Only users who subscribe to the RSS feed should see this blog post, actually. Everyone else shouldn’t notice a change in service, since the old site (blog.smboyce.com) has been redirected to the new site (smboyce.com).

For RSS readers, your new feed link is: http://smboyce.com/feed/

Please update now so you don’t forget (like I do every time I take care of stuff later). Thanks!

Managing a subdomain for the blog, store, and writer’s corner just became too much. Since the store doesn’t need much tending and because the writer’s corner requires a completely different layout, those are staying as is. But the blog just didn’t need to be its own thing, and thus the move.

Thanks for understanding, and I look forward to more fun interactions with you! Stay awesome.

Everybody Wins

Everyone wins in this giveaway! You can grab your free copy of Lichgates (Grimoire Saga #1) on Smashwords. Amazon and Barnes & Noble copies are only 99c while they update their prices.

Be sure to share the link on Twitter so that your friends can get their copy, too.

Grab Your FREE Copy of Lichgates

Add Lichgates to your Goodreads TBR

The Grimoire Saga

Lichgates

Grimoire Saga #1

Fans of The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and Eragon will enjoy this contemporary remix of the classic epic fantasy genre.

—————-

Kara Magari is about to discover a beautiful world full of terrifying things—Ourea.

Kara, a college student still reeling from her mother’s recent death, has no idea the hidden world of Ourea even exists until a freak storm traps her in a sunken library. With no way out, she opens an ancient book of magic called the Grimoire and unwittingly becomes its master, which means Kara now wields the cursed book’s untamed power. Discovered by Ourea’s royalty, she becomes an unwilling pawn in a generations-old conflict—a war intensified by her arrival. In this world of chilling creatures and betrayal, Kara shouldn’t trust anyone… but she’s being hunted and can’t survive on her own. She drops her guard when Braeden, a native soldier with a dark secret, vows to keep her safe. And though she doesn’t know it, her growing attraction to him may just be her undoing.

For twelve years, Braeden Drakonin has lived a lie. The Grimoire is his one chance at redemption, and it lands in his lap when Kara Magari comes into his life. Though he begins to care for this human girl, there is something he wants more. He wants the Grimoire.

Welcome to Ourea, where only the cunning survive.

Lichgates

 Learn More | Goodreads | Buy Now

Everybody Wins

Everyone wins in this giveaway! You can grab your free copy of Lichgates (Grimoire Saga #1) on Smashwords. Amazon and Barnes & Noble copies are only 99c while they update their prices.

Be sure to share the link on Twitter so that your friends can get their copy, too.

Grab Your FREE Copy of Lichgates

Add Lichgates to your Goodreads TBR

The Grimoire Saga

Lichgates

Grimoire Trilogy #1

Fans of The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and Eragon will enjoy this contemporary remix of the classic epic fantasy genre.

—————-

Kara Magari is about to discover a beautiful world full of terrifying things—Ourea.

Kara, a college student still reeling from her mother’s recent death, has no idea the hidden world of Ourea even exists until a freak storm traps her in a sunken library. With no way out, she opens an ancient book of magic called the Grimoire and unwittingly becomes its master, which means Kara now wields the cursed book’s untamed power. Discovered by Ourea’s royalty, she becomes an unwilling pawn in a generations-old conflict—a war intensified by her arrival. In this world of chilling creatures and betrayal, Kara shouldn’t trust anyone… but she’s being hunted and can’t survive on her own. She drops her guard when Braeden, a native soldier with a dark secret, vows to keep her safe. And though she doesn’t know it, her growing attraction to him may just be her undoing.

For twelve years, Braeden Drakonin has lived a lie. The Grimoire is his one chance at redemption, and it lands in his lap when Kara Magari comes into his life. Though he begins to care for this human girl, there is something he wants more. He wants the Grimoire.

Welcome to Ourea, where only the cunning survive.

Lichgates

 Learn More | Goodreads | Buy Now

Suspension of disbelief is described as ‘a willingness to suspend one’s critical faculties and believe the unbelievable’.

How can a fantasy writer get their reader to do this? Heck. Fantasy is unrestrained & extravagant imagination. Make believe. Conjured worlds, people, and magic. It can be anything we want, right? Totally out there, nonsensical stuff from dreams.

Wait.

Nonsensical? Hmm. Not so sure.

If a story or character isn’t say, consistent, will a reader continue to read?

Let’s say wizard Joe Schmo can wipe out his enemies with a simple sweep of his hand. Why wait ‘til the climax of the story to do so?

If the land is suffering from a drought in chapter 12, why hasn’t the water princess Tina Bambina called forth rain from the sky way back in chapter 2?

Robert Dopert learns in chapter 3 he can move at the speed of light. How is it he drops his magic wand in chapter 7?

Never mind PLOT HOLES—these examples bring up the necessity of believability.

“WHAT?” you say. “But suspension of belief …!”

Yeah. I know. Thus, the conundrum.

Let’s look at it this way: If everyone in your created world possesses unlimited, unrestrained magic that has no side-effect or cost, where’s the conflict? Where’s the tension to keep a reader turning those pages? What’s going to keep the reader on the edge of their seat thinking, ‘maybe this time the bad buy will win’?

Since I’m really a ‘no-one’, let’s see what some people in the ‘biggie’ business think.

Donald Maass, in Writing The Breakout Novel, states the first key he looks for is plausibility (having an appearance of truth or reason.) And yes, his literary agency represents fantasy.

I could go on and on and on and on, but I’ll stop there.

The Debate: Fantasy Writers

So whatcha think? Will an inconsistent, un-plausible story hold your interest? Will you become immersed in a story that makes no sense & doesn’t relate to you?

Grab Terri’s Book

 Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Amazon UK / All Romance  /  Diesel eBooks /  Books on Board

Make Believe: A Collection of Short Stories

Sacrificial Oath by Terri Rochenski

An impetuous act unwittingly makes Alesuela the fulfillment of the Sovereign’s Blood Oath to their Goddess. In five days, she’ll be forced to make the greatest choice of her life: become the virginal sacrifice already promised, or force the man she loves most to die in her place.

With an impossible choice in front of her, she searches for ways to undo the oath, and in her quest, finds not everything in her life is as she expects.

The Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

“Boyce has killer talent and a writing voice that rivals any New York Times megastar. The Grimoire Trilogy, quite simply, is awesome.”

–Nikki Jefford, author of the Spellbound Trilogy

“Once again, I found myself plummeting into the world of Ourea. Although I really enjoyed reading Lichgates, I loved Treason… Some of the twists are just amazing, and I can’t wait to read Heritage. Boyce, you need to write faster.”

–Christie Rich, author of the Elemental Enmity series

The Grimoire Trilogy

by S. M. Boyce

Click on the cover image for details, samples, and purchase information.

Lichgates

Grimoire Trilogy #1

Fans of The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and Eragon will enjoy this contemporary remix of the classic epic fantasy genre.

—————-

Kara Magari is about to discover a beautiful world full of terrifying things—Ourea.

Kara, a college student still reeling from her mother’s recent death, has no idea the hidden world of Ourea even exists until a freak storm traps her in a sunken library. With no way out, she opens an ancient book of magic called the Grimoire and unwittingly becomes its master, which means Kara now wields the cursed book’s untamed power. Discovered by Ourea’s royalty, she becomes an unwilling pawn in a generations-old conflict—a war intensified by her arrival. In this world of chilling creatures and betrayal, Kara shouldn’t trust anyone… but she’s being hunted and can’t survive on her own. She drops her guard when Braeden, a native soldier with a dark secret, vows to keep her safe. And though she doesn’t know it, her growing attraction to him may just be her undoing.

For twelve years, Braeden Drakonin has lived a lie. The Grimoire is his one chance at redemption, and it lands in his lap when Kara Magari comes into his life. Though he begins to care for this human girl, there is something he wants more. He wants the Grimoire.

Welcome to Ourea, where only the cunning survive.

Lichgates

 Learn More | Goodreads | Buy Now

Today’s Christmas Gift Idea:

Lichgates: Book One of the Grimoire Trilogy

S.M. Boyce

The Grimoire turns its own pages and can answer any question asked of it, and Kara Magari is its next target.

Kara has no idea what she’s getting herself into when she stumbles across the old book while hiking a hidden trail. Once she opens it, she’s thrown into Ourea: a beautiful world full of terrifying things that want the Grimoire’s secrets. Everyone in this new world is trying to find her, and most want to control the new-found power the book bestows upon her. Even if Kara does escape, Ourea will only drag her back.

Braeden Drakonin grew up in Ourea, and all he’s ever known of life is lying. The Grimoire is his one chance at redemption, and it lands in his lap when Kara Magari comes into his life. He has one question to ask the book—one question that can fix everything in his broken world—and he’s not letting Kara out of his sight until he gets an answer.

There’s no going back now.

–> Buy Your Copy <–

Treason: Book Two of the Grimoire Trilogy

S.M. Boyce

Ourea has always been a deadly place. The lichgates tying the hidden world to Earth keep its creatures at bay—for now.

Kara Magari ignited a war when she stumbled into Ourea and found the Grimoire: a powerful artifact filled with secrets. To protect the one person she has left, she strikes a deal that goes against everything she believes in. But things don’t go as planned.

Braeden Drakonin can no longer run from who—and what—he is. He has to face the facts. He’s a prince. He’s a murderer. He’s a wanted man. And after a betrayal that leaves him heartbroken, he’s out for blood.

To survive, both Kara and Braeden must become the evil each has grown to hate.

–> Buy Your Copy <–

More Christmas Gift Ideas

Did that help you find Chirtmas gift ideas? Remember that this is the last day of the Twelve Days of Bookmas, so you can pan back through the past 12 days for more great   Chirtmas gift ideas. Have a happy holiday!

Point is, Lichgates is still free, but today’s the last day. Make sure you grab your copy and email the link to anyone you think would enjoy the novel!

While you’re at it, take a look at the sequel, too. I posted both covers and book descriptions below. Enjoy!

Lichgates (Grimoire Trilogy #1)

The Grimoire turns its own pages and can answer any question asked of it, and Kara Magari is its next target.

Kara has no idea what she’s getting herself into when she stumbles across the old book while hiking a hidden trail. Once she opens it, she’s thrown into Ourea: a beautiful world full of terrifying things that want the Grimoire’s secrets. Everyone in this new world is trying to find her, and most want to control the new-found power the book bestows upon her. Even if Kara does escape, Ourea will only drag her back.

Braeden Drakonin grew up in Ourea, and all he’s ever known of life is lying. The Grimoire is his one chance at redemption, and it lands in his lap when Kara Magari comes into his life. He has one question to ask the book—one question that can fix everything in his broken world—and he’s not letting Kara out of his sight until he gets an answer.

There’s no going back now.

Buy Your Copy of Lichgates

(eBook is FREE on Amazon!)

Amazon (US) | Amazon (UK) | Print Edition | Barnes & Noble

Treason (Grimoire Trilogy #2)

Ourea has always been a deadly place. The lichgates tying the hidden world to Earth keep its creatures at bay—for now.

Kara Magari ignited a war when she stumbled into Ourea and found the Grimoire: a powerful artifact filled with secrets. To protect the one person she has left, she strikes a deal that goes against everything she believes in. But things don’t go as planned.

Braeden Drakonin can no longer run from who—and what—he is. He has to face the facts. He’s a prince. He’s a murderer. He’s a wanted man. And after a betrayal that leaves him heartbroken, he’s out for blood.

To survive, both Kara and Braeden must become the evil each has grown to hate.

Buy Your Copy of Treason

Amazon (US) | Amazon (UK) | Print Edition | Barnes & Noble

Books in the Grimoire Trilogy:

Lichgates (#1)
Treason (#2)
Heritage (#3)

Today’s Christmas Gift Idea:

Obsidian

Kayla Curry

Ava Tanner finds herself in a world without satellite technology in a time of GPS, Smart Phones and Tablets. When she discovers that a corporation headed by vampires with a sinister motive is to blame, her world is turned upside-down. After a narrow escape, she learns a mystical secret about herself that could aide her in her fight against the vampires. Unfortunately, the vampires see her either as a valuable asset or a target for destruction.

When the world is on the brink of complete social and technological devastation, one must ask themselves: Would I give up my blood for the modern ideal way of life, or will I wage war with the overlords of chaos?

–> Buy Your Copy <–

More Christmas Gift Ideas

Stay tuned! More Chirtmas gift ideas are on the way. A new author has been posted every day in the Twelve Days of Bookmas, and there’s one left. So check back tomorrow!

Ten talented authors. Twelve FREE eBooks. One incredible holiday event!

Welcome everyone! I am so excited to be a part of this fantastic holiday event with some of the most talented authors I know! We have twelve amazing novels listed today and tomorrow (December 21st and 22nd) for FREE on Amazon! If you haven’t already snatched up these great reads, now is an excellent time to treat yourself for the holiday season.

Happy Holidays!

The Fall of Billy Hitchings by Kirkus MacGowan “…the actual source of Billy’s ‘fall’ is nothing short of creative genius.” Genre: Mystery and Thriller Amazon Amazon UK	Zero Balance by Ashley Fontainne “Revenge has a new name: Piper. And she is ready for Audra to pay up.” Genre: Suspense and Thriller Amazon Amazon UK
When Empires Fall by Katie Jennings “Family may be the ties that bind but sometimes they are the ties that kill…” Genre: Family Saga and Romance Amazon Amazon UK	Near Death by Richard C. Hale “Jake’s wife died in his arms. He needs to talk with her. He may have found a way…” Genre: Mens Adventure/Sci-Fi Adventure Amazon Amazon UK
Closed Doors by Richard Weatherly “CDC investigators race against time to prevent a pandemic…” Genre: Suspense and Thriller Amazon Amazon UK	Partners by Mimi Barbour “Hotshot, purse-carrying cowboy assumes he can partner Miss Cranky, Vegas detective.” Genre: Romantic Suspense Amazon Amazon UK

The Circle of Law by Lia London “Two orphaned sisters discover they have the power to govern Hope…and Death.” Genre: Fantasy Amazon	The Pit Stop by Carmen DeSousa “When what seems like a normal pit stop turns to more than just gas and food, a lost couple finds themselves searching for the truth of a twenty-year-old mystery that may cost them their life.” Genre:Suspense and Thriller Amazon Amazon UK
Nobility by Reb MacRath “One Christmas Eve a broken man confronts a brutal gang of thieves with the help of a beauty who’s no angel–yet.” Genre: Christmas thriller Amazon Amazon UK	Southern Scotch by Reb MacRath “Boogie Nights meets Have Gun Will Travel when a poor Scot, mistaken for somebody else, is beaten nearly half to death…and comes back gunning for revenge.” Genre: Hardboiled Mystery Amazon Amazon UK
The Vanishing Magic of Snow by Reb MacRath “Starving and near-homeless, Jay Penny turns to magic to beat the Great Recession and Become Legendary.” Genre: Christmas thriller Amazon Amazon UK	Lichgates (Grimoire Trilogy #1) by S.M. Boyce “Discover a beautiful world full of terrifying things in this young adult paranormal fantasy adventure. The final pages will leave you breathless.” Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Fantasy Amazon Amazon UK

Today’s Christmas Gift Idea:

Revamp

Beck Sherman

FOR THREE DAYS, IT WAS DARK.

News reporters scrambled. This was the biggest story to come along in weeks.

They called it a blackout.

The last one was in New York City in 2003, but this one was different, special, because the grids in six major cities across the country had been fried, kaput, see-you-next-Sunday. Everyone with some jurisdiction blamed each other, and when there was no one left to blame, terrorism rode in on its gallant steed.

It was the media’s fault. They were so busy stuffing fanatical Muslims with a penchant for Allah and decapitations down the American citizen’s throat, that they never saw it coming. I guess I shouldn’t be too hard on them.

They were partially right.

It was terror after all, but a whole new kind. And when the lights came back on, things had changed.

The dark had brought us visitors.

–> Buy Your Copy <–

More Christmas Gift Ideas

Stay tuned! More Chirtmas gift ideas are on the way. A new author will be posted every day in the Twelve Days of Bookmas, so check back tomorrow!