In the shadows of Windemere, fangs are sprouting from the least likely of maws.

News is spreading that wild beasts with vampiric natures have been attacking mortals and carrying off random victims. With the Dawn Fangs still a secret from mortal society, Clyde fears that these strange creatures will reveal his peoples’ existence before they are ready. Old enemies and trusted friends begin to disappear as the investigation goes deeper into a business that has been lurking in the shadows of Windemere for decades. Those who return are beholden to a new master whose cunning is matched only by her primal desires. As his allies disappear, Clyde is left with the one he trusts the most in all of the world to help him solve this mystery. Too bad Mab has her own secret that can cause more damage to Nytefall than any vampiric beast.

Is this how the Dawn Fangs will be revealed to Windemere?

Still need more to wet your appetite? Then enjoy this excerpt:

Titus shrugs the girl off his shoulders and grips his blades, but refuses to draw them to avoid causing a scene. The warriors around him are on edge from overhearing Lost’s words and seeing his reaction, but they follow his example and keep their weapons sheathed. The Vengeance Hounds know that it is only a matter of time before the mortals with weaker wills lose control and drive the others into panic. They can hear the rumors of a deadly beast stalking the hunting party ripple through the crowd, each telling more gruesome and bone-chilling than the previous version. Several warriors ignore the warnings of their companions and draw their weapons, but keep them out of sight. Two of the casters begin to chant, which is revealed by the sparkle of magic on their lips. One by one, the lines of warriors stop walking and assume various defensive formations. Frustrated by the collapse of her army, the priestess turns around and tries to assure everyone that they are safe. Standing in the middle of the blossoming chaos, the Vengeance Hounds can only watch as the woman loses her temper and shouts at the archers who were supposed to maintain control.

The warriors go silent when a booming roar erupts from above and a large shadow passes over the area. With a gurgling scream, the priestess collapses in a heap and stares unblinking at the sky. The archers move away from the drooling woman, whose breathing has stopped as if she has been instantly turned off. Landing in front of the hunting party, a crimson-scaled Verenstone Dragon unfurls its muscular tails with one to each side and the other arching over its reptilian head. The thick ridge of black hair going down its back rustles and shivers in the breeze, which heats up as the monster bellows once more. Curled against its side are wings composed entirely of blue flame that licks at the trampled grass, but they are not hot enough to ignite the emerald blades. Leaning forward, the terrifying predator sniffs at the braindead priestess and chuckles before swallowing the body whole. In the brief moment that its mouth is open wide, the Vengeance Hounds notice that two of its teeth are changing as if they are stretching out of the gums. The plaque-covered ivory is curved in a way that makes it clear that they are fangs and the beast is in desperate need of a fresh meal. Its eyes scan the mortals and stop on the three Dawn Fangs for a moment, but it is enough to tell them that the cunning creature recognizes their true nature.

“A vampiric dragon,” Titus mutters under his breath.

Get War of Nytefall: Ravenous on Amazon for $2.99!
Add it to your Goodreads To-Read Lists!

*****

Need to catch up? Then, check out Volumes 1-4 of War of Nytefall!

Interested in more Windemere? Then don’t forget to check out Charles E. Yallowitz’s first series: Legends of Windemere

About the Author:

Charles Yallowitz was born and raised on Long Island, NY, but he has spent most of his life wandering his own imagination in a blissful haze. Occasionally, he would return from this world for the necessities such as food, showers, and Saturday morning cartoons. One day he returned from his imagination and decided he would share his stories with the world. After spending many years fiddling with his thoughts and notebooks, he decided that it was time to follow his dream of being a fantasy author. So, locked within the house with only pizza and seltzer to sustain him, Charles brings you tales from the world of Windemere. He looks forward to sharing all of his stories with you and drawing you into a world of magic.

Blog: www.legendsofwindemere.com
Twitter: @cyallowitz
Facebook: Charles Yallowitz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cyallowitz/

Enjoy the adventure by clicking here!

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Sharp”

September 5, 2020September 4, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 48 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday, and this week’s prompt is “sharp.” Linda Hill is not here today but sent the message that we could use the word in any or all of its definitions. If you would like to join this happy band of word warriors, visit Linda’s blog and read how. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS Sept. 5/2020

“Do you have an ax to grind?”

“Oh, very funny. Yes, I am putting a sharp edge on this tool.”

“I don’t often see you with an ax in your hand.”

“I have a tree in the back yard and a couple of the sharp limbs are poking holes in my screens.”

“so don’t you need a saw?”

“For what?”

“To cut the limbs.”

“See, here’s the point. You’re a sharp guy and can understand this. If I cut the limbs, they’ll just grow back, and I’ll be in the same position.”

“What? In ten years?”

“No matter. That tree has it coming. A couple of sharp blows to the trunk, and my problems will be over.”

“You need to think this over.”

“Wait. You feel sorry for the tree?”

“In a way. How long has it been there?”

“Before the house was built.”

“Ah-ha. So the tree was here before you.”

“So?”

“You are the interloper. That tree has rights.”

“In what court of law?”

“The court of fairness.”

“Never heard of it.”

“Yeah, well. Let me just say it takes years to make a tree and only minutes to destroy it. I think you are being rash.”

“So, you think I should just saw the branches.”

“Absolutely.”

“I don’t have a saw or a ladder.”

“I have both.”

“How about you saw the branches.”

“Okay, if it will save the tree….hey, wait a minute. You planned this, didn’t you?”

“I don’t care what people say. You are one sharp tool in the drawer. Go get the tools. I’ll be out back with. the tree.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

September 4, 2020September 3, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 78 Comments

“Okay, I’ll give you till the count of three.”
“I will not need any time to escape a water buffalo.”
“Suit yourself.”

Another Friday is here. If you saw the post yesterday, then you know we finally got a break in the weather. This summer has been one for the record books. Not only were the temps in the 100s but the heat indexes were in from 105 to 110. Of course, this is 2020 so what should we expect? We hope to stay in the 90s for the rest of the season. (Imagine being thankful for 90-degree temps)

We are also missing all the rain. Those to the North, West, and East of us are getting tons. We are getting nada. They say maybe this weekend. Sure let’s have a labor Day deluge. Would be perfect for this year. At least it would be rain.

The launch of Eternal Road – The final stop is going well. I am so grateful for all the nice folks who volunteered to help. I know I’ve said that before but it bears repeating. I hope you enjoy the excerpts as well. They are all different parts of the book.

Today’s JohnKu talks about gratitude (again)

I want to wish everyone a Happy and Safe Labor Day Weekend.

When you receive grace,

The best gratitude is to . . .

Treat someone the same.

Today I’m with Teri Polen at Books and Such

September 3, 2020September 3, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 28 Comments

I’m pleased that Teri is helping to support the Eternal Road – The final stop blog tour. Here is a link to her post.

#NewRelease Eternal Road: The Final Stop by John W. Howell #IndieAuthor

I hope you visit since I have another excerpt for you to read.

Teri is a talented YA author and here is a little about her in her words.

“Several years back, a friend told me I should read the Harry Potter series – I think the third one was out by then. I laughed, saying they were for kids, but she convinced me to give them a try, and for that, I’ll always be thankful. Reading YA opened up a whole new world for me, and I haven’t looked back.

Some of my favorite things in life are books (no romance), music (preferably alt/rock and absolutely no country), movies (rarely chick flicks), red wine (no merlot) and dark chocolate (please don’t add any fruit to what is already perfection). On the flip side of that, I strongly dislike the color pink and loathe shopping – unless it’s in a bookstore or someplace I can buy movies, music, wine, or chocolate. That being said, it’s pretty evident why my female friends think I’m a little strange.

You can take it from me, her books are terrific. I’ve enjoyed them all.

You can get them all at Teri’s Author place on Amazon

Teri can be contacted at tpolen6@gmail.com, Goodreads, or Facebook.

Thursday – A Little Personal – A Heat Wave Break

September 3, 2020September 2, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 80 Comments

We had a temperature break here in Texas so Twiggy and Lucy took advantage of it.

Lucy and Twiggy

“Hey, Lucy, check out the temperature.

“I can’t see the thermometer from here.”

Pretty funny. We don’t have a thermometer. The air feels cool.”

“Yeah, the low 90s is like an arctic blast. Why are you running?”

“The puma has decided to take a run at the big slow water buffalo.”

“Yeah, well, this buffalo has a few surprises for the dull-witted puma and outflanks it.”

“You can run, but you can’t hide.”

“The buffalo looks back and plans the next move.”

“The buffalo comes up short and faces the puma.”

“The puma gets ready to pounce.”

“The buffalo makes a preemptive strike.

“Which the puma ducks.”

The puma goes on the offensive and is ready to take the buffalo down.”

“But, the wiley buffalo has a few more tricks.”

“The puma has the buffalo cornered. Time to finish the fight.”

“Yeah, bring it on, puma. You’ll find out how much a hoof can hurt.”

“Where you going, Lucy? We didn’t finish the battle.”

“I’ll let you win this one, Potato. I need a drink.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

September 2, 2020September 1, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 63 Comments

“Lucy.”
“Don’t ask. It’s Wednesday.”
“Ah, two more nap days.”

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we learned that in all probability, Stanković, the guy who fingered Lazar, is not involved in the current mess. He may be a candidate in the future, but right now, with all his connections, he is a hot potato. The team wants to know more from Lazar about Cortez and Taggert. The ADA will need some pretty substantial firsthand evidence to go forward with an indictment. Our team is heading back into the interrogation room. We better get there to hear what is next.

“Okay, so Mr. Popović, it seems I’m going to need a little more information from you before we can talk about any kind of a deal.”

“What kind of information? I’ve told you about Taggert and Cortez.”

“you. Have told us nothing. Right now, you are looking at spending the rest of your life behind bars unless we can get some substantial information on how Cortez and Taggert are connected.”

“Excuse me.”

“Yes, Mr. Stannis.”

“My client is terrified of what can happen to him if he speaks up regarding the activities of his associates. We need to work out a way where he can tell you what you need to know and then be safe.”

“I’ve already said if the information is actionable, he will get all the protection he needs. So far, though, he has said nothing. You both need to trust that if lazar knows something, he should talk.”

“We had the same conversation while you were out of the room. I think my client is ready to give you more details.”

“That sounds good. So Lazar, what kind of information can you provide? Can you make a direct connection between Taggert, Cortez, and the drugs?”

“I sure can. In fact, I have phone conversations recorded.”

“You what?”

“Conversations.”

“With who?”

“Me and Taggert. Me and Cortez and Cortez, me, and Taggert.”

“Where are these conversations now?”

“In the cloud somewhere.”

“Can you get them?”

“Yeah. I just access Dropbox. They are all there.”

“Ok, so wait a minute. How is it that you were able to get phone conversations?”

“I got this app called TTSPY. It works on Android phones, which are the burner phones of choice of Cortez and Taggert.”

“They didn’t know you were recording.”

“God, no. I would be a dead man if they found out. I set the phone to record whenever they call. I never call them, so I didn’t get the other way conversations.”

“What made you decide to do the recordings?”

“You know, Ms. Thomas, I’m a God-fearing man. I figured I better protect myself since the deals were getting bigger, which means the stakes were getting higher. I just looked up on Google, how to record off a mobile phone, bought the app, and the rest is history.”

“So, how many conversations?”

“I’d have to say maybe forty or fifty.”

“Excuse me, Ms. Thomas.”

“Yes, Mr.Dunfee.”

“Can I ask a question?”

“Certainly.”

“Did these guys discuss getting rid of Andrew and me?”

“Yeah, you bet. Cortez told me he was putting out the hit and would I be interested.”

“Well?”

“Not my kind of work, Mr. Dunfee. I said I was a God-fearing man. Thou shalt not kill.”

“I get it, Lazar. Maybe God would have appreciated it if you gave out a warning.”

“I didn’t need Cortez putting out a hit on me, which would have happened had I done that.”

“Okay, gentlemen. We now have attempted murder to add to the stack. When can we start listening to the recordings, Mr. Popović?”

“I can call them up anytime.”

“Maybe we’ll have someone transcribe them. For now, let’s talk about a few things.”

“Like what?”

“Like how much drug trade have you’ve been involved with and how deep are Taggert and Cortez in it.”

“Up to their eyebrows, Ms. Thomas. Could I get a glass of water.?”

“Yeah, let’s take a break. This has been very interesting.

Today I’m With Craig Boyack at Entertaining Stories

September 2, 2020September 1, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 21 Comments

I am very pleased that Craig volunteered to have me on his site to talk about Eternal Road – The final stop during the tour.

Here is the link:

https://coldhandboyack.wordpress.com/2020/09/02/welcome-john-howell-newbook/

I’m sure you all have heard of Craig since he is one of the most inventive writers on the scene today. His books are very entertaining and since he calls his work Speculative Fiction, he is unbound by traditional genres.

Here is a little about Craig in his words

Craig Boyack

“I’m on the verge of being an empty nester, and I like to write fiction. This blog is to share ideas with readers and writers. I have a decent body of work on Amazon, and I hope you’ll check some of them out. They are all speculative fiction, but seem to stay closest to science fiction, paranormal, and fantasy.

I have other interests that may sneak in from time to time. I like the great outdoors and all it has to offer. Morels and huckleberrys are particularly fun. I once caught and released a 7-foot white sturgeon from the Snake River.”

Right now, Craig is in the process of launching two books but has many more from which to choose.

H.M.S Lanternfish and Murder They Wrote with Seven Authors

Here is a link to all his books http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00ILXBXUY

I think you will enjoy a visit to Craig’s place since I have an excerpt of Eternal Road for you to read there.

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #278 by Keith Channing

September 1, 2020August 31, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 55 Comments

In Keith’s words. “Using this photo as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before 6pm next Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries next Monday.”

The photo.

Kreative Kue #278

“Come on boy. You can do it, boy.”

“The name’s Roscoe. Call me Roscoe.”

“Come on Roscoe. You can do it.”

“I know I can do it. My feet are touching the bottom. See I’m walking in.”

“Okay, you are almost here. Halleluiah I’m saved.”

“Saved what are you talking about? You having a soulful experience over there?”

“You are a rescue dog aren’t you?”

“Whaaaaat? Rescue dog?”

“Yeah, even your name screams rescue. Roscoe rescue.”

“How long you been on this island, Mate?”

“Hard to tell. What year is it?”

“2020.”

“Yikes. my boat foundered and sank in 2018.”

“Well, genius looks like you have been here for two years. I like what you’ve done to the place.”

“So you are not a rescue dog/”

“Look at me, Bud. I couldn’t rescue myself let alone some hayseed your size.”

“Well, at least it is nice to have someone to talk to. Want some tea?”

“You know Sport. You are dumber than you look. How many dogs you know drink tea?”

“Well, none.”

“Yes, that’s right. Also, let me ask you a question.”

“Okay, shoot.”

“How many dogs you know talk?”

“Again none.”

“So maybe you better take stock, Rube. Ya think you might be having a hallucination?”

“You have got to be kidding. I watched you swim from the horizon to here.”

“So whats that fifty miles you think?”

“Seems difficult but you are a rescue dog.”

“Wake up Ferd. Go ahead and touch me.”

“Oh, my. My hand went right through you.”

“What does that tell you?”

“I’m just dreaming.”

“Now you got it. One last question.”

“Sure, might as well.”

“Why a dog hallucination?”

“What do you mean?”

“You could dream up anyone. Why a dog?”

“Man’s best friend I suppose. ”

“You are hopeless. Okay, I’ll take the tea. Darjeeling I hope. A little milk no sugar. Got scones?”

Today I am at Marcia Meara’s Beautiful Place Talking about Eternal Road -The final stop.

September 1, 2020September 1, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 30 Comments

Marcia is doing the kick off hosting duty for the Eternal Home – The final stop blog tour. Here is a link to the post this morning. I hope you will visit and take a look at her fabulous place. Her blog title is the Write Stuff “Writers Helping Writers” with Marcia Meara & Friends. She does that all the time. Here is more about her. Thank you for you help Marcia

Marcia

Marcia Meara lives in central Florida, just north of Orlando, with her husband of over thirty years, four big cats, and one small dachshund.

When not writing or blogging, she spends her time gardening and enjoying the surprising amount of wildlife that manages to make a home in her suburban yard. She enjoys nature. Really, really enjoys it. All of it! Well, almost all of it, anyway. From birds to furry critters, to her very favorites, snakes. The exception would be spiders, which she truly loathes, convinced that anything with eight hairy legs is surely up to no good. She does not, however, kill spiders anymore, since she knows they have their place in the world. Besides, her husband now handles her Arachnid Catch and Release Program, and she’s good with that.

Spiders aside, the one thing Marcia would like to tell each of her readers is that it’s never too late to make your dreams come true. If, at the age of 69, she could write and publish a book (and thus fulfill 64 years of longing to do that very thing), you can make your own dreams a reality, too. Go for it! What have you got to lose?

marciameara16@gmail.com
Twitter: @marciameara

BIBLIOGRAPHY OF MARCIA’S BOOKS

Marcia’s Amazon Author Page

Wake-Robin Ridge Book 1
A Boy Named Rabbit: Wake-Robin Ridge Book 2
Harbinger: Wake-Robin Ridge Book 3
The Light: Wake-Robin Ridge Book 4

Swamp Ghosts: A Riverbend Novel
Finding Hunter: Riverbend Book 2
That Darkest Place: Riverbend Book 3

The Emissary: A Riverbend Spinoff Novella
The Emissary 2: To Love Somebody

Summer Magic: Poems of Life & Love

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Battle of the Alamo

August 31, 2020August 30, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 51 Comments

As you may know, I’m deeply into preparing to launch my next book, Eternal Road – The final stop. Part of that preparedness is to author a number of guest posts and announcements. Since tomorrow is the kick-off I hope you will forgive me running a post from August 27th, 2018. If you have seen it before thank you for last time. You may also like to visit Story Empire today since I’m there talking about the benefits of doing a preorder period with Amazon. Here is the link.

https://storyempirecom.wordpress.com/2020/08/31/to-pre-order-or-not-to-pre-order-that-is-the-question-a-look-at-the-benefits-of-pre-order/

The inspiration for this list is the idea of matching Ten Things Not to Do with historical events. I hope you enjoy this one.

10 If you are caught at the battle of the Alamo, do not think offering margaritas all around is going to help anything. If you do, at best, everyone will be too busy to take you up on the offer. At worst, only the best shooters on your side decided to have a couple and now can’t hit the broad side of a barn. (I guess you were hoping the Mexicans would be in a similar shape, huh, Fritz?)

9 If you are caught at the battle of the Alamo, do not ask Tiny the WWF champ if you can borrow his gun. If you do, at best, he’ll just say no. At worst, since he extremely nearsighted, he may mistake you for a Mexican soldier and give you a body slam over the wall. (It only hurts getting up, Felco so, I would just lay there.)

8 If you are caught at the battle of the Alamo, do not walk around eating a bean burrito. If you do, at best you will have to share. At worst, from far away, a sharpshooter may mistake you for a Mexican Federal soldier. ( I know you were hungry, Freddie, but the food of the day is hardtack and salt pork. Tortillas are the other side food of the day.)

7 If you are caught at the battle of the Alamo, do not wear your Santa Anna Sucks t-shirt. If you do, at best, no one will notice. At worst, Santa Anna will want it as a souvenir. ( I think you heard him right, Faris. He said he didn’t care if it was bloodstained or not. Just give it to him.)

6 If you are caught at the battle of the Alamo, do not ask Davy Crockett for an autograph. If you do, at best, he’ll just laugh. At worst, he’ll give you a lesson in flying. (You could flap your arms more, Farid, but I think you are going to hit the ground pretty hard. That wall is quite high.)

5 If you are caught at the battle of the Alamo, do not tell someone you know all about cannons if you don’t. If you do, at best you won’t be asked to fill in on one. At worst, you’ll be put in charge of the only cannon that guards the entrance. (Now what did the manual say, Fabumi? Load the ball then light the fuse? Or was it the other way around? You better hurry looks like those doors won’t last another minute.)

4 If you are caught at the battle of the Alamo, do not think it is time to start Spanish lessons. If you do, at best, you may learn a few words. At worst, whether or not you speak Spanish will not help you in the end. (It looks like the order of the day is take no prisoners, Fadeyka. I think it’s going to take a little more than a few “holas” and “Buenos Dias” to save you.)

3 If you are caught at the battle of the Alamo, do not think that sombrero and serape will be an effective disguise. If you do, at best, no one will laugh at you. At worst the troops will consider you a spy. (You know what they do to spies, Fallon. Dump that outfit now.)

2 If you are caught at the battle of the Alamo, do not wave that “Come and Take It” cannon flag from the Battle of Gonzales. If you do, at best, you will make the Mexicans angry. At worst, you will be singled out for elimination. (That flag has been a sore spot since the Texas revolution began, Falk. No need to start that fire again.)

1 If you are caught at the battle of the Alamo, do not make plans for your summer holiday. If you do, at best, your heirs will have to cancel. At worst, you may lose some of your deposits. (I guess no one told you that getting out of the Alamo was a feet-first proposition, huh, Farnley?)