Warlord’s Return – Final Scene Of The First Chapter
Warlord’s Return releases next week! Woot!
This week, I’m sharing the fourth and final scene in its first chapter.
You can read the first scene from the first chapter of Warlord’s Return here:
http://tasteofcyn.com/?p=7513
***
Even Kralj had a mate.
Dita, the Ruler’s tiny assassin female, sat beside the male. Her gaze was on them, her eyes bright with interest.
“Kralj, sir.” Second’s voice was edged with the respect the Ruler warranted.
“Chameles, Medic.” Those words seemed to come from everywhere. “There has been increased Humanoid Alliance activity on Carinae E. You will forgo your planned orbit of the planet and proceed directly to the Refuge.”
Ariq gaped at the male.
They had discussed that aerial tour briefly the previous planet rotation on the bridge, hadn’t told any other being about it, hadn’t communicated their plans through any other means.
“We will do as you suggest, sir.” Second nodded.
“It wasn’t a suggestion.” Kralj’s tone was dry. “You will allow your unexpected passenger to exit your ship first. You won’t give her any indication you are aware of her presence.”
“That will make the first task challenging.” Qulpa muttered that comment under his breath.
Ariq was more concerned about Lysagh’s well-being than the issue of when she left the ship. Kralj was a terrifying being, but Ariq wouldn’t allow that male or anyone else to hurt the girl. “If you harm her—”
The shadows swirling around Kralj’s face darkened menacingly. “You will do nothing. Because you can do nothing.”
Another wave of energy blasted Ariq. It was so strong he was flung back against his chair. Almost bone-breaking pressure pushed against his chest.
“He seeks to protect her, sir.” Dita placed one of her hands on Kralj’s arm. “He didn’t mean to disrespect you.”
The wall of wind flattening Ariq immediately dissipated.
He gasped air. His lungs, ribs, all of him, ached.
“The girl is under my protection.” Kralj astonished him with that admission. The number of beings fortunate to be under the Ruler’s protection were few.
Lysagh would be completely safe within the Refuge. Ariq relaxed. He didn’t know why the Kralj had granted her that status, but he was grateful for it.
“You will arrange for her to leave the ship first.” The Ruler demanded that of him.
Ariq dipped his head. “I will arrange it, sir.”
At least one of them would have an exciting visit to the Refuge.
“And you will lead the expedition to the clone community.” Kralj knew of those plans also. Seven-One wanted to speak with the Carinae E clones, learn how they reproduced without any degradation. “Seven-One, Yesun, Dialo, Vietor, and Jeden will accompany you and the guide.”
Son of a Gechii. Ariq struggled to keep his expression blank. Dialo, Vietor and Jeden were the sons of one of Kralj’s modified humanoids. Seven-One and Yesun had roughly the same maturity level as the winged triplets.
Ariq would be leading all youths.
That would be akin to aligning rock vultures in flight—an impossible and extremely frustrating venture. And there would be little opportunity to do anything other than keep them alive and out of trouble.
There would be no battles, no killing, no bloodshed for him.
“Kralj, sir.” Lead Medic’s forehead furrowed with thought lines. “I was hoping to join them, to see the cloning facilities, learn—”
“You are needed in the Refuge, Medic.” Kralj denied her request. “That is all.”
The main viewscreen reverted to the image of distant stars and the blackness of space.
Silence stretched.
“So that was Kralj.” Head of Ship and Weapons Design blew out her breath. “I now understand what you meant when you said he exuded power.” She touched her chest. “I’ve never felt anything like it.”
She hadn’t felt the full impact of the Ruler’s skills. Ariq hurt all over.
“He seemed to like Ariq.” Second’s eyes glowed with amusement.
“I would prefer if he liked me a little less.” Ariq lowered his voice, not trusting that the male couldn’t hear their conversation.
He sought a battle, not his own execution. Disrespecting the Ruler was a death sentence.
“I have a list of questions I want to ask the Carinae E clones.” Lead Medic slipped off Second’s lap. “Since you’ll be accompanying Seven-One, Ariq, I’ll share them with both of you.”
“Seven-One is the scientist.” Ariq had no interest in those matters. “Not I.”
Lead Medic met his gaze. “I’ll train you in what you need to know.” Her tone expressed that wasn’t open for discussion.
Ugh. Ariq rose to his booted feet.
He dreaded the upcoming expedition more and more with each passing moment.
***
Subscribe To My Monthly Newsletter: http://tasteofcyn.com/2014/05/28/newsletter/
Warlord’s Return
Ariq is a barbarian warrior seeking a war.
He locates that battle when he meets Xareni.
* * *
Ariq is one of Chamele’s top warriors. A genetic predisposition to fighting, paired with intensive training and experience, has honed the scarred male into an effective killing machine. He loves war, can’t live without combat.
The Succession Wars, however, have finally ended and the Chamele sector is now at peace. Seeking excitement and purpose, the barbarian warrior accompanies his Second to the Refuge, an outlaw settlement on Carinae E. He hopes to locate the battle he’s been craving there.
Ariq finds that conflict and more when he meets his fated mate.
Xareni owes the Ruler of the Refuge a favor. That’s the only reason she has returned to the settlement. She doesn’t like crowds or structures or a certain barbarian warrior who insists on following her everywhere. It doesn’t matter that there’s a connection between them, that he makes her burn with desire, that he looks at her with heat in his dark eyes.
She’s a monster and monsters don’t need anyone.
* * *
Warlord’s Return is a STANDALONE Alien Barbarian SciFi Romance featuring a determined barbarian warrior, an equally resolute human female, and an eyeball-eating mini dragon.
Pre-order Now:
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08FTJY7P1
Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08FTJY7P1
Amazon AUS:
https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B08FTJY7P1
Apple Books:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/warlords-return/id1527631786
B&N:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/warlords-return-cynthia-sax/1137482152
Kobo:
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/warlord-s-return
Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1038052
Topics: Coming Soon | Comments Off on Warlord’s Return – Final Scene Of The First Chapter
Cynthia Sax Weekly Update – October 25th
I have 2 more chapters to write in the first draft of Containing Malice, the first cyborg romance in the new subseries (releasing February). I LOVE this story and plan to complete the first draft of it this week. Then I have 2 revision drafts to craft before I send it to my Awesome Editor.
I’m taking a writing workshop with the Wonderful New York Bestselling Author Angela Knight. She often offers free critiques with her workshops (that, alone, is worth the cost of it). I asked her to look at my first 2,000 words and she gave me some terrific feedback. Her insights should bring this story to the next level.
That is always my goal-to improve with every story I write. I do this for me because, like cyborgs, I feel good about myself when I’m as skilled, when I’m as fully functional as I can be. (grins) I do this for the story and the characters because they deserve to have their stories told well. And I do this for you because you deserve to read the best stories possible.
I received the cover for Containing Malice from the oh—so—very talented Amanda Kelsey. I love it. And I loaded the story for pre-orders on all bookseller sites (the description is rough and hasn’t been edited but it relays the essence of the story). B&N is still having system issues and their listing is delayed. But it is listed everywhere else (except Google, which is still on the naughty list with distributers).
This is Halloween Week so you will likely see me buzzing around the internet. Starting on Tuesday, I will be posting daily on The Romance Studio’s party site – https://www.trsparties.com/ . It is their annual Spookapalooza and writing buddies will be giving out treats. (grins) There will also be other events.
2020 has been an…unusual year. We deserve to party!
Stay as safe as you can, my friends! Wear your masks! Have some fun with it. The Dear Wonderful Hubby is wearing a shark mouth mask today. It looks toothily awesome.
***
Subscribe To My Newsletter: http://cynthiasax.com/newsletter/
Warlord’s Return
Ariq is a barbarian warrior seeking a war.
He locates that battle when he meets Xareni.
* * *
Ariq is one of Chamele’s top warriors. A genetic predisposition to fighting, paired with intensive training and experience, has honed the scarred male into an effective killing machine. He loves war, can’t live without combat.
The Succession Wars, however, have finally ended and the Chamele sector is now at peace. Seeking excitement and purpose, the barbarian warrior accompanies his Second to the Refuge, an outlaw settlement on Carinae E. He hopes to locate the battle he’s been craving there.
Ariq finds that conflict and more when he meets his fated mate.
Xareni owes the Ruler of the Refuge a favor. That’s the only reason she has returned to the settlement. She doesn’t like crowds or structures or a certain barbarian warrior who insists on following her everywhere. It doesn’t matter that there’s a connection between them, that he makes her burn with desire, that he looks at her with heat in his dark eyes.
She’s a monster and monsters don’t need anyone.
* * *
Warlord’s Return is a STANDALONE Alien Barbarian SciFi Romance featuring a determined barbarian warrior, an equally resolute human female, and an eyeball-eating mini dragon.
Pre-order Now:
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08FTJY7P1
Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08FTJY7P1
Amazon AUS:
https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B08FTJY7P1
Apple Books:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/warlords-return/id1527631786
B&N:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/warlords-return-cynthia-sax/1137482152
Kobo:
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/warlord-s-return
Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1038052
Topics: Cynthia Sax Weekly Update | Comments Off on Cynthia Sax Weekly Update – October 25th
Using BookFunnel For Free Short Stories Going Forward
I enjoy giving you and other reading buddies a free short story every year as a gift. I love you. I appreciate that you read my stories. I show this love and appreciation by…well…writing more words. (grins)
In the past, I have loaded these free stories to booksellers. That is, unfortunately, no longer possible.
Why I Won’t Be Loading Free Short Stories To Booksellers (Amazon, Apple, B&N, Kobo, etc) Going Forward
None of the booksellers are big fans of free books.
The free books cost them money to supply to readers. And they’re making it tougher and tougher to offer free books, I suspect, for this reason. It takes me about a month of daily emails to change the price to free at one of the booksellers. Then I have to check the price every month in every region to ensure they haven’t started charging for the story again.
Booksellers Treat Short Stories Differently.
Another reason is booksellers treat short stories differently in a series. One bookseller assigns half numbers to short stories (2.5 etc). Another bookseller doesn’t allow half numbers.
One bookseller won’t add short stories to series pages at all. Books 1-4 of Cyborg Sizzle are displayed. Book 5 is missing. Book 6 is displayed. Book 7 is missing.
This inconsistency…unsettles me (I say this as I am sorting some of my Halloween M&M candies by color).
The Solution
Thankfully, there is a solution. It isn’t perfect but it will hopefully allow me to treat you to a free short story every year…and perhaps give you more ‘treats.’
I will offer both the Kindle/Mobi files and the EPub files (which are good for Apple Books, B&N, Kobo, etc) on BookFunnel ( an example is here – https://dl.bookfunnel.com/tr6fc87pzq ).
It will ask you for your email address and to sign up for my newsletter and then it will email the story to you. There are support folks who will help you if you need it or if something goes wrong. But they make the process fairly simple to complete.
The Possibility Of More ‘Treats’
Aligning with BookFunnel will allow me to do other things…like offer the character updates and short snippets I share in the newsletters in eBook format so you can collect them in your libraries and read them on your eReaders.
I have a gazillion other fun and free ideas.
Anyhoo…I’m sorry to add more change in a year already jampacked with change but I’m hoping this will be a happy, wonderful change. I’m quite excited about the possibilities!
***
Subscribe To My Newsletter: http://cynthiasax.com/newsletter/
Warlord’s Return
Ariq is a barbarian warrior seeking a war.
He locates that battle when he meets Xareni.
* * *
Ariq is one of Chamele’s top warriors. A genetic predisposition to fighting, paired with intensive training and experience, has honed the scarred male into an effective killing machine. He loves war, can’t live without combat.
The Succession Wars, however, have finally ended and the Chamele sector is now at peace. Seeking excitement and purpose, the barbarian warrior accompanies his Second to the Refuge, an outlaw settlement on Carinae E. He hopes to locate the battle he’s been craving there.
Ariq finds that conflict and more when he meets his fated mate.
Xareni owes the Ruler of the Refuge a favor. That’s the only reason she has returned to the settlement. She doesn’t like crowds or structures or a certain barbarian warrior who insists on following her everywhere. It doesn’t matter that there’s a connection between them, that he makes her burn with desire, that he looks at her with heat in his dark eyes.
She’s a monster and monsters don’t need anyone.
* * *
Warlord’s Return is a STANDALONE Alien Barbarian SciFi Romance featuring a determined barbarian warrior, an equally resolute human female, and an eyeball-eating mini dragon.
Pre-order Now:
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08FTJY7P1
Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08FTJY7P1
Amazon AUS:
https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B08FTJY7P1
Apple Books:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/warlords-return/id1527631786
B&N:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/warlords-return-cynthia-sax/1137482152
Kobo:
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/warlord-s-return
Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1038052
Topics: Writing Tips | Comments Off on Using BookFunnel For Free Short Stories Going Forward
Warlord’s Return – Third Scene Of The First Chapter
Warlord’s Return releases on November 3rd. As we wait, I’ve been sharing scenes from the first chapter.
You can read the first scene from the first chapter of Warlord’s Return here:
http://tasteofcyn.com/?p=7513
This week I’m sharing the third scene of that first chapter.
***
His yearning for battle had always been stronger than it had been for the other warriors. He was the only one inflicted with the os khonzon.
When they were at war, everyone had fought, and the difference hadn’t been as noticeable.
Now, it was accentuated.
A gerel might lessen the gap. If…when he uncovered her location.
The female genetically meant for him wasn’t situated in the Chamele sector. He had been included in too many transmissions, been involved in too many campaigns, for her to have not heard his voice, to have known he was hers.
She wouldn’t be found in the Refuge, where they were headed. During their last visit to Carinae E’s largest settlement, he had purposefully met as many beings living there as possible, stealthily looking for her.
He hadn’t located her.
That left Ariq with a choice.
He could search for his gerel on other planets. If he was fortunate, those planets might be hostile. He could participate in a few more battles while he looked for his female.
That appealed to him…greatly.
But he would have to part temporarily from Second, Qulpa, the rest of the warriors. Chameles were very insular. They rarely left their sector. He couldn’t ask them to make that sacrifice for him.
The other option was to accept his unbonded status, come to terms with always being the single in a grouping of couples, watch as the younger warriors like Yesun and eventually, Rinchinbal, met their gerels.
He could ease the os khonzon, the vengeance, with trips to Chamele 4, the hunting planet. It was occupied by the Chamele clones now, but they would grant him permission to track and kill prey there.
That would be…bearable.
His nose wrinkled. His choice was, in truth, no choice. He had to search for his gerel. That, at the minimum, would give him a purpose.
When he found his female, he would return with her to the Chamele sector. Eventually they would move to his birthing settlement on Chamele 2.
He squared his shoulders and entered the bridge.
As predicted, Second and Qulpa held their gerels on their laps. The chatter stopped and the females straightened as they noted his presence.
Ariq gritted his teeth and claimed his seat beside Second. “Beverage and nourishment bars have been delivered to our stowaway.”
“It can’t be sanitary in the ceiling.” Lead Medic, Second’s gerel, frowned.
“Are you implying my ship is dirty?” Second would have previously fought a being who had dared to utter such an insult. But that was in the past. This planet rotation, he appeared amused with his human’s comment, his eyes sparkling with mirth.
“Bots are assigned to the ceiling spaces.” Head of Ship and Weapons Design, Qulpa’s gerel, tapped on the viewscreen resting on her leather-clad thighs. “I’ve doubled their allotted time for cleaning.”
Qulpa kissed the top of her head. His hands were on the viewscreen embedded in the console. The pilot preferred to be in constant communication with the warship.
“The ceilings aren’t comfortable for a young female.” Lead Medic expanded on her concerns for Lysagh.
Being on the bridge wasn’t comfortable for Ariq. “She chooses to be stay there.” His jaw firmed. “I will respect that choice.” He would also defend it. “And we have mere planet rotations left in the journey.”
There was a long pause.
The warriors and their gerels looked at each other. They were communicating silently.
Excluding him.
Ariq stared at the main viewscreen, at the vastness of space, and he contemplated joining Lysagh in her ceiling hideaway.
“I’ll design a bot for her.” Head of Ship and Weapons Design broke the silence. “Everyone needs a friend.”
Zondoo. Ariq pressed his lips together. She was likely designing a bot for him too.
“I—”
“There’s an incoming communication.” Ariq interrupted whatever it was Qulpa planned to say. “It’s originating from Carinae E.”
“Hulagu must be contacting us.” Second smiled.
Hulagu, Second’s brother, was the primary reason for the visit to the planet. That warrior had found his gerel also.
“I’m opening communications.” Ariq warned the occupants of the bridge.
A shadowed face appeared on the main viewscreen. He straightened. That darkened countenance belonged to Kralj, the Ruler of the Refuge.
A surge of energy flowed over Ariq. It lifted the small hairs on his arms, caused his skin to tingle.
The all-powerful, all-knowing modified humanoid was one of the scariest beings he had ever encountered. His unique abilities extended through the communication lines.
***
Read the next scene (available October 26th) here: http://tasteofcyn.com/?p=7519
***
Subscribe To My Monthly Newsletter: http://tasteofcyn.com/2014/05/28/newsletter/
Warlord’s Return
Ariq is a barbarian warrior seeking a war.
He locates that battle when he meets Xareni.
* * *
Ariq is one of Chamele’s top warriors. A genetic predisposition to fighting, paired with intensive training and experience, has honed the scarred male into an effective killing machine. He loves war, can’t live without combat.
The Succession Wars, however, have finally ended and the Chamele sector is now at peace. Seeking excitement and purpose, the barbarian warrior accompanies his Second to the Refuge, an outlaw settlement on Carinae E. He hopes to locate the battle he’s been craving there.
Ariq finds that conflict and more when he meets his fated mate.
Xareni owes the Ruler of the Refuge a favor. That’s the only reason she has returned to the settlement. She doesn’t like crowds or structures or a certain barbarian warrior who insists on following her everywhere. It doesn’t matter that there’s a connection between them, that he makes her burn with desire, that he looks at her with heat in his dark eyes.
She’s a monster and monsters don’t need anyone.
* * *
Warlord’s Return is a STANDALONE Alien Barbarian SciFi Romance featuring a determined barbarian warrior, an equally resolute human female, and an eyeball-eating mini dragon.
Pre-order Now:
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08FTJY7P1
Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08FTJY7P1
Amazon AUS:
https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B08FTJY7P1
Apple Books:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/warlords-return/id1527631786
B&N:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/warlords-return-cynthia-sax/1137482152
Kobo:
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/warlord-s-return
Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1038052
Topics: Coming Soon | Comments Off on Warlord’s Return – Third Scene Of The First Chapter
Cynthia Sax Weekly Update – October 18th
Today, I’m crafting my newsletter. This newsletter, being sent tomorrow, will include a never-seen-anywhere-else ‘bonus’ scene featuring Kralj and Dita. Thank you, Tiffany J, for recommending I give an update on them!
You can sign up for my newsletter here: http://cynthiasax.com/newsletter/
Warlord’s Return brings us back to the Refuge, which is, of course, Kralj and Dita’s home. We’ll visit with them, the triplets, many of the other modified humanoids and their mates.
This week, I should complete the first draft of Containing Malice (releasing in February). I love this story. Malice and his heroine are magical together. I think this will start the new year off with a bang. Yes, there are explosions. (grins) I love blowing things up…on page.
Oh and More Medieval Dragon Shifters, the next short story collection published under C.S. Sax, will be releasing on Tuesday! This collection includes three super hot 60 page short stories featuring dragon shifting knights, their fated maidens, and a few battles. (laughs) I like battles also.
If you need a lunch time escape and you love your heroes primitive and extremely dominant, More Medieval Dragon Shifters might be a great collection for you!
***
Subscribe To My Monthly Newsletter: http://cynthiasax.com/newsletter/
More Medieval Dragon Shifters
They’re primitive and possessive and they love with all the passion in their big dragon hearts.
Four dragon-shifting warriors rule their medieval kingdoms with might and fire and steel. They are searching for their fated mates, and when they find them, they will do anything to claim them, protect them, love them.
Their ladies need little protecting. Their bravery matches their warriors’. They seek adventure and belonging and caring. Some wield swords. Others conquer their enemies with kindness. All will ride their dragons and find their destinies.
Two Heads Are Better Than One (The Green Two-Headed Dragon) – In her fantasies, Guinevere cavorts with two-headed dragons. In reality, she must choose between two handsome twin brothers. Or must she?
Dragon’s Captive (The Blue Dragon) – Every solstice, the villagers sacrifice an untouched maiden to their guardian dragon. This solstice, Rhoslyn is chosen. The villagers don’t realize she isn’t untouched OR an unwilling sacrifice. She plans to claim her dragon-shifting captor. Permanently.
Dragons And Destinies (The Gray Dragon) – Celestria travels to King’s Keep, hoping to experience a destined love equal to the one her parents enjoyed. She encounters bandits, a bloody battle and one strong yet silent dragon-shifting warrior. His skills at courtly love are lacking. His rough touch enflames her passions.
Escape into a medieval fantasy world with these three lunch-hour-length romances.
Pre-order Now:
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/More-Medieval-Dragon-Shifters-C-S-ebook/dp/B08HXY4K7M
Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/More-Medieval-Dragon-Shifters-C-S-ebook/dp/B08HXY4K7M
Amazon AUS:
https://www.amazon.com.au/More-Medieval-Dragon-Shifters-C-S-ebook/dp/B08HXY4K7M
Apple Books:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/more-medieval-dragon-shifters/id1531732287
B&N:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/more-medieval-dragon-shifters-cs-sax/1137660879
Kobo:
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/more-medieval-dragon-shifters
Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1042735
Topics: Cynthia Sax Weekly Update | Comments Off on Cynthia Sax Weekly Update – October 18th
Warlord’s Return – Ariq’s Name
All the Chameles are named after Khans and other notable individuals in the Mongol Empire. Ariq is no exception to this.
Ariq Böke was a grandson of Genghis Khan. He claimed the title of the Great Khan of the Mongol Empire and ruled for five years while his brothers were away from home.
When one of his brothers returned, that, predictably, created conflict and a civil war. (shakes head) That war didn’t end well for Ariq Böke.
Ariq, the hero of Warlord’s Return, faces a battle also… with his fated mate, Xareni. Our Chamele warrior’s war will end very differently. (grins) Making peace with his battle-happy female will require fewer items of clothing and much more touching.
***
Subscribe To My Monthly Newsletter: http://tasteofcyn.com/2014/05/28/newsletter/
Warlord’s Return
Ariq is a barbarian warrior seeking a war.
He locates that battle when he meets Xareni.
* * *
Ariq is one of Chamele’s top warriors. A genetic predisposition to fighting, paired with intensive training and experience, has honed the scarred male into an effective killing machine. He loves war, can’t live without combat.
The Succession Wars, however, have finally ended and the Chamele sector is now at peace. Seeking excitement and purpose, the barbarian warrior accompanies his Second to the Refuge, an outlaw settlement on Carinae E. He hopes to locate the battle he’s been craving there.
Ariq finds that conflict and more when he meets his fated mate.
Xareni owes the Ruler of the Refuge a favor. That’s the only reason she has returned to the settlement. She doesn’t like crowds or structures or a certain barbarian warrior who insists on following her everywhere. It doesn’t matter that there’s a connection between them, that he makes her burn with desire, that he looks at her with heat in his dark eyes.
She’s a monster and monsters don’t need anyone.
* * *
Warlord’s Return is a STANDALONE Alien Barbarian SciFi Romance featuring a determined barbarian warrior, an equally resolute human female, and an eyeball-eating mini dragon.
Pre-order Now:
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08FTJY7P1
Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08FTJY7P1
Amazon AUS:
https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B08FTJY7P1
Apple Books:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/warlords-return/id1527631786
B&N:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/warlords-return-cynthia-sax/1137482152
Kobo:
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/warlord-s-return
Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1038052
Topics: Uncategorized | Comments Off on Warlord’s Return – Ariq’s Name
Warlord’s Return And Mini Dragons
Xareni, the heroine of Warlord’s Return, is a loner. She doesn’t like spending time with other beings, avoids settlements and crowds of any kinds.
She DOES, however, have a companion – Spark, a drakon, a mini-dragon with an attitude as defined as hers. Xareni loves Spark and Spark loves Xareni…in his own irritable way.
Spark’s official role is her hunting partner as shown in this snippet…
***
A human male wearing ragged remnants of a Humanoid Alliance uniform waited by a path utilized by the clones. He was hidden by a huge boulder.
Spark had spotted him easily. The little drakon now circled high above the male’s head. The creature’s wings were spread wide as he glided on the breeze. The rays of Carinae E’s single sun reflected off his green scales.
She had found Spark in one of the markets. He had breathed fire at every being who passed his stone cage, had bitten the merchant trying to sell him, taking a huge chunk out of one of his thumbs. The drakon was almost as surly as she was.
Xareni had to buy him, spending some of the precious credits she’d earned from escorting idiots around the planet. She had set him free. Spark refused to leave her.
Now, they were a team. He was her eyes from the sky, and she helped him down prey he was too small to kill.
At the moment, their prey was the Humanoid Alliance male.
***
Spark is very much part of Xareni’s family. I sometimes joke that Warlord’s Return is a romance between Ariq, Xareni AND Spark because Ariq will have to win BOTH of them over to secure Xareni’s allegiance.
It is a good thing the Chamele warrior loves challenges. (grins)
***
Subscribe To My Monthly Newsletter: http://tasteofcyn.com/2014/05/28/newsletter/
Warlord’s Return
Ariq is a barbarian warrior seeking a war.
He locates that battle when he meets Xareni.
* * *
Ariq is one of Chamele’s top warriors. A genetic predisposition to fighting, paired with intensive training and experience, has honed the scarred male into an effective killing machine. He loves war, can’t live without combat.
The Succession Wars, however, have finally ended and the Chamele sector is now at peace. Seeking excitement and purpose, the barbarian warrior accompanies his Second to the Refuge, an outlaw settlement on Carinae E. He hopes to locate the battle he’s been craving there.
Ariq finds that conflict and more when he meets his fated mate.
Xareni owes the Ruler of the Refuge a favor. That’s the only reason she has returned to the settlement. She doesn’t like crowds or structures or a certain barbarian warrior who insists on following her everywhere. It doesn’t matter that there’s a connection between them, that he makes her burn with desire, that he looks at her with heat in his dark eyes.
She’s a monster and monsters don’t need anyone.
* * *
Warlord’s Return is a STANDALONE Alien Barbarian SciFi Romance featuring a determined barbarian warrior, an equally resolute human female, and an eyeball-eating mini dragon.
Pre-order Now:
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08FTJY7P1
Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08FTJY7P1
Amazon AUS:
https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B08FTJY7P1
Apple Books:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/warlords-return/id1527631786
B&N:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/warlords-return-cynthia-sax/1137482152
Kobo:
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/warlord-s-return
Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1038052
Topics: Story Insights | Comments Off on Warlord’s Return And Mini Dragons
Warlord’s Return And The Winged Triplets
Part of the fun for me, when writing Warlord’s Return, was catching up with Kralj, Dita, and the rest of the modified humanoids and their mates in the Refuge
That included Jeden, Vietor and Dialo, Orol and Rhea’s sons (Orol and Rhea’s story is Dark Flight). The winged triplets are physically mature and they are causing SO much trouble. (grins) I love them so much.
Here is a snippet featuring them…
***
“We haven’t gotten stuck in a cave in…” Jeden looked at his brothers. “Has it been eleven planet rotations since you got stuck in that cave on the west side?”
“I wasn’t stuck.” Vietor’s face darkened.
“Dad had to claw away a section of the rock.” Dialo elbowed his brother.
“I merely couldn’t move.” Vietor said that as though there was a difference between the two situations. “It happens.”
“I hope it doesn’t happen often.” Xareni shook her head.
The young males chattered about deadly creatures they’d encountered or had heard about or, in the case of the flying bovine with projectile-shooting horns, she suspected, had imagined.
Arms were punched. Backs were slapped.
It was too much…activity for Xareni. Seeking space and quiet, she drifted away from the youths.
Ariq, carrying Spark, moved with her. “If you’re concerned about them, I have claws.” Her barbarian extended and then retracted his natural weapons. “I can free him…or them.” He glanced back at the males. “We have to assume all three of them have gotten stuck in caves in the past.”
That was a valid assumption. The triplets were flying disasters.
***
(grins) They add some excitement to an already exciting adventure. Yes, they ARE flying disasters. And I absolutely adore them.
I can’t wait to write the next generation stories, both featuring the modified humanoids’ children and the cyborgs’ offspring.
***
Subscribe To My Monthly Newsletter: http://tasteofcyn.com/2014/05/28/newsletter/
Warlord’s Return
Ariq is a barbarian warrior seeking a war.
He locates that battle when he meets Xareni.
* * *
Ariq is one of Chamele’s top warriors. A genetic predisposition to fighting, paired with intensive training and experience, has honed the scarred male into an effective killing machine. He loves war, can’t live without combat.
The Succession Wars, however, have finally ended and the Chamele sector is now at peace. Seeking excitement and purpose, the barbarian warrior accompanies his Second to the Refuge, an outlaw settlement on Carinae E. He hopes to locate the battle he’s been craving there.
Ariq finds that conflict and more when he meets his fated mate.
Xareni owes the Ruler of the Refuge a favor. That’s the only reason she has returned to the settlement. She doesn’t like crowds or structures or a certain barbarian warrior who insists on following her everywhere. It doesn’t matter that there’s a connection between them, that he makes her burn with desire, that he looks at her with heat in his dark eyes.
She’s a monster and monsters don’t need anyone.
* * *
Warlord’s Return is a STANDALONE Alien Barbarian SciFi Romance featuring a determined barbarian warrior, an equally resolute human female, and an eyeball-eating mini dragon.
Pre-order Now:
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08FTJY7P1
Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08FTJY7P1
Amazon AUS:
https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B08FTJY7P1
Apple Books:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/warlords-return/id1527631786
B&N:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/warlords-return-cynthia-sax/1137482152
Kobo:
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/warlord-s-return
Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1038052
Topics: Story Insights | Comments Off on Warlord’s Return And The Winged Triplets
Warlord’s Return And Kralj
In Warlord’s Return, the Chameles return to Carinae E and the Refuge, home to Kralj and Dita from Dark Thoughts. Kralj and Dita play important roles in this story.
Ariq first met Kralj and Dita in Dark Cure. We didn’t ‘hear’ his impressions of Kralj in that story but we do hear them in Warlord’s Return.
Here is a snippet of a scene from Chapter One
***
A shadowed face appeared on the main viewscreen. He straightened. That darkened countenance belonged to Kralj, the Ruler of the Refuge.
A surge of energy flowed over Ariq. It lifted the small hairs on his arms, caused his skin to tingle.
The all-powerful, all-knowing modified humanoid was one of the scariest beings he had ever encountered. His unique abilities extended through the communication lines.
***
Xareni, Warlord’s Return, has a deeper, more complex relationships with Kralj. She has known the Ruler since she was a young girl, long before Dark Thoughts.
The nature of their relationship is hinted at in this scene from Chapter Two
***
Kralj, the Ruler of the Refuge, Carinae E’s largest settlement, had given her an order.
Not being an idiot, she’d obey it. Kralj was all-knowing, all-powerful, could kill beings with his mind alone yet preferred to rip them apart and devour their flesh.
No one with a functioning brain disrespected the Ruler.
And she owed him…everything. She touched the hilts of her blades. Whatever he asked, she did.
Someday it might be enough to offset her debt to him.
***
If you met Kralj in Dark Thoughts, you will receive an update on him and on Dita and more details about his past. If you haven’t yet met Kralj…brace yourself for an experience. (grins)
***
Subscribe To My Monthly Newsletter: http://tasteofcyn.com/2014/05/28/newsletter/
Warlord’s Return
Ariq is a barbarian warrior seeking a war.
He locates that battle when he meets Xareni.
* * *
Ariq is one of Chamele’s top warriors. A genetic predisposition to fighting, paired with intensive training and experience, has honed the scarred male into an effective killing machine. He loves war, can’t live without combat.
The Succession Wars, however, have finally ended and the Chamele sector is now at peace. Seeking excitement and purpose, the barbarian warrior accompanies his Second to the Refuge, an outlaw settlement on Carinae E. He hopes to locate the battle he’s been craving there.
Ariq finds that conflict and more when he meets his fated mate.
Xareni owes the Ruler of the Refuge a favor. That’s the only reason she has returned to the settlement. She doesn’t like crowds or structures or a certain barbarian warrior who insists on following her everywhere. It doesn’t matter that there’s a connection between them, that he makes her burn with desire, that he looks at her with heat in his dark eyes.
She’s a monster and monsters don’t need anyone.
* * *
Warlord’s Return is a STANDALONE Alien Barbarian SciFi Romance featuring a determined barbarian warrior, an equally resolute human female, and an eyeball-eating mini dragon.
Pre-order Now:
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08FTJY7P1
Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08FTJY7P1
Amazon AUS:
https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B08FTJY7P1
Apple Books:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/warlords-return/id1527631786
B&N:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/warlords-return-cynthia-sax/1137482152
Kobo:
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/warlord-s-return
Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1038052
Topics: Story Insights | Comments Off on Warlord’s Return And Kralj
Warlord’s Return – Second Scene Of The First Chapter
As we wait for the release of Warlord’s Return on November 3rd, I’ve been sharing scenes from the first chapter.
You can read the first scene from the first chapter of Warlord’s Return here:
http://tasteofcyn.com/?p=7513
This week I’m sharing the second scene of that first chapter.
***
There was no one currently occupying the training chambers. That was unfortunate for him. Ariq rolled his shoulders back. He would have liked to spar with someone, to burn off his excess energy.
But it was fortunate for another being on board the warship.
“Zondoo.” He uttered that curse loudly, seeking to get Lysagh’s attention. The bounty hunter-in-training was likely hidden in the ceiling space somewhere. “According to the schedule.” He moved to the control panel by the door and accessed that information. “No one will be using this training chamber for an entire shift.”
He blocked that duration, ensuring that would be its reality. A shift should be sufficient time for the girl to use the chamber’s facilities, perhaps have a short rest.
Ariq reached upward, removed a panel from the ceiling. There was a scurrying noise, as though the warship was infested with massive rodents…or with one young human girl.
“I’ll store these excess supplies here.” He placed the cleaning cloths, container of beverage, and nourishment bars in the space.
Lysagh had hidden aboard the warship during takeoff. Her presence had been detected immediately. His Warlord, his Second, and their gerels had decided to grant the girl the trip she so desperately wanted.
Ariq had convinced them to ignore her presence, to act as though they weren’t aware she was on board. Lysagh wanted to be a stealth occupant.
He would honor her wish.
“I’ll return in one shift.” He stressed that duration as he replaced the ceiling tile. “There might be warriors to battle here at that time.”
He exited the training chamber. The doors slid closed behind him.
Ariq’s next stop was the medic bay.
Seven-One, a Chamele clone, was its only occupant. He stared into a device.
“Lead Medic located the DNA of my source’s source’s source.” The clone’s voice was tinged with awe, with reverence. “I’m looking at it, at the start of it all.”
The male was young also. There were few scars on his form.
“That’s…good?” Ariq guessed at that response. Science wasn’t his skill set.
“It’s a miracle.” Seven-One looked at him. His eyes glowed. “We might be able to track the degradation.” Every generation of the youth’s kind—Chamele clones—had more and more genetic weakness. “We could also separate the added enhancements from the original DNA.”
The clones on Carinae E had fixed the degradation issue. That was the reason Seven-One was joining them on the trip.
Everyone on board the warship had a purpose for visiting the planet…except for Ariq.
Ariq had no purpose at the moment. Anywhere.
And he had no place in any group. He was too seasoned a warrior to spend excessive time with the youths and, unlike the other males with his number of solar cycles, he had no gerel for companionship.
All he had was a burning desire to fight, and that wasn’t needed. Not on the ship. Not in the Chamele sector.
“I’ll leave you to your task.” He nodded at Seven-One, left the medic bay, continued on his route to the bridge.
His pace was slow. Second and Qulpa were currently situated on the bridge.
He had trained with Second since they first held swords. Qulpa had been their pilot for many solar cycles, many skirmishes. They were his brothers-in-arms, and he would kill for them, die for them.
Normally, he would also rush to see them, to exchange battle stories, to talk fighting strategy. In the past, that had alleviated some of his os khonzon, his need for vengeance.
But since the warriors had obtained gerels, his relationship with them had changed, as had the focus of their discussions.
Their Warlord had found his gerel, now had a baby son. Second and Qulpa were venturing along the same route.
And Chameles were at peace. Talk of killing, of battle, of death, was no longer appropriate.
The males were focused on their females, on children, on homes and families. They tried to include him in their chatter.
Ariq tolerated that conversation. He sighed. Debates over the ideal number of chambers in domiciles didn’t ease his need to kill.
It increased that urge.
And he was achingly conscious he no longer fit into the group. He was the exception, the different one, would be that way forever.
***
Read the next scene (available October 19th) here: http://tasteofcyn.com/?p=7517
***
Subscribe To My Monthly Newsletter: http://tasteofcyn.com/2014/05/28/newsletter/
Warlord’s Return
Ariq is a barbarian warrior seeking a war.
He locates that battle when he meets Xareni.
* * *
Ariq is one of Chamele’s top warriors. A genetic predisposition to fighting, paired with intensive training and experience, has honed the scarred male into an effective killing machine. He loves war, can’t live without combat.
The Succession Wars, however, have finally ended and the Chamele sector is now at peace. Seeking excitement and purpose, the barbarian warrior accompanies his Second to the Refuge, an outlaw settlement on Carinae E. He hopes to locate the battle he’s been craving there.
Ariq finds that conflict and more when he meets his fated mate.
Xareni owes the Ruler of the Refuge a favor. That’s the only reason she has returned to the settlement. She doesn’t like crowds or structures or a certain barbarian warrior who insists on following her everywhere. It doesn’t matter that there’s a connection between them, that he makes her burn with desire, that he looks at her with heat in his dark eyes.
She’s a monster and monsters don’t need anyone.
* * *
Warlord’s Return is a STANDALONE Alien Barbarian SciFi Romance featuring a determined barbarian warrior, an equally resolute human female, and an eyeball-eating mini dragon.
Pre-order Now:
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08FTJY7P1
Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08FTJY7P1
Amazon AUS:
https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B08FTJY7P1
Apple Books:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/warlords-return/id1527631786
B&N:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/warlords-return-cynthia-sax/1137482152
Kobo:
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/warlord-s-return
Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1038052
Topics: Coming Soon | Comments Off on Warlord’s Return – Second Scene Of The First Chapter
