Son Of The First (Lord Of Shadows Book 1) Pre Order, Excerpt and Art

 I'm super excited to share with you all today the information about the debut novel from N.S. Armstrong. Some of you may already recognize the name, as N.S. Armstrong was the incredibly talented artist I commissioned to draw Maddie and Kalas from The Starlight Prince.

Well, not only is N.S. Armstrong an amazing artist, he's also a wonderful author too, and his debut novel SON OF THE FIRST comes out on 14th February 2025.

Read on for the blurb, some character art, and an excerpt from this coming-of-age fantasy.

Hell Hath No Fury Like a Man Finding Himself... in Hell

Alyx Archer never planned to go to Hell—he was more of a "fashion degree and fabulous dresses" kind of guy.

All Alyx wanted was to ace his classes and design outfits with his best friend, Brie. Instead, his life is upturned by a demon attack on campus, and by Brie effortlessly ripping said demon to shreds. Turns out, Brie isn’t your average BFF, she’s the Queen of the Hounds of Hell.

To top it all off, the woman who raised him isn’t his real mum. His actual mother? The legendary Lilith. Cue identity crisis.

Now, instead of worrying about grades and fabric swatches, Alyx is getting dragged down to Hell (literally) by someone Lilith would rather smite than see on her doorstep.

PRE ORDER NOW

And to really whet your appetite, N.S. Armstrong created this stunning art of Lilith, Queen of Demons, and has shared this excerpt of Alyx's first meeting with a demon.

Excerpt from Chapter 3 of Son of the First, by N.S Armstrong

Context: Alyx has been hunted by a demon, sent by one of the high dukes of hell, masquerading as a blonde woman to steal powers he has no knowledge of.
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Alyx was hunched over the sink in the men’s toilets. The remnants of the cold water still dripped from his chin into the basin below. It was quiet. The lunch rush was a few hours away and most other students were deep into ongoing lectures.

Taking a breath, he closed his eyes. His nerves were shot. He simply couldn’t get the blonde woman from the metro out of his head. Her face haunted him. In his dreams, her face would become more pointed, often start to twist and deform, transforming more and more inhuman as the nights passed.
A clink in the room sounded. He opened his eyes and looked around. Nothing was out of the ordinary. Stray pieces of toilet paper littered the speckled tiled floor, its grey flecks jarring against the sun-bleached cream of the walls. 

With a click of the tongue, he turned back to look at himself in the mirror. Blinking, he noticed a slight blur to the surface. Like condensation, it caused his reflection to become buried in a fog, until he was just a silhouette.

“What?” he queried, his eyebrows knitting together in bewilderment.

Scanning the row of sinks, the other mirrors above were crystal clear. Not a hint of condensation tarnished the reflected cubicles. He checked that he hadn’t accidentally turned the hot water on by mistake and the lights above blinked. It was quick, but it was enough to cause his shoulders to calcify with tension.

Looking in the mirror, through the misty surface he’d noticed his reflection had changed. There was something above his right shoulder. Glancing behind him there was nothing. He eyed the sinks, but he could still see the shape there.

With his eyebrows pulling tighter above the bridge of his nose, he lifted his shaking right hand to the mirror; the left keeping him sturdy against the sink. He cleared the condensation away. Expecting dampness, what he received was like ash. It flaked down from his hand and into the basin below. Looking back up to where he’d swiped, his breath hitched. His heart felt like it was hammering out of his chest.
Staring back at him, behind his shoulder, she grinned. Her lips splitting further up her cheeks, her eyes sinking deep into her skull, resembling jet-black pools gouged into a smooth marble wall.

Her reflection moved forward, taking over his own form. She mirrored him.

Then, she lunged.

---

I've already pre-ordered my copy and as as I've read it, I'll be sharing my review here. Be sure to pre-order your copy, too!

Until next time, take care & stay creative!

T.T.F.N

 

The Sugar Broom Café, a Guest Post by K. M Jenkins

 

Welcome to the Sugar Bloom Café, at the town square of Hunter Falls. You will find all kinds of magical delights to enjoy, from magic cupcakes, mood swing cookies, and healing remedies in a coffee blend. Oh, and don’t forget the broomstick spoons that make all drinks fancy.

This café is run by Kara Witmore a recent addition to Hunter Falls. She just finished becoming a journeyman apprentice as a witch. Her mother helps her settle into the little shop but she doesn’t get a genuine welcome until the son of the Alpha comes walking in her door. Little does she know that her mother has kept a big secret from her entire life. And this Alpha wolf is about to blow the roof off the shop with one word growled with sexy smoothness — “mine.”

Stryker—Cade Westcott’s wolf has his eyes set on a sexy witch that has a tendency to cause mischief and clumsy mistakes. He just has to get his human on board. Witches and shifters don’t mix but could there be something lurking in Kara’s past that could explain why Stryker is bound determined to call Kara his mate.

Find out by reading along with K.M. Jenkins as she writes Witches & Wolves book 1 in The Hunter Falls Collection. She releases a chapter every two weeks to subscribers on her Book VIP List. If you want to join, please fill out this form here and she will get you added to the specific segment on her newsletter. (Click Here) You can also join her monthly newsletter with updates and insights into her life as she writes. (Click Here)

What special treats do you think get served at The Sugar Broom Café? I believe a lot of treats are mixed with love a sprinkle of luck and a dip of sugar.

Reflections: Looking Back and Planning for the Future

Greetings readers!

It seems I'm about a month early in the typical New Year's looking back and planning for the future that many people do at the end of the year. This is a good thing, as the WH, WN Community is starting a new goal-setting event this coming Monday (December 2nd). 

A quick side-note on the WH,WN Community. Karen is currently offering a 'Black Friday' discount which includes: 

*Join for three months for £50 - RRP £60 (Use code SAVE15 at checkout)

*Join for six months for £100 - RRP £125 (Use code SAVE20 at checkout)

*Join for one year for for £196.50 - RRP £262 (Use code SAVE25 at checkout)

 

Now is the perfect time to join, not only for the goal above setting but also for all the fun, new things Karen has planned for 2025. 

 

Anyway, back to the point of this post.

 

A few days ago on my Facebook Memories a 'memory' of the first time I 'won' NaNoWriMo came up. It inspired me to look back on some old blog posts from 2010 when I moved from fan-fiction to original fiction. I loved seeing the hopefulness I had back then, and some of the valuable lessons I learned along the way. Although there have been many ups and downs in the past 14 years, I'm glad to see my passion for writing remains strong.

 

This year, in conjunction with my autism and ADHD diagnosis, and completing ADHD coaching, I feel like I have come far closer to my  'real' self than I have ever been.

 

One of the things I learned about in ADHD coaching is focusing on your 'North Star'. A person's 'North Star' is the values/beliefs/passions that guide them and they couldn't live without.

 

For me, it's the following:

1. Living a good life, with adventures and the people I love
2. Having creative outlets
3. Using my voice to amplify other voices
4. Donating to causes that are important to me
5. Helping Others

How these pertain specifically to my writing career is that my main creative outlet is writing, and I plan to use the money I make from writing to fund not only life with my family and friends but to also donate to causes important to me if I can. My ultimate goal is to create a community of like-minded creatives who come together to encourage, support, and celebrate not only each other but also causes that are important to them. 

I feel like I am already achieving some aspects of this by being part of the WH,WN Community and contributing to charity anthologies etc. Plus donating to other causes (St. Judes etc.)

I also feel like I have made huge strides this year in maintaining focus and motivation towards my goals. I've written 52,000 words on The Starlight Prince, and it's on track for release in February. I wrote and released a 30k words reader magnet. I've participated in two anthologies and one collection, and I've written about ~28k on other projects that may or may not be published in the future.

Edit to add: Holy shit! I just added the total of everything I've written this year, and I've written about 130, 000 words!! Go me!

I've done all this while dealing with various mental and physical health issues.

So, yes, I feel like I have made progress towards my goals and my 'North Star' points. I am very proud of what I've achieved -- especially remaining consistent with TSP, while fitting in other projects to keep the dopamine flowing. 

Before I started ADHD coaching, I used to beat myself up for all my unfinished stories, all the serials etc. I felt I flaked out on. I don't feel like that anymore. I set myself goals, and I achieved them. If there are times I've set aside a story (like The Last Magic Shop) I feel there's been a genuine reason for that.

I feel confident that I've learned enough about how my brain and body work that I can continue with this goal-setting, and working towards what I want from my writing career.

With that in mind, I've taken a look at both what things I've already signed up for in 2025, and what stories are resonating with me, and come up with a writing/release schedule that will see me through to about July 2026.

Here's what I have planned:

• The Starlight Prince (Throvani Ethrionth Star System Series ) coming 25 February 2025
• The Pact of Protection (The Moonlit Crossroads Saga), coming August 29, 2025 as part of the Predators of Darkness Shared Work from StorytellerPublisher22
• The Festival of Fate (The Moonlit Crossroads Saga), coming October 14, 2025, as part of the Within The Woods Anthology
• Frosty The Snowman (standalone, continuation of 2024 SiC story), coming 25 November 2025
• The Dark Side of the Moon (Throvani Ethrionth Star System Series ), coming 30 March, 2026
• LGBTQA+ Parallel universe romance, submitting in online pitch events summer/ autumn 2026

Of course, plans do change, and I'm willing to remain flexible, especially with the plans for 2026, as many things could happen between now and then.

Looking at my plans, I just noticed a pattern, too. 2025 is the year of spicy romance, speculative fiction, where as my two planned releases for 2026 are LGBTQA+ romance, speculative fiction. I wonder, should my third release for 2026 also be LGBTQA+ romance, speculative fiction? Maybe another Moonlit Crossroads Saga?

That's certainly something to think about for the future. :D

I think that's about it for this issue. I'm going to go and work on The Starlight Prince for a while.

Until next time,

Take care and stay creative.

T.T.F.N

 

REVIEW: Shelter Me From Darkness, by Katie L. Smith

I have a treat for you all today -- my review of Katie L. Smith's witch/shifter paranormal-romance SHELTER ME FROM DARKNESS, along with an excerpt from the book.

Before I begin, a quick disclaimer: Katie and I are both part of the WH,WN Community. However, I voluntarily offered to review Shelter Me from Darkness, and all opinions are my own.

With that out of the way, onto my review. This book gave me serious author envy. Fellow writers will know what I mean. You read a book that's so good it a) makes you wish you'd written it and b) makes you want to improve your own writing.

That's how I felt on finishing Shelter Me From Darkness.

Something I always look out for when reading is lore and world-building, and Katie does it wonderfully. There's a unique magic system, with different abilities and various origins for these abilities (such as pledging yourself to a God or Goddess), which extends not only to the witch characters but the shifters and other paranormal beings too. It's clear Katie is familiar with mythology and folklore, and she weaves it seamlessly into her story, making the magical systems her own. Honestly, I would happily read a whole lore book about Katie's world!

Another thing Katie does wonderfully is making relatable, likeable characters. I quickly fell in love with her main character Piper, empathised with what she'd been through, and was rooting for her to succeed from beginning to end. The side characters, like Piper's Mom and her best friend Lark, are also easy to like and relatable and I'd happily read spin-off books featuring them.

The sexual tension between Piper and her former lover/fated mate, wolf-shifter Dean is OFF.THE.CHARTS and the steamy scenes left me breathless.

Katie perfectly balanced the supernatural mystery in the story, along with the second chance romance, and the over-arching plot of Piper's death curse.

While book one had a clear resolution, not everything is neatly tied up in a bow by the end, and I'm eager for book two, to read what's in store for Piper next.

Overall, SHELTER ME FROM DARKNESS is an excellent debut, and a promising start to one of my new favourite series.

COVER REVEAL - The Starlight Prince

I'm so excited to finally reveal the cover for my forthcoming spicy, science-fiction romance THE STARLIGHT PRINCE, and announce that you can now pre-order your copy ahead of release on 25 February 2025.

ABOUT

A love story written in the stars.

Hunted for being a witch, Madelyne longs for somewhere to belong and performs a full moon spell to find her true love.

Across the galaxy, Kalas completes the aeons-old celestial ritual to show him the location of his fated mate. Enchanted by Madelyne’s beauty, Kalas flies to Earth to find her.

And, with nothing left for her on Earth, Madelyne agrees to accompany Kalas to his home planet.

But as Madelyne adjusts to her new life, old doubts linger, and she just cannot understand why someone like her would be worthy of the crown prince.

Madelyne has spent her entire life being told she doesn’t belong, and now Kalas must convince her it’s more than just ‘fate’ that makes him want to claim her as his own.

PRE ORDER NOW

NEW RELEASE: Beyond Starlight - An Alien Fated Mates Collection

 

Beyond Starlight:  An Alien Fated Mates Limited Edition Box Set

PUBLISHER: Storyteller Publisher 22, LLC

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/213321174/

GENRE | TROPES: Sci-Fi Romance | Fated Mates

Universal Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/beyondstarlight

To the deepest reaches of the galaxy these warriors will fight to find their fated mates. 

When their females find themselves at their lowest point, they will twist the fabrics of existence and everything changes. Their loyalty to each other will be tested by many obstacles, and they will fight or die to be together. Fated mates happen once in a lifetime, but will their bond be strong enough to stay together until the end. 

Find out by reading this limited edition box set filled with space, adventure, and fated mates between species never seen before on Earth.

Featuring stories by Diana Dawn, Luna Jade, Kat Parrish, Susanna Eastman, Demelza Carlton, Katrina S.Karter, Danielle Forrest, and Clare Dugmore.

NEW RELEASE: Step Into Christmas, a festive anthology from the Write Here, Write Now Community

 

CHRISTMAS HAS COME EARLY! Today is the release of STEP INTO CHRISTMAS, the festive anthology from the Write Here, Write Now Community.

Get ready to sleigh into the holiday spirit with Step Into Christmas, a heartwarming collection of short stories, each one inspired by a beloved Christmas song. From the timeless classics to the jolly jingles that fill the airwaves, this anthology brings a fresh twist to the songs that define the season.

Packed with festive charm, holiday romance, and seasonal surprises, these stories capture the joy, nostalgia, and magic of Christmas. Whether you’re by the fire or under the mistletoe, these tales will fill your heart with the warmth and wonder of the season.

So grab a cup of cocoa, press play on your favourite Christmas playlist, and dive into this enchanting collection of yuletide stories. Perfect for anyone who loves the music and magic of Christmas!

---

We have the spectacular Louise Emmerson - Author bringing us a fabulous tale of finding love where you least expect it. A wonderful read that made my heart happy! (age/gap, he falls first)

 

Clare Bentley takes her character to the Big Apple, where she gets rather more than she bargained when the job she was hired for turns out to be working for the man of her dreams. A beautifully written piece with humour and all the warm and fuzzies you could need! (rom-com, forced proximity)

 

N.S Armstrong makes his debut with a hilarious short story about Lilith, queen of Hell, experiencing her first Christmas on Earth. If you like a giggle, this story will get you there! Sharp wit and fabulous writing will have you desperate for his debut novel! (family, urban fantasy, humour)

 

Megan James brings the Hallmark vibes with her small town romance featuring an author returning home for the first time since she rose to fame! This will warm your heart and remind you about the importance of family and those little things you sometimes forget about as you get older. (Small town, second chance)

 

Mich Feeney will take you on a journey between the modern day and the past, when some newly discovered wartime love letters reveal a secret. This is a beautiful, moving story that will keep you turning the pages. (lost love, family secrets)

 

Clare Dugmore's short story is all about some very literal Christmas magic bringing to life the snowman she built in her garden - and he will most definitely melt you in more ways than one! (Paranormal/fantasy)

 

Tracey Jukes sets her story at a beautiful resort, a Christmas getaway gifted to her main character by her fiancé. The problem? It's the same resort where her heart was broken. This is a fabulous story that flicks between past and present and will make you want to snuggle up with a hot chocolate to see what happens next! (Forced proximity/second chance)

 

Kyra Lennon's story follows on from Re-Writing Christmas and explores the lovely June, who recently lost her husband. Memories of Christmases past threaten to overwhelm her, but can the support of her loving family keep her going? (Hurt/comfort, family)

 

Donna Skinner-Burchell Has written a story for all the mums out there who have ever battled with that cheeky little Elf on the Shelf. I cried lashing through this story and I know you will too! (Humour, family life)

 

Melissa Rutter has written a gorgeous story about a girl who has given up on Christmas, and a guy who, given his circumstances, could have given up on it long ago. When the two meet, there is an instant connection that will warm those cold nights! Another fabulous Hallmark style story that will make you smile! (Hurt/comfort, small town)

 

Katie L Smith has brought the most beautifully written tale of a woman who finds herself in another world after she falls while walking in the snow. You'll be transported to Frostglade, where the weather is icy, but the men are hot! This is just a stunning piece of writing that will appeal to those who love magical setting and a beautiful love story! (Forced proximity, paranormal/fantasy)

 

And finally, Hannah Chan has excelled herself with a poignant story about a lady who helps souls move to the other side. When she finds one on Christmas Eve, a story unfolds that sees her trying to heal old wounds and fix frayed relationships so everyone can find peace. Hannah is a freaking genius with words and I defy you to not be touched by this story! (Family, loss, friendship)

BUY IT NOW

November Writing Update, Video Game Musings and Promos

As the new month starts, I have some writing updates for you, as well as some musings on Dragon Age: The Veilgard, and promos from my friends in the writing community. Read on for more...

Recommendations For You, Including BookFunnel Promos

 

Greetings readers,

In this issue, I have a bunch of recommendations for you, including books sourced from BookFunnel, and releases from my bookish friends. 

Read on for more details...

Darkest Truths, Book Two in the Fortitude Memories Series, by Tracey Jukes, is OUT NOW.

 

Darkest Truths Blurb:

Ashford Adams is a tortured man. He vowed never to fall in love again when his heart was shattered twelve years ago. That was until Nyla Stewart crashed into his life like a ball of fire and lit him up again. Everything about her was addictive, but one comment and their no-strings arrangement changed. Turning to the underground was his only way of coping, but it was also his way of losing himself.

Nyla Stewart is feisty and stubborn. After getting her heart broken, she refused to cry. Instead, she threw a party, then made a pact that from there on out, all hook-ups would be friends with benefits only. What she didn’t anticipate was Ashford Adams, the guy who saved her best friend when she was kidnapped. Now he’s her kryptonite.

Pasts and futures start to collide, and the ultimate betrayal will soon be unleashed. Will these two fractured souls stand and fight together or succumb to the darkness of their truths?

When chaos ensues who will be left fighting?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DG3ZRJPM