Guest Post – Esther Chilton- Myths and Magic Book II in the Saffy’s Secret Quest Series

 

My thanks go to John, who has kindly agreed to take part in my blog tour. I’ve said before, but without people like John, it’s so hard to get news of your book out there. So I’m truly thankful.

Today, I’m on stop seven of the tour! So, what is my book about? Well, it’s for 5-7-year-old children, and it’s got a dragon in it, as well as an ogre, a fairy, and there’s plenty of magic. The lead character is a young girl called Saffy. Here’s a little bit more about Myths and Magic, book two in the Saffy’s Secret Quest Series:

The Blurb:

Saffy has solved the first clue in her quest to save the magical world of Mandoreum from danger. Now it’s time to find the second. 

She isn’t alone. Her new friend, Lily, a dragon from Mandoreum, wants to help. Together they take a trip and uncover special stories and unexpected surprises.

But Saffy soon learns that first appearances are not always what they seem. And plotting in the background is a witch who will do everything she can to stop them…

Extract:

Lily thumped her stump of a tail on the dressing table. Saffy knew her tail had once been long and elegant, so she could steer herself gracefully through the air, but that was before Narla’s spell. She looked at her new friend, feeling her frustration. The little dragon had been so excited when they worked out the first clue. Poor Lily’s skin had been covered in bald patches and her scales were hanging down. When they found the necklaces, the scales all came back, and shone once more. And the cracks in Mandoreum’s castle walls mended.

But Lily still had fluffy white balls of cotton wool instead of claws. She didn’t have any teeth, her wings were broken and she couldn’t even breathe the tiniest flame. Of course, she also had that tiny tail – all because of Narla.

If they couldn’t find the book, Mandoreum would remain dull. There wouldn’t be any

flowers, trees or green grass. But, worse than that, Lily, and everyone in Mandoreum, would be the way Narla had left them. Forever.

Lily sniffed.

“Don’t worry. I’m not about to give up. Even if I have to go round every single bookshop there is, I’m going to find that book,” Saffy said. “And there’s the library. It’s packed full of wonderful books. There must be hundreds of them, so they’re bound to have lots with dragons in. We’ll find the right book.”

“Thank you.” Lily dabbed her tears with one of the cotton wool balls.

“You really like that dragon, don’t you?”

Saffy’s head snapped round.

It was her mum. She hoped Mum hadn’t heard her talking to Lily – and Lily talking back. Mum thought the dragon was an ornament.

“Those scales look lovely. You must have given them a good scrub,” Mum said, coming further into the room.

Saffy laughed as Lily wrinkled her nose. She clearly didn’t like the sound of ‘a good scrub’. “Keep still!” Saffy whispered. “Otherwise Mum’ll see you.”

“It’s still raining,” Mum said, looking out the window. “I think it’s going to rain for the rest of your school holiday at this rate. Harry’s bored, so I thought we could take a trip to the museum this afternoon. They’ve got a new section which only opened this week.”

Saffy’s shoulders slumped. The museum was very interesting and she would like to see the new section. But she needed to find the book.

Author bio:

Esther has been a freelance writer for over twenty-five years, regularly writing articles and short stories for magazines and newspapers such as Writers’ Forum, Writing Magazine, The Guardian, Best of British, The Cat, This England, Yours and The People’s Friend.  

Winner of several competitions, including those run by Writing Magazine and The Global Short Story Contest, she has also had the privilege of judging writing competitions and relished being given the role of head judge of the Writers’ Forum monthly short story competition.

Esther loves writing but equally enjoys helping others, which she achieves in her role as a tutor for The Writers Bureau. Always on the lookout for a new challenge, she is taking the distance learning college over at the end of July.

She has had two how-to books on writing published, with a third due out later this year, as well as two collections of short stories. Her second children’s book is coming out in May, where she writes under the name of Esther Moonstomp.

Blogs: https://estherchilton.co.uk

https://esthermoonstomp.co.uk

Buying links:

Amazon UK:

Paperback: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Myths-Magic-Saffys-Secret-Quest/dp/1806342103

E-book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GX6T5C6R

Amazon.com

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GX6T5C6R

 

 

58 comments

  1. Esther Chilton's avatar

    Thank you so much, John, for having my on your blog today. It’s hugely appreciated.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      My pleasure, Esther.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Unknown's avatar

    […] Guest Post – Esther Chilton- Myths and Magic Book II in the Saffy’s Secret Quest Series […]

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you for sharing Ester’s post today , Charles.

      Like

    2. Esther Chilton's avatar

      Thank you for sharing, Charles.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. noelleg44's avatar

    The excerpt was captivating, and I have two grandchildren who will love this book!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Esther Chilton's avatar

      Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Noelle 🥰

      Liked by 2 people

    2. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Noelle. I’m sure they would.

      Like

  4. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

    It’s great that you shared Esther’s book here, John. The blurb and fascinating excerpt sure make it seem captivating.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think children would love it. Thanks for the lovely comment, Tim 😊

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Esther Chilton's avatar

      Thank you for popping over, Tim 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      1. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

        My pleasure, Esther. 😍

        Liked by 2 people

  5. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

    The book sounds like lots of fun for its intended audience! Sharing to help spread the word.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Liz. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

        You’re welcome, John.

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Esther Chilton's avatar

      Thanks so much, Liz. I really appreciate it.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

        You’re welcome, Esther!

        Liked by 2 people

  6. Author Jan Sikes's avatar

    What a delightful excerpt! Thank you, John, for hosting today, and congratulations to Esther!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Esther. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      1. John W. Howell's avatar

        I meant to say thank you, Jan, for supporting Esther. Came out, thank you, Esther. 🙄

        Like

    2. Esther Chilton's avatar

      Many thanks for reading the excerpt, Jan, and for your kind words 😊

      Liked by 2 people

  7. House of Heart's avatar

    Thank you Josh and Esther, for sharing this delightful book.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks for the visit, Holly

      Liked by 1 person

      1. House of Heart's avatar

        I love visiting your amazing site dear John. If I’ve been absent it’s cause I’m still healing from a broken rib. 🐂

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Ouch. I have had a few of those, and there is nothing more painful. Please get better soon. Deep breaths, even though it kills you.

          Liked by 1 person

        2. House of Heart's avatar

          So you know how miserable it is! Sorry about that. Yes, deep breathing… I also have asthma … fun times.

          Liked by 1 person

        3. John W. Howell's avatar

          I have asthma too, so I totally identify with your pain.

          Liked by 1 person

        4. House of Heart's avatar

          Omg! We are twins. Lol. Seriously, my asthma is under control right now but it’s the daily inhaler routine. Good luck my friend.

          Like

        5. John W. Howell's avatar

          Yes, I do two puffs in the morning and two at night, plus one tablet of Cingular a day, and am under control too.

          Liked by 1 person

        6. House of Heart's avatar

          I’m so tired if the inhaler , sane thing , 2 puffs morning and night. I guess I should be grateful it’s there.

          Liked by 1 person

        7. John W. Howell's avatar

          I know I am. Almost died from an attack.

          Liked by 1 person

        8. House of Heart's avatar

          Oh , that’s terrible. I’ve had tiles when I thought I would. It’s is a very bad and permanent condition.

          Liked by 1 person

        9. John W. Howell's avatar

          Been a lifetime for me.

          Liked by 1 person

        10. House of Heart's avatar

          Since I was a kid about 8.

          Liked by 1 person

    2. Esther Chilton's avatar

      Thank you for your kind comment, Holly 😊

      Liked by 2 people

      1. House of Heart's avatar

        You’re so very welcome 🤗

        Liked by 2 people

  8. thomasstigwikman's avatar

    I just finished reading Myths and Magic. I really bought it for friends of ours with children but before I am mailing I read it myself. There are a lot of fun mystical creatures in this imaginative story. This is a great blog post with a great extract.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Thomas. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Esther Chilton's avatar

      Thank you so much for that, Thomas. I’m so glad you enjoyed the book.

      Liked by 2 people

  9. Tails Around the Ranch's avatar

    Sounds like a great children’s book (and adults too, I mean who doesn’t love a dragon, right?). Bless John for being supportive of your new book. Best wishes the word gets out!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think you are so right, Monika. Thanks for the support. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Esther Chilton's avatar

      I really appreciate your comment. Thank you 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Tails Around the Ranch's avatar

        My pleasure. We love John and his work promoting writers. You’re in good company.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Aw, thank you, Monika. You made me blush. 😊

          Liked by 1 person

  10. Teri Polen's avatar

    My boys would have been all over this when they were younger – we’re a house of dragon fans. Congrats on the new release, Esther!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Teri.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Dawn Pisturino's avatar

    Congratulations, Esther! Sounds like an amazing book.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Dawn. 😊

      Like

  12. robertawrites235681907's avatar

    Another wonderful post about Esther’s new book.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Robbie. 😀

      Like

      1. robertawrites235681907's avatar

        My pleasure, John

        Liked by 1 person

  13. dgkaye's avatar

    Congrats to Esther on her lovely new release. It sounds charming and no doubts little ones will enjoy it. 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’m sure they will enjoy it as well, Dbby. Thanks for the lovely comment. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      1. dgkaye's avatar

        Most welcome John and Esther. 😋

        Liked by 1 person

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