Evil Beats at the Heart of The Prometheus Engine

June 30, 2025Leave a comment

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.

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

June 12, 2025June 30, 2025Leave a comment

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.

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

April 2, 2025April 3, 2025Leave a comment

“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!

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.

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

February 18, 2025March 11, 2025Leave a comment

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.

Interview with Author Julia Heart and the Lit Lounge Authors Group

December 12, 2024Leave a comment

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.

Happy Holidays from the Imagination of Mark Piggott

December 4, 2024Leave a comment

*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!

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

November 13, 2024November 26, 2024Leave a comment

***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.

The Reign of Mordred the Immortal continues in The Prometheus Engine

October 4, 2024October 15, 2024Leave a comment

*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.

Read new fantasy stories from inside the Moonlit Black Cat tavern on Kindle Vella

July 25, 2024August 6, 2024Leave a comment

I originally wrote the Moonlit Black Cat Tavern for a short story contest. It didn’t win or go anywhere, but I really liked the story. I found out how Kindle Vella lets you expand these stories into episodes that you can build on, weekly or monthly. So, I decided to add more stories to the world of Kralthorn and Ghelpher and the mysterious tavern caught between these two different kingdoms.

If you read on Kindle Vella, check out my newly published The Moonlit Black Cat Tavern, now with two episodes published and more on the way. I have about five total coming out once a week to keep you enthralled and entertained, and more on the way. These are fun stories to continue the tale of the unusual and diverse characters found roaming this tavern. You never know who might show up or why they’re stopping by.

Welcome to the Moonlit Black Cat Tavern, a place where humans, demi-humans, and monsters come together to laugh, drink, eat, sing, and find ways to get along. On a stormy night, the Bradbury Witch pays an unexpected visit to the strange tavern and finds more than she bargained for.

I always loved the idea of neutral territory, a tavern, where all manners of creatures could come together to eat, drink, and be merry without having to kill each other. A place where an understanding between good and evil could be broached without all the fighting. That’s the basis behind The Moonlit Black Cat Tavern.

And for those wondering about the name, yes it does come from an anime. I am a fan of Sword Art Online, and the story of the Moonlit Black Cats guild was tragic and a big part of why I watched this series (in case you missed it, watch Season 1, Episode 3 “Red Nosed Reindeer”). I guess it’s my way of paying tribute to the series and the characters.

I hope you take the time to read The Moonlit Black Cat Tavern on Kindle Vella. It’s a fun little adventure. And VOTE for my story in The Velleys, the Kindle Vella Awards.

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 from Curious Corvid Publishing. His first YA fantasy, Gwen Iver and Pendragon’s Puzzle, and The Prometheus Engine: Book Four of the Forever Avalon Series are coming soon from Curious Corvid. Stay tuned for new fantastic stories from the imagination of Mark Piggott.

This is the end of a two-year writing journey

July 8, 2024Leave a comment

This marks the end of two long years of writing, starting and stopping due to “Writer’s Block” and the occasional “what am I doing” through the whole process. Still, 93,000 words later, it is finally finished. This is my twelfth book written . . . 12! I’ve published eight, one waiting to be published this year and two in the hard drive still under going editing. This is number 12 and it was a hard fought twelve, that’s for sure.

This book will be the third in The Last Magus fantasy/steampunk book series. It’s called Demon Song. I know that title is a bit macabre, a little outside my avenue, and to be honest, this book is my darkest one yet. I always try to balance good and evil, the dark and the light, within my stories. I find that where there is absolute evil, so too must the light shine through. I had to really dive into darkness and find my way out while writing this novel.

This is the continuing adventures of Marcus Gideon, the Last Magus of Attlain. It picks up five years after the events of Dragonfire and Steel. Gideon and Wren are married and traveling around Attlain, tracking down the stolen magic weapons of the Magus along with the help of his own adventurers guild, the Silver Moon Guild. Gideon has finally begin to forge his own destiny, but he uncovers a plot that could destroy not only Attlain but the world. The demon sorceress of Nyx, Vasileesa Morozov, is planning to escape the island nation and spread her demon army across the land.

There is so much more to this story, but I can’t give away here, now can I. Plus, with the beta readers and editing still to come, it may alter things. So for now, I will leave it at that, happy to have reached his monumental moment. Stay tuned for more as things progress and be sure to catch up on the entire The Last Magus series before the next book is published.