Cheekypee reads and reviews: HERALDS OF THE CROWN: POISON TOUR

HERALDS OF THE CROWN: POISONTOUR

Book Excerpt:

Marcella’s gaze fell upon a man who shepherded a group of children and several women—including one holding an infant—toward a silvery spacecraft a short distance away. The ship was an older model, and rather quaint. Still, it would serve the purpose of their escape, or at the very least add to their protection. She stalked toward them, slashing her blade to make a pathway through the greenery. She could almost taste the blood, making the craving more intense.

The man’s eyes met hers and widened. He shouted at his flock and pushed the ones closest to him toward the ship. The fear in their faces reflected off the chrome hull in distorted alarm. Marcella reveled in it. As the ramp of the ship fell against the ground with a puff of dust, she realized she wouldn’t reach them in time, even if she ran.

She paused, focusing on the panic and horror emitted by the ones before her. As her eyes closed, a wellspring of fury burbled into her chest. Her empty fist clenched while her fingers coiled around her sword grip. She concentrated on the years of agony, torment, and terror under Lucian’s leadership and used that to fuel her power. With a soft breath, she thrust a ring of dark energy from her body, wielding her most threatening weapon of supernatural force.

Emptiness overwhelmed her, taking her to her knees. Fire raged through her fingers as the markings absorbed the essence of death. She fought for breath and lifted her eyes to see everyLogia near the ship crumple to the ground. Confident as she was in her skill, she knew Lucian would expect her to assess the remains. To make absolutely certain they were all dead. And her sword would be her insurance.

Pushing off the ground, Marcella darted toward the ship. The scattered bodies were indeed lifeless. Lucian would more than likely scold her about the dead children, but she did what she had to do. Had the Logia escaped, word of the Strages would have spread. Trouble would rise for Lucian and his followers, even though Marcella knew Carnifex was far more powerful than the Crown.

A sharp cry directed Marcella’s attention to the landing gear of the ship. “Ssh. She’ll hear you. It’s all right, precious one,” a woman’s voice whispered.

She already has.

Marcella snaked toward the female’s hiding place in silence. The cries continued, although muffled. The stabilizers would have been the perfect hiding place had the baby been quiet. But the noise, joined with the woman’s tearful words of comfort, rang through the well above and echoed. She would be an easy kill.

Maybe Lucian will forgive me for the slaying of the children if I bring him the infant. Carrying it back would prove interesting, though. She’d never held one, and Lucian would want it unharmed.

As she drew closer, Marcella noticed the timbre of the female’s voice had changed. No longer did the words lull and soothe. They were fevered. Pleading, but not with the infant. The woman was praying for protection from the Crown.

Oh, it will be a pleasure to help this poor creature understand she believes in a god who isn’t strong enough to stand againstCarnifex. Disappointment would fill the Logia’s final moment. Stepping around the stabilizers, Marcella opened her arms, as if presenting herself. “I found you,” she taunted.

The woman screamed and clutched the baby to her chest. Frightened blue eyes stared at Marcella, tears cresting her eyelashes and spilling down her cheeks. “Please. Please let us go. The child…she’s done nothing. She’s innocent.”

Innocent. You were innocent once.

Additional Materials for Tour:

Book Details

Author: Ashley Hodges Bazer

Title: Heralds of the Crown: Poison

Synopsis: As part of a sect called the Strages, Marcella is ordered to execute fierce assaults on the Logia—gifted believers in the triune deity known as the Crown. After receiving a vision, she begins to question her allegiance and finds herself seeking counsel from a leader in the Logia faith, whom she was sent to annihilate.

When her mentor, Thaed, uncovers her betrayal, he orders her to do the unthinkable—kill the Logia leader who has become her friend. Her choice will result in either the destruction of the Logia or her own death.

The series of Strages attacks call the Logia to prepare for a major battle. In doing so, Gaultier Lassiter is enlisted. When he discovers an unconscious young woman buried in a snowdrift, his world is turned upside down. She has no memory and no ability to speak—only a strange symbol carved into her chest.

The question of her identity leads to a journey of legendary proportions. Between his own personal struggles with his estranged brother, his unmet potential, and the murder of a close friend, Gaultier fights to cling to his faith. And once the mystery is solved, will Gaultier be prepared to face the truth?

Purchase Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K93IFW8

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/heralds-of-the-crown-poison

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heralds-of-the-crown-ashley-bazer/1119478241?ean=2940045935982

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/436868

Author Details

Author Bio: Ashley Hodges Bazer is often decked out in bellbottoms and grooving out on the lighted dance floor. Okay, not really, but she does have a thing for the BeeGees. She lives in Colorado with her husband and three children. After earning her bachelor’s degree in theatrical stage management from Arizona State University, she went on to work for Disneyland in that capacity. A love affair with books led her to work for several different bookstores. Currently a producer for an international daily radio program, she’s learning to balance working, writing, and momming duties. Her debut novel, Asylum, was traditionally published by WestBow Press in 2012. When she’s not writing, she’s crocheting or belting out Broadway show tunes. And she's a real duchess!