includes epic poetry like the Odyssey, Ramayana, Beowulf, and the Nibelungenlied. In addition, she is interested in all things animal whether training dogs, apprenticing at a children’s zoo, or caring for injured animals as a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. After receiving degrees from Mercer University in both art and psychology with an emphasis in animal behavior, Wibell moved to New Orleans with her dog, Alli, to kick start her career as an artist and a writer. Her first literary works blend her knowledge of the animal world with the world of high fantasy.
Tour-Wide Giveaway
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