Eire & Fraction of Stone

Before we get into today's A-to-Z post, I'm so excited to give you a glimpse of my friend Kelley's new book, Fraction of Stone!

Book Description
Wind tunnels, torrential rains and earthquakes tear apart Casden. The cause of the world’s imbalance is unknown, but the mounting occurrences suggest there’s little time before life ceases to exist.

Rydan Gale and Akara Nazreth are the only humans with the ability to wield magic. The tattoo on their necks and the discovery of an ancient book, dictate they are the key to the world’s survival.

But the greatest obstacle for saving mankind isn’t the bizarre creatures, extreme betrayals and magic-fearing men hunting them.

It’s that Akara doesn’t believe the world is worth saving. 

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16160501-fraction-of-stone

Book Trailer:

About the Author:

Eventually the day came when the voices in Kelley Lynn’s head were more insistent then her engineering professor’s. So instead of turning to her Thermodynamics book, Kelley brought up a blank page on her computer screen and wrote. Somewhere along the way she became a Young Adult author.

Kelley was born and raised a Midwestern girl. She’s not afraid to sweat and fills her free time with softball, soccer and volleyball. (Though you probably don’t want her on your volleyball team.) She occasionally makes guest appearances as a female vocalist for area bands.

You can find Kelley hanging out at her blog, titled in her name, as well as the group blog she shares with her fellow critique partners, Falling for Fiction. Kelley is a member of the Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators.



Kelley Lynn's Links: Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads a Rafflecopter giveaway

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And, now, onto the letter "E!"

My Mom and I went to Ireland for about 10 days a few years ago, and it was one of the most fascinating trips I've ever done. I really enjoy the people, the culture, the language and, most of all, the stories. Ireland has such a mythic and turbulent history with strong, passionate figures, filled with all the elements of a great epic. It definitely gets the ideas sparking for me!

Here are a few of my favorite inspiration spots from our trip:

Trinity College
A mainstay in the setting of one of my fave urban fantasy series, plus the long room is like the mother ship for those who love books!

Tintern Abbey
Totally carried me back in time - I was writing the outline of a new abbey-inspired story as I sat in our farmhouse B&B that night!

The Rock of Cashel

Visually stunning with some incredible, humbling historical features. We saw cemetaries with graves that dated back to the 1100s.

The Ring of Kerry
You know those vibrant green fields and the warm welcoming charm you envision when you think of Ireland? The Ring of Kerry is the real life version of that!

Cliffs of Moher

Hauntingly beautiful! We watched the clouds and rain blow across a gray-blue sea and shroud the cliffs in mist. You better believe I had all sorts of epic, heartbreaking story scenes rolling through my head as we stood there atop the world.

Ballynahinch Castle
We stayed in a castle!! That's one bucket-list item accomplished for sure! It's actually an old elegant hunting manor, and the surrounding grounds and countryside offered some amazing photo opps. While eating in front of the fireside one night, my Mom and I overheard an entire conversation in Gaelic. I was giddy!

Kylemore Abbey
Another incredible stone structure! You look at it and just know it has so many stories to tell. It makes me want to wander through the halls and discover whatever unfolds.

Dunluce Castle
I think this was my favorite castle of all the ones we visited. It's on the very edge of the northern coast (some of it actually fell into the sea ages ago), and you can see Scotland from its ruins. This was another place absolutely steeped in history and stories.

Giant's Causeway
If you want to feel out of this world, go to Giant's Causeway. It'll make you imagine volcanoes and alien landscapes in the middle of rural Ireland.