IMMORTUI - Carpathian Interlude Part I

A while ago, I wrote a post detailing all of the upcoming historical and literary treats that I was planning on releasing in 2014. 

One of those items was a re-release of IMMORTUI, Part I of the Carpathian Interlude series.

If you haven't read this novella yet, it's a cross between historical fiction and horror.

As usual, I've paid a lot of attention to the history of the age (i.e. the reign of Emperor Augustus). I never cheat on the history!

Also, the cult of Mithras plays a big part in this story, so if ancient mystery religions fascinate you, you'll like this. 

Here is the fantastic new cover design for IMMORTUI by LLPix Photography and Design. 

If ancient history and zombies are your thing, be sure to check it out and tell others about it! It's available on Kobo and Amazon. 

This series is a joy to write and the second part is on the way! For now, here is the outline of IMMORTUI:

The Legions of Emperor Augustus have returned victorious from putting down a massive revolt among the Germanic tribes of the Danube frontier. While Rome basks in its success, a new foe is gathering in the darkness of the Carpathian Mountains. When a young boy shows up at the distant fortress of Troesmis, it falls to Optio Gaius Justus Vitalis and his centurion to investigate the horrors described by the young refugee.

It is just the beginning of a struggle between the Eagles of Rome and the undead forces of an enemy that could halt the Empire’s northern advance.

It’s Romans vs. Zombies in this first novella of the Carpathian Interlude series. Get ready for action, mystery and blood in this clash between Light and Dark. 

If you have read and enjoyed this novella do be sure to leave a review wherever you purchased it as this always helps other readers to discover the series. 

Finally, so that I can get a bit more history into this post, here are some pictures related to the story. 

As ever, thank you for reading!

Remains of the Legionary base of Troesmis,
where the story begins on the Danube frontier
in modern Romania.

Image of the 'Tauroctony' - Mithras slaying the Bull.

An ancient Mithraeum.
Mithraic rites took place in caves such as this, where
the worshipers reclined and shared a sacred meal.

If you missed the previous posts called 'IMMORTUI - Fighting the Undead', you can still read them. There are three posts on:

Roman Weapons

Roman Armour and Clothing

and

Mithras, Lord of Light

LYKOI - Carpathian Interlude Part II will be coming this Spring, so stay tuned!

Cover Reveal! – Children of Apollo (Second Edition)

Salvete readers!

This week, I’m chuffed to be able to reveal the new cover for Children of Apollo – Eagles and Dragons Book I.

I’ve been planning this for a while and thought that it would be a good time to launch this as it’s just ahead of the Summer release of Book II in the series, Killing the Hydra.

Many thanks to book cover designer extraordinaire, Derek Murphy of Creativindie, who did a brilliant job of creating this cover and including all the elements I wanted. Inside this second edition, you will also find a new glossary of Greek and Latin words.

To go along with this cover reveal, I’ve had my first go at video. Check it out to see when I open the proof package and get my first look at the cover. I might seem sedate, but inside I’m beaming!

I also go over a few Eagles and Dragons Publishing updates. If I’m sporting that deer-in-the-headlights look, please excuse me - I’ve never been one for the camera.

However, there is a first time for everything, right?

There is a lot coming up this year from Eagles and Dragons Publishing so you’ll want to sign-up for the mailing list on the top right of the Writing the Past website. No worries. I don’t throw spam at people. You will only get notifications of new posts one or two times a week.

For those of you who do sign-up for the mailing list, there will be a bit of a surprise.

If you sign-up for e-mail updates before Sunday, June 30^th, 2013 you will be entered in a draw to win one of three signed copies of the second edition of Children of Apollo. The first place winner will also receive a wooden rudus – that’s a gladius! – so that you can practice your sword moves at home.

I’ll be daring and do another video when I pick the winners’ names in July. So, don’t waste time. Sign-up now!

To accompany this launch, and if you missed them before, here are links to a series of blog posts entitled The World of Children of Apollo. These are a sort of behind-the-scenes look at the history, people and places of the novel. I’ll be doing a similar thing with Killing the Hydra toward the end of the summer.

The World of Children of Apollo - Part I - The Desert

The World of Children of Apollo - Part II - Roman North Africa

The World of Children of Apollo - Part III - The Severans

The World of Children of Apollo - Part IV - Rome: Caput Mundi

The World of Children of Apollo - Part V - Etruria

The World of Children of Apollo - Part VI - Cumae and the Sibyl

So, I hope you like the new cover and contents for Children of Apollo. As usual, it’s available in paperback and e-book.

If you have read it and liked it, reviews on any site are welcome and helpful.

Thanks for reading, sharing and commenting.

Oh, and here’s the VIDEO.

Cheers!

Eagles and Dragons Publishing

Every publisher, whether indie or traditional, needs a logo for its imprint, something that grabs the eyes at a glance.

Today, I received the final version of the logo for my own publishing imprint, Eagles and Dragons Publishing. Here it is:

'Eagles and Dragons', in addition to being the name of my first historical series, refers to the cultures and periods in which I am writing, and will write.

In ancient Greece and Rome, the Eagle was a symbol of the Gods' power, a personification of the great gods. It is also symbol of victory, inspiration and valour. The Eagle was the messenger of Zeus and of Jupiter, and the supreme emblem of Rome's Legions, the Aquila.

In both ancient and early medieval cultures, the Dragon was a creature of power, of wisdom and of prophecy. The Dragon, of course, plays a great role in the life of Lucius Metellus Anguis, the protagonist in the Eagles and Dragons series. 'Anguis', as I point out in the historical note of Children of Apollo, refers to the great worm, the Python, the ancient dragon constellation.

But for Eagles and Dragons Publishing, the Dragon also represents the Celtic west and the early medieval period, the Arthurian period. For my own writing, the future does indeed hold an Arthurian series, and in this, the Dragon most certainly has a role to play.

2013 is going to be an exciting year for Eagles and Dragons Publishing with a few releases coming up.

In the next month or so, we'll be releasing a second edition of Children of Apollo with a new cover that will blow you away, as well as a complete glossary of Greek and Latin words.

The long-awaited second book in the series, Killing the Hydra should be out some time in June or July, so watch for news of that and all the accompanying blog posts. If you thought Children of Apollo was good, you'll love this sequel.

Part II of the Carpathian Interlude series will also be out toward the end of the summer and let me tell you, Gaius Justus Vitalis and his men will be tested once more! Watch for that.

I've also written a short story that is a retelling of the Phaethon myth of Greek mythology. This will be part of a special offer early in the Summer.

In addition to new novels and stories, Eagles and Dragons Publishing will be working on some swag for giveaways and such. There is a lot to look forward to!

That's the news for the moment.

Thank you all for reading and do be sure to 'Like' Eagles and Dragons on Facebook. You can click on the Facebook box to the right on your screen.

Cheers and Hail Caesar!