Today’s Feature Friday is the epic fantasy novel, THE GOLDEN HORN. Check below for details on how you can win a FREE signed copy, and there’s an excerpt from the book as well! Let’s give author M.A. Donovan a warm welcome:
Book Description
Galen Hawkeye never wanted to be labeled a hero, but with his father’s undead army casting a shadow over the kingdom, the land needed a legend. From a very young age, he had been groomed as a warrior, so it only seemed right when he strapped on the sword, enlisted his mage friend, and ventured forth to save his people. But he never planned on demonic trackers hunting him nor the love he found with a mysterious girl who happened to be on the same quest as him. Would he be able to stop the darkness descending before it swallowed him whole?
About the Author
M.A. Donovan is the author of several published short stories and an article on karate. She has self-published three non-fiction books, a short story collection, and two novels. The Golden Horn is her first fantasy novel of which she has been working on for years, since twelfth grade, and has recently had professionally edited.
Donovan lives in Michigan, where she is currently working on her next novel, with her dog, Sheba. She also writes horror and thrillers under the name Shelby Patrick.
You Can Find THE GOLDEN HORN @ Amazon and in Print
Visit M.A. Donovan’s Website
Check out M.A. Donovan’s Blog
Win a FREE signed copy!
Want to win a free signed copy along with a special gift? Enter the “Letter to a Hero” contest. Simply craft a genius letter to your special hero (can be a fictional character or a real person) and send to Donovan at kariah@donovanfantasyauthor.com or with “Letter to a Hero” in the subject. Five winners will be selected at the end of the February virtual book tour, on or around March 1, 2013. Please make sure to include your name, mailing address, and email in your letter.
Excerpt from THE GOLDEN HORN
Galen rode back until he lost sight of Olstek and Klytepra. He couldn’t find Alyssa or Vlad. Calling her name produced no results.
Vlad was very good, hiding his tracks like a well-trained soldier. Why would he do that? They had been fighting side by side. Vlad even saved his hide at least once. What had changed to make the man take flight with Alyssa? Klytepra had said something about solving the riddle of the cloak. Mayhap that triggered Vlad into action. With Alyssa and the cloak lagging behind, ‘twas too good to pass up. The cloak would fetch a good sum and be an invaluable asset to Fulkan, and with Alyssa by Vlad’s side, Fulkan would pay double.
Galen had picked up a few tricks of his own over the years and despite how good Vlad was, Galen was better. He picked up the trail and it was only a short time before he caught up to them.
Alyssa was trussed up and tossed over Vlad’s lap. Her horse was following close behind.
“Vlad!”
The other man looked back, saw him, and kicked his horse into a gallop. Galen kneed his horse forward and soon, he overtook the outlaw. He threw himself at the other man, knocking all three of them to the ground.
“Why?”
“You’re nothing but an impudent boy. When Fulkan gets his hands on you, you’ll be sorry.”
Galen hit him.
“Oh, but that’s nothing compared to what he’ll do to the little lady over there. She makes a fine catch, especially with that plump, tasty round bottom of hers. ‘Tis too bad she’s reserved for Fulkan, or I would have . . .”
Galen punched him again, shattering his nose. “If you laid one hand on her, I’ll kill you.”
“Got a soft spot for the little wench, do you?”
Why was the man goading him and not fighting back? What was his game?
“Come on, Galen, you can do better than that. I know you want to run me through. That’s what you are good at, isn’t it? Killing people? Isn’t that why Fulkan wants you so bad? Because you and he are alike, both creatures of death. That’s your gift to the kingdom.”
Galen shook his head. “I’m nothing like him, and you make sure to tell him that when you see him.” He swung at the man again but Vlad ducked, ran back to his horse and took out the cloak.
“I know how to activate it, and with it on, I’ll be able to kill the great Galen Hawkeye.”
“Nay, Vlad, wait…”
But it was too late. Vlad threw on the cloak and recited the words. Sparks circled him and he was engulfed in electricity. He screamed and ripped off the cloak, dropping to the ground, his body smoking.