Today is launch day for a fun new Science Fiction author, Catrina Taylor. Her debut novel is titled, Xarrok: Birth of an Empire. This incredible story tells the tale of a society that forms from the desire to leave war, and forge a new life for themselves. Book one lays out the history of its founders, leading into a creative tale of love, betrayal and second chances. Today’s post includes part of an interview with the author, a sample of the book and is a contributing post to a fun scavenger hunt that will award 3 people a free copy of the book. Scavenger Hunt Here’s how to play: Read the interview questions and the samples, then go to The Writing Network.com and answer the 5 questions OR the 2 bonus questions accurately and win a free copy of the first novel in the Xarrok series: Birth of an Empire part 1. At the end of the sample on each site will be a link to the next post and then to the home of the Scavenger Hunt. Now, onto the interview questions: Who's providing the soundtrack? What music inspires you? Music … that’s a fun question. My musical tastes are very eclectic. I’ve got a play list of music on YouTube that ranges from Madonna to Queen to the 80’s hair bands and the 90’s boy groups. There’s today’s music thrown in there too, and some influences from other countries, thanks to my global internet influences. Who is your favorite author right now? Favorite right now… well, I’ve recently absorbed the Portal Series by Sarah Barnard and I love her work. So, I guess right now, that’s my favorite author, but there are so many more I need to read. What is your favorite sports game and why? Oh… this is easy, Baseball. I love the game, playing and watching. My dad would catch NY Mets baseball games every chance possible while I was growing up. Then in 1986, when they won the World Series, I realized I actually liked the sport to enjoy the sport. I’ve missed most of the 2011 season though. I had this book thing going on. Excerpt from Chapter 1 of Birth of an Empire - Book 1:
She ran into the house and to the bedroom of her master and her master’s husband. Kala threw herself at the feet of the woman who sat on her balcony. "Please, master, I must know something." The woman, smiled warmly at the young girl at her feet, "What is it child? What brings you so urgently to me?" "I want to know if it is true that the Xenonian council has allowed for deception in the war." Kala hoped upon hope that the Dentonian was wrong. That what she heard from him was not the truth. Her master frowned but nodded, "Yes, Kala. War is very ugly and we must protect our people by any means necessary." She then smiled warmly to her young servant, "But you have nothing to worry after. You are safe here, in our home. War will not come to Xenonia." The facts disturbed her, but she refused to let it be obvious. Kala stood, "I will prepare dinner." "Good. Thank you my dear. When you are done with your chores this evening, I would be interested in learning what prompted that question. You may go now." The older woman with streaks of gray through her hair, sat perfectly poised in her chair and waited until Kala departed. Kala curtsied slightly, "Thank you." She turned and went about her chores, her mind fixated on the conversation held across light years. She avoided the conversation about war with her master that night, and several times over the next number of months. She also avoided contacting Yatrell. She just couldn’t bear the idea that her people were so ruthless and talking to him only showed that to her. He reached to her a handful of times, but most she dismissed repeatedly. One day, while she was in her girl’s room, cleaning, he reached out to her again. She was very uncomfortable and afraid someone would notice so he kept the conversation short and mentioned that things were changing around him. He told her that she should be careful who she trusts. Kala dismissed his concerns quickly by explaining that her master assured her the war would not come to Xenonia so there was nothing for her to be concerned with. Not long after that conversation, Kala became a topic of discussion at her home. A young suitor came calling for her. They were of the same age and Kala did enjoy his company but he couldn’t afford to purchase her freedom. She accepted this as she was expected to, however she still felt a loss over it. As she was crying again one night, missing this young man’s company, she found she accidently projected her crying across light years again. You can find the book through major retailers including: Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords. Learn more about the universe around Xarrok at http://Xarrok.com and please follow me on twitter @TheLadyWrites. Your next stop for the scavenger hunt is right here: http://mirabooks.wordpress.com/
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