Tag: book release

Take a Glimpse into the world of Ard and my next book, “A Dance of Darlings and Demons”

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Darklings by artist Dennis Saputra

I wanted to give you a glimpse into my next book, which will be released this fall by Curious Corvid Publishing. It’s called A Dance of Darklings and Demons, an original epic fantasy set on the mythical world of Ard.

“While the Titans reigned in the heavens above Ard, Lilith ruled from Kehena below, thirsting for the blood of the innocent to satiate her desires. Lilith sent her darklings from the Tower of Ibris to devour the people in her name until the god Atua sent his warriors, his alchemages…” – From the Book of Ard

When the Olympians subjugated the Titans, the old gods escaped across the stars. A new world called out for help. Ard beckoned the Titans from across the stars to save their world from darkness. They gave magic to aid the people of Ard—Humans, Elves, Animalian, and Nephilim—against the evil of the darklings. These creatures of shadow and death descended from the Obsidian Mountains, seeking to claim magic for themselves. Their world teetered on the edge of annihilation until the Titans begged the god above all, Atua, to intervene and send his acolyte to save Ard—the Alchemage.

These fabled warriors utilized the ultimate power of alchemy and magic. They became shadow hunters, specialists in seeking out and destroying the darklings, but victory came at a cost. The people of Ard shunned the alchemages as heretic demons who had forsaken the Titans for Atua. This went on for over a thousand years as the war continued.

Canaan Treyhawke was among the next generation in a long line of alchemages. He fought at the front lines beneath the Obsidian Mountains, losing his leg to the scourge of the endless war. He continues his fight as a shadow hunter to protect his sister, the woman he loves, and the people of his home in Perdition’s Point. Canaan finds himself embroiled in a mystery that could shake the very foundations of Ard.

A shadow tamer—a human aligned with the Tower of Ibris—is searching for a being born of all the races of Ard known as the Progenitor. This person could be the key to restore Lilith to her former glory. As chaos swirls around Canaan, he travels from the Golden City of Signus Prime to the capital city of Adolphus to discover the identity of the shadow tamer and stop the darkling threat.

You can catch a glimpse of the darlings above thanks to the incredible talents of artist Dennis Saputra. His art will adorn the chapter pages, portraying different creatures within the darling race. Stay tuned for excerpts and a chance to join my ARC readers for this new epic fantasy.

Check out Buy My Books to pick out your next binge read!

Mark Piggott is an award-winning independent author of several fantasy/steampunk novels and short stories. A 23-year U.S. Navy veteran, his stories will take you from the shores of eternal Avalon to a dystopian steampunk future and other fantastic worlds as he weaves through a myriad of flights of fancy in his tales.

The Forever Avalon fantasy book series—including Forever Avalon, The Dark Tides, and The Outlander War—are available online at Amazon and other booksellers. His fantasy steampunk novel, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart, is available through Lulu and other booksellers. The Moonlit Black Cat Tavern is a new collection of short stories available on Amazon.

Cross over The River of Souls in a fantasy novella, take flight in the steampunk historical fiction, Corsair and the Sky Pirates, the saga continues in The Last Magus: Dragonfire and Steel, his first YA fantasy, Gwen Iver and Pendragon’s Puzzle, and the epic fantasy The Prometheus Engine: Book Four of the Forever Avalon Series from Curious Corvid Publishing. A Dance of Darklings and Demons is coming in 2025 from Curious Corvid. Stay tuned for new fantastic stories from the imagination of Mark Piggott.

Step into the Moonlit Black Cat Tavern for food, drink, and fun in a magical pub

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It started as a short story. A simple idea for a contest. A tavern situated between two countries that are constantly at war. On a rainy night, the Bradbury Witch wanders into this mysterious watering hole and discovers its secret, which was just the beginning. The short story expanded into several, and now it’s a collection. I put all the stories together into this novella. It was a “passion project” because I loved bringing these stories to life as someone who got his start in fantasy playing Dungeons and Dragons.

Welcome to The Moonlit Black Cat Tavern, where humans, demi-humans, and monsters come together to laugh, drink, eat, sing, and find ways to get along. There’s no fighting, fussing, or killing. Only laughter, love, and companionship between the many races of Kralthorn and Ghelpher. On a stormy night, the Bradbury Witch pays an unexpected visit to the strange tavern and finds more than she bargained for. Follow her adventures within this unique lodging off the beaten path as she discovers more about this strange place.

Take an adventure into a magical place where wizards play chess, goblins make side bets to scrounge drinks, and you’re served by a delightful succubus. It’s a fun romp into the wildest pup you’ll ever walk into. You can pre-order the ebook at Amazon before its release on May 16.

By the way, thanks to Emy Joliaa (@Emyd_Rawz on Instagram) for the Book Trailer video!

Check out Buy My Books to pick out your next binge read!

Mark Piggott is an award-winning independent author of several fantasy/steampunk novels and short stories. A 23-year U.S. Navy veteran, his stories will take you from the shores of eternal Avalon to a dystopian steampunk future and other fantastic worlds as he weaves through a myriad of flights of fancy in his tales.

The Forever Avalon fantasy book series—including Forever Avalon, The Dark Tides, and The Outlander War—are available online at Amazon and other booksellers. His fantasy steampunk novel, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart, is available through Lulu and other booksellers. The Moonlit Black Cat Tavern is a new collection of short stories available on Amazon.

Cross over The River of Souls in a fantasy novella, take flight in the steampunk historical fiction, Corsair and the Sky Pirates, the saga continues in The Last Magus: Dragonfire and Steel, his first YA fantasy, Gwen Iver and Pendragon’s Puzzle, and the epic fantasy The Prometheus Engine: Book Four of the Forever Avalon Series from Curious Corvid Publishing. A Dance of Darklings and Demons is coming in 2025 from Curious Corvid. Stay tuned for new fantastic stories from the imagination of Mark Piggott.

Only a week away until the release of The Prometheus Engine from Curious Corvid

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The Prometheus Engine: Book Four of the Forever Avalon Series releases December 1 from Curious Corvid Publishing.

“Fear helps keep the people in line, submissive and compliant,” Blackstone argued.
“It also takes away the one thing people yearn for—freedom! The desire for freedom creates longing, which leads to dissent and chaos. We should tread lightly here, brother, so support and loyalty to the crown do not waiver.” — Excerpt from The Prometheus Engine: Book Four of the Forever Avalon Series

Five years have passed since the reclamation of Avalon, restoring the barrier protecting the island from the outside world, but at a terrible cost. The spell of first magic split the island of eternal magic into an archipelago, a land separated by the sea and evil. Mordred the Immortal, the bastard son of King Arthur Pendragon, took control of Avalon. His coup was swift and brutal, taking advantage of the chaos after the reclamation by murdering the Lords of Avalon. With the heirs of the nobles under his thrall, Mordred reigns over the shattered land, but not without consequences.

His reign is opposed by the “three dragons” — the children of Lord Bryan MoonDrake, the Gil-Gamesh and Knight Eternal of Avalon. After their father died during Mordred’s coup, the three started a rebellion to end the immortal king’s reign. They support the true king of Avalon, Bowen Pendragon, the boy king. With the help of the Holy Order of Shield Maidens and the Hîldrägo Boquè, an elite corps of Elven fighters, the resistance slowly picks away at Mordred’s reign, one island at a time.

However, deep beneath the streets of New Camelot, Mordred utilizes the genius of gnome mechanics to build an unimaginable threat — The Prometheus Engine. This ancient machine once destroyed the great city of Atlantis and now Mordred is attempting to bring this monstrosity to life once more. The exact nature of the engine is unknown, forcing the resistance to do the impossible. They must commune with the one person who knows the sordid history of the Prometheus Engine — the spirit of King Arthur Pendragon.

This book has been more than five years in the making. I have endeavored to bridge the original trilogy into the next chapter to bring the story to a close. This book has a darker tone from the previous as we delve into a new Avalon under the reign of Mordred the Immortal. If you thought Morgana le Fay was evil, she cannot hold a candle to her wayward son. His ambition and decadence was fueled over the centuries his soul was trapped with Dusk, the soul reaper of the Gil-Gamesh. I hoped to convey that aspect within this story.

I also wanted to bring a spot of redemption for characters like Eileanora, the Dubh Bhean, Assassin of the Elves, and Keane Foley, the master thief. In a land threatened by Mordred’s evil, even those who tread in the darkness find a way to step into the light. I wanted to show that even in the dark, you can find your way out through the light of hope and love.

If you are invested in my first trilogy, I hope you will join me at the saga continues in The Prometheus Engine: Book Four of the Forever Avalon Series, coming December 1 from Curious Corvid Publishing. Pre-order NOW at the Curious Corvid Shop.

Check out Buy My Books to pick out your next binge read!

Mark Piggott is an award-winning independent author of several fantasy/steampunk novels and short stories. A 23-year U.S. Navy veteran, his stories will take you from the shores of eternal Avalon to a dystopian steampunk future and other fantastic worlds as he weaves through a myriad of flights of fancy in his tales.

The Forever Avalon fantasy book series—including Forever Avalon, The Dark Tides, and The Outlander War—are available online at Amazon and other booksellers. His fantasy steampunk novel, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart, is available through Lulu and other booksellers.

Cross over The River of Souls in a fantasy novella, take flight in the steampunk historical fiction, Corsair and the Sky Pirates, and the saga continues in The Last Magus: Dragonfire and Steel, and his first YA fantasy, Gwen Iver and Pendragon’s Puzzle from Curious Corvid Publishing. The Prometheus Engine: Book Four of the Forever Avalon Series and A Dance of Darklings and Demons are coming soon from Curious Corvid. Stay tuned for new fantastic stories from the imagination of Mark Piggott.

Check out a great new sci-fi novel “The Dark Without” from fellow indie author T.K. Toppin

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I have to give a big shout-out to my friend and fellow author T.K. Toppin! I count T.K. as one of my many independent author friends in the online community. She is one of new generation of science fiction authors and her latest release is no exception.

THE DARK WITHOUT is her new release, available TODAY on Amazon, and she continues to amaze me with her attention to detail, world-building, and creative science fiction writing.

“Humankind is always doomed to fail. It has fallen many times before, and many times we have intervened to ensure it stays on the correct course. Earth is salvageable, but if you had continued along the path you were on, it would not have been. You have billions of years more to exist before your planet’s final destruction. We are only making certain it survives that long, and ensuring your survival until the ultimate end. At times you progress too fast, but such is humankind’s way. So we had to accelerate this current failure sooner in order to restart. As we have done before, a guide with a better objective and understanding of how to protect your world, will be inserted…”

But why did they care what humans did with their lives? They were aliens—beings from another dimension! Earth wasn’t their home.

Esme Serrano’s predestined encounter with the trans-dimensional anthropomorphic Aakehollats sends her on a multi-pathed journey spanning ten thousand years. A journey riddled with lies, manipulations and untold layers of deception. She guides Earth as the Sibyl, a powerful and mystical leader, and brings the dying world back from the brink of death. She helps the Aakehollats, and ensures that Earth survives until its ultimate destruction in the cosmos.

But her one true goal is, and always will be, to kill the Aakehollats.

I had the privilege to be one of T.K.’s ARC readers so I got an advanced copy of her sci-fi novel. Here is my review:

Science Fiction prophecy has been a part of our culture for decades. Science Fiction writers find a way to take what is happening in our world today and figure out what is coming next. This book is another great example of that heritage. After reading the first few chapters of THE DARK WITHOUT, I saw our world today–political upheaval, climate change, skyrocketing food prices, rolling blackouts–all of these things are affecting us today. T.K. blends the reality of our world with the possibility that life exists out there, watching over us. It’s a powerful story of a world controlled by a single doctrine, forged from the story of one person setting humanity on its destined course, but what if they got the story wrong? Can humanity survive knowing the truth? These questions boggle the mind but it keeps you enthralled with every page. T.K. belongs with the science fiction prophets of the past, giving us ample warning about our future.

Do yourself a favor and check out T.K.’s other offerings, including Jax Marlin and RAQ. They are just what you need for a great sci-fi read, and it supports a fellow indie author!

Mark Piggott is an award-winning independent author of several fantasy/steampunk novels and short stories. A 23-year U.S. Navy veteran, his stories will take you from the shores of eternal Avalon to a dystopian steampunk future and other worlds.

The Forever Avalon fantasy book series—including Forever Avalon, The Dark Tides, and The Outlander War—is available online at Amazon and other booksellers. His fantasy steampunk novel, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart, is available through Lulu and other booksellers.

Cross over The River of Souls in a fantasy novella and the steampunk historical fiction, Corsair and the Sky Pirates from Curious Corvid Publishing. The Last Magus: Dragonfire and Steel and The Prometheus Engine: Book Four of the Forever Avalon Series, are coming soon. Stay tuned for more new fantastic stories from the imagination of Mark Piggott.

Cross the eternal cosmic lifestream and wade into the river of souls from curious corvid publishing

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The River of Souls fantasy novella from award-winning author Mark Piggott featuring poetry by Ashley Valitutto from Curious Corvid Publishing

This is the moment in an author’s life that we live for. Getting your book in the mail and seeing your words in print is one thing, but when the book is finally published and “live,” it’s a whole new experience. I have gone through this four times now, and the fifth one is just as sweet as the previous four . . . if not sweeter! This is my FIRST book published through a publishing house—Curious Corvid Publishing. I’ve submitted many of my manuscripts to publishers and agents for consideration. The River of Souls was the first time someone said YES to me!

This was not a single piece of work. I had the pleasure of collaborating with a wonderful poet, Ashley Valitutto, to help tell the story through her poems. The idea was that war, strife, and bigotry weighs heavy on a person. For many people, poetry is a way of expression and therapy in hopes of dealing with pain. Her words brought my story together better than I could imagine.

www.curiouscorvidpublishing.com

I also want to thank Ravven White and Curious Corvid Publishing for taking me on as one of their authors. I met Ravven over a Zoom call, and we talked for more than an hour about my writing career, previously published books, and my works in progress. After she told me all about Curious Corvid, she offered to bring me on board. I wanted to jump out of my chair and scream to the highest mountaintop. After more than ten years of wandering the wilderness as a self-published author, I made it to nirvana. If you get a chance, visit Curious Corvid Publishing to and check out the myriad of authors writing fantasy, sci-fi-, horror, paranormal, and poetry “from the dark side” of literature.

Across The River of Souls, the boundless cosmic lifestream that connects all worlds, a young man lay dying underneath a crumpled automobile. He hears a voice crying out for help, begging not to be left alone. Desperate to make something of his life, he offers himself to God to be there for her.

On a distant world, Malcolm Seger, a human, and his wife Alyssa, a dragonkin, moved to the parish of Fairhaven to begin a new life together after serving in what the people of Fawleen called “The Endless War.” But just when they settled in, Malcolm succumbs to deadly “dragon dust” and lies near death. Grief-stricken, Alyssa uses her magic to save her true love through the spell of restoration, powerful magic combining two souls into one. He died in one world and was reborn in another.

Now begins their new life together in a land filled with distrust, bigotry, and hatred between races. Can two people from different worlds find love and peace to show what lies beyond The River of Souls?

The River of Souls officially releases on Sunday, August 21, but you can pre-order it now at Amazon. Pick up your copy or download the ebook today!

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Mark Piggott is an award-winning independent author of several fantasy/steampunk novels and short stories. A 23-year U.S. Navy veteran, his stories will take you from the shores of eternal Avalon to a dystopian steampunk future and other worlds.

The Forever Avalon fantasy book series—including Forever Avalon, The Dark Tides, and The Outlander War—is available online at Amazon and other booksellers. His fantasy steampunk novel, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart, is available through Lulu and other booksellers.

Get ready for The River of Souls fantasy novella from Curious Corvid Publishing. Coming in 2023 from Curious Corvid—the steampunk historical fiction, Corsair and the Sky Pirates, and The Last Magus: Dragonfire and Steel. Stay tuned for more new fantastic stories from the imagination of Mark Piggott.

Cross over The River of Souls, coming August 21

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My fantasy novella “The River of Souls” with poetry by Ashley Valitutto from Curious Corvid Publishing.

We are a month away from the release of my next novel, The River of Souls. This is my first novella, but it was not the length of the story but how I told it that was important to me. I wanted to include poetry in the story to give it some breadth and a deeper meaning to the themes behind the story itself. Thankfully, I met a great poet in Ashley Valitutto who saw my vision behind the story and wrote some wonderful prose for my novella. It was a collaboration that brought this story to life, and it was this story that brought me to the attention of Ravven White and Curious Corvid Publishing. This is my first step in being a published author, not a self-published author.

Official trailer for “The River of Souls” from Nights with Ebon Pinion YouTube page.

From award winning author Mark Piggott comes a dark fantasy novella of love and triumph . . .

“Reach beyond heavens veil; do not let death prevail. Instead, open the door through God’s grace; let this not be his final resting place!”

Fawleen and Drogon fought what people called “The Endless War,” as it went on for more than 300 years. The humans of Fawleen and the Dragonkin of Drogon clashed over borderlands, water rights, trade disputes, and the biased views of leaders on both sides of the conflict. Four generations fought and died in the war. That all changed when one sect of Drogon—the Oracles of Delphis Kai—joined Fawleen against their people and worked to end the war. The Oracles were healers and pacifists, the opposite of the Acolytes of Hecat Tei and their dark chaos magic that ruled Drogon. In the end, it was the deciding factor that brought peace to the troubled land.

Malcom Seger, a human Magi-Gunner, and his wife Alyssa, a dragonkin of the Oracles of Delphis Kai, moved to the parish of Fairhaven to begin a new life together. But just when they were getting settled in, Malcom succumbs to deadly “dragon dust” and lies near death. Grief stricken, Alyssa uses her magic to save her true love through the spell of restoration, powerful magic combining two souls into one.

Across the river of souls, the boundless cosmic lifestream that connects all worlds, a young man lay dying underneath a crumpled automobile. He hears a voice, crying out for help, begging not to be left alone. Desperate to make something of his life, he offers himself to God to cross the river of souls to be there for her.

Now begins their new life together in a world filled with distrust, bigotry, and hatred between races. Can two people from different worlds find love and peace to show what truly lies beyond THE RIVER OF SOULS.

From Nights with Ebon Pinion YouTube page

Sign up for the Curious Corvid newsletter and follow me, Ashley, and CCP on social media for updates on this epic adventure!

I will be hosting a special preview for The River of Souls on Sunday, August 14, at 2nd Sundays Williamsburg Arts and Music Festival. I hope to have some of the first copies of my new book (fingers crossed) at the festival, so please stop by and pick up a signed copy!

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Mark Piggott is an independent author of the Forever Avalon fantasy book series and other fantasy/steampunk novels and short stories. Forever Avalon is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook at Amazon and as an audiobook from Audible and iTunes. The Dark Tides: Book 2 of the Forever Avalon Series is available as a paperback/ebook at iUniverse Publishing,  Amazon, and other booksellers. The Outlander War, Book Three of the Forever Avalon series, is available as a paperback/ebook from Austin Macauley Publishing and at Amazon and other booksellers. His latest fantasy novel, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart, is available through Lulu and other booksellers.

Get ready for The River of Souls fantasy novella, coming soon from Curious Corvid Publishing along with the steampunk historical fiction, Corsair and the Sky Pirates. The Prometheus Engine: Book 4 of the Forever Avalon Series and The Last Magus: Dragonfire and Steel are future installments of his current fantasy book series, plus so much more coming soon.

The Outlander War is here!

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THE TIME IS NOW! WAR HAS COME TO AVALON! The Outlander War: Book 3 of the Forever Avalon Series is now available as a book or ebook from Austin Macauley Publishers! This is the conclusion of the first trilogy in the Forever Avalon series.

I want to thank all my family and friends who supported me on this journey. First and foremost, I want to thank my wife, Georgiene. She struggles with my pension for fantasy, trying to keep me grounded, but she has always been there for me. For more than 35 years, she has been my rock, my soulmate, the love of my life. Thank you for loving me and being there for me.

Secondly, I want to thank Michael Stettes. Mike works with me as a writer-editor and he offered to give my book a once-over before submitting it for publication. It was the first time I had a critical eye from a peer on my writing. His input and guidance helped me focus on my story.

Lastly, I want to thank my publisher, Austin Macauley Publishing. Many people said not to go with them as a publisher, but they have been nothing but supportive and “spot on” when it came to attention to detail on my novel. They were worth the investment.

I hope you take the time and help support this independent author. I truly hope you enjoy reading my stories as much as I do writing them.

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Mark Piggott is the author of the Forever Avalon book series. Forever Avalon is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook at Amazon. The Dark Tides is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iUniverse Publishing. The Outlander War, Book Three of the Forever Avalon series is available from Austin Macauley Publishing.