Audiobook (Coming May 31, 2022 on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes)
BLURB
A disgraced former constable is forced to travel to Freewilds in order to unravel the mystery of The Cult of Ebon.
In a refugee shantytown on the outskirts of a vast and opulent imperial capital city, an insidious sect of demon worshippers, the Cult of Ebon, began to prey upon the Gathered, a diverse group of refugees displaced from their nations in the aftermath of a mad tyrant’s ceaseless wars of conquest, long ago. Unwilling to overlook these heinous crimes against a vulnerable, underserved populace, Constable Lukarde Alfans began an investigation that brought him far too close to the truth, leading him to become the cult’s next target. In order to derail his investigation, the enigmatic leader of the cult framed Lukarde for the grisly murder of a woman whose psychic gifts had been invaluable in his investigations. The disgraced former constable, haunted by the lingering trauma of all he had seen and endured during his investigations, was chased into exile with his life in utter ruins. He must travel far to the southern reaches, to the Freewilds, in search of a new start and, perhaps, a chance to unravel the mysteries surrounding the Cult of Ebon, bringing them to justice, clearing his good name, and silencing the horrors that plague his mind whenever he closes his eyes.
First-time author Michael Paul Scott wrote his debut novel, Freewilds – The Cult & the Constable, as an introduction to his original dark fantasy setting.
The consensus among those who read early drafts of his debut novel, Michael Paul Scott establishes himself as a fantasy detective storyteller with an eye for detail and a focus on world-building, character development, and high intrigue. After its initial publication in September of 2021, Michael revised the story from a single, 706 – page tome to a trilogy of tales… beginning with STORMSEND, Book One of the Saga, The Freewilds. Michael works full-time as a Distribution Dispatcher for Central Hudson Gas & Electric, the local utility company. He lives among the apple orchards and vineyards of pastoral Upstate New York with his beloved wife, Christine, caring for his mother Regina and elder sister, Debora, and their adorable dog, Scrappy.
Download the boxset of Illusional Reality for only 99c – 99p
Illusional Reality –Readers Favorite 5*****
Illusional Reality is a mesmerizing novel that leaves its readers in awe. Karina Kantas is an author with a variety of genres under her belt. Her niche is mystique and suspense, with a dash of the unexpected. The plot appears simple as a lost princess returns to her home in time to save her subjects from despair, but this novel is far from simple as the author layers complex situations with characters that exhibit unusual gifts. The author’s well-developed characters rule their realm with trust and hope. A new twist comes just as you feel you know what is coming next. Overall, this novel displays creativity in this realm, flexibility in the characters’ lives as the code could change the direction of their life, and hope that love will prevail. I was so thrilled with the ending I ordered Illusional Reality: The Quest to continue the story of Thya.
The Quest – InD’tale Magazine
“The Quest” hits high marks and fantasy fans are sure to be delighted! Action, adventure, and thrilling escapades make “The Quest” a standout read! Once Thya and her team begin their trek into the Outlands, the suspense never stops. Readers will be delighted with Karina Kantas’ world-building, Thya is an independent woman who discovers a core of strength that shapes the path she chooses to follow.
Now you can get both books in this box set and from now until 28th Dec 2020 you can download it for just $0.99 – 99p So download now
With nealry 100 reviews and number one bestselling novel in two catorgories, fantasy lovers don’t want to miss reading this unique book
A modern young woman. A magical realm in danger. A destiny she refuses to embrace.
Becky Jones is as independent as they come, a marketing executive determined to succeed on her own terms. But her career plan goes sideways when two men try to kill her – and her rescuer whisks her away to an enchanted realm. Her realm.
In Tsinia she is Thya, heir to the throne and gifted with magical abilities, destined to fulfill an ancient prophecy. Her people are kind and peaceful, desperate to forget the evil that looms over them. When she refuses a betrothal to an enemy prince to stop the oncoming war, her act of rebellion sparks old tensions and threatens the future of the kingdom.
As well as battling to save her kinsmen, she is battling with a power within her that is threatening to take over her body, mind, and soul. All while falling for one whose heart she can never have. Thya must find a balance between her needs and those of her people, but in order to do so, she must fight against destiny itself – and forge her own fate, no matter the cost.
Illusional Reality is the mesmerizing first book in the Illusional Reality fantasy duology. If you like strong female leads, captivating court politics, and a dash of forbidden romance, then you’ll love Karina Kantas’s enthralling fable.
Publisher: Asteri Press imprint of Bolide publishing
Cover designer: Sharon Lipman from Fantasia Cover Designs
Editors: Michelle Dunbar, Anna Proofing, and Black Cat Edits
Blurb
Nobody expects to stare death in the face, only to find out their entire life is a lie.
When marketing executive Becky is saved from near-death by Salco, she is taken to Tsinia, a magical world filled with peaceful people who are trying to forget their land is on the brink of destruction.
Becky discovers that her arrival is no accident and that she is Thya, the heir to the enchanting land. As if that isn’t enough, she learns that an Oracle prophesied that she will save the gentle Tsinians from slavery and domination by Darthorn, the Warlord of Senx.
The Tsinian council and her kinsmen are certain that a union between Darthorn’s son, Kovon, and Thya will create peace between the two lands. However, Darthorn has plans for Tsinia, as does Kovon for Thya.
Her future has been written, and, if she is to save Tsinia, she must marry Kovon, but Thya gives her heart to another – a love that is both forbidden and dangerous.
Illusional Reality is a story about hope, courage, love, and sacrifice.
The cool air refreshed her, and she was soon wide awake. Alkazar brought a seat out from the room and asked her to sit.
“As I was trying to convey to you, the gift you possess is named Flite. You have the ability to move objects with your mind. All Ganties possess this gift, and tis my pleasured duty to tutor you in the employment of your talents. To move an object, you are required to reach the Owto, a place between conscious and unconscious.”
“Sort of like a trance?”
“Similar to a hypnotic state,” he answered. “You ought to be aware of things around you and pay attention to conversations, yet you need to be able to detach yourself from reality so you can concentrate on what you desire. It is rather like splitting your mind in two.”
“Sounds hard.”
Alkazar laughed. “It can be. It depends on how receptive you are. Let us attempt?”
“Sure, what have I got to lose?”
“Start by relaxing your body. Close your mind and relax in the chair; feel your body loosen. When you think you cannot go further, push your body deeper.” He saw Thya push herself back into the chair. “Employ only your thoughts. Do not employ your physical being.” Thya relaxed once again. “Better. Melt into the chair. Become one with the wood. Breathe deeply. Inhale through your nose, and exhale through your mouth. That’s it. Keep breathing deeper. Good. You ought to feel as though you are drifting.” Thya nodded slightly. “I require you to imagine space as you understand it to be: be darkness all around you, apart from the stars and planets surrounding your view. You are alone, moving through space, drifting. Detach your mind and focus on the darkness – on the silence. Concentrate, Thya.” He paused for a moment. “The stars and planets are fading, and there is naught but utter darkness. Still, you move through the blackness.”
Thya was coming to the crucial part. Alkazar moved closer. He lifted one of her eyelids and saw her pupil was stationary and her breathing steady. Both were good signs. Just for a moment, he felt the urge to lean in and kiss her but pushed the thought aside. He scolded himself. He was supposed to be teaching her how to concentrate yet struggled with his own.
“Continue moving through the darkness,” he continued. “Soon, you will come to a suspended door. Tis grey in colour. When you arrive, grasp the handle until I instruct you to –”
“I sight the door,” Thya called out.
“Continue to grasp the handle. When I command you to unlock it, I want you to open your eyes. Are you prepared?”
“I am,” she answered.
“Unlock.”
Thya opened her eyes, blinked twice, and then smiled at him. “So, how did I do?”
Alkazar wasn’t surprised she did not reach the Owto; they rarely did on their first arrival at the door. However, he was surprised by how far she had gone.
“Very good. Only you have to concentrate harder. Relate to me, what colour was the door?”
“Umm… a light grey with black marks.”
“You have done well. We will discontinue for the moment. You ought to rest, as you will be tired. I will request that Pertius does not announce himself.”
“Thanks, Alkazar. I do not think I can take any of his talk of doom and gloom.”
Alkazar laughed. “Pertius has much to instruct you about your legacy, the past, and of your future. It does not have to be as doomed as you remark. I am confident that once you have conversed you will find a sudden interest to learn all.”
“If you state so,” she replied casually.
“Rest if you can. However, I declare that after our session your mind will be wandering.” He turned to leave, pausing at the door. “Understand this, Thya. If you ever require me as a friend or as a tutor, you have only to summon and I will attend you. This I vow. For the present, farewell.” He bowed then left.
Prize Draw
Download Illusional Reality now for just $0.99/£0.99 and send proof of purchase to karina.kantas@yahoo.com. You will be entered in the draw for this stunning necklace – identical to the one Thya is given, an heir loom carried through the generations of Ganties, and now it could be yours.
Pre-orders are included in this contest. The prize draw is open internationally. No other prize will be given out.
The winner will be announced in Karina’s newsletter. http://eepurl.com/daKief This contest is run and organised by the author Karina Kantas.
“With most books, you have to back up a page or two. That is something I NEVER had to do with this one! It is well written and captures the imagination, guiding you into the new land and language with such easy grace that you hardly are aware of it.”
“This is a unique story filled with intrigue, deception and danger. As you read along so much unfolds.”
“The detailed descriptions let me see the magical land of Tsinia, with it’s tree-top dwellings and it’s friendly and peaceful inhabitants. Senx, the home of her ‘intended’, Kovon and his father, Darthorn, is a much darker and gloomier place.”
“Karina sets up some great and compelling characters. Thya, Alkazar, Omad, Kazer, Kovon, Siren are all intriguing for their own reasons. We love them, we hate them. I’ll let you make your own opinions. This truly is a fantastical world with magical gifts, a reluctant princess, an angry warlord and oracles, and contains lots of espionage, treachery, suspense with a bit of romance thrown in.”
“What a delightfully touching love story! Our author entwined our world with a fantasy one with action, magic and of course, love.”
Meet Thya ,rightful ruler of Tsinia and guardian to the ChanglinsMeet Alkazar, tutor of the Arts
Author’s Bio
Karina Kantas was born in the Midlands, UK, and has lived on the island of Corfu for twenty-seven years.
Karina Kantas is an award-winning, prolific author of thirteen titles, including the Outlaw books—the gritty MC thriller series—and the exciting YA fantasy duology, Illusional Reality.
She also writes short stories, and, when her imagination is working overtime, thought-provoking, dark flash fiction.
There are many layers to Karina’s writing style and voice, as you will see in her flash fiction collection, Heads & Tales. In Undressed, she opens up to her fans, giving them another glimpse into her warped mind.
Karina writes in the genres of fantasy, MC romance, young adult. sci-fi, horror, thrillers and comedy, romance, paranormal romance, dystopian, and erotica.
When she’s not working on her new books, she helps her clients by offering affordable Author Services five days week.
Titles To Date
***The OUTLAW series*** – MC thrillers In Times of Violence Huntress Lawless Justice Road Rage
***Collections*** Heads & Tales – mixed genres UNDRESSED – poetry, prose, short fiction mixed genres A Flash of Horror
In Times of Violence Young Adult Edition – MC romance Stone Cold – YA supernatural thriller Toxic – dystopian erotica
***Illusional Reality duology*** Illusional Reality – YA romantic fantasy The Quest/fantasy – YA paranormal romance
***WIP*** Broken Chains (Mafia Romance) currently on Wattpad
A generation designed by sorcery to destroy your people. Two races mired in conflict. Can a pair of outcasts unite them against an enemy who would enslave them all?
The birth of ‘bronzite’ babies in Lumina heralds the onset of war. The people take fright at the golden children and banish them from the land. A dangerous move. King Zheldar, commander of the black dragon, is attacking Luman borders. If he wins bronzite support for his army of monsters, Lumina is lost.
Davron Berates cannot share his people’s hatred of the children and, on discovering he has a bronzite brother, sets out to find him. At his side travels Chrystala. A bronzite, she has twice his strength and three times his determination.
When the black dragon kidnaps Chrystala, Davron is faced with a terrible choice: save his friend or save his nation.
“We go.” Teibera padded to the mouth of the cave. “Meet cubs.”
He raised his head, ears back, closed his eyes and howled a message into the hills. Two white shapes flashed in the distance. The first to arrive shuddered to a halt on sight of the stranger. He was larger than she had ever imagined a wolf could be. Tall and strong, he panted from the race and sized her up with eyes of chestnut brown. His nose twitched to catch her scent.
“Ice, eldest son.”
With a flurry of leaves, a second snow-wolf appeared. Salazai’s heart stopped.
“Wow, you’re beautiful,” she whispered.
“Smallest daughter, Sapphire,” Teibera said proudly. Amber eyes, tipped with snow-white lashes, stared at Salazai. The young wolf’s face was as delicate as the seed puffs that floated in the air around her, her nose black and shiny with health. Her fur was white, only the ears laced with a fringe of gray.
She stared at Salazai and asked, “Our pack?” Salazai glanced at Teibera, who gave a short bark of acknowledgement.
“Yes, Sapphire, your pack,” Salazai said.
The snow-wolf padded forward and licked her legs. Salazai put out her hand, and Sapphire held it gently between her jaws. Salazai stayed calm. It seemed easy to give this animal the trust she begrudged her own people. The wolf released her hand, sniffed her clothes, and licked her face. With her finger, Salazai touched a mark that hung like a black teardrop beneath the snow-wolf‘s eye.
I was raised in Kent, the garden of England, and lived in an Oast House whose round rooms were once used for drying hops. Must be why I’ve enjoyed a drink ever since!
At university, I fell in love with medieval French writing, discovered The Gormenghast Trilogy, and became hooked on fantasy.
I have sailed down the Yangste, survived an earthquake in Cairo, and picnicked in the Serengeti. My travels for work and pleasure have inspired my fantasy world. I now live in France with a naughty Australian Labradoodle, a jealous cat and a squash mad husband. Our two huskies, Ice and Sapphire, are sadly now gone but are transformed into wolves and immortalised in my book. Lumina is my debut novel and the first in a trilogy.
Illusional Reality is a YA romantic fantasy, A story about courage, sacrifice and love.
Romance, Magic, Action…Illusional Reality has it all.’ Emily Woodmansee
Nobody expects to stare death in the face only to find out your entire life is a lie. Rescued by Salco, marketing executive Becky finds herself in an unknown magical world filled with happy people that try to forget their land is on the brink of destruction.
Becky will soon learn that her arrival is no accident. If learning that she is Thya, the heir of the enchanting land isn’t enough, she’s then told that an Oracle prophesied that she will save the gentle Tsinians from slavery and domination by Darthorn, the Warlord of Senx.
It is at a festival where she is introduced to the Tsinian council and her kinsmen, that she learns the whole truth. The council are so certain that a union between Darthorn’s son, Kovon and Thya will create peace between the two lands. However, Darthorn has plans for Tsinia as does Kovon for Thya and neither are good.
Although her future has been planned and if she is to save Tsinia she must marry Kovon, Thya gives her heart to another. A love that is forbidden and dangerous.
Illusional Reality is a story about hope, courage, love and sacrifice.
‘This story is unique. No typical fantasy stereotyping.’
Karina is a prolific writer and has had 8 books published in various genres. It was her love of Tolkien and Pullman that Karina wrote her romantic fantasy, Illusional Reality, which has turned out to be her bestseller. Readers have taken Thya and Alkazar into their hearts.
THE QUEST FOR THE TRUTH BEGINS
When Hati, notices a Tsinian crystal glowing, she knows she must stick to her word and return to her homeland as Thya. Knowing her kinsmen needed her, there was no hesitation. Even though there was more to lose than just her life.
Once more a prophesy was given that informed the reader of oracles, that only Thya could stop the war and save not just her people, but the rest of Enumac from Kovon’s psychotic future plans.
Along with three other companions, Thya is sent on a perilous quest to locate a dark crystal which holds evil known as the Dark Force. The group are tried and tested throughout their journey by monsters, death and courage. New friendships will be formed and other lost. Thya’s power becomes stronger and a second will threatens to take over her mind body and soul.
A terrifying surprise waits for them in the city of Helkon.
Will they survive?
Will Thya return to Tsinia and for the final showdown with Kovon?
Find out by reading the thrilling concluding part of Illusional Reality.
The only film that grabbed my attention and held me there with an open mouth, was the amazing Lord of the Rings trilogy.
They said that whoever took that 3-book fantasy on, had to be crazy. Peter Jackson wasn’t crazy, but he was a hobbit in his heart.
His vision and attention to detail just made this magical film pop.
It was after watching the first film, Fellowship of the Ring, that the story of Becky and her magical adventure took place in my mind, heart and soul.
By the time the 1hr journey from the cinema had ended I had the names, plot, conflicts, storyline, everything written in my head. and then as most writers know, once you’re in the “zone” there is no stopping you. By the time the second film, Two Towers, book two, The Quest was again plotted in my mind and it didn’t take long to get the first draft on paper.
REVIEW
“The Quest by Karina Kantas is the sequel to her book Illusional Reality. Becky is once again pulled from England back to the world of Tsinia where she is The Princess. Thya is Becky’s name in this astonishing fantasy world. Thya is the only one who can save her people and their land. They have been forced to leave their magical land and live in caves to survive. The world along with the characters are fleshed out even more with the addition of more monsters and characters and magic. You travel with Thya and a couple others through trials and tribulations which are expertly created to make their Quest either successful or a failure. Her magic becomes even stronger but alas there is a dark side to it that she has trouble controlling. This is a definite page turner. You will become completely invested in Thya and her companions surviving and making it back to Tsinia. The action is nonstop as Thya and her companions run into many intriguing problems. I loved both books. If you like fantasy worlds that take you away these are just the books you need.”
AUTHOR BIO
Karina Kantas is the author of the popular OUTLAW series.
Thrillers involving outlaw motorcycle clubs and the highly rated romantic fantasy ILLUSIONAL REALITY
She also writes short stories and when her imagination is working overtime, she writes thought-provoking dark flash fiction.
There are many layers to Karina’s writing style and talent. As is displayed in her flash fiction collection, Heads & Takes. And in UNDRESSED she opens up more to her fans. Giving them another glimpse of her warped mind.
When Karina isn’t busy working on her next bestseller, she’s running Author Assist, affordable author services. which include social media consultant, book trailer designer, narration, branding and logo design, marketing and promotion manager, design and VA.
Karina writes in the genres of fantasy, romance, sci-fi, horror, thrillers and comedy.
Her inspirations are the author S.E.Hinton and the rock band Iron Maiden.
You can find her on Facebook and Twitter, where she loves hanging out with her readers.
TITLES TO DATE
***The OUTLAW series*** In Times of Violence Urban thriller Huntress MC thriller/romance Lawless Justice Vigilante MC thriller Road Rage MC thriller
***Collections*** Heads & Tales 28 short and flash fiction in all genres UNDRESSED Collection of poetry, prose and flash fiction
Stone Cold YA Supernatural thriller Illusional Reality Romantic fantasy
Join my mailing list where you will receive a monthly newsletter with offers, latest news and more. All new subscribers receive a complimentary gift. http://eepurl.com/daKief
EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT
City of Helkon
The door to the cell unlocked and Thya stood up. King Theon slowly entered. Almost cautiously. With his hands on his hips, he tilted his head and his eyebrows creased. The king pointed to her and then to a bowl that his servant held out. Thya peered into it and saw the same glittery substance that she had used in the throne room. It seemed stupid to refuse him. She did as she was told and, once the spell touched her lips, Theon’s words became clear.
“Rotate,” he commanded.
She turned around as instructed. A Rant pushed her hair aside, exposing her bare back and neck.
“Tis so then,” Theon exclaimed.
Thya turned around to face him. “What is so?”
He bent his head to the side, and his eyes widened. “You are not aware?” He stepped back. “Yet you possess the ancient emblem.”
“What ancient emblem? Will you not reveal the significance?” She would not beg even though she needed answers.
Theon’s sudden change of behaviour concerned her. His stance and facial expressions went from awe to surprise, then almost to fear. His head tilted again, and his hand rested on his chin as he walked around her.
“Do you not comprehend your greatness? Do you not realize who you are?”
“Of course, I am Queen Thya of Tsinia, Guardian of the Changlins.”
“Have you not marvelled at the difference with yourself and that of other Ganties? Surely you have experienced strength and a will that cannot be bested?”
“With certainty.”
“You possess the emblem.”
“What emblem?”
“Upon your back.”
“Tis naught but a birthmark.”
“Nay, Queen. You are mistaken. The mark as you name it, is an emblem of exceptional greatness. I understand now why your thoughts were blocked from me. Immortality appears with a value. I wonder what you would bestow for the quest of eternal youth?”
Nothing he said made sense to her but, before she could demand answers, the King jumped up and down and rubbed his hands like an excited young boy. “I will present you to the Bustak, as homage,” he said, rubbing his hands together as a huge smile etched on his face.
His next words were foreign to her. The magic of the spell had worn off, so she just stood and watched the Rant and the king communicate, hoping to get an idea of what was going to happen next.
Theon grinned and patted the guard’s back. They spoke briefly and nodded their heads as they continued to stare at her. She wished she understood. Who or what was the Bustak? The name raised goose pimples on her arms, and the belief that this was, again, the end of the road for her returned.
The guard led her from the cell and back into the palace. There were no shackles, no Rant gripping her arms. They walked beside her but kept glancing at her. She ignored them and concentrated on calling out with her mind. Alkazar, my love, where are you? She repeated it over and over, with no knowledge of whether he could hear her but, if he had, there was no answer.
Explosive Writer 