Please welcome my guest blogger today, Karina Kantas with ILLUSIONAL REALITY
I’m from the UK but have lived on the island of Corfu most
of my life. I met my husband while on holiday and the rest, as they say, is
history.
I’m an author of eight books, Illusional Reality being my
latest. I write in most genres but I specialise in thrillers.
As well as an author, I’m a freelance writer, a designer of book trailers and promotions, a narrator and a VA.
As well as an author, I’m a freelance writer, a designer of book trailers and promotions, a narrator and a VA.
Illusional Reality is a gritty romantic fantasy. Here’s the
blurb
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 none of this was an accident, and the council of Tsinia are certain her union with Darthorn's son, Kovon, will create peace. And although her future has been planned out, she gives her heart to another.
What the readers say.
"llusional Reality was definitely one huge ride. The story is very unique; you won't find any stereotypical fantasy ploys in this novel! Karina Kantas has managed to do the almost impossible by weaving a thrilling story with romantic twists that will have you turning pages all night, and most probably give you quite a large book hangover.
S.H
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 none of this was an accident, and the council of Tsinia are certain her union with Darthorn's son, Kovon, will create peace. And although her future has been planned out, she gives her heart to another.
What the readers say.
"llusional Reality was definitely one huge ride. The story is very unique; you won't find any stereotypical fantasy ploys in this novel! Karina Kantas has managed to do the almost impossible by weaving a thrilling story with romantic twists that will have you turning pages all night, and most probably give you quite a large book hangover.
S.H
Illusional Reality is filled with intrigue, deception, and
danger. The story holds your attention as the events play out. I identified
with the characters, loving the facets of their personalities. Well done. I
loved the book.
B.C
You will not find any elves, dwarfs, witches or fairies in
this tale. There are no goblins, unicorns and pots of gold at the end of a
sparkly rainbow.
The underlying theme is love, sacrifice and forgiveness. You may meet a Portie or a telent. And if you're lucky maybe a Zenith will transcribe an oracle. There are no Fantasy stereotypes in my book. The names, places, spells, they are all original and the plot fresh. Whether you like fantasy or not, you will love these characters. You will cry and laugh and then want to hunt me down when you get to the end of the book.
myBook.to/IR
The underlying theme is love, sacrifice and forgiveness. You may meet a Portie or a telent. And if you're lucky maybe a Zenith will transcribe an oracle. There are no Fantasy stereotypes in my book. The names, places, spells, they are all original and the plot fresh. Whether you like fantasy or not, you will love these characters. You will cry and laugh and then want to hunt me down when you get to the end of the book.
myBook.to/IR
The film Lord of the Rings inspired me to write Illusional Reality. In fact, I came out of the cinema and by the time I arrived home (40 minutes) later, book one was completed in my head, the synopsis on paper, and explain with OTT excitement to my husband.
It didn’t take long to write the novel but many things
changed before I was happy with the final MS. You see, once you start writing a
book, and you’re in the “Zone” the characters take over and tell you were they
want to go. And if you need to sleep, you have to do what they say. Many
authors will agree with me on that.
At the time I wrote IR there were no e-books, so I submitted the MS to agents and publishers hoping for the big break and I knew it was the right time to get my book out. Fantasy films were hitting the big screen and people were either Potter mad or buying their own copies of L.O.T.R trilogy. But I was rejected. Then life got in the way and I put the book/s in a folder and then in the office cabinet and it stayed there for ten years.
At the time I wrote IR there were no e-books, so I submitted the MS to agents and publishers hoping for the big break and I knew it was the right time to get my book out. Fantasy films were hitting the big screen and people were either Potter mad or buying their own copies of L.O.T.R trilogy. But I was rejected. Then life got in the way and I put the book/s in a folder and then in the office cabinet and it stayed there for ten years.
I promised my readers a new book.
Maybe my last. I have three projects on
the go, but no interest to continue writing them at the time. So Illusional Reality was dusted off and here
we are.
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Excerpt
Alkazar was busy studying when he heard Omad calling up to him. It was unusual for anyone to shout up to the dwellings, and he wondered why Omad did not come up in person. He knew it had to be important so he put the book down, walked to the wooden balcony and leaned over.
Excerpt
Alkazar was busy studying when he heard Omad calling up to him. It was unusual for anyone to shout up to the dwellings, and he wondered why Omad did not come up in person. He knew it had to be important so he put the book down, walked to the wooden balcony and leaned over.
“Alkazar, a moment,” Omad called
up.
Without hesitation, Alkazar bounded
down the stairs to meet him. “I am your servant,” he greeted breathlessly.
Omad told him of Thya's attack and
of her recovery, and his concern that she insisted it was a dream. “Tis why I
require your assistance. Your acquaintance is superior to anyone else. I
entrust to you to bring about her change, compel her to grasp the situation.”
Alkazar was taken back by the
request. “I am honoured you have chosen me, only if it is so prudent to
influence an opinion onto our lady, would not it be superior for her to
discover for herself who she is?”
“I concur,” Omad answered. “Alas,
we do not possess the duration to tarry. I anticipate communication from
Darthorn, shortly, and our lady is required to be prepared to take her standing
amidst her subjects. I recognise you have a burdensome task ahead, and what I
am requesting from you may seem unfeasible. Nevertheless, it should be done.”
Alkazar didn't need to think about
it. Firstly, it was not prudent to refuse the council and secondly, it seemed
like an excellent opportunity to meet the princess.
“I will surrender my all to your
command, Omad. Where will I chance upon our lady?” he asked.
“I am confident you will not fail,
my friend. Come, we journey in unison.”
***
“Do you not desire to visit your
dwelling?” Kezar asked.
Thya turned to answer but her sight
blurred, almost as if she was looking at an illusion. It lasted only a few
seconds, even so, it scared her.
Kezar pointed to the largest of the
four buildings.
“Not now,” Thya said and continued
to walk as though she knew where she was going. Something was pulling her
towards one of the buildings, only she wasn't going against her will. Every
step made her feel warm and content.
As she neared the Plecky, a chill
crept over her. She shuddered. Eager to shake off the strange feeling, she
struck up a conversation. “Where do you live? I can't see any homes around
here, apart from these four buildings,” Thya signalled to them.
Kezar laughed. “We dwell up high.”
Thya looked up, bending her neck in
the direction Kezar pointed to. “Where? I can't see anything.”
“Up high, within the ancient
trees.”
That was when Thya saw Tsinia. A
whole city built within the trees and camouflaged by lush green leaves. Houses
made of wood and straw were built between the sturdy branches of the ancient,
giant trees. Each house looked similar in design and size and every one of them
had a charming wooden balcony. Yet, what astounded Thya the most was the wooden
rope bridges connecting each home, as though you could walk from one end of the
tree tops to the other. Thya looked around. There were hundreds of them. She
sensed a unity with the inhabitants. They trusted one another and had no
enemies among them.
She noticed small heads peering
down at her. Goosebumps prickled her arms. She had an awful feeling that she
wasn't dreaming, that she was wide-awake and had somehow been here before.
“Are you well, my lady? You appear
colourless,” Kezar asked.
“I'm fine, just had a dizzy spell.”
However, no matter how she tried to
shake the feeling off, she couldn't get the deja vu to pass. She looked around
anxiously. The forest closed in around her, stifling her breath.
“What is it, my lady? Is anything
amiss?”
Thya felt the panic rise in her
throat. Her heart beat as though it would soon jump out of her chest, and she
was gripped by a sudden fear that left her unable to move or speak.
Two Tsinians approached.
While Alkazar stared at Thya with
astonishment, Omad's face was scornful. “Kezar, I instructed you not to
withdraw until my appearance. I was to accompany you both.” He studied Thya's
face. “My lady, you are not yet satisfactory. Return to the Tora with me, I
beseech you.”
“Can you hear that?” Thya
whispered.
“I perceive naught,” Omad replied.
“What is it you hear?” Alkazar
asked gently.
She stared at Alkazar as the
unknown force continued to pull her along. “Whispers… voices… they're getting
louder—they're calling to me. Can you hear them?”
Thya pointed towards the Plecky.
“Omad, what's in this building?”
“Why do you inquire such? Return
with me, my lady. You are not yet able enough to be out of doors—”
Alkazar broke in. “Permit her to
continue, Omad. She is compelled to proceed.”
Thya continued to walk. “The voices
are coming from inside,” Thya announced. “I must go to them.”
Omad could not persuade her to
leave with him, and so followed behind silently.
They were only a few steps away
from the entrance when Thya swooned. Alkazar ran to her side and held her up.
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And to read more you can pop over to Amazon and pick up a digital copy of this fantastic romantic fantasy which is on special now for $0.99
And to read more you can pop over to Amazon and pick up a digital copy of this fantastic romantic fantasy which is on special now for $0.99
Thanks for stopping by, Karina. :)
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