Ilyon Chronicles & Blades of Acktar BLOG TOUR!

Jaye L. Knight’s newest novel, Bitter Winter, and companion novella Lacy have been released! Bitter Winter is the fifth book in the Christian fantasy series, Ilyon Chronicles. Tricia Mingerink's newest novel Decree is also releasing! Decree is the fifth book in the Christian fantasy/kingdom adventure series The Blades of Acktar. Read about these books below and be sure to check out the other blog stops on the tour by visiting the official tour page. Don’t forget to enter the giveaway!

The Ilyon Chronicles

About Bitter Winter Already struggling with a harsh winter and the threat of food shortage, a catastrophic event leaves those in the Landale camps reeling. Just when things couldn’t get much worse, camp members fall ill with the same devastating sickness that’s sweeping across the country. Determined to gain the cure, Jace sets off to Valcré. However, there are only two sources—the queen, or a powerful gang of smugglers who have made the dangerous city their home. When Jace gains audience with the gang leader, he finds the price of the cure is steeper than any of them imagined, forcing him to make an impossible choice—betray his conscience or let those he loves die.

Available now on Amazon!

About Lacy The last thing Aaron ever envisioned was falling for a prostitute. Everything about it spells trouble. However, he can’t help noticing the way her smile lights up when she sees him and how much brokenness she hides behind it. Neither can he ignore how desperately she needs rescue and protection. When Lacy shares a life or death secret with him, Aaron is willing to risk everything to help her and to show her Elôm’s love. Yet, such a choice could destroy his reputation and maybe even cost him his freedom. An Ilyon Chronicles Novella

Available now on Amazon!

Haven’t discovered the world of Ilyon yet? Find out more at the official Ilyon Chronicles website! 

About the Author Jaye L. Knight is an award-winning author, homeschool graduate, and shameless tea addict with a passion for Christian fantasy. Armed with an active imagination and love for adventure, Jaye weaves stories of truth, faith, and courage with the message that even in the deepest darkness, God’s love shines as a light to offer hope. She has been penning stories since the age of eight and resides in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. You can connect with Jaye on her website, blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Etsy.

The Blades of Acktar

About Decree The Adventure Continues. Discover more of The Blades of Acktar in this collection of novellas and short stories. The Blades as They Should’ve Been A test and the Gathering of Nobles will decide Leith and Martyn’s futures. Can they fight to become more than the Blades they were? Will Keevan accept the man who attempted to kill him as family? The First Mission When Martyn visits Surgis, his past seems determined to haunt him. Can he figure out how to forgive, especially when confronted with an enemy in need of his help? To the Far Great Mountains A death sends Leith and Martyn far beyond the borders of Acktar. Will they be able to arrest their quarry before they are caught themselves? From the story of how Leith and Martyn met to Ranson’s search for a life outside of the Blades, these stories will answer plaguing questions and expand the world of Acktar.

Available now on Amazon!

Haven’t discovered the The Blades of Acktar yet? Find out more at on the official Blades of Acktar page.

About the Author Tricia Mingerink is a twenty-something, book-loving, horse-riding country girl. She lives in Michigan with her family and their pack of pets. When she isn't writing, she can be found pursuing backwoods adventures across the country. You can connect with Tricia on her blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Giveaway!

Share in the excitement of the release and enter to win a full signed set of the Ilyon Chronicles and The Blades of Acktar! (Giveaway is open to US residents only. Cannot be shipped internationally.) Click on this link to enter. Be sure to stop by each of the character chats (links in the blog tour schedule) for additional giveaways throughout the tour!

Double Fourth of July Cover Reveal from Jaye L. Knight!

Hey, friends! Happy Independence Day! (To my American readers.) I hope you have a beautiful 4th of July celebration with family and friends ... maybe go see some fireworks ... and just celebrate America and remember the brave souls who fought for this country and bought our freedom.

Today I want to help reveal two amazing new book covers from one of my favorite authors, Jaye L. Knight! They even go along with the red-white-and-blue theme! *winks*

So, without further ado, see what's coming next in the awesome fantasy series, ILYON CHRONICLES ...

Bitter Winter {Ilyon Chronicles #5} by Jaye L. Knight

Already struggling with a harsh winter and the threat of food shortage, a catastrophic event leaves those in the Landale camps reeling. Just when things couldn’t get much worse, camp members fall ill with the same devastating sickness that’s sweeping across the country.

Determined to gain the cure, Jace sets off to Valcré. However, there are only two sources—the queen, or a powerful gang of smugglers who have made the dangerous city their home. When Jace gains audience with the gang leader, he finds the price of the cure is steeper than any of them imagined, forcing him to make an impossible choice—betray his conscience or let those he loves die.

Lacy {Ilyon Chronicles #5.5} by Jaye L. Knight

The last thing Aaron ever envisioned was falling for a prostitute. Everything about it spells trouble. However, he can’t help noticing the way her smile lights up when she sees him and how much brokenness she hides behind it. Neither can he ignore how desperately she needs rescue and protection.

When Lacy shares a life or death secret with him, Aaron is willing to risk everything to help her and to show her Elôm’s love. Yet, such a choice could destroy his reputation and maybe even cost him his freedom.

Ilyon Chronicles Novella

~~~

*squeals* What do y'all think?? Are they not gorgeous? And the stories they hold! I'm so, so, so excited! I'm actually currently beta-reading Bitter Winter. I haven't gotten far, because I have other "review books" to work through as well, but it's been so good thus far!

Comment with your thoughts and fangirling! *grins*

Book Review: Destroy by Tricia Mingerink

Purchase HERE

Title: Destroy

Author: Tricia Mingerink

Series: The Blades of Acktar #3.5

Genre: Fantasy

Audience: New Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

Before the war, before the Blades, before the Leader…

There was a boy and a scullery maid and a secret shame.
One moonlit night of blood and knives destroyed their country and their lives forever.

The Leader failed to die, but will he also fail to lead?

~ MY REVIEW ~

**4 stars**

I am so glad I decided to purchase Destroy by Tricia Mingerink! After reading the final book in THE BLADES OF ACKTAR series, I was kind of sad and wondering how to say goodbye to this fantastic Christian fantasy series ... Well, turns out, I didn't have to! Not quite yet! *winks*

In this novella (which should be read after the third book, Defy), we meet Keevn and Addie as POV characters and see the whole story from their eyes ... starting when Keevn was almost killed in the dead of night by a Blade.

I wasn't sure how I'd feel about reading Keevn's story. But I loved it! I think, partly, because Tricia Mingerink just has a way of writing that draws me in! And now I so love Acktar and its people that I want to read every story about them that I can! *grins* But yes, Keevn. I actually did feel for him. My heart ached for him. I came to like him. And, of course, sweet and talkative and strong Addie. I loved seeing how she came into the whole story! Wow! *hugs them both*
Keevn definitely wasn't a perfect character, but that's good. Tricia Mingerink showed his pain and understandable reasons for his actions, while still staying true to his character that we saw in Defy and Deliver. I was impressed by this tale, and touched.

As I mentioned above, Destroy starts, chronologically, before Dare and continues to Defy's end ... and a little beyond that. And it's all seen through Keevn and Addie's eyes. I loved getting this new perspective on the war and all that! The coronation. The arrival of a certain prince. ^_^ (I only wish it would have showed a certain wedding!)

Anyway, it was well-written, interesting, and thought-provoking. I really liked the faith theme; how forgiveness and mercy were woven into the story. It was challenging but heart-touching. I loved seeing more of characters we didn't get a chance to truly meet before. All the backstory ... <3 Even though a good portion was grim and sad, I did love seeing little Renna and Brandi, and watching the happenings set up for Dare's beginning.

So. I understand Keevn better. I got to officially meet Addie. I even laughed a couple times! And talk about character growth! My fellow fans of THE BLADES OF ACKTAR, this #3.5 novella is not to be missed! *smiles*

Book Review: Deal by Tricia Mingerink

Sign up for Tricia Mingerink's newsletter for this free short story!

Title: Deal

Author: Tricia Mingerink

Series: The Blades of Acktar - Prequel Short Story

Genre: Fantasy

Audience: New Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

Note: this is a free short story given away for newsletter subscribers

Once there was a nine-year-old boy Leith Torren who only wanted to bring food home to his mother...and was noticed by Lord Respen Felix of Blathe.

~ MY REVIEW ~

**4 stars**

Oh my heart! My poor, little Leith! *hugs him* Deal by Tricia Mingerink is a prequel short story to THE BLADES OF ACKTAR, giving us a glimpse into the young Leith Torren's life. His mother. His father. And how he met the to-be-king, Lord Respen Felix.

Oh, I love the character of Leith so much, and this backstory just made him put himself a little deeper into my heart. The harsh life he experienced, the deep pain of thinking he was unlovable. The tragedy. The betrayal. *clutches bleeding heart* Now I need to go re-read Dare, Deny, Defy, and Deliver! -To remind myself that there's still so much ahead for Leith ... yes, some of it quite bad. But WONDERFUL THINGS too! *hugs him again for good measure*

Tricia Mingerink pens another tale, well-written and interesting. And hurtful! But the end left me wanting to delve back into this emotional, intense, amazing fantasy world.

If you are into THE BLADES OF ACKTAR series, you must read Deal, short though it is, for more backstory and insight into these beloved characters! ^_^

I received an e-book copy of Deal after signing up for Tricia Mingerink's newsletter.

Book Review: Deliver by Tricia Mingerink

Purchase HERE

Title: Deliver

Author: Tricia Mingerink

Series: The Blades of Acktar #4

Genre: Fantasy

Audience: New Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

Can something broken ever heal? 

Martyn is broken. After torturing his best friend, he doesn't belong anywhere in Acktar. No matter how far he runs, he can't lose his guilt. 

Leith is broken. While healing from the torture he received at Nalgar Castle, he struggles to find his new role. But can a Blade ever run from his past? 

The country is broken. Bitterness divides town against town, neighbor against neighbor. What will it take to deliver Acktar from itself? 

They face their hardest battle yet. 
Peace.

~ MY REVIEW ~

**5 stars**

How to say goodbye to a favorite fantasy series? It wasn't easy, especially considering how Deliver tugged at my heartstrings. *huggles all the characters* In this fourth and final installment to THE BLADES OF ACKTAR by Tricia Mingerink, we journey with our dear fictional friends on one last mission for freedom, peace, and healing.

Martyn Hamish can't seem to understand being free. Forgiven. Struggles to grasp his friends' irrational faith. Has nightmares over the betrayal he's felt and caused.
Leith and Renna learn to trust each other even more, while dealing with new threats on the horizon.
... And Brandi and Jamie are there, as lovable as ever. And of course, Shad. As well as Ranson. And a new, fascinating and fun character ...

*laughs and cries* I can't believe it's over! I don't know how I'm going to deal with this. No more novels from THE BLADES OF ACKTAR series? What will I do without all my beloved peoples? I adored Leith, Renna, Brandi, Jamie, and Shad every bit as much this time around. And fell in love with some others ... such as Martyn, and our new character. (view spoiler). I mean, Martyn is just fabulous! He's another one of those tortured heroes, but in a different way than Leith. He's a little harder. He was practically one of the bad guys in Book Two/part of Book Three. He needs to have his mouth washed out with soap once or twice ... *winks* He's stubborn and his walls are a little higher than Leith's. But, oh, is it worth it when they break down! ^_^ Martyn made me chuckle again and again. His story and guilt and pain squeezed my heart, and I was quickly rooting for him to discover light and life.

AND LEITH! Can one say enough about Leith Torren/Daniel Grayce? He had me bursting into giggles and blinking back tears. And grinning because he's just so cool. *big grin* I love this guy so much. Definitely one of my favorite guy characters EVER.

And Renna and Brandi, still the sweetest sisters there is. So much growth they went through, and still they march on.

I wanted to see more of Jamie! And Brandi, for that matter. Please, could there be another novella? (view spoiler) These characters have my heart. I don't want to say goodbye. And I want to see little Leiths and Rennas!

Though there were skirmishes and danger, Deliver was a lighter read than the previous books in the series, which I think is fitting, as it is the conclusion. We still have adventure, daring escapades, and near-death experiences. Also, crying-worthy parts. Many a time, tears stung my eyes, though mostly they were tears of healing. ^_^ Happiness. This book touched my heart, as all Tricia Mingerink's have!

And I laughed! I couldn't contain my giggles more than once! Oh, these characters crack me up. *hugs Leith* *And Martyn* *And Renna* *Okay, hugs them all again* Tricia Mingerink, you are a fabulous writer! You had me laughing, and crying, and gasping, and sighing happily.

And that ending ... <3 Deliver was a beautiful ending to THE BLADES OF ACKTAR series. This non-magical fantasy adventure is not to be missed. Experience faith, trials, friendship, redemption, grief, courage, adventure, romance, and love in this truly memorable fantasy story set on the plains of Acktar.

I received a copy of Deliver from the author.

A Tribute to THE BLADES OF ACKTAR

~~~

T H E  B L A D E S  O F  A C K T A R by Tricia Mingerink

~~~

D A R E

~ book one ~

"The characters won’t let me forget them. I’m captivated, intrigued, and eager for more!"

D E N Y

~ book two ~

"Deny is the fantastic ... absolutely heart-wrenching ... sequel to Dare."

D E F Y

~ book three ~

"The fantasy world [is] epic. Leith is just a fabulous guy. And Renna and Brandi both brilliant heroines in their own ways. There are battles. Tender scenes. Deepening romance. Tears, but strength. Hilarious moments."

D E S T R O Y

~ book three-point-five ~

D E A L

~ prequel short story ~

D E L I V E R

~ book four ~

** RELEASED APRIL 25th, 2017 **

Fantasy // Christian // Danger // Humor // Assassins // Redemption // Adventure // Romance // Faith // Persecution // Secrets // Friendship // Sisters // Escape // Fear // Betrayal // Princess // Hope // Prairie // Battles // Resistance // Grief // Captivity // Blizzard // Laughter // Life // Love // Change // Non-Magical // 

Blog Tour: Book Spotlight: Deliver by Tricia Mingerink

It's time to spotlight the next book for one of my favorite series ever! Book Four of THE BLADES OF ACKTAR by Tricia Mingerink, Deliver, is now releasing.

If you haven't read Dare, Deny, and Defy, do pick up these incredible Christian fantasy novels. Geared toward new adult, they're thrilling, thoughtful, humorous, tender, and impacting reads. And Leith, Renna, Brandi, Jamie, and Martyn are characters you're going to want to know better! Not to be missed. *smiles*

About the Book

Can something broken ever heal?

Martyn is broken. After torturing his best friend, he doesn’t belong anywhere in Acktar. No matter how far he runs, he can’t lose his guilt.

Leith is broken. While healing from the torture he received at Nalgar Castle, he struggles to find his new role. But can a Blade ever outrun his past?

The country is broken. Bitterness divides town against town, neighbor against neighbor. What will it take to deliver Acktar from itself?

They face their hardest battle yet.

Peace.

About the Author

Tricia Mingerink is a twenty-something, book-loving, horse-riding country girl. She lives in Michigan with her family and their pack of pets. When she isn’t writing, she can be found pursuing backwoods adventures across the country.

You can connect with her on Facebook, Pinterest, Goodreads, Twitter, Instagram, and her blog.

Intrigued yet? You definitely should be! *winks* Don't miss the Facebook Party on April 28th! It's sure to be lots of fun, and I hope to be there myself!

a tribute to the Ilyon Chronicles

~~~

I L Y O N  C H R O N I C L E S by Jaye L. Knight

~~~

R E S I S T A N C E

~ book one ~

"All in all, a stunning story. Even after the last page, the impact remains." ...

T H E  K I N G ' S  S C R O L L S

~ book two ~

"An epic continuation of the Ilyon Chronicles ... "

H A L F  B L O O D

~ prequel novella ~

"It left me with warm feelings of hope, in any case." ...

S A M A R A ' S  P E R I L

~ book three ~

"So many moments for our beloved characters!" ...

E X I L E S

~ book four ~

Coming Soon ... !

Fantasy // Faith // Adventure // Christian Allegory // Medieval // Persecution // Family // Gladiators // Good vs. Evil // Hope // Outlaws // Action // Redemption // Love // Betrayal // Friendship // Laughter // Dragons // Battles // Romance // Courage // Sacrifice // Secret Missions // Danger // Agony // Discovery // Non-Magical //

Hidden Gems: Tricia Mingerink

Today for Hidden Gems we have an interview with the wonderful Tricia Mingerink, author of THE BLADES OF ACKTAR, which many of my reader friends are so fond of! *grins* I myself love these books, and I hope that this post will convince you to give them a try, if you haven't already!

Reasons I Think This Author Is One You Need To Discover:

• Book are Christian Fantasy - Non-magical and Unique
• Poignant, Encouraging, and Thought-Provoking Faith Themes (caution: can get very intense & some violence/gruesomesness)
• Awesome Characters - the Kind that You Love, and Squeal Over, and Claim as Your Friends
• Action-Filled, Humorous, Heart-Touching, Amazing-ness! *grins*
• And Leith Torren ... Renna and Brandi ... and Jamie *hugs them all*

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Introducing ... Tricia Mingerink

TRICIA MINGERINK is a twenty-something, book-loving, horse-riding country girl. She lives in Michigan with her family and their pack of pets. When she isn't writing, she can be found pursuing backwoods adventures across the country.

***

~ THE BLADES OF ACKTAR Series ~

Courage could cost him everything. 

Third Blade Leith Torren never questions his orders or his loyalty to King Respen until an arrow wound and a prairie blizzard drive him to the doorstep of the girls whose family he once destroyed.

Their forbidden faith and ties to the Resistance could devastate their family a second time. 

Survival depends on obedience, but freedom beckons. How far does he dare go to resist the king and his Blades?

No matter what Leith chooses, one thing is certain.

Someone will die.

Buy on Amazon

Add to Goodreads

Read My Review

All lies have consequences. 

Promoted to the top rank among King Respen’s assassins, First Blade Leith Torren hides his involvement with the Resistance. How many lies will it take to protect his secret? 

Renna Faythe has done nothing but survive for the past four years, but now Leith’s courage inspires her to try to be something more. If only she could figure out what that duty might be. 

When the unthinkable happens, faith wavers. Friendships tear. What else will they be forced to deny? 

But this time, Leith faces his greatest fear. 

He can’t save everyone.

Buy on Amazon

Add to Goodreads

Read My Review

The war for Acktar has begun. 

With his betrayal revealed, former Blade Leith Torren flees into the Sheered Rock Hills, pursued by King Respen’s vengeful Blades. 

Left behind at Nalgar Castle, Renna Faythe tries to find her purpose, yet that purpose isn’t what she expected. 

Brandi Faythe has been torn from her sister, and that isn’t all right. If Leith can’t rescue Renna, Brandi will take matters into her own hands. 

War demands sacrifice. Courage falters. Who will find the strength to defy King Respen?

Acktar rests on one hope: 

The Leader is ready.

Buy on Amazon

Add to Goodreads

Read My Review

(mock cover)

Can something broken ever heal?

Coming Soon ... !

A Prequel Short Story to The Blades of Acktar Series. Sign up for Tricia Mingerink's newsletter, and receive a free e-book copy of Deal!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author Interview

What genre(s) do you write?

Tricia: I write fantasy for the most part, though I have ideas for books in other speculative genres, such as steampunk.

Do you have a release date for your next book?

Tricia: Not yet, though I know my readers are rather anxious for The Blades of Acktar #4.

What impact do you hope your books will have on readers?

Tricia: I hope that my books make readers think about what they believe and why they believe it. I hope they finish the books feeling uplifted and challenged.

Of all your books, do you have a favorite cover?

Tricia: Personally, the cover for Deny is my favorite. I love the look of the horses and Walden in the background, and the scenery is so Acktarian I can’t help but adore it.

Are there any fellow authors who inspire you?

Tricia: I am inspired by my fellow authors all the time. Nadine Brandes is a huge inspiration (not to mention she’s my editor). She’s an example of the kind of author I want to be. Jaye L. Knight is so good at helping new authors along, and her books are amazing! Not to mention, she’s one of the few making a living at her writing and creative pursuits, and that inspires me that keep dreaming.

What was your hardest book to write, and why?

Tricia: So far, that has been Deny. I’ve mentioned this before, but that book was seriously a problem child. It was a hard first draft. A hard second draft (which was basically writing a whole new book). And a hard third draft. Because of the things that happen in the book, it was also a hard audiobook to proof.

That book was hard because of the subject matter, but it was also hard because it was the middle book (at least, in the trilogy I originally planned). When I get ideas, I tend to get ideas for the beginning and the end of projects. I knew the beginning and end of Dare and I knew the beginning and end of the series (Dare and Defy). But I really had no idea what happened in Deny besides where I had to end up. It took a long time to hash out exactly where that book had to go.

I still struggle with writing the middle of books. The only book I haven’t had to struggle with the middle was Defy.

What do you do for fun?

Tricia: Read. Duh. I love going on camping trips and doing lots of hiking. I spend time riding and brushing my horse. He’s pretty much Maximus from Tangled. He’s only happy when he has been properly admired.

By the time this interview goes live, I will probably be also busy remodeling the fixer upper house I’m in the process of buying.

Thanks so much for being here, Tricia! Always a pleasure to have you, and I hope this post helps your books reach even more readers! ^_^

Connect Further with Tricia Mingerink:

• Website/Blog ~ Tricia Mingerink - Faith, Action, & Adventure
• Facebook ~ Tricia Mingerink - Author
• Twitter ~ @TriciaMingerink
• Pinterest ~ Tricia Mingerink
• Instagram ~ triciamingerink

Additional Blog Stops:

Mon. ~ Soleil @ ReviewsbySoleil: Book Review(s)

Mon. ~ Faith P. @ Stories by Firefly: Book Review of Dare

Wed. ~ Faith P. @ Stories by Firefly: Book Review of Deny

Thurs. ~ Claire Banschbach @ The Overactive Imagination: Book Review/Spotlight of The Blades of Acktar Series

Fri. ~ Faith P. @ Stories by Firefly: Book Review of Defy

Giveaway:

Enter the rafflecopter form below for a chance to win a signed paperback from Tricia Mingerink! Winner's choice! One winner. USA ENTRIES ONLY.

a Rafflecopter giveaway