Tag: Forever Avalon

Happy Holidays from the imagination of award-winning indie author Mark Piggott

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Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and Happy Holidays to all my readers, fellow indie authors, and any steampunk and fantasy fans out there. I wanted to extend to you all the best this holiday season, wishing you and yours the warmest wishes for a bright and Happy New Year.

I’m going to take a break from posting here so I can focus on finishing my latest WIP. I’m working on the final book in my steampunk fantasy series, The Last Magus. I’m 81,000 words in and nearly finished, so I hope to have my first draft done by the end of the month.

In the meantime, I do have my first book signing lined up for 2026. I’ll be at the Daydrift Books and Cafe in Crystal City, Arlington, VA, on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 12-3pm. Stop by for some great coffee and award-winning books, including Forever Avalon, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart, and Corsair and the Sky Pirates.

In the meantime, enjoy your holidays with family and friends. Maybe sit back and read a good book to pass the time, or even Buy a Book and give one as a gift. Check out all my steampunk and fantasy books and give the gift of adventure this holiday! You won’t disappoint when someone opens a book under the tree this year!

Evil Beats at the Heart of The Prometheus Engine

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A veil of darkness settles across Avalon during the reign of Mordred as he rules with an iron fist.

The Prometheus Engine: Book Four of the Forever Avalon Series picks up five years after the end of The Outlander War. Mordred now reigns over the broken remains of Avalon. He tries to cement his rule by constructing a powerful ancient machine known as the Prometheus Engine beneath Castle Pendragon. The Gil-Gamesh and his siblings work with the resistance to discover the secret of the engine and restore the true king, Bowen Pendragon, to the throne of Avalon.

Five years have passed since Mordred, the immortal bastard child of Morgana le Fay, usurped the throne from King Bowen Pendragon. With an army of undead wraith knights at his command and the children of the Lords of Avalon by his side, it was child’s play for Mordred to take the Granite Throne and become King. The only thing standing in his way of total domination of Avalon are the the Gil-Gamesh, Hunter MoonDrake, and his sisters, Rose and Ashley. Since their father’s death during Avalon’s Reclamation, these three have resisted Mordred’s reign at every turn from their home in the ruined Elven City of Alfheimer. Along with the Holy Order of Shield Maidens and the Hîldrägo Boquè, an elite corps of Elven warriors, they fight to reclaim King Bowen’s throne and restore Avalon to the people. But even now, Mordred schemes to bring down the resistance by constructing an ancient magical artifact… The Prometheus Engine. Only the immortal King knows its secrets and the power it will bring him, no matter the cost. Even now, the Gil-Gamesh races across the ruined archipelago of Avalon to uncover the engine’s secrets and discover the truth behind the island’s devastation.

Check out my new video above to step into the world of Forever Avalon and the latest book in my fantasy series from Curious Corvid Publishing.

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.

Listen to The Dark Tides on Audible to Uncover the threat to Avalon from Morgana le Fay

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“The Dark Tides? Now that is something I haven’t heard in over a millennium,” the Goblin King surmised. “What exactly do you want with me and my goblins?”

“And will come a day, some fifty score seven;
“When an Outlander will return to fated Avalon;
“And the seas will run black and the moon will fall;
“Heralding the Dark Tides and with it, death to
us all.”

— Excerpt from The Dark Tides: Book Two of the Forever Avalon Series

You can now listen to the resurrection of Morgana le Fey and experience the war for Avalon in The Dark Tides: Book Two of the Forever Avalon Series, available on Audible, narrated by Daryl Gannon. The terror, death, and destruction are brought to life in this new audiobook. Daryl does a brilliant job of bringing the story to life through his unique vocal presentation.

The first 10 people to leave a comment in this post will get a code to download a FREE copy of the audiobook. Be the first to listen to the terror of The Dark Tides!

Lord Bryan MoonDrake, the Gil-Gamesh and Eternal Champion of Avalon, helps his wife and children build new lives on the magical island of Avalon. His daughter, Ashley, has returned to Avalon with her husband to experience the magic of this forgotten land. Bryan sees an opportunity to bring his family together, so they plan a grand Avalonian wedding for Ashley and Andrew. But all is not well in the kingdom. Dark forces arise to fulfill a prophecy to resurrect Morgana le Fay, the most powerful sorceress in the history of Avalon. If successful, she will unleash the Dark Tides to destroy the line of Pendragon once and for all. To save his family, his new home, and his king, the Gil-Gamesh fights to overcome incredible odds and powers beyond his comprehension to rid Avalon of Morgana’s evil forever.

Experience the magic of Avalon in a fantasy book called “a mixture of magic, fantasy and lots of imagination” on Amazon. Experience the war to reclaim Avalon in The Dark Tides: Book Two of the Forever Avalon Series on Audible!

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, 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.

Reviews for The Prometheus Engine continue to pour in, and a Firebird Book Award too

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Congratulations to The Prometheus Engine: Book 4 of the Forever Avalon Series on two FIVE STAR reviews and 2ND PLACE in the Firebird Book Awards! I am highly honored by these peer reviews of my epic fantasy novel and the recognition for my publisher and the artists invested in my book.

The Firebird Book Awards are unique in their approach and contribution to indie authors. You are not just an entry but a new friend, and they treat your book submission with the care and attention it deserves. Secondly, every award submission supports the Enchanted Makeovers 501(c)(3) and other shelters for women and children. The awards support the authors who, in turn, support these charities. The Prometheus Engine: Book 4 of the Forever Avalon Series won 2nd Place for Fantasy, 4th Quarter of 2024.

First up is a review from preeminent book reviewer Jennie Rosenblum, who also happens to be a classmate from my hometown of Phillipsburg, NJ. She has supported my work as an indie author by giving honest reviews of my books since I first started writing. Please follow her website and social media, as her reviews cover various genres.

From the very first page, the story grabs hold and doesn’t let go, immersing readers in a world of action, intrigue, and magic. Hunter continues to grow into his leadership role, becoming not just a warrior but a realistic and personable leader who commands respect and loyalty. His development adds depth to the story, making his victories and struggles all the more compelling. Meanwhile, Mordred’s machinations reach new heights as he takes his scheming to another level against the resistance, raising the stakes like never before. Piggott masterfully weaves together tension, drama, and well-crafted characters, keeping readers engaged until the very last page. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, this installment delivers an unforgettable ride full of twists and surprises.

Finally, the Literary Titan Book Awards are a mark of distinction, recognizing excellence in innovative and impactful writing. The opportunity to be reviewed under their prestige is a pinnacle in my writing career. You can read the entire review at Literary Titan, but here is an excerpt.

Mark Piggott’s The Prometheus Engine is an epic fantasy filled with magic, war, and alchemical mystery, all wrapped in Arthurian legend. The novel is set in Avalon, where Mordred, the immortal son of King Arthur, rules with an iron fist. At the heart of the story is the Prometheus Engine, a legendary machine capable of harnessing magical elements to create an all-powerful substance called Promethium. The rebellion against Mordred is led by the children of the late Gil-Gamesh, Lord Bryan MoonDrake, as they struggle to prevent the tyrant from using the engine’s destructive power. With high-stakes action, deep lore, and a blend of myth and steampunk-esque technology, the novel spins a fast-paced and immersive tale.

One of the strongest aspects of The Prometheus Engine is its world-building. Piggott paints a rich, layered Avalon filled with history, political intrigue, and magic-infused technology. The descriptions of places like New Camelot and Alfheimer evoke a grand, war-torn kingdom, and the concept of Promethium as a magical element adds an interesting twist to the traditional fantasy setting. The attention to detail in the engineering of the Prometheus Engine itself is fascinating, it’s not just a MacGuffin but an actual machine with lore tied to ancient alchemists and the fall of Atlantis. That depth makes the stakes feel real, not just another cliché “magical artifact” plot device.

The book masterfully weaves together battle sequences, political intrigue, and moments of introspection, creating a dynamic and multifaceted narrative. The final act, when the Prometheus Engine reaches critical mass, is absolutely gripping, delivering an intense and satisfying payoff. Along the way, the story takes time to explore various subplots, enriching the world and adding depth to the lore. The character development shines brightest with figures like Mordred and the rebellion’s leaders, who bring complexity and emotional weight to the tale. Meanwhile, the supporting characters serve as vital threads in the grand tapestry, helping to drive the action forward and keep the momentum strong.

You can pick up a copy of The Prometheus Engine: Book 4 of the Forever Avalon Series through any online bookseller or Curious Corvid Publishing. Otherwise, come to one of my many book signing Events and get yourself a personalized copy.

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, 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.

Interview with Author Julia Heart and the Lit Lounge Authors Group

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Visit beekonnected.com to find your connections as both a reader and a writer.

I had the opportunity to interview with author Julia Heart of The Lit Lounge Author Group to discuss my latest release, The Prometheus Engine: Book 4 of the Forever Avalon Series. We talked about many aspects of my book as well as the writing process behind it. I enjoyed talking about being a storyteller and how I bring my characters to life within the story. I hope you enjoy talking to Julia so please check out Julia and her books at www.juliaheart.com.

If you are invested in the Forever Avalon trilogy, I hope you will join me at the saga continues in The Prometheus Engine: Book Four of the Forever Avalon Series, now available from Curious Corvid Publishing. You can get a copy online (check out the Buy My Books link) or 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, 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.

Happy Holidays from the Imagination of Mark Piggott

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The Forever Avalon saga continues with The Prometheus Engine: Book 4 of the Forever Avalon Series.

Happy holidays to one and all! I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a Happy Kwanzaa this December! If you are looking for a gift for family or friends, I would like to recommend the gift of fantasy and steam!

The Forever Avalon fantasy book series takes you to the world after Camelot ended to Avalon, an island of immortal magic where the descendants of King Arthur reign. From award-winning Indie Author Mark Piggott, experience the Arthurian legend through the eyes of a modern family stranded on Forever Avalon. Wade into The Dark Tides: Book 2 of the Forever Avalon Series as the deadly resurrection of Morgana le Fay wreaks havoc on Avalon. Unleash the fury of modern warfare vs. medieval magic in The Outlander War: Book 3 of the Forever Avalon Series when Avalon returns to the outside world! Now, the saga continues in The Prometheus Engine: Book 4 of the Forever Avalon Series from Curious Corvid Publishing. It’s been five years since Mordred the Immortal took control over Avalon as the rebellion fights back to end his evil reign.

The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart and The Last Magus: Dragonfire and Steel.

The Last Magus saga takes you on a journey of self discovery and adventure in the world of Attlain. Left for dead at a crossroads, Marcus Gideon wakes up with a clockwork heart in his chest and no memory of his past. He becomes an apprentice to the Last Magus, an outlaw sect of magic casters capable of summoning magical weapons. He strives to unlock his lost memories while forging his own destiny. The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart takes you on a journey from his beginnings as an apprentice to the magical forest of Ponshu to completing his training at the Basilon Magical Academy. In The Last Magus: Dragonfire and Steel, Gideon travels to the far off city of Plodoro to complete a final task for his master before ending his journey in the capital of Celestrium to enter the prestigious Helios Arcanum Magical Arts Festival. However, the Ulbrecht Domo – The Shadow Lord of Ishtar – has other plans for the Last Magus.

From left to right, Corsair and the Sky Pirates, Gwen Iver and Pendragon’s Puzzle, and The River of Souls from Curious Corvid Publishing.

These award-winning books take you into the clouds and across the stars. Corsair and the Sky Pirates imagines a world powered by steam through the genius of Nikola Tesla and the imagination of Jules Verne. Take to the skies with Corsair and his crew of sky pirates as they set out for adventure. Gwen Iver and Pendragon’s Puzzle is a YA fantasy where a young girl discover the secret of the Fae living within her small Michigan town. The descendants of King Arthur and Guinevere protect the magic through the power of the Pendragon. Journey across The River of Souls as one man’s death leads to rebirth in another world. It’s a story of love and redemption in a world fraught with war and racism.

Check out the links to Buy My Books online or come out to 2nd Sundays Williamsburg Arts and Music Festival on Sunday, December 15, for a SIGNED copy by the author. Happy ChristmaHanaKwanzika!

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.

Get ready for my next audiobook as The Dark Tides is in production for 2025

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The next novel to get the audiobook treatment is currently in production. The Dark Tides: Book Two of the Forever Avalon Series will soon be available on Audible and iTunes as the story of the MoonDrake families adventures on Avalon continues. Narrator Daryl Gannon (IG @darylgannonart) is using his unique vocal talents to tell the story about the resurrection of Morgana le Fay and her plot to destroy Avalon through her final and most powerful dark spell—The Dark Tides.

The Drake family has known more than its share of tragedy at sea. After the devastating and mysterious loss of their patriarch, Bryan, to a strange storm, his grieving wife and children sail to his last known location to lay a wreath in his honor. They are caught in a storm freakishly similar to the one that took Bryan from them. A funeral becomes a joyous reunion, as they find him alive and well but equally stranded on the mysterious island of Avalon, where the descendants of King Arthur rule a world filled with knights, Elves, Dwarves . . . and magic!

Lord Bryan MoonDrake-as he is now known-has attained the rank of the Gil-Gamesh, protector of the realm. He helps his wife and two of his children build new lives in a medieval society. His daughter Ashley has returned to Avalon with wonderful news. Bryan sees an opportunity to bring his family back together at last, so they plan a grand Avalonian wedding for Ashley and her true love, Andrew.

But all is not well in the kingdom. Dark forces arise to fulfill a prophecy to resurrect Morgana le Fay, the most powerful sorceress in the history of Avalon. If successful, she will unleash the Dark Tides to destroy the line of Pendragon once and for all. To save his family, his new home, and his king, can the Gil-Gamesh overcome incredible odds and powers beyond his comprehension to rid Avalon of Morgana’s evil forever?

Here is a short video clip as a preview of what’s to come in 2025, and make sure you follow Daryl on IG.

@darylgannonart narrating The Dark Tides: Book Two of the Forever Avalon Series on Audible + iTunes.
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.

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.

The Reign of Mordred the Immortal continues in The Prometheus Engine

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The Forever Avalon Series continues as the Reign of Mordred the Immortal brings darkness and despair while seeking to unlock the power of The Prometheus Engine.

It’s time. The saga of the MoonDrake family on Avalon continues with the upcoming release of The Prometheus Engine: Book Four of the Forever Avalon Series. It’s been several years since I finished the original trilogy, and it’s time for the story to continue. I put it off for some time as my mind traveled into other realms and new stories, but now is the time to bring the story to a close.

For those who don’t know me, Forever Avalon was my first book to be published. I began writing during my last deployment in 2001 aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65). After several years of rejections and waiting, it was finally published in 2009. It has been the rock of storytelling for me as an independent author. When people ask me which book is my favorite, I usually flinch at answering that question, but I can honestly say it will always be Forever Avalon. It was my first, and you always remember your first.

The Prometheus Engine continues the story of the resistance against Mordred the Immortal after he usurped the throne of Avalon. With the death of their father, the children of the Gil-Gamesh have risen up to take arms and lead an open rebellion against Mordred’s reign.

Five years have passed since Avalon suddenly returned to the real world and faced the loss of magic and an invasion by the modern, technological might of the United States and Russia. Only through the efforts of the Gil-Gamesh, Lord Bryan MoonDrake, along with great sacrifice by the Elves of Alfheimer, did Avalon disappear from the world once again. However, that victory came at a high cost.

Avalon tore asunder, an island shattered into an archipelago. Mordred, the immortal bastard child of Morgana le Fay, usurped the throne from the boy King, Bowen Pendragon, at this moment of weakness. With an army of undead wraith knights at his command and the new Lords of Avalon by his side, it was child’s play for Mordred to take the Granite Throne and become King.

The only thing standing in his way of total domination are the children of the Gil-Gamesh:  Hunter, Rose, and Ashley. Since their father’s death during Avalon’s Reclamation, these three have resisted Mordred’s reign at every turn from their new home in the ruined city of Alfheimer. Along with the Holy Order of Shield Maidens and the Hîldrägo Boquè, an elite corps of Elven warriors, they fight to reclaim King Bowen’s throne and restore Avalon to the people.

But even now, Mordred schemes to bring down the resistance by constructing an ancient magical artifact—The Prometheus Engine. Only the immortal King knows its secrets and the power it will bring him, no matter the cost. Even now, Hunter and his sisters race across the archipelago to uncover the engine’s secrets and discover the truth behind Avalon’s devastation.

The cover reveal (and it’s a fantastic book cover by Emily’s World of Design) will happen on October 15th when the pre-orders open! Get ready for The Prometheus Engine, coming December 1 from Curious Corvid Publishing.

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.

Support your indie author by leaving a book review

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The River of Souls, Forever Avalon, and The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart by award-winning author Mark Piggott.

Book reviews are the “bread and butter” for any independent or self-published author. Good or bad, book reviews are great feedback for an author to work on their craft and make them a better author. I can remember the first “honest” review I received on Forever Avalon shortly after it was published in 2009. It’s my one and only 2 STAR review.

“Nice try, but the book seems to be the effort of someone truly not gifted in the art of writing. Skip this one and save your money.”

Carl W. Alvers (Verified Purchase)

Ouch! I can honestly say this one hurt, but it also made me take a closer look at my writing and editing. The “vanity” publisher I worked with pushed my book out with no real edit or comments. I think they just wanted to get my money (lesson learned) and I just wanted to be able to call myself published. When they went out of business and I republished Forever Avalon on Amazon, I did a good edit on my manuscript. In the time between my first publication and this one, I took the criticism to heart and worked to improve my writing style, grammar, point-of-view, tense, etc.

That’s what I like about book reviews. Most reviewers love my storytelling, its the mechanics of my writing that they criticize, and I understand that completely. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I started working with professional editors to clean up my work. Their insight has made me a better writer.

Book reviews also help with promoting your book with Amazon. The more reviews a book has, the more Amazon will promote it in searches. Book reviews are important for all books, but especially for self-published books, because most of their sales are online. When it comes to selling books online, Amazon customer reviews can make or break a shoppers interest in a book.

“Authors rely on reviews to build credibility and word of mouth marketing, while readers rely on them to decide whether or not to purchase a book. The more positive reviews an author has, the more books he or she is likely to sell.”

Author Learning Center

The problem is that people are not very reliable in leaving reviews. That leads to other problems, as in how to get reviews. I will admit that I have paid for some of my book reviews, but I no longer do that. It leads to spam email and unwanted followers offering reviews for cash. I prefer working with my fellow indie authors. We swap books and provide reviews for each other. Feedback from my peers is priceless.

I get a lot of my reviews that way, but also from people I meet at book fairs and festivals I attend. I like the honest reviews I get from them. They’re not always frequent and not always positive, but it helps me grow. By reading these reviews, I know what my faults are and what I need to work on as I continue in my career as an author.

So, my one piece of advice to everyone out there . . . Help and Author and LEAVE A REVIEW! We can take the criticism and we need the attention, so please help out. It may sound like I’m begging (well, maybe just a little) but its a few minutes out of your day and it helps more than you know.

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 my first 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.