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Realm of Giants Special Edition

/ Aelina / Leave a comment

“Alright, ahuvi. I will tell you a story. Once upon a time, there was heroic prince who met a troublesome bard, and the two fell in love.”

I don’t know how much time is lost after I begin spinning exaggerated tales of our time together. I start with the first day we met, when I knocked him on his ass.

I detail our visit to Farhaven and how we defeated Loyska together, the beginnings of a friendship which quickly turned to more. The prince made new friends and explored unfamiliar lands beyond the prison walls he grew up in, he and his brother were part of a family now.

The prince confessed his love to the bard by a frozen pond, a sacred place illuminated by fireflies that thrived in the cold. That night while making love in the airship, the bard admitted his own growing love, and the two were happy.

I skip over the fact their romantic relationship only lasted a year, skimming over the hurtful parts and onto our adventures with Captain after I had left. I swallow guilt and disappointment thinking about leaving him for Sage, and focus on how we saved hundreds of people together.

It’s always been him and I.

I describe how the bard and prince brought peace to everywhere they visited. How the prince managed to feed entire villages, and how the bard revived the voices of those who were the most broken.

How everyone knew them both by name, both their terrible deeds and the good.

How they wreaked havoc on the corrupt, and saved the unfortunate, together.

🏴‍☠️🏳️‍🌈📚

The heartbreakingly beautiful special edition cover of Realm of Giants, illustrated by Fantasy Sprite Studios who has outdone herself again.

You can pre-order signed copies of this on my author page, its the second novel in my steampunk series and full of angst, queer love, and exploring new worlds.

Prince of Sylvan

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Adult Dark Fantasy Novella to the Eternal Machine

The novella Prince of Sylvan occurs 20 years before The Eternal Machine and focuses on Alvis’ years in Sylvan. This will contain spoilers for those who have not read Eternal Machine, though it can be read first. The Eternal Machine can be enjoyed without this novella but many clues and world building elements are exclusive to this story, and prepare you for Realm of Giants, book two.

Alvis is the preferred heir to the throne of Sylvan, a Fae court built on hatred and blood. High Lord Typhan pushes Alvis every day to murder his own brother and absorb his power, becoming an unstoppable weapon.

A lifelong blood bond will force Alvis to make a choice between his brother or mother, as he cannot disobey a command given by his father. Unlike most blood bonds, his can be broken, at the expense of his mother’s life.

Typhan is losing patience and soon his request will be a command, then Alvis will have to kill his kin by the sword, or a broken blood bond. Alvis decides he would rather take his own life than choose between his kin and live as a monster any longer, but a legendary Captain arrives with a troublesome first mate the Prince can’t keep out of his heart.

Friends, love and a whole new world waits outside their imprisoned court, but at what cost?
Blood, or sanity?

Excerpt from Prince of Sylvan
The Binding

“From this day forth, and until the day each of us die, we shall be bound by blood. Orion and Alvis cannot conspire to harm me in any fashion, or do so physically or by means of Aether. They cannot leave the walls of Silverbury unless I say so.” Typhan orders, his command tightening the Aether chains until they dig into my skin.

No, no. This can’t be happening.

“Furthermore, Yira shall be physically or verbally unable to organize any more of these foolish rebel groups, or smuggle any more Fae or Humans out of Sylvan.” A soft cry emits from Mother and she finally locks eyes with Orion and I, desperate violet eyes searching us for forgiveness.

We’ve known about her ‘crimes’, but they do not shame us. She has finally given up after centuries of fighting, that is where her guilt lies. I wish I could tell her to feel no such thing.

“And one more thing,” Typhan keeps his gaze on me, a smile playing at his lips, “You two, Orion and Alvis, will not be able to resist a command or order given by me, my word will be law. Dutiful sons, shall we say?”

“It’s servitude!” Orion barks, fighting against the bonds that are now almost entirely immersed into his skin, and all of ours.

“The blood bond can be broken if … ” Typhan holds up a finger and I narrow my brows, the whole point of a blood bond is that they can’t be broken.

“Hmm, let’s see, for example, dear Alvis, if you decide to disobey my command, a horrific and tortuous death would befall your Mother and Orion. Attempted assasination will earn you the death of her, and Orion. However, if you plan to escape, only your Mother will receive a fatal fate.” Elation fills his last statement, and I stare at him with stunned fury.

“And dear Yira, if you break your bond or ever attempt to leave me again,” Typhan grasps her chin firmly and pulls her face upwards, his smile fading into a snarl. “Both of your sons shall die, and your life shall be bound to mine, for all of our eternal life.”

“And you? You have no conditions?” I ask, tears falling without apology. Typhan smiles wide and tilts his head.

“I am not the traitor here, Alvis.” With an echoing snap, the vines settle into all of us, our blood bond permanently marked for all eternity, or until one of us breaks.

Prince of Sylvan is a dark fantasy with several content warnings related to fictional violence and trauma, please read the preface before beginning your adventure. 18+ audiences only.

Prince of Sylvan is free to all newsletter subscribers.

Thank you!

/ Aelina / Leave a comment

I am blown away by the response and the results from the first week of The Eternal Machine being released. Over 70 copies of digital and print versions of The Eternal Machine have been sold.

I’ve also had the book added to my local library and bookstore, which makes me happy beyond belief. I’ve had good reviews on social media and Goodreads, there has been one negative review on Amazon but that is inevitable.

If you’ve read the book I would really appreciate an honest review anywhere you feel comfortable. If you post a review on social media and do NOT tag me in it I will not engage, I want everyone to have a place they can review comfortably.

I’m hoping you enjoy the adventure, as a debut author I’m aware there are aspects I can improve but I hope you enjoy the story nevertheless. Realm of Giants is the next book in the series and releases in February.

Welcome aboard.

/ Aelina / Leave a comment

The Eternal Machine is a DARK Steampunk Fantasy, intended for audiences 18+.

Keeper of Death is quite a fitting name for a villain, and yet Lythienne finds herself as the only Fae who can save Iverbourne.

Born an Empty Fae, she is sent into the Eternal Mountain, a prison designed for the most malicious, blood thirsty and cursed creatures alive. Her crime, along with so many other creatures, is being Lesser than the grand High Fae who rule the divided lands abo

Aether rules Iverbourne, a whimsical land ravaged by long held prejudices, unkind to all those without magic. The Others are a mysterious court to the south, kidnapping and murdering all those on their path through the continent.

Only a Fae without Aether can wield the mysterious Harbinger, a weapon of mass destruction needed to defeat the epic evil taking over the realm. The elegant call of immense power corrupts most, especially those who have been mistreated.

Dangerous lust, high stakes adventure and loyal companionship are thrust into Lyth’s life, but can she be the Hero after playing the Villain for so long? After all, why would you want to save a world that wants to see you buried six feet under?

Perhaps this isn’t a hero saves the day story. Perhaps, this is the origin story of the Deadliest Fae alive.

Excerpt from The Eternal Machine

Hundreds of blood thirsty Fae eyes burn on me, and every step is carefully placed.

Lifting brass and leather goggles on a burgundy nest, I halt before The Machine. A massive undertaking of ancient technology, with spider-like copper arms weaving into the abyss below. Copper gears tower to the top of the stone chamber, making the labor camps behind me minuscule in comparison. Metal cranks together, belts purr, and purple smoke fills the air above, never ceasing.

I trace along the cliff’s edge, passing the ladders leading down into the trench reserved for Keepers, the only engineers allowed so close to the beast. While inspecting for malfunctions or leaks, the gauges on my leather and tech-covered wrist spin out of control. The lingering familiar stench changes, sweetness replacing death hanging in the air. Exhaust vents huff speckled night now, instead of the purple haze.

In a place far from here, High Fae are Power. High Fae are Magic.

We are not in a place far away though. We are right here.

We work for The Eternal Machine, the beast conjuring magic and fueling the lands. Crimes of all kinds are welcome in this mountain, but you leave your magic behind. Rather, it is taken from you. Not that I know what that feels like.

Minutes pass, the only sound is made by leather boots and a whining engine.

I pause, halting before the foreman. A Grasshopper before a Bear. I snatch his dark matted beard and yank him down, tough knees meeting rock. Dull emeralds shine for a moment, his jaw tightening. My soft face brushes against his filthy cheek, my full lips meeting a pointed ear, a lover threatening sweet nothings. “Darling, what’s this?”

Explore the world of Iverbourne here and order your copy today.

The Crew has landed.

/ Aelina / Leave a comment

Signed Copies and book bundles including stickers and maps will be sent out first thing next week. With the current shortage affecting books now, the next round of signed copies may take longer than expected.

I currently have a limited amount of books so the earlier the better, link is on the homepage.

Thank you all for joining me on this adventure. I’m so thankful I get to share Lythienne’s story and can’t wait for you to meet The Crew.

Paperbacks and Hardcovers are here.
Welcome to The Eternal Machine.

We are not far from here.

/ Aelina / Leave a comment

Excerpt from The Eternal Machine

Hundreds of blood thirsty Fae eyes burn on me, and every step is carefully placed.

Lifting brass and leather goggles on a burgundy nest, I halt before The Machine. A massive undertaking of ancient technology, with spider-like copper arms weaving into the abyss below. Copper gears tower to the top of the stone chamber, making the labor camps behind me minuscule in comparison. Metal cranks together, belts purr, and purple smoke fills the air above, never ceasing.

I trace along the cliff’s edge, passing the ladders leading down into the trench reserved for Keepers, the only engineers allowed so close to the beast. While inspecting for malfunctions or leaks, the gauges on my leather and tech-covered wrist spin out of control. The lingering familiar stench changes, sweetness replacing death hanging in the air. Exhaust vents huff speckled night now, instead of the purple haze.

In a place far from here, High Fae are Power. High Fae are Magic.

We are not in a place far away though. We are right here.

We work for The Eternal Machine, the beast conjuring magic and fueling the lands. Crimes of all kinds are welcome in this mountain, but you leave your magic behind. Rather, it is taken from you. Not that I know what that feels like.

Minutes pass, the only sound is made by leather boots and a whining engine.

I pause, halting before the foreman. A Grasshopper before a Bear. I snatch his dark matted beard and yank him down, tough knees meeting rock. Dull emeralds shine for a moment, his jaw tightening. My soft face brushes against his filthy cheek, my full lips meeting a pointed ear, a lover threatening sweet nothings.

“Darling, what’s this?”

It’s not all angst, you know.

/ Aelina / Leave a comment

He reminds me of Alvis in a way, and Knothall. A male beaten down by centuries of battle, not artist work. “Can I ask you something?”

 He dips his needle in the ink and takes my right arm gently, rolling it over to begin work on my forearm. A mild annoyance of pain ensues, and he gives me a simple nod.

“What is a Zemer?” I ask quietly, expecting something crazy. He chuckles, bushy eyebrows raising as he focuses on his work.

“Tis from the old language, Zemer is a type of musician, one so talented they’re said to be made from music itself. Those Te’omin though, the twins? Oy, are they a handful.” He mutters, a sly grin pulling his wrinkles.

My cheeks warm and a small laugh escapes me. “They aren’t too awful.” 

Novak is playing his lute now in the center of the square. Umber and the twins are keeping him company, clapping along to his music. Children dance about and Novak skips around with the little ones, smiling wide while he strums wildly.

Alvis asks Umber to dance and she agrees with haste. He catches my eye, happiness is spread across his face and he throws me a wink. Waves of Fae and humans join the fun, some kind of dance everyone seems to know commences without a word.

Males join arms with females, swinging and twirling each other around. Orion and the Fae I assume to be Emeric stand on the sidelines, quiet joy beaming from the two.

Yes, I can imagine this place feeling like home.

I’m mad at you, stop laughing.

/ Aelina / Leave a comment

Excerpt from The Eternal Machine.

“I swear, if you say I’m fine one more time, I’m going to feed you to the Giants.”

I chuckle, my small laugh becoming boisterous. I hold my side, unable to stop.

Novak rolls his eyes, fighting a threatening grin. “I’m mad at you, stop laughing.” I lift my face and kiss his neck, brushing my smiling lips on the throbbing artery.

He shakes his head and kisses my lips, lingering and whispering the desperate words on mine. “Seriously, Lyth. I can’t do that again.”

She loves to play with daggers.

/ Aelina / Leave a comment

Excerpt from the Eternal.

Now clean shaven and his glorious walnut hair cut short, he is a stranger to me. The flame in his eyes I recognize, from our time in the Mountain.

He is stripping me naked.

I raise my chin, a different Fae meeting those hungry eyes. Tattoos bare, my pale skin is now tanned, numerous freckles lining my arms from the intense sun. Captain’s hat is atop my free flowing lilac hair, the tendrils healthy and sprawling around my wide hips.

I must be a sight. 

Pan dismounts the beast, drinking me in for one more moment before rushing the distance between us. Callused hands grab my cheeks and he kisses me with such intensity, I might faint. 

The kiss lasts only as long as it takes my hand to retrieve my dagger, the black blade meeting his throat and pushing him back. I give him a wicked grin, my heart racing. There is no fear on his face, just wild delight. We had just met all over again.

“We have to stop meeting like this.” I taunt, stepping back from him and sheathing the dagger. His sentries wait, still poised with a multitude of arrows aimed at my face from atop their horned steeds.

Alvis and Orion flank behind me, Novak comes to my side with a wicked grin and rolling dark aura. Pan wipes blood from his neck, chuckling when he spys it. He raises his bloodied hand up in silent command. 

“I thought maybe you missed me.” Panrauth smirks, crossing his browned arms. I expected him to be dressed in finery, instead he looked like he had just stepped away from working in a field. Dirt stains his face and body.

I chuckle, shaking my head as I cross my own inked arms and widen my stance. “What’s this nonsense I hear about my being a hero in these parts?”

“Why don’t we have dinner, and find out?” A devilish smile pulls at a corner of his lips. I can’t believe the way he is acting. 

He had left me.