Blog Tour + Guest Post + Giveaway - Song of Princes (Homeric Chronicles, #1) by Janell Rhiannon

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Song of Princes by Janell Rhiannon
(Homeric Chronicles, #1)
Publication date: June 22nd 2016
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Historical

Sing Muse. Sing of the shining citadel of Troy rising from the hot sands of Asia. Sing of the Greek palaces ascending from their rocky hilltops. Sing of one woman’s dream heralding the madness of men and the murder of innocents. From bull dancing rings and wild meadows, the Forgotten Prince must choose between love and a golden crown. From seclusion and safety, the Golden Warrior must choose between his honor and his life. From behind the Great Wall, the Golden Prince must choose between his family and his city. And from a rugged realm on the far side of Greece, the Warrior King must choose between his son’s life and certain exile. Here shepherds and princes, warriors and kings, and seers and lovers seek to conquer their passions, outwit destiny or surrender to it.

PARIS, the FORGOTTEN PRINCE.

ACHILLES, the GOLDEN WARRIOR.

HEKTOR, the GOLDEN PRINCE.

ODYSSEUS, the WARRIOR KING.

Where did their legends begin before their lives converged at Troy in one of the most famous battles of all time? The HOMERIC CHRONICLES tells the stories of Paris, Achilles, Hektor, and Odysseus in one chronological tale, beginning before the ILIAD and ending long after the ODYSSEY. Blending both history and myth, the Homeric Chronicles will satisfy your love of Greek mythology, while paying homage to the original storyteller, Homer.

SONGS OF PRINCES begins with the birth of Paris and Achilles, and introduces us to a young Hektor and Odysseus. The journey of the princes begins…

Janell Rhiannon has a Master’s degree in history. It was during her years studying Alexander the Great that she came to love the Greek and Roman myths. She loves warfare and romance. Visit her Amazon Author Page or visit her at www.janellrhiannon.com

Fall in love with Greek mythology for the first time or all over again.

…READ THEM ALL…
#songofprinces
#riseofprinces
#returnofkings
#homericchronicles

Goodreads / Amazon

What Inspired Me to Write My Book

My current series, The Homeric Chronicles, is based on Greek mythology. I think I came by my love of myth accidentally as a teen, watching the original cheesy Clash of the Titans. Somehow that’s wrapped up with Conan the Barbarian and Kevin Sorbo as Hercules. I loved all that stuff, and then Xena, Warrior Princess. I still like the non-CGI versions of the mythological world best.

As far as reading inspirations go, I’ve always loved the Odyssey, and later came to appreciate and love the Iliad. (I realize I keep using the word “love”...but that’s how I feel about it). What I’ve found is that most women have missed out on the whole of what Greek mythology offers, because much of what’s written is geared toward men or young adults, like the Percy Jackson novels, or academic reads that are, well, rather dry. I’ve noticed that the myth/retelling novels for women focus on the female characters, like Helen, and tell their story with the rest of the mytho-history as a backdrop. What I wanted to do was tell the “WHOLE” story, of all the heroes and their families as their legacies drive them toward the prophesied fall of Troy. And write it so that women could connect to the stories being told, that they would embrace the blood and gore, the victory and defeat, and the love and betrayal of all the major players. That the whole of the Greek tradition is laid before them to feast on.

This has been a daunting task, because the myths don’t always line up chronologically and sometimes there’s more than one tradition. So, in my research (and there are literally plastic bins of documents/articles and shelves of books) I have to choose the path I want to follow, the path that embraces the richest morsels of myth. That brings me to another more recent inspiration: R.R. Martin. I realized that by watching and reading Game of Thrones that my biggest struggle with the Homeric Chronicles series is that the major storyline is really a twisted rope of several family stories...and if Martin could do that, then I could too (even though sometimes I feel like a crazy nut re-reading, studying, and editing my chronological timeline). I’ve tried to blend the myth with as much history as possible about the ancient Mycenaeans and Trojans. I hope that the research pays off for the reader. That they are entertained and enlightened. Maybe shed a few tears, or fall for a hero. And, this is not a YA series...at all.  

Author Bio

Janell always had her nose in a book, reading by flashlight when it was "lights out" time. Her love of reading turned to a curiosity about writing. She now writes in all the spare moments she can squeeze out of a day. She also writes fiction and fantasy with some romantic spice for good measure. Janell adores Mythology and Fantasy. Anything magical and mystical. And dragons. And gargoyles. Her guiding motto: "I tell stories, not genres."

She currently lives in CA.

 Author Links:

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads 

 Pinterest / YouTube

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Interview + Giveaway - Uncross the Stars by Janell Rhiannon

Uncross the Stars by Janell Rhiannon
Publication date: December 15th, 2014
Genres: Romance, Young Adult

Synopsis:

Fiona Lavender is the new girl at school. She has a chip on her shoulder and a penchant for poetry. Dario Martinez is the star quarterback, and the most unattainable guy on campus. Their stars cross when they are paired to study Romeo and Juliet for a senior English project. Their attraction is fragile and undeniable. But, Dario is afraid of what love will do; and Fiona is waiting for love to claim her.

Will they uncross the stars and find the love they both need to heal their pasts?

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When did you start writing? 

I remember my first real writing was a play about Betsy Ross that I wrote in the 4th grade. I’ve been writing stories and poems since then. In high school I began to think more seriously about writing. I really liked writing short stories. 

What makes you want to write? 

Everything makes me want to write. I hear a song or a piece of music or an amazing soundtrack and a character pops into my mind. For example, a friend recently pointed out the song by Hozier “Take Me to Church” that I’d never heard before. Instantly a series of images streamed into my mind and I started writing what I saw...well, let’s just say it’s not YA. I spend a lot of time in reality thinking about “what if...” and stories come out of that. 

Do you ever get writer's block and what do you do to get over it? 

I’ve never really had writer’s block. Hope I’m not jinxing myself. But sometimes I get overwhelmed by various aspects of my writing that for whatever reason aren’t coming together, so I text my sister or my man-friend. They usually know what to say and snap me back into focus. Or I decorate something or run. 

Do you have a special way of going about writing? 

I keep journals and write all over them. Names, ideas, bits of conversation, images...I also tap into the feeling of the story and chose music that enhances that feeling...I don’t know if I’ve ever written without music. 

Do you have any works in progress? 

Yes, several projects. The immediate WIP is the second book in the Livingstone Saga about the Gargoyle of Compostela. After that there’s another YA romance that takes place at Sierra Crest High where Uncross the Stars is set, but focused on a different set of characters. 

What are your hobbies? 

Writing, reading, running, cooking... 

How did you choose the character names for Uncross the Stars?

There’s a funny story here. I was looking for unusual names and came up with Dario which is Spanish meaning “rich, or wealthy” and Fiona which is Gaelic and means “fair.” The antagonist originally had a different name. I was into the first round of edits and I went on a date with someone who had the same name as the bad guy. I felt weird calling my man-friend by his name because I kept thinking about my antagonist. My fantasy world had officially collided with my real world. After a couple months, I finally asked my friends to give me new “bad guy” names so I could pick one. I settled on “Ryan” and I’m okay with that. 

Who is your favourite character in Uncross the Stars? 

That’s a hard one. I love Dario and Fiona, of course. However, I found that I really liked writing Meagan’s character. She’s so flawed and desperate for love that it was great getting into her mind. 

How did you get the idea for Uncross the Stars? 

The “what if” that came to me first was...what if a popular football player fell for a girl challenging his vow to stay away from love because of a past trauma. Then I thought what if they met during English class. Then I thought what if he worried Fate had it in for him? And there you go... 

What was your favourite part of writing Uncross the Stars? 

I guess it was the initial draft after the outline. I really liked the pond scene, the Renaissance Fair, and Dario’s recollection of what happened to his mom. All the edits after that made me want to pull my hair out and text my support people sad faces. Writing really is a lonely thing sometimes! 

What are you currently reading? 

Saving Tatum by Micalea Smeltzer and Haunted Haven by Anna Snow. I’m also reading a non-fiction book called The Afterlife Unveiled by Stafford Betty. It’s kind of blowing my mind actually. 

What is your favourite book? 

It will always be The Odyssey. 

Who is your favourite author? 

That’s hard! Shakespeare. He’s a master story teller. 

What is your favourite film? 

Right now my favorite film is A Winter’s Tale. 

What is your favourite TV show? 

Sons of Anarchy and Game of Thrones. The series finale of Sons of Anarchy threw me off an emotional cliff. I’m still recuperating from the fall. 

Quick-fire questions: 

Chocolate or ice cream? Chocolate.

Paperback or ebook? Paperback.

Dogs or cats? Dogs.

Go out or stay in? Stay in.

Summer or winter? Summer. 

About the Author

Janell has been writing since she was in grade school. In high school, her 9th grade English teacher suggested she consider a career in writing. After a decade in college and a Master's degree in history, she settled into teaching.

Writing never stopped. Stories never stopped. READING fiction never stopped. Now, she writes and publishes on-line. Invisible Wings is her first YA novel, a compilation of short stories centered on teenage life triumphs and tragedies. She believes being a teenager is difficult and wrote Invisible Wings to let teens know they aren't alone. That they matter. That even though life is rough, they can still find beauty and love.

Beside the YA stories close to her heart, she adores Mythology and Fairy tales. Anything magical and mystical. And dragons. And gargoyles.

She currently lives in CA.

Visit her at Facebook @Janell Rhiannon Author. If you want to see what projects are in the works or find out more about the her, visit

Author links:

 

Website | Twitter | Facebook 

Goodreads | Amazon | YouTube

  
Two winners - One will receive a $10 Amazon card and another will receive an Uncross the Stars paperback.

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Book Blitz + Giveaway - Uncross the Stars by Janell Rhiannon

Uncross the Stars by Janell Rhiannon
Publication date: December 15th, 2014
Genres: Romance, Young Adult

Synopsis:

Fiona Lavender is the new girl at school. She has a chip on her shoulder and a penchant for poetry. Dario Martinez is the star quarterback, and the most unattainable guy on campus. Their stars cross when they are paired to study Romeo and Juliet for a senior English project. Their attraction is fragile and undeniable. But, Dario is afraid of what love will do; and Fiona is waiting for love to claim her.

Will they uncross the stars and find the love they both need to heal their pasts?

Goodreads

Purchase: 

Amazon

Excerpt:

 Chapter 1 

At midnight, Fiona and her mother finally pulled into the driveway of their new rental. Her mom cut the engine, but not the parking lights.
“Looks like we made it, Fee.”
“Barely. I thought you were going to kill us a few times weaving all over the road like you were,” Fiona said.
“It’s not easy driving and towing a U-haul trailer. It’s heavy,” her mom replied and began rummaging through her purse.
Fiona ignored her mother and squinted through the dust and bug splats on the windshield at the dark house. She noticed the crooked light fixture on the left side of the garage, and the rain gutter hanging askew.
“Looks like we’re the haunted house on the block,” Fiona said.
Her mom hit the high beams spotlighting the garage door like a stage.
“Not so helpful, Mom.” Fiona got out of the car and stretched her neck and back. She inhaled the cool fall air. Peering through the darkness, she noticed the bushes lining the dead grass yard needed trimming, the thinly branched tree in the front stood naked of leaves, and mounds of dried up flowers filled the flower bed under the front window. Shadows darkened the walkway to the front door. A pair of windows stared out at the street like rectangular evil eyes.
“Looks sturdy and dirty. And creepy. I can hardly wait to go inside, Mom.”
Fiona peered inside the car. Under the dim dome light, her mom had dumped the entire contents of her purse on the passenger side seat.
“Mom, what are you doing?”
“I think I left the key back in Watsonville.”
“Great,” Fiona said. She glanced back at the windows. They remained staring blankly into the night. Fiona looked down the street in both directions. Every single house had a lit porch, except theirs.
“Ahhh-ha! I found it. It was in the ash tray. I forgot I put it in there for safe keeping.”
“Hurry up, Mom. It’s dark outside.”
“Fine. I’m coming. Have some patience, Fee,” her mom said, as she got out of the car.
They walked the dark pathway to the front door. A powdery dust covered everything. Fiona’s mom tried to fit the key in the lock and open the door. She jiggled and twisted the knob, syncing the internal mechanisms with difficulty, until the door finally creaked open into a darkness blacker than night.
“Where’s the light switch?” her mom asked, as she ran her hand over the wall next to the door frame. “Ah!”
Fiona heard the light switch click. She heard her mom toggle it up and down several times in rapid succession, but nothing happened.
“Ummm,” her mom mumbled.
“There aren’t any lights on outside either. Don’t tell me we don’t have any electricity,” Fiona said.
“Well, either that or we need several dozen light bulbs,” her mother answered.
“Figures.” Fiona heard her mother rummaging through her purse again. “What are you doing?”
“Wait. I think I’ve got it.”
Fiona heard jangling keys, a soft snap and a beam of blue light appeared from her mother’s hand. “There we go.” Her mom walked into the house waving the thin light in front of her. When she found the kitchen, she searched through random drawers. “There we go,” she said again.
“There we go what?” Fiona asked completely annoyed.
“Candles. Now, all I need is some fire.”
Fiona flipped a pack of paper matches at her mom.
“Where’d you get these? You aren’t smoking again, are you?”
“From the counter, Mom! Jeez. I smoke one time three years ago and you act like I’m going to die of lung cancer or some crap. Light the dumb candle already.” As her mom lit the candles, it occurred to Fiona, “Did you call ahead to get the power turned on?”
“What?” Her mom asked.
“You’ve gotta be kidding me.”
“Maybe I can get my old job back.” Fiona’s mom rerouted the conversation.
“What job?” Fiona asked, rolling her eyes.
“The one at Red Lobster. Ah. There we go. Light.” Fiona’s mom smiled triumphantly, holding up a lit candle.
Fiona stared at her mother through the candlelight. “Are you serious? That was ten years ago.”
“I was good at that job. The manager, oh, what was her name? Mandy?”
“Who cares what her name was. It was ten years ago. No one’s going to remember you.”
Undeterred by Fiona’s negativity, her mother continued, “I think it was Valerie. Yes, I’m pretty sure it was Valerie. Maybe she’s still there.”
“Ten years ago, Mom. And nice try.” Fiona said.
“Nice try what?” Her mom paused. “I noticed you didn’t use the F-word. I’m proud of you sticking to your promise.”
“Nice try not answering my question. The power company. You didn’t call ahead, did you?”
“I was so busy getting the U-haul loaded—”
“I’ll take that as a no,” Fiona said flatly.
“I’m sorry, Fee. I’ll get on it first thing in the morning.”
“Can we just unload some things, so I can go to bed, preferably not on the floor?” 

*** 

After an hour of wrestling the flimsy mattresses to their rooms, moving boxes, and ignoring her mom the whole time, Fiona finally had the solitude she craved. She found the box she’d packed Mr. Lion-Bear in for the trip from Watsonville to Sierra Crest. She opened it and pulled him out and hugged him to her chest, like she did when she was a little girl.
Ten years ago, when her mother decided in her typical impulsive fashion to get married to Dominic, some guy she barely knew, two important things happened. Her mom had a huge yard sale and lion-bear became her best friend. Fiona hated the yard sale because she watched bits and pieces of her life walk away, like her little Star Wars figurines, her too small ballet shoes, and her favorite Beauty and the Beast comforter. She
had cried so hard that her mom bought her a new stuffed animal. The instant she saw him she’d loved him because he promised with his fuzzy black nose to her neck that he’d never leave her. She named him lion-bear because he was a lion, but soft like a teddy bear. She had whispered all her secrets into his fuzzy ears.
Within days of the dreaded yard sale and the purchase of her beloved companion, they had packed up the remaining pieces of wreckage from their life in Sierra Crest, crammed them into the car, and drove two hundred miles northwest to Watsonville never to look back.
At the time, Fiona’s mother reassured her that Dominic epitomized fun and happy, and most important of all he had a job and promised to take care of them. They’d been struggling for months, going without electricity or water more than once, because her mom couldn’t keep a steady job. Her mom always made a game out of the darkness and the droughts. She said it was good to find the silver lining in the rain clouds. Usually, that meant her mom reading to her by candle light.
“Here we are again, Mr. Lion-Bear. Back where we started,” Fiona said to the worn stuffed animal in her lap. “This time better be different. If my mom meets another guy, I swear I’ll never talk to her again. I’m so absolutely sick of moving. Sick of changing schools.”
Moving to Watsonville was supposed to have been a fresh start for Fiona and her mother, but once they got there the beautiful dream quickly eroded into a familiar disaster. Dominic turned out to be as flaky as all the rest of the men her mom dated. Fiona couldn’t believe anyone could be worse at holding down a regular job than her mother, but Dominic proved otherwise. Dominic also turned out to be some kind of moody jerkwad. Weeks before Fiona’s mom had decided to leave for good, he had been diagnosed as bi-polar—which answered a lot of questions, but the damage had been done. Her mom packed them up to move again. She promised Fiona life would be different this time if they went back to Sierra Crest and recovered the life they dumped years ago.
“I hope Mom’s being honest with herself. I want to finish my senior year at the same school. I don’t think I can take moving one more time.” She plopped Mr. Lion-Bear on her bed. “We need some blankets, little friend.” She opened another box marked FIONA’S ROOM and pulled out a well-worn quilt. “This’ll do.” Fiona smoothed it on
the top mattress, blew out the candle and lay down exhausted. “God, I hope she’s being honest with herself.”

AUTHOR BIO

Janell has been writing since she was in grade school. In high school, her 9th grade English teacher suggested she consider a career in writing. After a decade in college and a Master's degree in history, she settled into teaching.

Writing never stopped. Stories never stopped. READING fiction never stopped. Now, she writes and publishes on-line. Invisible Wings is her first YA novel, a compilation of short stories centered on teenage life triumphs and tragedies. She believes being a teenager is difficult and wrote Invisible Wings to let teens know they aren't alone. That they matter. That even though life is rough, they can still find beauty and love.

Beside the YA stories close to her heart, she adores Mythology and Fairy tales. Anything magical and mystical. And dragons. And gargoyles.

She currently lives in CA.

Visit her at Facebook @Janell Rhiannon Author. If you want to see what projects are in the works or find out more about the her, visit

Author links:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Blitz-wide giveaway

Open internationally

a Rafflecopter giveaway