Today it’s my treat to welcome author Anastasia V. Pergakis to the blog. Anastasia is here to talk about her recent release Cleanse Fire – a fantasy adventure novel. Be sure to read her post and follow the instructions for your chance to win a copy of Cleanse Fire.
Thanks for taking time out of the Black Friday dash to acquire the best deals on Christmas gifts to join us here on the blog. Please tell us a bit about Cleanse Fire.
Anastasia: Cleanse Fire is a fantasy adventure novel filled with action and suspense. But there is romance and sexual tension thrown in too!
Complete the mission, no matter what…
Captain Derac Vidor has served Kinir for nearly twenty years. It’s his life, his blood, his soul. And then his Commander betrays everything Derac holds dear. Now he has to focus on his own life and his team instead of saving the citizens of Kinir.
Treason is only the beginning…
Fueled by rage, the team chases the source to their Commander’s betrayal – a powerful wizard bent on revenge. The wizard seeks to destroy the Kinir Elite, in both mind and body. No place is safe, even among their allies.
The past holds the key…
Derac’s tragic past may be the key to saving the team. But can he face the gruesome nightmare in time?
The Kinir Elite are a Special Forces team of elves made up of six members. I’m going to let one of them tell you about the romance in the book. Let me introduce, Kierianna Shaphros – Kie for short.
Kie: Thank you Anastasia. I’m honored you wanted me to write…honestly, I’m not happy about this at all. You know I’m better at discussing weapons or battle strategies than I am something like love. I’m sure Aeli would be more suited for a topic such as this.
Anastasia: You are the one that fell in love, so you have to talk about it.
Kie: *sigh* Fine. I fell in love with my commanding officer. End of story.
Anastasia: Umm, no that is not the end of the story.
Kie: *crosses arms over chest and flops into a chair* Since I’m certain you will not let me be at peace until I do this…
We are told early on in our military careers that courting someone in your unit can be hazardous. After all, seeing the one you love in danger can make you do irrational things, defy orders, and even get yourself killed. To make matters worse, not only is he in my unit, he is my Captain, my leader.
I’m sure you’ve all heard the saying that love shows up when you least expect it to. This is absolutely true. Trust me. *laugh* Even Anastasia over there was shocked to see the romance blossom between Derac and I. It just…happened. I don’t know how else to explain it to you.
I joined the team a year ago and I always saw Derac as nothing more than my Captain. I followed orders, served my country. That was it. *smile* Sure, as an elfa, I can’t deny I found him attractive. The military life does keep an elf in peak physical condition, after all. But there is so much more to him than his looks.
Derac… *gets a far away look in her amber eyes* Derac is filled with loyalty to his family, to his country, and to its citizens. Fierce loyalty unlike anything I’ve ever seen. He has ‘leader’ written all over him, in the way he stands, the way he talks, the way he moves.
He can wield a sword with such grace; beautiful to see him fight. The strength in his arms as he defeats an enemy, the determined focus in his eye….then he can turn around and hold you so gently, you feel as if you’re floating.
*shakes self* Ahem. Apologies. I think I became off topic.
Anastasia: Oh no you didn’t get off topic, Kie. Keep going!
Kie: I lost my train of thought. Excuse me. *clears throat* Derac and I have to be very careful with our new found relationship. While no one will order us not to be together, they will be watching us closely. Derac, more so. His rank, his leadership role, requires him to maintain a certain level of…integrity I suppose. One mistake, one wrong move, could cost us everything we’ve built in our careers.
Dedicated to the uniform as I am, I won’t allow Derac to give me affection in the middle of a mission or in front of others when in uniform. At least, I try the very best I can not to. I know Derac is the same. Yes, it is painful and hard to do. But it is how it must be.
I wish I could tell you that Derac and I will live happily ever after – but I can’t. We dedicated our lives to Kinir; pledged to protect it with our life or death. But, we are enjoying the moments we do have and will do so for as long as we can.
Anastasia: Thank you Kie. Now, for my part, I’ve included a little scene between Derac and Kie. The team is hiding in a brothel in this particular scene, the perfect setting for a little tension!
An Excerpt From Cleanse Fire:
The blonde in blue floated her way to Rakan and sat down in his lap with a giggle. Jardel got a bouncy brunette to land in his lap. Derac was not paying attention and the other blonde in red planted herself on his knees. His head snapped up to look at her.
“Long journey, Warrior?” she purred.
Derac set his face in a grim line. He put his hands on her waist, picked her up and put her on her feet. “I’m not interested, but thank you for the offer.”
She pouted and slowly walked away, swinging her hips. Derac sighed and returned to looking at the ceiling.
“That was not very nice,” Vivian pouted from Tyn’s lap. “You could have at least talked to her.”
Derac growled. “Look, while I’m flattered that she would choose me, I am not in the mood, all right?”
“How can you not be in the mood?” Vivian said. She didn’t hide her offense at his words. “Making love is the best thing in the world.” She leaned her head back and laughed. Tyn planted a kiss on her collar bone. She giggled and looked at Derac daring him to prove her wrong.
Derac leaned his elbows on his knees and put on his best charming smile. “Why would I pay a woman to be with me when I could have a warrior elf with the perfect body?” He turned his head and winked at Kie. She played along and winked back at him.
“Oh! How sinfully nice!” Vivian laughed.
Aeli looked at Kie in shock. Derac put his hands behind his head and reclined in the chair again, a smug look on his face. Tyn laughed with Vivian but Jardel and Rakan were too distracted by the girls in their laps to pay attention.
“Well, let me show you to your rooms then,” Vivian said with a giggle.
She stood and took Tyn’s hand and led him through the silk curtains hanging across the doorway. The group picked up their packs and followed them down the hall lined with doors covered in silk to give the appearance of having no doors at all.
Vivian opened the door to one room and Jardel and his girl fell into it with a laugh. Derac growled under his breath. The room across the hall became occupied by Rakan and his blonde.
At the next door, Vivian turned to Aeli. “I can get a man for you if you like,” she smiled.
Aeli smiled. “No thanks. I’m much too tired, and I fear he would be disappointed.”
As she closed the door to her room, Derac caught her rolling her eyes. He held back a smirk as they continued down the hall. She opened another door and waved her hand dramatically to both Kie and Derac.
Kie opened her mouth to protest but Derac shoved her into the room. He flashed a grin to Vivian and Tyn and kicked the door shut.
“What are you doing?” Kie whispered in a harsh tone.
He held up his hands to stop her. “I just wanted to get away from that Vivian woman. If you had protested, it would have taken longer that I would have had to deal with her.”
Kie crossed her arms over her chest. “That’s not the point! The whole team will know we are in the same room – in a brothel!”
“What is the problem with that? We’ve shared rooms before.” He grinned wickedly. “We’ve even snuggled on the floor of a cave remember?”
Kie huffed and flopped down in the velvet covered chair in the corner. Derac cast his gaze around the room and curled his nose. Silk sheets on the four post bed. Silk on the wall. Shag red carpet and velvet seat cushions.
A knock sounded and Derac swung the door open in a wild fashion.
Tyn’s eyes winkled at the corners with his large grin. “I told Vivian you two would need extra blankets. So you can make an extra bed. There are gowns in the wardrobe if you want.”
“Thank you,” Derac took them and shut the door again.
“At least Tyn is thinking rationally,” Kie muttered. She went over to the wardrobe and swung open the doors. “Gowns? Is he serious?” She pulled out a paper thin cotton shift with no sleeves. The low cut collar and see through material made Kie gasp in shock.
Derac smirked. “I bet it’s comfortable.”
Kie rolled her eyes and put it back into the wardrobe. She dug around and found a cotton gown not quite so transparent.
“I guess this will have to do. I am sick of sleeping in my uniform.”
“Me too but I doubt there are sleeping clothes in there for me.”
“Then wear nothing. Maybe then that blonde could have an easier time of getting you in the mood.” She titled her head back, the maniacal laugh bubbling from her throat.
“I told you, why pay a woman to be with me when I can have an elf with the perfect body?”
“Oh? You think I’d just bend to your advances, hmm?”
He smirked. “I know you would.”
Three long strides carried him across the room. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her against him.
“Centurio…”
“I’ve proved my point. Look at how your breath hitches and your heart beats faster.”
“Th…that’s because you startled me.”
He chuckled deep in his chest.
“Let’s talk about you then,” she said. “How your grip tightens on my waist when I try to pull away and your own heart is thundering in your chest. Or how you can’t stop looking into my eyes whenever we gaze at each other. Or how badly you want to kiss me right now.”
“Do you want me to kiss you?” he said, his voice husky and deep.
She swallowed hard. “Yes,” she whispered.
Derac didn’t hesitate and captured her lips with his. The voice in his head telling him he shouldn’t kiss her was silent. The softness of her mouth drowned out all other thoughts in his head.
Her lips parted in invitation. His tongue traced the lines of her lips before plunging into her mouth. Her vanilla scent filled his nose, and he inhaled it deeply. She rose up on her toes, her body pressing closer to his. His arms tightened around her. Derac’s hand roamed up her back and then gripped the back of her neck.
His mind cleared, the only thoughts were how she molded perfectly to him and the feel of her soft mouth.
Derac nipped at her bottom lip. “See? You can’t resist me,” he murmured.
“Hmm, more like you can’t resist me. I’m the elf with the perfect body, remember?”
“Honestly, I really can’t tell with your uniform on.”
“Is that an order to remove my clothes, Centurio?” she whispered.
A growl rumbled deep in his throat. “Would you defy the order?”
She smiled. “I might.”
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Thank you Laurie, for having me here today. I really appreciate the visit to your blog.
Purchase Cleanse Fire
- for your Kindle at Amazon
- for your Nook at Barnes & Noble
- for your other E-Readers at Smashwords
Join the Kinir Brigade by signing up for our newsletter! Get exclusive deals, access to special giveaways, and inside information about the series! Join the Kinir Brigade now! And don’t forget to visit our Facebook Page and Website too!
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I’m giving away an e-copy of Cleanse Fire! Leave a comment on this post to enter into the random drawing by 11:59 pm November 30 (Eastern Standard Time). You MUST leave your email address IN the comment so I can contact you when you win!
All commenters will also be added to the drawing for a chance to win a signed hard cover version of the book when it releases December 21.
I’m having more giveaways throughout the months of November and December! “Like” the series’ facebook page to keep up to date on all the events!
Anastasia knew she always wanted to write. She began at a young age, writing those little stories about the apple tree in the yard. Though her love of stories stayed with her through her poetry stage in high school, she didn’t begin writing novels until she was almost an adult. That’s where she found her true passion.
Her characters visit her dreams – and sometimes during the day – to share their stories with her. Anastasia is merely the writer, but the characters are really the storytellers.
Anastasia lives in Columbus, Georgia with her husband and son. A stay at home Mom, she loves spending time with her son during the day, then writing furiously at night.
Facebook, Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorAVPergakis
Author Website: http://avpergakis.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AVPergakis
All right! Giveaway Time! Because this last stop on my tour was by far the best one, with so many great comments and questions, I’ve decided to give all four of you – Mary, Wilma, Gabrielle, and Nancy – a copy of my book! And Laurie you get a free copy as well for being a great host!
Thanks so much everyone! I’ll gather your emails from Laurie and I’ll send you the coupon to pick up your copy!
How do I get a free book?
<3 Robin
Robin,
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The print edition of my book releases December 21. I’m having a huge tour from the 21st until January 31. You can follow the tour, with plenty of chances to win a free copy. Just leave a comment on the posts during the tour to enter into the drawing.
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Learn about where I’m going on the tour at the Kinir Elite website, http://kinirelite.com.
Dear Anastasia,
I love fantasy to! ^^ I used StumbleUpon to literaly stumble upon this blog! I’m so glad I found this, though since I want to publish my novel and poetry to! It’s about an elfish Princess named Kayani whose kidnapped by orcs but it needs ALOT of work. Is there any tips you can give me?
<3 Robin
Get another set of eyes on your book. Find another writer or hire a professional editor to read through the story. While you might be good with grammer or storytelling, another person will still catch things that you don’t. After all, you know how the story is supposed to go down to the letter, so you’re mind will automatically fill in the blanks automatically. Another reader will find those blank spots and point them out for you.
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You might not agree with everything they say of course, but you should think about each comment and ask yourself Why they made it. Even if you dont’ agree with it, it still might spur something for you to improve your book in some way.
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And of course, do your research, when it comes to publishing of any kind. Read writer blogs, attend workshops, and keep asking questions.
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Thanks for commenting!
Sorry I missed popping in yesterday, but this has gone on my wish list as soon as the budget allows. I love fantasy, and this sounds like a good one.
Nancy, thanks for adding my book to your wish list! I do hope you enjoy it. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Do you have a day job Anastasia? Does your day job – or day jobs you’ve had in the past ever serve as inspiration for your stories?
I’m a stay at home Mom to a hyper and funny 3 year old boy. He definitely keeps me busy and on my toes during the day! Just yesterday, he unrolled the entire thing of papertowels just to get to the “telescope” in the middle.
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I also run my own online business, design websites for “starving artists” at low prices.
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Do those two jobs inspire me? OH yes! I didn’t mention before, but the day my son discovered his shadow gave me an idea for a sci-fi story that I’m still hasing out, about a planet that lost their shadows! Like I said, still working out the details for that one but I’m really excited to get started on it.
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Other days jobs I’ve had in the past allowed me to interact with a different kinds of people. I suppose they inspired me in some way but not in full on plot ideas. More in the sense of little nuggets of things to use for my characters – mannerisms, dialogue, physical features, etc. Peolple watching is one of my favorite things to do for this reason!
Hi Again Anastasia,
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I’m back with another question. You mentioned that you are working on a sequel to Cleansing Fire. Do you have a backlist? If you do please tell us what else you’ve written and give a brief blurb about it.
Yes, I’m currently writing the sequel, titled “Blood Trade”. I’ll post a new comment to answer your other questions on what’s that about.
As far as the backlist is concerned…well it’s a long one! I have two other novels finished and waiting for edits. It’s not part of the Kinir Elite series and is more novella length. It is a little more humorous than my other writings – but when you add a tiny pink hyper active dragon into the mix, things tend to get a little silly! Right now it’s titled “Ryn and Ciyme Adventure” but, that is not the official one.
Then there is the unofficially titled “Story of William Archer”. This one is a bit dark and doesn’t end in an HEA for the hero and heroine – more of a “happy because he has responbilities” for the hero. William was a knight in Ollur until he was stripped of his title by the King. He becomes a pirate of sorts and becomes sort of a “Robin Hood” type of character, in the fact that he robs from the rich and powerful to help the poor people of Ollur.
I have an epic fantasy series that is actually the first novel I ever wrote years ago, that needs a major rehaul, but I hope to have it out by the end of 2013. The series title is “The Faery Tale”
The other books in my backlist range in genre – I have a sci-fi series in mind about a girl and her telepathic cat. A paranormal romance about a genie and the girl he meets. So I have plenty to keep me busy!
You can read the longer blurbs/summaries at my author website: http://avpergakis.com
Thanks! It sounds like there will be a lot of books from you coming out in the future. Sounds like you will be quite busy in the next couple of years.
Yes indeed! And I’m thrilled about it too!
This book sounds like a great read. I have not read fantasy in long time. I’ve just added another book to my tbr pile.
Adding another book to the tbr pile happens a lot around here.
Thanks for commenting Gabrielle and thanks for adding my book to your TBR list! I do hope you enjoy it.
Cleanse Fire is a fantasy. It takes place in a fictional world — what originally drew you to write fantasy? What’s your favorite aspect of the genre?
I think what draws me to it is the escape writing in the genre gives me. Also, the freedom aspect I definitely enjoy as well. I get to ‘trave’ to new worlds, for free, and ‘meet’ new people. I love my hectic life but sometimes it’s nice to get away for a while. I do that everytime I write a scene or brainstorm a new story idea. The freedom aspect allows me to make up my own rules, cultures, religions, everything. Some might say I have a “God” complex, but really, I just find it great fun.
I can see how writing in the fantasy genre would be a unique experience in that you create the whole world — which doesn’t necessarily have the same physical laws that govern our world. It must be a lot of fun to make up your own cultures, religions, worlds and the rules that govern them. I’ve heard other people say the same sort of thing about writing in the paranormal genre.
I have as well Laurie. My husband thinks I’m a little crazy writing in the genre I do – he’s not a fantasy fan but he’s still a great support and reads my work anyway.
Hey, if you can get someone who is not a fan of your genre to read it you must be doing something right.
My hubby is not a fan of the romance genre either, though he supported me fully in launching BVS. He does the accounting for the company. Does the layout for our print books. I know he sometimes reads the books as he is putting them together because he’ll comment on them sometimes — or I’ll hear him chuckling at his desk over a particularly funny scene. Having a supportive hubby is priceless.
Yes it is! I use him as a sounding board sometimes for plot issues. Usually his eye glaze over, but once in a while, he comes up with something priceless! I wouldn’t be able to do this without his support.
Good morning Anastasia,
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I really like the drawings of the team members that you included with this post. It made it fun while reading the interview with Kie to be able to see her picture…and to see the pictures of other people she referred to. Are you an artist? Did you draw the pictures or did you have someone else draw them?
I had someone else draw them. I was browsing through Deviant Art, looking for pictures I could use for the characters and stumbled upon one that was so much like Derac, I was speechless! I contacted the artist and asked if I could use the image on my website. She replied with a ‘no’ but told me she could draw one for me. Of course I jumped at the chance. She also did the cover art and is already working on the cover for the sequel. My cover art was the first she had ever done, in fact!
Elin Pettersson “FrostNight” http://frostnight.deviantart.com/
It’s great that you were able to stumble on a picture that looked so much like your character. Great too that she could come up with likenesses for the rest of the members of the team.
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Please tell us about the sequel that’s in the works.
The sequel is titled “Blood Trade”. I bring in some new characters and give a little bit more history into how the Elite came to be. I also bring in a new race of people – the Vaxies. They are vampire pixies! Yes, I had a TON of fun coming up with their culture. Here is the blurb I’ve come up with so far, since I’m still writing the actual story.
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A traitor still lives…
Captain Derac Vidor thought the traitorous reign of his Commander was over. But when someone attacks Kinir City, he begins to have doubts. The traitor found new allies – a hungry race of creatures whose only need is blood.
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The land turns red…
The Vaxies prove to be more than Kinir can handle. Their swarm decimates any one and any thing in their path. There is no escape, no where to hide. The entire country is bleeding.
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Their list of allies grows thin…
Derac and the team turn to an unlikely source for help, someone who once tried to kill them. But will it be too late to make a difference for Kinir?
Very interesting interview.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting Wilma! Don’t forget I need your email address so you can have a chance to win a free copy!
I can get you the email of the winner Anastasia. That way people don’t have to leave their email addresses out in public for the spam bots if they are uncomfortable doing so.
Oh okay great Laurie! Thanks. I just say to leave in the comment so I don’t bother the host, so I appreciate that!
It’s alright. I don’t mind. I’m around all the time, though the email overwhelms me occasionally and sometimes it may take a day or two for me to reply. But I’ve been trying to stay on top of email lately.
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It’s great if people do leave their emails in the post…but a lot of people forget. I usually do when I comment at other blogs…even when I do mean to leave it.
I understand completely about trying to keep up with emails! But thanks for being willing to send me the emails. It’s great to have the support from the blog hosts that I visit.
Thanks Mary! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Kie is definitely one of my favorite members of the team, although it was like pulling teeth to get her to write this post! It’s great to have you in the Kinir Brigade.
Thanks for commenting.
Thank you Anastasia I found myself smiling throughout your conversation with Kie & the excerpt. I have most willingly joined the Kinir Brigade.
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Thanks Mary! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Kie is definitely one of my favorite members of the team, although it was like pulling teeth to get her to write this post! It’s great to have you in the Kinir Brigade.
Thanks for commenting.