April Is The Cruelest Month

Hi, friend! If you’re a new subscriber, then welcome to my newsletter! I’m A.R. Grimes, an indie author of fantasy. If you love reading books and learning new things, then you’re in the “write” place. Ha ha. Okay, moving on …

Isn’t it supposed to be spring now? April Fools! You get more winter!

April Snow Showers Delay May Flowers

In Wisconsin, we receive at least one “last” snow dump every April. You’d think everyone would be used to it by now. But hope springs eternal following the vernal equinox – even if springtime itself is delayed – yet people always seem surprised when it happens. Or perhaps it’s just because it’s always socially appropriate to complain about the weather. Whilst tornadoes vent their fury down in Kentucky, Wisconsin gets more snow.

Are you having disappointing weather this month? Drop a comment and let me know what the weather’s like in your region!

Poor crocuses. You tried. You really did.

Now that we’ve commiserated about the fickleness of April, you have my permission to kick back and relax with a book. Immerse yourself in an enthralling new world. Are you between books? I always have recommendations. If you haven’t already, you can always check out Wyldling Snare. Would you like some other suggestions for good reads? Then keep going …

Looking for New Fantasy & Sci-Fi Books?

Check out these great deals!

Favorite Fantasy Series Sale

Are you looking for a new sci-fi or fantasy series? These PG-13 offerings are available throughout the month of April. I’m excited about this one because there are new books featuring dragons!

Disclaimer: I have not had time to read all these books, so I cannot vouch for quality or content. In the case you are dissatisfied, please don’t send the Brute Squad after me.

Myth & Legend, Action/Adventure Fantasy, $5 and Under

The books in this promotion are all MYTH & LEGEND, ACTION/ADVENTURE, FANTASY, and/or FANTASY/WESTERN novels. So, if any of those subgenres appeal to you, then take advantage of these deals and steals running from March 15th – April 15th!

Disclaimer: I have not had time to read all these books, so I cannot vouch for quality or content. In the case you are dissatisfied, please don’t send the Brute Squad after me.

Want Some Free Books?

Who doesn’t, right? Here are some offerings from other independently-published authors.

Wings of Hope: Inspirational Fantasy & Science Fiction with positive themes

Do you enjoy reading stories with positive themes? Winter is over and it’s time to enjoy some happiness! While these stories might not be all sunshine and rainbows, a positive theme often shines best when there’s only one candle in a world of darkness. Grab these books for FREE March 15th – April 15th!

Disclaimer: I have not had time to read all these books, so I cannot vouch for quality or content. In the case you are dissatisfied, please don’t send the Brute Squad after me.

What I’m Reading

It’s April! The month of dubious weather. Or maybe that’s just Wisconsin year round? In any event, here are some books I’m reading or have finished reading recently.

Dragon Called by Ava Richardson

This author has written a LOT of dragon books! You know me … if it has dragons in it, I have to read it. I’ve begun with this one, the first in a series called Deadweed Dragons. If you like stories about dragon riders and characters with deep bonds with dragons, then this is for you. I’m about halfway through, and so far I’m enjoying it.

In a kingdom that has fallen into chaos, one young woman—and her dragon—are thrust into the role of bringing balance to the land. 
From the moment Dayie washed ashore as an infant, everyone in her tiny village treated her as… different. She didn’t belong, no matter how hard she tried. So when a vicious, invasive plant called Deadweed overruns her village, she’s blamed and sold to the Dragon Traders for fear of her powers and the mystery surrounding her origin. After years of service to the ruthless Dragon Traders, Dayie wants her freedom. To repay her debt, Dayie steals a dragon egg. But she winds up with far more than she bargained for when her egg hatches before she can get it to them. Now she must hide her hotheaded young dragon Zarr or risk losing him: either to the Dragon Traders or the Deadweed that’s creeping ever southward. When the Dragon Traders travel further south to evade capture and Deadweed attacks, Dayie meets a mysterious Dragon Rider named Akeem, who tells her magic is behind the spread of the Deadweed, and that she’s been bonded with Zarr—for life. Now Dayie faces a choice: give up her dragon for her freedom or take her place with Zarr in the Training Hall of Dagban. There, she may have the chance to avenge her parents’ deaths and solve the mystery of ever-spreading Deadweed. Dayie’s destiny awaits, if she’s brave enough to follow it… 
This novel contains violence

The Roiling Sea by Parker Love

Do you like reading folktale retellings? Then you’ll enjoy this story of betrayal and romance! Before I came across this book, I hadn’t even heard of the folktale from which it was adapted. I was eager to learn what happened to Branwen, whether Branwen and Glimmer end up together, if justice was served, and if the rift between fae and humans ever mended. I enjoyed the twists and turns, the tension, and the romance was sweet, just the way I like it.

Trigger warning: there is a brief sexual assault scene in this book.

A human girl could never have a lasting ramification to the fae world. She’s just one human girl.

Princess Branwen isn’t like anyone in her family. She is not fair of hair, skin of milk, personality of dew, or whatever her sister strives for. With her dark hair and olive complexion, the men her father brings to court will never see her as anything but an obstacle to her lovely, yet vapid sister anyway. When summer solstice comes, her father gathers his men to follow through on one of his obsessions, capturing an elusive, and probably extinct fae.

Seeker, Ruler of the fae Solar Court, can’t believe they’ve been captured by a ridiculous human girl. She doesn’t even know the rules … and why do they keep helping with hints? Well, it is no matter. Released from her trap, they’re free to return to the fae realm, and their search for the object which will save their people. There’s no way this girl could be meaningful to them … right?

Have you read Wyldling Snare?

A knight’s first duty is to his realm. When another world calls, will he answer? The wrong choice might destroy all he loves.

Apprentice knight Enoch Northward isn’t ready to lead. But when he returns home to find his mentor dead and the heir-apparent missing, he knows he must rise to the challenge.

But the horrifying truth of his guardian’s death and disappearance of his friends leaves the grieving knight with no time to mourn. In search of answers, he ventures into the forbidden forest. There he discovers a portal leading to another world – and a girl who shares his faith and dreams.

The realm hangs in the balance as a mysterious enemy schemes to destroy it, but not all peril comes from the outside. Enoch himself harbors a secret that could destroy all he loves…

Obligatory Cat Photo

King Leonidas has gone from fur snake to fluffy loaf.

Do you have a pet? I’d love to feature a photo of your furry, scaled, or feathered friend in one of my newsletters. Leave a comment if you’re interested!

2 responses to “April Is The Cruelest Month”

  1. I’m in Davao City, Philippines. I like your books. It is raining here and we have plenty of flowers now. We don’t have snow. My wife and I left South Bend, Indiana before more snow arrived. Have a great day.

    Liked by 1 person

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