Spotlight: Servant of the Gods Series by Luciana Cavallaro

Search For the Golden Serpent

Servant of the Gods Book 1

Genre: Historical Fantasy Fiction 

A true page-turner, in a similar vein to Wilbur Smith and David Gemmell, is an action-packed adventure story catapulting a reluctant hero from one dangerous encounter to another.

Evan has been having some very strange dreams.

The Perth-based architect dismissed an unexpected phone call from an entrepreneur in Greece, asking him to restore his family home, as the ravings of a crank. Until, that is, the dreams begin, each more vivid than the last. A dream encounter with a mysterious character called Zeus sees him catapulted back in time to 500 years before the birth of Christ. 

Evan finds himself quickly embroiled in a plot to prevent the birth of Christianity, an unwilling player in an epic struggle between the old gods and the new, fighting for his life.

The Labyrinthine Journey 

Servant of the Gods Book 2 

A mysterious message. A mission from the gods. Can he turn back the clock to prevent his family’s extinction?

Evan’s new life is in ancient Greece, and he fears he’ll never see his home again. Ripped from his 21st century world, his only way to return to the present is to collect god-saving sacred relics for his father Zeus. But to locate them means braving perilous seas and staring down death in search of a legendary oracle.

During their voyage, Evan and his companions come face-to-face with mythical creatures, fabled warriors, and treacherous sorcery. But despite the dangers all around them, Evan’s deadliest threat may be bound to him by blood…

Can Evan complete his quest before he and the gods are lost to history?

The Labyrinthine Journey is the second book in the fast-paced Servant of the Gods historical fiction series. If you like well-researched landscapes, suspenseful twists and turns, and mythic battles, then you’ll love Luciana Cavallaro’s heroic odyssey.

Buy The Labyrinthine Journey to sail into a Greek legend today!

Categories

  • Gods and goddesses

  • Greek Mythology

  • Time travel history

  • Greek folktales

  • Greek heroes

  • Shield and sword

  • Mythical creatures

Minotaur's Lair 

Servant of the Gods Book 3 

The Minotaur stirs. Evan is drugged to forget the gods' quest.

Evan and his companions are entrapped by the Amazon Queen Antioche and her warriors. Memories and allegiances are tested. The Dark Master's victorious revenge over the gods is almost complete. The plight of the High Priestess is precarious, her health ailing, and unable to rescue her brother and fellow Atlanteans.

The last sacred relic, secreted in the lair of the Minotaur, must be recovered or the Dark Master's succession plans of a new god are complete. The mystical lands of Krete, the final stage of Evan's journey, are within his grasp. He must succeed so his father, Zeus, fulfills his promise. Then there is Queen Antioche, and the precious gifts she presents him.
Will Evan return home, and what will become of his future?

Minotaur's Lair is the third and final book in the action-packed Servant of the Gods historical fiction series. If you enjoy well-researched landscapes, historic characters, excitement, mythical creatures and unique settings, then you'll love Luciana Cavallaro's heroic odyssey. 

**Releases on Dec 13th! PreOrder Now for Only $1.99!**

Excerpt

The sun filtered through the small window, brightening the otherwise dingy room, the beams of light falling across a motionless body that lay in a bed. The shallow sounds of inhalation and exhalation broke the unnatural silence. The woman’s shrivelled and fragile frame, covered by a grey woollen blanket, exacerbated the pallor of her face and her long, limp, dull locks. Her eyelids quivered as the sun’s rays caressed her face.

‘Alexina, wake up,’ whispered a gentle voice.

The High Priestess’ fingers twitched under the covers.

‘My dearest daughter, you must awaken. Your brother and companions need you—they are in trouble. But you cannot help them if you do not waken.’ The speaker paused and then in a firmer, deeper tone said, ‘Alexina! Open your eyes. Now.’

A thickset body blocked the sun’s light and cast a shadow over the reposed form of the High Priestess. Her eyelids fluttered open, sensing a familiar presence. She was oblivious to her surroundings, her ice-blue gaze transfixed by the dark timber slats of the ceiling. Her mind was awash with strange images, random pictures that she could not comprehend.

‘Whe …’ she began, but no words came out. She tried to swallow, her mouth and throat as dry as the woollen-spun coverlet. She opened and closed her mouth, as a baby did when hungry. ‘Wh … where … am I?’ she breathed.

The older woman spun around, startled.

‘Goodness, you are awake.’ She moved closer to the bed and gawked at Alexina, dumbfounded.

‘Where … am … I?’ Alexina repeated, voice hoarse yet clear.

‘You are in the palace of Queen Antioche,’ the woman replied, laying a hand on her forehead.

‘Who are you?’ Alexina asked, the words coming out in breathless spurts, as if she had just sprinted the one hundred stades.

‘I am the queen’s physician.’ The healer stepped back to the table, her hands moving, though Alexina could not see what she was doing.

‘Why … am I … here?’

‘Do you remember anything?’ the healer asked, glancing back at her.

Alexina’s ice-blue eyes clouded. ‘No.’

‘Your ship capsized during a storm and you struck your head, which left you unconscious. The damage to the ship made it impossible to sail, and the winds brought you here to the Isle of Hephaistos.’

‘How … long … have I … been here?’ Alexina asked, her stomach twisting. The odd pictures were now making sense—they were fragments of memories of what had happened since she’d left Atlantis, and of their errand as set by the gods.

‘You have been a guest of the queen for five full moons.’

‘What?’ She tried to sit up but collapsed back onto the bed, puffing. ‘It is imperative I see my brother and companions.’

‘That is not possible.’ The healer moved to the bedside with haste. She shook her head at Alexina and took her slender, pale hand. ‘You are unwell, and if you were to stand, you will fall. First, we must build your strength, and when you are stronger, then you may see your brother.’

‘Bring my brother here,’ Alexina said, her lips trembling. ‘I must speak to him.’

The healer smiled and patted her hand. ‘There, there, my dear, please calm yourself, I will summon your brother.’ She placed Alexina’s hand on the bed, moved to the table and grabbed an earthenware cup. ‘Drink this, it will help you get better.’

With the woman’s aid, the High Priestess drank the bitter-tasting liquid and sank back onto the bed, exhausted.

‘I shall return with food and news of your brother,’ she said, setting the cup back on the table behind her. ‘But for now, I want you to rest.’

Alexina’s eyelids were getting heavier, and she tried to resist the drowsiness that threatened to overcome her.

‘What was … in that b … b … beverage?’ she asked, slurring her words, her tongue thickening and sticking to the roof of her mouth.

‘It’s a draught to help you sleep.’ The older woman’s voice sounded far away. ‘It will aid your recovery.’

Buy on Amazon

About the Author 

  • Award-winning author of The Labyrinthine Journey

  • Nominated for book awards in the Action/Adventure and Historical Fiction genres

  • Drove her first car at the age of three

Luciana Cavallaro’s alter ego is a high school teacher where she plugs away educating teenagers the merits of reading and ancient history. She often looks for a brick wall to bang her head when faced with disinterested looks from her students. She’s also a historical fantasy and thriller/suspense author, who creates fast-paced, action-packed series for her readers.

Born and raised in Western Australia, residing in Perth, Luciana loves to travel and since getting her passport at the ripe old age of twenty-four has toured parts of Europe, a legacy of her Italian heritage. She enjoys being active, going out with friends, reading and tries to grow her own vegetables. She dreams of travelling again and visiting the ancient sites that inspired her stories, that is when she’s not spending time being an unofficial stunt person and knocking herself out in the process. Visit her website at https://luccav.me/ 

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Spotlight: Rocky Mountain Star by Virginia Fox

(Rocky Mountain Romances, Book 2)

Romance

Date Published: 12.13.2022

Publisher: Dragonbooks Publishing House

Did someone say dance like no one is watching? Guess that’s the only way Tyler CAN dance now. Slip into the pages of the fun and feisty second book in the Rocky Mountain Romances series.

Tyler Carter has everything she dreams of—she’s the starring ballerina in a Cirque-du-Soleil type show, a splashy Las Vegas lifestyle, and there’s nothing tying her down. Until she injures her knee, that is.

Tyler flees to her family in the little mountain town of Independence Junction, Colorado, and pretends she'll get better, until forced to realize the truth. And forced to confront her past when she smacks right into Patrick West, the architect restoring the historic Wilkinson house.

Their attraction quickly rekindles because of a one-night tryst they had the summer before—one neither of them wants to admit to!

But something else gets rekindled. A stalker sets their sights on Tyler and leaves shocking clues indicating they know exactly who Tyler is, and that they want her dead. Will Patrick, Tyler’s brother, and a retired police dog be able to keep Tyler safe?

The fascinating and quirky citizens of Independence Junction come back in Book 2 of The Rocky Mountain Romances series to show how small-town relationships can bring out the best and worst in people.

Heart-warming with a splash of Vegas glamour, Book 2 successfully combines a new-and-old mix of family and townsfolk in a pressure-cooker plot that never lets up on chuckles, suspense, and romance.

Buy on Amazon | Audible

About the Author

Website: https://virginiafox.com/en/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/booksvirginiafox

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fox_virginia/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1057242.Virginia_Fox

Spotlight: The Billionaire’s Arrangement by Amélie S. Duncan

(The Kept Trilogy, #1)
Publication date: December 11th 2022
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Paul Crane is rich, brilliant, and powerful. And I belong to him, body and soul…

I came to New York City to study design and build a life for myself. I was young, naive, and the last thing I was looking for was love.
I needed money for my family and the medical bills that threatened us into poverty. I didn’t have time to worry about my loneliness,
to fill that cold empty spot in my heart…

At first, it seemed like Paul was the answer to all my problems. But after he rescued me from a desperate situation,
I soon discovered Paul had demons of his own.

Paul wasn’t looking for a lover… He wanted a companion, a kept woman. And I was captivated by his charm, lavish gifts, and trips to Paris.
And his touch awakened my desires, passions I had never dreamed of.

But the closer we get, the more I begin to wonder. What happens when our arrangement comes to an end…

Excerpt

I dropped the napkin, and Paul reached down to retrieve it, covering my hand with his on my lap. The sensation of his touch was electric, sending a current up my arm that broke into goosebumps. He smiled at me but smoothly ordered a replacement, which was promptly given to him. I could only stare, gobsmacked by his confidence and command of those around him.

I quietly pointed out a few selections on the menu. Since the most I ever drank  was a glass of warm rum over Christmas, I turned down wine. When the time came to order, Paul selected everything I said I liked and asked them to box the extras for carryout.

“Mr. Crane, what are you doing?” I whispered.

“A small gift for joining me for lunch,” he whispered back in an amused tone and then winked at me.

Butterflies exploded in my stomach, and I covered the goofy grin I knew I had on my face. Of course, I had no idea how I’d fit the extra food in my room and the dorm hall fridge. I mentally noted to donate what I couldn’t eat to the other students on my floor. 

No one at the table batted an eye at us. To me, we seemed odd together, me in a knit dress I made and tights and him in a polished, pressed business suit.

I had no idea to what I owed my fortune, but I chalked it up as one of the oddities of life in New York City and figured I’d never see most of Paul’s employees again. So, I gave myself permission to eat heartily and clear my plate. Hell, I would have licked my plate of grilled steak and chocolate cake clean, but he glanced my way a few times, assessing me. Our legs brushed, and a tingling sensation went through my body. I clenched my thighs and tried my best not to give anything away. But Paul was perceptive. I believe he knew the effect he had on me.

Buy on Amazon

About the Author

Amelie S. Duncan writes steamy, sexy stories. Her inspiration comes from many sources including her life experiences and travels. She lives on the West Coast of the United States with her husband.

Connect:

http://ameliesduncan.com/

https://www.facebook.com/AmelieSDuncan/

https://www.instagram.com/amelie.s.duncan/

https://twitter.com/AmelieSWrites

https://www.amazon.com/Am%C3%A9lie-S.-Duncan/e/B00QX4I3AG/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9884055.Am_lie_S_Duncan

Spotlight: Between Earth and Sea by Sharon Brubaker

Paranormal Romance (Spicy)

Date Published: 12-10-2022

Publisher: Tivshe Publishing

Kelsi Muir is a selkie. She lives between earth and sea, shedding her seal skin to dance along the deserted beaches that line the sea she calls home. In an attempt to escape the mating call of the male seals around her, she spends a fateful night with Ian Dunaway. Unable to free her mind from the handsome two-legger, she leaves her life and family behind only to discover that the human world has its own challenges.

Ian, mesmerized with the alluring Kelsi, must help her adapt to her new surroundings as he navigates his family and an unexpected past brought to light with her sudden appearance.

Buy on Amazon | Bookshop.org

About the Author

For Sharon, writing is like breathing. It's in her hard-wiring. She writes warm, contemporary romance, spicy romance, and romantic suspense with the majority of her books set in the Chesapeake Bay region.

Sharon is a nationally award winning Librarian and the author of fiction and educational publications. She is also an avid gardener, jewelry artist and artist. See: www.sharon-brubaker.com

Connect:

Website: http://www.sharon-brubaker.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharonbrubakerauthor

Blog: http://www.sharon-brubaker.com/blog/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6440356.Sharon_Brubaker

Pinterest: https://ar.pinterest.com/sharonbrubakera/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorsharonbrubaker/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOr9AkPpaJHKmYvc-BFX_9Q

Spotlight: Mayatte’s Catharsis by Jack E. Mohr

Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Young Adult

The mythical Island of Mayatte was never meant to be discovered by anyone, and its natives are about to find out why.

When a ship of foreigners crashes along the coast, everyone but Naña is wary of their inexplicable arrival. While others are suspicious and fearful, Naña is curious and even helpful, especially when one of the outsiders becomes gravely ill. But her goodwill might be a fatal flaw that puts the entire island in jeopardy.

While she grows closer to the foreigners, they discover something that could revolutionize the outside world. A resource so powerful, they’re compelled to harvest it at any cost. Naña is now pit against forces that could wipe her people from existence. How can she stop an enemy that’s more powerful than any of them can handle?

Mayatte’s Catharsis is a bittersweet tale of humanity in all its madness. Follow Naña through mystic battles, political unrest, and acts of kindness with magic leading every step of the way.

Excerpt

Zeke squinted his eyes in reaction to her reddish glow. He took a deep breath, filling the top of his lungs. “But I can help! I have knowledge of their weaponry, their tactics, and their mindset.”

“You have helped enough…believe me. It’s best you hide until the intruders are ridden. Just like on Murminilia.”

“But—” He reached for her arm, and winced. “Ouch! Your skin. It’s burning.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Why do you seek to touch me?”

He broke eye contact. “I don’t know,” he said, shifting his gaze to the Whispering Trees. He rubbed his elbow and tucked his chin. “I…I, I think I love you.”

She remained stoic. “Has Mayatte taught you nothing? Even when we are in peril, you still can’t see past yourself—past your desires. You have put an entire ecosystem in danger, all the while lust and power fill your heart.”

His lip trembled. “But—” 

“There is no but. There is no love, only Mayatte. What you feel is a desire to control and conquer. You want to be a part of me so you can understand me. That is not love. There is no love here. There is only Mayatte. She sought to embrace you, and you betrayed her for your own gain. You do not love me, you are not Mayatte, you love yourself.”

Zeke’s knees weakened as he was struck with blow after blow of veracity. 

Small blotches hindered Naña’s vision, yet she revealed no weakness. She closed her eyes and inhaled high and deep. “And despite all of this, Mayatte always offers forgiveness and extends a means of absolution.” 

Zeke quivered from the thunder of a booming hollow drum. He turned his head, seeking out the source of the loud rhythmic beating. 

As he scanned the island, he couldn’t help but notice that the entire skyline was flooded with military-grade helicopters. 

He sunk even further within himself, refusing to even look in Naña’s direction. Without hesitating or looking back, he burst into a full sprint towards the helicopters. 

“Where are you going? Do not be foolish!” Naña crumbled, groveling in pain. What’s happening to me? She leaned against the base of a whispering tree, propping herself to her feet.

She attempted to give pursuit to Zeke, but both femurs fractured with her initial step, crumbling her body to the island floor. She hollered out in agony. I can’t just lay here. Get up, Naña! All this has happened because of me.

Buy on Amazon

About the Author

Thank you for visiting my author page. I'm just a guy who likes to write. You can reach me on instagram or twitter via my handle @Jackwritesmohr

If you love adventures, you will enjoy my stories …

Because they are imaginative, fast paced, page turners.

Connect:

https://www.instagram.com/jackwritesmohr/

https://jackwritesmohr.simvoly.com/

https://twitter.com/jackwritesmohr

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22513003.Jack_E_Mohr

Spotlight: High Impact by Freya Barker

(High Mountain Trackers, #4)
Publication date: December 5th 2022
Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense

Manager for Hart’s Horse Rescue, Lucy Lenoir, finally feels she has a handle on life after having worked hard to leave her old one behind. So hard, there are times she almost forgets what she escaped. Memories which suddenly come flooding back when she catches a glimpse of a familiar horseman in town.

What’s worse, he’s in the company of the unlikely cowboy she’s only just beginning to trust.

High Mountain Tracker, Bo Rivera, tries hard never to repeat his mistakes. A huge one changed the course of his life and made him particularly cautious, especially around women. So much so, he almost passed up on the best thing to ever walk into his life; the compact, blonde ballbuster in need of a gentle hand.

However, the more he learns about her, the more he realizes a soft touch alone won’t keep her demons at bay. Those will need a firmer hand…to keep the gun steady.

Buy on Amazon

About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Freya Barker loves writing about ordinary people with extraordinary stories.
With forty-plus books already published, she continues to create characters who are perhaps less than perfect, each struggling to find their own slice of happy.

Recipient of the ReadFREE.ly 2019 Best Book We've Read All Year Award for "Covering Ollie, the 2015 RomCon “Reader’s Choice” Award for Best First Book, “Slim To None”, Finalist for the 2017 Kindle Book Award with “From Dust”, and Finalist for the 2020 Kindle Book Award with “When Hope Ends”, Freya spins story after story with an endless supply of bruised and dented characters, vying for attention!

Connect:

Facebook: http://bit.ly/FreyaFacebook

Twitter: http://bit.ly/FreyaTwitter

Instagram: http://bit.ly/FreyaInstagram

Web: http://bit.ly/FreyaWeb

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/FreyaGoodreads

Newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/Freya_Newsletter Bookbub: http://bit.ly/FreyaBookBub

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorfreyabarker