Hi, friend! If you’re a new subscriber, then welcome to my newsletter! I’m A.R. Grimes, an indie author of fantasy. Wyldling Snare, my first novel, is available wherever books are sold. If you love reading books and learning new things, then you’re in the “write” place. Ha ha. Okay, moving on …
In July, I traveled to London with a nice couple from my church and we participated in a mission through the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. We joined a larger group from Oconomowoc and other congregations. This was my first trip out of the country since I went to Germany during my senior year in high school, which was roughly four and a half years before 9/11. There. Now you can guess how old I am.
Being an introvert and homebody from suburban Wisconsin, I’m not accustomed to crowds. This trip really challenged me in that regard. There were so many people … everywhere! However, I felt called to go to London and help the members of Holy Word Lutheran Church reach out to the community. It also didn’t hurt that I’ve always wanted to visit England.
In a nutshell, my London experience was wonderful! The trip was over a week, and we all had three days given over completely to sight-seeing. I visited the British Museum where I had afternoon tea, walked around the Tower of London, the Shakespeare Globe, Hyde Park, Covent Gardens, and saw Les Miserables for the first time in my life at the Sondheim … So much, and yet not enough.
It was incredible to be there, to see the sights, breathe the air, hear the delightful accents, eat delicious food, and maybe do a bit of good at the same time. Yes, I ate fish and chips, as well as cuisine from other places. So … many … shops! I patronized four different purveyors of boba tea. I now feel comfortable using the London Underground transit system for the next time I visit.
Of course I’m going back. There are so many places I didn’t get to see! So many people who haven’t read Wyldling Snare! Could there be an author tour/missionary trip to the UK in the future? Heehee …
Good thing I was prepared to walk – a lot! My volunteer activities included canvassing, inviting people to fun events and church services, helping out at the events, and doing charitable work weeding a local garden. I pray that we made a positive impact on the neighborhood. I trust God to multiply our efforts. The church services were lovely. Pastor Hartman took the group on a walking tour of other old churches in the vicinity. He’s very knowledgeable about the local history, and has an informative YouTube channel called Discover Hidden Gems.
We also went on another walking tour led by a charming fellow named Laurie. He’s lived on the east side of London his entire life. Based on what he shared, he must be over 80. I enjoyed immensely listening to him speak. And he showed us where to buy inexpensive T-shirts.
Are there werewolves in London? Well, I didn’t meet any … that I know of. I reckon werewolves wouldn’t wish to reveal themselves to regular humans like me. But if there’s any urban center where a werewolf might live, cosmopolitan London would be a prime choice. Even with their peculiarities, werewolves could blend in simply because there is so much diversity. English was not the primary language my ears caught when I first walked down the streets of Tower-Hamlets and Whitechapel.
And now I suspect there are kelpies in London!
You’ll notice I’ve included a few photographs. I took many more that I haven’t shared. Disclaimer: I am NOT a photographer, and there were tons of people everywhere I went. Plus … I am vertically challenged. I feel bad about sharing pictures without the informed consent of the individuals in them, and there’s only so much you can crop out of a photo before you destroy the majesty of an image. I apologize for low quality.
Now that you’ve learned a few things, you have my permission to kick back and relax with a book and 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 …
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Noblebright SciFi and Fantasy
This is how author C.J. Brightley describes this subgenre of speculative fiction: “Noblebright fantasy is not utopian fiction. The world of a noblebright story is not perfect, and indeed can sometimes be quite dark. Actions have consequences, and even good characters can make terrible mistakes. But a noblebright story is generally hopeful in tone, even if there are plenty of bad, grim, dark things going on in the world.” Does that appeal to you? Then grab these books by August 20th!
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August: Free Fantasy & Sci-Fi
All subgenres of fantasy and science fiction! Grab these books for FREE through August 31st!
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.
Books Out NOW:
Iron Rose by Abigail O’Bryan
A Grendel-like animal bent on overtaking the Beast’s mind. A Beauty determined to dethrone a tyrant. The Tale as Old as Time as you’ve never experienced it before, perfect for fans of Brigid Kemmerer and Marissa Meyer.
There is no future for Lydia Brightwood.
The Crimson Lord, a tyrant bent on destroying Lydia’s country, made sure of that. Her only hope of a different life is to find the one person who could unite her country: a royal heir. There’s just one problem…
They’re all dead.
The Beast’s humanity is slipping away.
Shut away from the world by a horrible secret, Adam watches the destruction of his homeland from the ruins of a fortress all the while holding the devastating truth in his chest:
It’s his fault.
Fates interwoven, Lydia and Adam’s paths cross in the ruins of the north where they must choose if they will fall to the curse or, together, rise to their destiny.
A dark, lush, and triumphant reimagining of Beauty and the Beast, Iron Rose is perfect if you love daring escapes, bloody battles, deep family bonds, love overcoming the odds, and a touch of old magic.
The Mhrann’s Mantle by E.G. Moore
Four years before Etoiny discovers the last dragonfly, the Mhrann’s youngest granddaughter disappears from the public eye.
Will Jaya embrace her destiny and become “Victorious,” or will she succumb to the darkness that surrounds her?
Enebish is a young woman with a secret power of compulsion who dreams of ruling her country with wisdom and beauty. But when her sister’s pregnancy solidifies her place as the next ruler, Enebish is offered an intriguing new role – that of a foreign spy and procurer of the fantastical.
As Enebish, now known as Jaya, undergoes her training, she uncovers her cruel grandfather’s sinister plots and learns the true meaning of “the Bloss remember.” With the potential to become the most powerful Bloss Mhranni in recent history, Jaya must decide whether to follow her grandfather’s vengeful orders or listen to the growing voice of her conscience.
This thrilling page-turner will have you questioning loyalty, morality, and the true meaning of power.
Epic Fantasy I’ve Read & Recommend
The Eternity Gate by Katherine Briggs
The Eternity Gate is found, and kings and monsters battle over its legends of treasure. But rumors whisper that someone stole the gate’s ancient key.
Seyo, handmaiden to the princess, keeps three secrets. First, she’s gifted in fire, not light, and may as well be cursed. Second, she translates a prophecy warning that the gate does not offer treasure but judgment. Third, Jorai, the scorned prince and Seyo’s confidant, entrusts her with the key and disappears.
Surrounded by war, Seyo and her companions embark on a journey to seek help from a faraway empire and find Jorai, unaware of the trap awaiting them. But what should Seyo do with the key? Who can survive judgment, especially someone as flawed as her? Will hiding the key—or destroying it—save her people or ensure their defeat?
Legacy Bound by Elizabeth Daly
Isobel, an empath, hides in plain sight, dreading the day they will come for her. Older sister to William, she has spent her life protecting him while searching for a cure to the demonic corruption that will eventually consume him.
Looking for redemption, former soldier, William, has turned to the Light, renouncing his violent ways. If he doesn’t, he risks losing the battle raging inside him and fears the consequences of that happening to those he loves.
Youngest grandson of the Queen, free spirited Prince Marcus cavorts throughout the empire, determined to enjoy his remaining moments, and with one year left, his time runs short. But when he meets Isobel, Marcus discovers there is more to life than indulging every whim and fancy.
Not knowing friend from foe, and with the repercussions of their actions closing in, Isobel, Marcus and William find themselves on the run whilst trying to stop an uprising that could shatter the empire.
Can they succeed and break free of the shackles of their past, or will they be forever bound to it?
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
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Cycle of Tehara 