Shadow Stalker – Melissa Barker-Simpson

Shadow Stalker Part 3 by Renee Scattergood

I’ve had Renee on the blog before, and talked about how much I enjoy this serial adventure, so it’s my pleasure to announce that Part 3 is now available.

Things go from bad to worse when the Galvadi Empire develops a new technology to use against the shadow stalkers. Now Kado and Makari are more determined than ever to keep Auren away from their enemies, but Auren decides enough is enough and takes matters into her own hands. She turns herself over to the Galvadi to get close to Drevin and Makari has no choice but to play along. He is forced to either torture Auren to prove his loyalty or die knowing she will be tortured and enslaved anyway. Somehow, they must get close enough to Drevin to bring him down and put an end to the Galvadi’s tyranny once and for all.

Episode 13: Defiance

Three years have passed since Auren and Shai escaped the daily torture of the Galvadi. With Makari’s help, they have learned more about the Galvadi’s technology and discovered ways to overcome its effects on their power, which gave them an edge in the war. However, the Galvadi have spent that time developing new technology that could mean the end of the shadow stalkers.

Episode 14: Falling to Pieces

Things go from bad to worse after Cali is captured by the Galvadi. The new technology they have employed is making a rescue attempt impossible and endangering the lives of all the shadow stalkers. Auren refuses to give up though, but the more she tries to fix thing, the more Kado tightens the leash.

Episode 15: Into My Own

Just when Auren thinks she’d had enough of Kado’s overbearing and overprotective nature, he surprises her by apologizing and admitting he had been wrong. Auren finally accepts that she is not at fault for Cali’s death after visiting her in the shadow world, but Kado and Makari are still preventing her from confronting Drevin. They don’t feel she is ready, and Auren is beginning to believe they will never let her fulfil her destiny. It’s time she takes matters into her own hands.

Episode 16: A New Emperor

Makari is told the only way he can prove his loyalty is by torturing Auren, but he refuses to go through it. So Jharak, Drevin’s master interrogator, took the liberty to be the one to break her, but in the end, it would take forcing her to watch him torture and kill Makari.

Episode 17: Allies to Enemies Part 1

Traitors are weeded out and new allies are found. Auren and Makari are determined to bring peace once again to the Serpent Isles, but they have a deadline. If they don’t make it in time, they could end up at war with their own people.

Episode 18: Allies to Enemies Part 2

General Graves wants Auren and Makari dead. When Makari demands one of Graves’ men, who secretly supports Makari, is sent to him for extra security at the palace, Graves uses a mind control drug to get him to assassinate them. Will Auren and Makari learn what happened before it’s too late?

Buy Shadow Stalker Part 3 – http://reneescattergood.com/books/shadow-stalker-part-3-episodes-13-18/

If you haven’t read the Shadow Stalker serial yet, download Part 1 (Episodes 1 – 6) free – http://reneescattergood.com/books/shadow-stalker-part-1-episodes-1-6/

Excerpt – Episode 13: Chapter 1

Cali gave me a nudge as she took a seat next to me. “Do you have any idea what’s going on?”

“No idea,” I said, moving over a few inches so she had space to sit between me and Shai on the log someone had converted into a bench.

Shai slung an arm around her cousin and Cali returned the gesture, then wrapped her free arm around me. I smiled at her. Cali was the only one who had helped me maintain my sanity over the years. It drove me crazy never knowing what was happening to Makari. Kado kept me busy, as usual, but any time I had a free moment, all I could do was wonder if he was safe. I would know if he died. I would sense him again in the shadow world. He had been blocking me to keep me safe, though I had no idea how it was supposed to help. All it did was make me want to go to him, which would be more dangerous.

Of course, Kado would never allow that. He saw my thoughts as I had them most of the time, and he would know as soon as I made the decision. I learned quickly not to allow my thoughts to go down that path too often. That’s where Cali came in. She distracted me by helping me forget the war and making me feel like a normal person once in a while. She was as good a friend as Jade, except she didn’t encourage me to disobey Kado when I was angry.

“Maybe the Galvadi have decided to give up,” Shai said, pulling me out of my thoughts.

Cali snorted.

“I know. It’s wishful thinking.”

I smiled at Shai. “I want this to be over too.”

“You’ll figure it out soon.” Cali gave my shoulder a squeeze.

All the shadow warriors knew the end of the war would not come until I stopped Drevin. The only problem was I had no idea what I was supposed to do, and no amount of training helped. Each day it seemed like I was further from my goal instead of closer.

After everyone had taken their seats, Kado held up a hand calling us all to silence. “Makari has just given me some disheartening news. The Galvadi have developed a—”

I tried to listen, but I couldn’t get past the fact that Makari had been here. “He didn’t even bother to see me?”

Kado glared at me, and I suddenly realized I’d blurted it aloud.

“Makari has to keep a low profile for his own safety, and they were not aware he had left. He couldn’t stay away long.”

“I think it’s time he left the Galvadi all together,” I said, folding my arms over my chest.

“It would be the healthier option,” Cali added on my behalf.

“Makari’s work has been invaluable to us, and would not be possible if he weren’t living among them for the time being,” Kado said, then leaned in my direction looking straight into my eyes. “And he knows what he is doing.”

Kado watched me, and I was sure he was waiting to see if I would continue to interrupt him. I remained silent, but neither he nor Makari would be able to convince me the man I loved wasn’t taking an unnecessary risk. They could get whatever information they needed from their missions.

When he was sure I wouldn’t interrupt again he finished explaining that the Galvadi had developed a new recinder and how it worked. “You will need to avoid capture at all costs. Once these recinders are placed on you, there is no known way to nullify its effects even after removal. Auren, I want you to visit Makari’s unit to steal the schematics, and if possible, one of the recinders along with any other information you can find about new technologies. Makari suspects there is more, but they are keeping him in the dark.”

I stood quickly, smacking my hands together. “When do I leave?”

“Wait a moment. I have other things I need to discuss with you first.”

I sat again, hoping I wasn’t in for one of his long lectures.

She is currently publishing her monthly Shadow Stalker serial, and she has published a prequel novella to the series called, Demon Hunt. She is also working on a new series of novels, A God’s Deception.

Aside from writing, she loves reading (fantasy, of course), watching movies with her family, and doing crafts and science experiments with her homeschooled daughter. Visit her site for more information and a free copy of Shadow Stalker Part 1 (Episodes 1 – 6): http://reneescattergood.com

Author Pages:

Website/Blog: http://reneescattergood.com/

Renee’s Author Spotlight: http://reneesauthorspotlight.blogspot.com.au/ – a blog where I feature indie and small press authors.

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00NTJY1W2

Smashwords Author Page: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/rscatts

BookBub Author Page: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/renee-scattergood

Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8507658.Renee_Scattergood

Renee’s Shadow Stalkers: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/16rTPYCAwDq5cpyxHfphx0-x6ka9C7DWoJsdgYa2CyAw/viewform

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Thanks for stopping by

Mel

Review: Shadow Stalker, Episode 9 by Renee Scattergood

Makari has finally come to realize Auren is not the delohi-saqu, and his father, Drevin, Emperor of the Galvadi, has been wrong about her all along. He goes to Zain, Auren’s father, for help to heal Auren’s mind after he had wrongfully broken her. Now Makari vows to protect Auren and help her escape, but she refuses to leave without her father.

Auren and Makari’s love for each other grows, and the connection they share deepens. They have to be careful, however. Spending too much time together is causing the other guides to grow suspicious. Makari’s loyalty is tested, and he is forced to do something he swore he’d never do again.

Review of Shadow Stalker: Episode 9

This episode was focused both on Makari’s guilt, and Auren’s healing process. The former was dealt with initially through the prologue. It helped to put things into perspective for the reader, to understand Makari’s motivations. I really enjoyed this insight into the character.

The other thing I particularly enjoyed, was the return of Auren’s strength and determination. One of the things I love about her is her stubborn streak. It helped her through the torture, all that spirit, and it gave her the determination to stand and fight rather than run.

We also got to meet Auren’s father, which was a treat. A character who shone throughout the episode. I really hope we get to see more of him in the future, because he reminded me so much of Kado I was instantly drawn to him!

Things didn’t end well for Makari and Auren, but there’s nothing like a good cliff-hanger to build anticipation. I have no doubt they both have the strength to see this thing through to the end, but I’m hoping they have a little help. They’re certainly going to need it!

Author Pages:

Renee Writes: http://reneescattergood.com/

Renee’s Author Spotlight: http://reneesauthorspotlight.blogspot.com.au/

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00NTJY1W2

Smashwords Author Page: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/rscatts

Social Media:

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/reneescatts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ReneeScatts

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/118427336236369690813/+ReneescattergoodAuthor/posts

Thanks for stopping by. Until next time.

Mel

Guest Post: Renee Scattergood, Author of the Shadow Stalker Series

It’s Shadow Stalker time again! This weekend sees the release of episode 9, and to celebrate I have a special guest post from Renee to start us off. Tomorrow I will have a review of the episode, so be sure to come back then.

But first, let me introduce you to Turning Tides; episode 9 of the Shadow Stalker series.

Using Social Media Effectively

By Renee Scattergood

Promoting a new book is hard, but I have found most of the difficulty stems from misinformation available on the internet, especially the use of social media for advertisement and promotion. Authors are being led to believe that the best way to promote themselves and their work is through social media by bombarding people with ads. Worse, we’re encouraged to play the you-follow-me-I’ll-follow-you game to get more followers.

The truth is, people don’t get onto social media because they want to be bombarded with ads. They get on there to meet new people and socialize. So using social media for marketing purposes has to be done with that in mind. The best part is, it can be done effectively.

Building an author platform is all about making yourself visible and getting to know people, so social media is the best way to get this process started. You can use your blog to share helpful information, free short stories, etc. Then you share those on social media to drive traffic to your blog. Once you get people going to your blog consistently because they like what you’re sharing, they’ll likely even sign up to your newsletter (if you have one, and if you don’t I strongly recommend getting one).

In the meantime, you can be connecting with other authors and the readers you attract. Let them get to know who you are as a person and interact with them. The more they get to know you as a person, the more they’ll care about what you write as an author.

Another thing you’ll want to avoid is following people just to get them to follow back. If you think about it, you’re really only hurting yourself by doing this. You want people to read what you share on social media, but they’re not going to care if all they’re doing is trying to get another follower for themselves. I only follow people I’m interested in (or people I know personally), and I only want people following me who really want to read my stuff. Otherwise, what’s the point? Having ten thousands followers won’t mean a thing if none of them even read what you share.

Using social media as it’s intended can really help you as an author. This means meeting new people and letting them get to know you. It means sharing valuable information and entertaining posts. It also means understanding the number of followers you have is less important than having followers who really want to know you as an author.

Renee Scattergood lives in Australia with her husband, Nathan, and daughter, Taiya. She has always been a fan of fantasy and was inspired to become a story-teller by George Lucas, but didn’t start considering writing down her stories until she reached her late twenties. Now she enjoys writing fantasy. She is currently publishing her monthly Shadow Stalker series, and she has also published a prequel novella to the series called, Demon Hunt. Aside from writing, she loves reading (Fantasy, of course), watching movies with her family, and doing crafts and science experiments with her daughter.

Review: Shadow Stalker, Episode 8 – Broken

Welcome back for my review of episode 8 in the Shadow Stalker Series. I’m a fan of serialised fiction, and I’ve enjoyed Auren’s journey so far. Like any series, I have my favourites and I plan to write a character summary next month to coincide with the next episode release.

Auren finds a way to escape the pain of her torture, but when Makari realizes it’s preventing him from “cleansing” her, he finds ways of randomizing the pain to keep her present. Still, she does not succumb to the torment.

When Makari can’t get through to her, he decides Drevin, the emperor of the Galvadi, is right. Auren is the delohi-saqu. Now Makari is no longer concerned with cleansing her because the delohi-saqu cannot be cleansed. He resorts to more sadistic methods to extract information about the Coalition. If Auren can’t resist, her friends and hundreds of innocent people will die.

Review of Broken: Shadow Stalker – Episode 8 by Renee Scattergood

In every series there are episodes which take it out of you emotionally and, for me, episode 8 played havoc with my emotions! Since Auren’s separation from her foster father, Kado, we’ve seen her face one perilous situation after another. Yet her bravery shines through. She’s strong, determined and passionate about her people. Those characteristics stood out for me. She’s also confused, and in this episode, trying desperately to fight a system she doesn’t fully understand.

Makari is a complex character, whose internal conflicts force him down a difficult path. Though the series is told from Auren’s point of view, Scattergood does a good job of showing us the motivations behind this character. His early life is based on misery and pain, and though that doesn’t excuse his behaviour, it does explain why his conditioning is so embedded in his psyche.

Combine this with the intense connection these characters share, and the poisonous influence of an abusive father, and his conflicts make sense.

Both Auren and Makari still have a long road ahead of them, one pitted with danger. Their paths will cross with both old and new characters, and I’m really looking forward to what lies ahead.

***

Renee Scattergood, author of the fantasy series, Shadow Stalker, and novella, Demon Hunt, lives in Australia with her husband and daughter. Aside from writing, she loves reading (Fantasy, of course), watching movies with her family, and doing crafts and science experiments with her daughter. Find out more about her, and sign up for her newsletter on her blog for a free copy of her latest episode of Shadow Stalker: http://reneescattergood.com

Author Pages:

Renee Writes: http://reneescattergood.com/ – my personal website and blog.

Renee’s Author Spotlight: http://reneesauthorspotlight.blogspot.com.au/ – a blog where I feature indie and small press authors.

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00NTJY1W2

Smashwords Author Page: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/rscatts

Social Media:

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/reneescatts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ReneeScatts

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/118427336236369690813/+ReneescattergoodAuthor/posts

Author Spotlight: Renee Scattergood – Author of the Shadow Stalker Series

Today I’m thrilled to share with you the next installment of the Shadow Stalker Series. Renee has kindly provided an excerpt for us. If you return tomorrow, I will be reviewing episode 8 and sharing my thoughts on the journey so far.

Shadow Stalker: Broken (Episode 8) Excerpt

By Renee Scattergood

My chest tightened painfully and tears filled my eyes. I was truly trapped. This was why he hadn’t used a recinder. He didn’t need one. There was nowhere I could run that he wouldn’t find me. All the power I had been given by the shadow people was useless. Why had they allowed my parents to bring me into the world, if my fate was to be at the mercy of my enemy? A cold realization hit me. Maybe Makari was right and the shadow people were liars. Emotion rolled through me in a wave, tearing an ear-piercing sound from my throat. Makari loosened his grip, startled, but his expression was no less determined.

“No,” I screamed in my mind. He couldn’t be right. This couldn’t be right. I took a deep breath, forcing myself to relax. “What are you going to do to me?”

When Makari didn’t answer, I lifted my head to look at him. He pressed it down and secured a strap across my forehead, so I was completely immobilized.

“You seem to be immune to the effects of the shock wands, but maybe you will respond to a different kind of pain. It’s an old method of torture, and one the Galvadi rarely use anymore,” he said, as though reciting simple facts. “But sometimes it becomes necessary.”

This was it. This was likely the torture method used in Kado’s vision. I couldn’t let it happen. “Makari, please. Please tell me what I can do to make you see there’s another way.”

“I’ve already seen, Auren. I know who you are. This isn’t about proving your innocence anymore. It’s about proving to my father I have more worth than being a hunter of shadow stalkers,” he stopped what he was doing, and rested his palm on my forehead. “You’re going to tell me where the Coalition are hiding.”

He was going to torture me for information. No! “I will never tell you that.”

“Oh, you will, Auren. Then I’ll give you to my father, and you will never be able to hurt anyone in the Serpent Isles again. He might finally see my worth once you are dead, and…” his voice faltered. “He has everything he needs to destroy the remnants of the Coalition.”

***

Author Pages:

Renee Writes: http://reneescattergood.com/ – my personal website and blog.

Renee’s Author Spotlight: http://reneesauthorspotlight.blogspot.com.au/ – a blog where I feature indie and small press authors.

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00NTJY1W2

Smashwords Author Page: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/rscatts

Social Media:

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/reneescatts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ReneeScatts

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/118427336236369690813/+ReneescattergoodAuthor/posts

Thanks for stopping by.

Mel

Introducing the Shadow Stalker Bundle: Part 1 by Renee Scattergood

This weekend Renee Scattergood is launching the Shadow Stalker Part 1 Bundle – the first six episodes in both e-book and print. As a special treat she has written a new scene for us; taken from the series, but from the point of view of Drevin’s son – Makari.

Shadow Stalker Episode 6: Chapter 5

Written from Makari’s point of view (Drevin’s son)

I stood, my arms folded over my chest as I watched Selyn, the head of the Council of Elders on the Dark Isle, question Kado. I had been sent to collect Kado’s foster daughter, the delohi-saqu, and bring her to my father. It was proving more difficult than anticipated, since the elders had chased her off. They had managed to lure Kado back, but not before he’d secured Auren. I had already done a sweep of the village, and found no clue to her whereabouts. My patience was wearing thin.

“This would go so much easier for you, if you’d just tell us where the traitor is. Kado, you of all people should understand we are only trying to protect our people from her. She is a danger to the shadow stalkers and to the people of the Serpent Isles. Our future Foramar should not be protecting our enemy,” Selyn said.

“He is our enemy,” Cathnor said, tilting his head towards me.

It was the same story, one I’d heard a dozen times. I hadn’t known when my father gave the order to invade, that these people; the shadow stalkers and the members of the Coalition, had been taken in by the innocence of the delohi-saqu. Some were ignorant to her very existence. A fact which no doubt made it easier for her to take control of their minds. Ignorance is a man’s worst enemy after all.

“They are stalling for time,” Selyn whispered in my ear.

“I’ve already told you I left Auren in the forest. I told her if I didn’t return she should leave. She could be anywhere on the Dark Isle by now,” Kado said.

I gazed at him. His eyes told me he was telling the truth, but there was more to it. He was leaving out vital information to throw us off. The elders might be fooled, but I knew the delohi-saqu was close. I could almost feel her.

“You can use your connection to find her,” another of the elders said smugly.

“I could,” Kado said, lifting his chin. “But I won’t.”

Selyn shook his head, slowly. “You know what will happen if she leaves this island. She will enslave the Serpent Isle.”

Cathnor snorted. “Hasn’t Drevin already done that?”

I glared at him. I didn’t always agree with my father’s decisions, but I believed in his cause. “My father has been freeing the people of the Serpent Isles, not enslaving them.”

“Freeing them by separating them from their children and torturing them into submission?”

The shadow stalker, Cathnor, looked repulsed, but Kado’s expression hadn’t changed. The future Foramar was dangerous. That was clear. He’d be a formidable enemy, and I was not entirely convinced he was as helpless a prisoner as the elders had led me to believe.

My father had warned me these people would challenge my beliefs and he was right. I could feel the ache in my hands; the tightly balled fists a sure sign I was close to losing control. “The cleansing is not torture. It purifies the mind, so it is no longer susceptible to mind control,” I explained calmly.

Cathnor started to speak again, but Kado silenced him with a nudge. “Tell me, Makari. Is that how it felt to you when you were an innocent child being beaten on a daily basis? Do you truly feel free?”

“My mind is free,” I said. It irritated me, this need to defend myself. Kado was dangerous, and I needed to remember that.

“Is it?”

I didn’t owe him an answer. He was the prisoner here. Yet I wanted to respond, or I did until my gaze was drawn to a lizard lurking near the window. There was something odd about it, and when I looked into its glassy eyes, for a moment it felt as though I had joined with the animal. It was an odd kind of recognition I struggled to understand.

“I can see your father’s ways confuse you. You were sure of him until he started this war. Now that you have witnessed the death and destruction at his hand, you question his motives. Don’t you?”

“No.”

Kado was trying to distract me from the lizard, and it dawned on me that he knew what it was. Was it possible that this was the delohi-saqu? It meant she had abilities other shadow stalkers didn’t. But it made sense. I almost smiled. In this form she would be easy to capture.

“I will find her,” I said. “I don’t need him.”

Kado regarded me, eyebrows raised. “You will never find her. I’ve made sure of it.”

His bluff held no weight because I already knew where she was. Now that we were connected in a tangible way, I felt her presence. I felt drawn to her, and the connection would lead me right to her – wherever she scurried off to.

***

Shadow Stalker Episode Guide

The Hidden Truth (Episode 1)

A young shadow stalker is destined to enslave the people of the Serpent Isles, and the Galvadi Empire want this child of prophecy dead. Auren Trasks perfectly normal life is disrupted when the Galvadi invade, and she learns a startling secret about her past. A secret that will change her life forever.

The Delohi-Saqu’s Fate (Episode 2)

Auren is being targeted by the Council of Elders, and the only one who could put an end to their corruption is her father. But leaving the Dark Isle would turn Kado against her.

Shadows’ Betrayal (Episode 3)

After seeing the monster she will become, Auren swears not to leave the Dark Isle. Despite that, the elders are conspiring against her. To escape their scheming, she and Kado decide to explore the Dark Isle. But worse things await them in the forests.

Forbidden Love (Episode 4)

Kado and Auren survive a deadly storm, but when Auren is forbidden from pursuing love with another young shadow stalker, will it be enough to drive a wedge between her and her foster father?

Destiny Reconciled Part 1 (Episode 5)

Auren and Kado accept that they may not be able to avoid her leaving the Dark Isle. Now they have to prepare for that eventuality. Will the training be more than Auren can handle?

Destiny Reconciled Part 2 (Episode 6)

Cathnor has been arrested and is facing a death sentence. The Dark Isle is out of control, and Kado is the only one who can help his people. So he prepares Auren for the possibility that she may have to leave the Dark Isle without him and face her destiny alone, but can she leave him and do what must be done?

Purchase Links:

Amazon

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Author Pages:

Renee Writes – my personal website and blog.
Renee’s Author Spotlight – a blog where I feature indie and small press authors.
Amazon Author Page
Smashwords Author Page

Social Media:

Shadow Stalker: Destiny Reconciled Part 2 (Episode 6)

It’s Shadow Stalker time! Episode 6 is out today, which is the second part of Destiny Reconciled. You’ll find all the relevant links below. But first, Renee would like to share with you some of her writing experiences.

My Five Biggest Distractions While Writing

By Renee Scattergood

I have ADHD, so I am very easily distracted. Quite often I need to multitask just so I can distract myself from the distractions. Some are just unavoidable, though, and they seem to get to me regardless of what I do. Here are five of them:

1) My daughter. She is probably the biggest distraction I have. She has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and ADHD as well, and right now I am the only person she seems to want attention from. That means every time she needs something, even if her dad is available, she insists on coming to me. Anyone who knows about ASD knows it’s hard to sway a kid like this once they get something in their head, and you learn that they have a reason for it, even if you don’t know what that reason is (in other words, they’re not doing it to annoy you…in fact, that is something they would never consider doing). So I try to encourage her to go to her father, but if we start hitting the meltdown yellow zone, for now I have to just humor her and take care of things myself.

2) Outside noise. Any little bit of outside noise is a distraction to me, whether it’s a car going by, the ice cream truck, or kids playing. Generally I have to wait for the noise to pass before I can concentrate on writing again.

3) The clouds. Yes, the clouds. If I can see the clouds through my window while I’m writing, they will distract me. I love watching the clouds and the minute I see them passing by, I either have to turn myself around or allow myself to succumb to the momentary distraction until the cloud finally passes. Sometimes I get some good ideas while cloud watching, though, so it’s not necessarily a bad thing.

4) My husband. If he finds something cool on the internet he just has to show me right there and then. No, it cannot wait. I’ve even told him to email things to me and I’d look at it when I’m done, but no. It’s easier for him to just tell me about it right then. Sigh…

5) My own thoughts. You know, it just happened right after I wrote that. LOL My brain is always going a million miles a second, and it’s hard for me to keep up sometimes. Most of the time multitasking helps with this, but other times even that’s not enough. I might have other things on my mind, in which case I will need to take care of those things first, or I’ll never be able to write. Other times the story I’m working on plays through my head so quickly, I can’t keep up with the typing. I can end up three or four chapters ahead before I realize I’ve got to catch up with the actual writing.

There are other things that distract me as well, but these are my five biggest distractions. What things distract you from writing, or doing what you’re supposed to be doing?

Cathnor has been arrested by the Council of Elders and everything is out of control on the Dark Isle. As the future Foramar of the shadow stalkers, Kado is determined to return to his village and help his people, but he won’t risk Auren being captured.

On their way back to the village, Kado prepares Auren for the possibility that she may have to leave the Dark Isle without him, but will Auren have the strength and courage to leave her foster father behind and face her destiny alone?

Author Pages:

Renee Writes: http://reneescattergood.com/

Renee’s Author Spotlight: http://reneesauthorspotlight.blogspot.com.au/

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00NTJY1W2

Smashwords Author Page: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/rscatts

Social Media:

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/reneescatts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ReneeScatts

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/118427336236369690813/+ReneescattergoodAuthor/posts

Shadow Stalker Double Feature Tour – Spotlighting Episode 5

Today is all about Shadow Stalker: Episode 5. I’ll begin with a review, and lead into a special character interview. Kathryn Jenkins from DKC pinned Drevin down for us, though I’m told he was reluctant!

Destiny Reconciled Part One: Review

I enjoy two-part episodes because it’s a sure thing there will plenty of tension and an ending that will make you want to shake your fist at the screen (it still works – I read the book on my computer!).

In the end it was the emotions evoked in this episode that had me by the throat. It opened with Auren and Etan being led back to the village to face their punishment. In Episode 4 the pair were found in a compromising position, by Kado no less! Since they were forbidden to see each other, and Etan had been banished, you can imagine that didn’t go down too well. The worst part, I think, and the part which held the biggest emotional impact, was the fact Auren broke her connection to Kado in the process. His sense of betrayal was heart-breaking, and Renee conveyed this really well.

Following Auren’s punishment, Kado led her from the village to continue her training. The ensuing scenes were intense, and as they worked out their differences, the sorrow and regret all but leapt from the page. As if that wasn’t enough, Auren’s training kicked up a gear and she found herself face to face with the deadly Igwangala tree in all its carnivorous glory. I shudder just thinking about it – the descriptions were superb.

The cliff-hanger was totally unexpected, and after such a fraught episode, I think I need the time to recover until Part 2!

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Purchase links: Destiny Reconciled: Part One

Character Interview with Drevin from the Shadow Stalker Series:

Hello Drevin. Thank you for stopping by!

*Drevin nods*

I’m sure Renee’s readers are looking forward to getting to know you.

*wry grin* I’m sure.

Why don’t we get started then?

Lets.

Where were you born, and what was it like growing up there?

I was born on the Dark Isle. My life there was great until I found out the Foramar had done a horrible thing to my parents. I had grown up believing they were dead, but it turned out they had been forced apart because they had mated against the will of the shadow people.

Is it true that the Foramar spared your life when it was well within his rights to kill you when you were born?

It was the only sane thing he’d done as the Foramar.

I see. So is that why you keep him prisoner?

I keep him prisoner because he would unleash an unspeakable horror on our world just to spare his child.

But sparing you was okay.

*icy glare*

Okay, moving on. Did you have many friends growing up?

I did, and they are still my friends today.

Oh? Who are they?

*laughs* Kado could tell you. He watches them like criminals and believes they don’t know.

What is the most important thing you’ve learned in your life?

Trust no one.

That seems to be a pretty lonely view. Haven’t you ever been in love?

I do not need to get tangled in emotional affairs to have women. As the emperor of a great nation, they flock to me.

I see. And it doesn’t bother them that you do not love them?

They feel honored just to be with me.

You are very driven to capture and kill the delohi-saqu. What are your plans for the Serpent Isles once you’ve achieved that goal?

I have many plans that I will not speak openly about. You never know who is listening.

Of course, but wouldn’t you like to be able to just relax and maybe go on vacation?

There is no time for such trivial things.

Well Drevin, that’s all we have time for. Thank you for joining us. It’s been…interesting.

I’m sure it has. Be sure your readers understand that siding with the delohi-saqu is dangerous. Don’t be fooled by her innocent appearance or one day she may enslave your world too.

Of course, I’ll let them know.

See that you do.

***

Renee Scattergood, author of the high fantasy series, Shadow Stalker, lives in Australia with her husband and daughter. Aside from writing, she loves reading (Fantasy, of course), watching movies with her family, and doing crafts and science experiments with her daughter.

Shadow Stalker Double Feature Tour – A guest post by Renee Scattergood

On Thursday I provided a review of Demon Hunt by Renee Scattergood as part of her double feature tour, organised by Dragon Knight Chronicles. The final day of the tour, which takes place on Tuesday the 6th, will be dedicated to the next episode of the Shadow Stalker series, so you can expect another review from me.

Today Renee joins us for a guest post, in which she shares her experiences, and her hopes for the coming year. I’m sure you’ll join me in wishing her the very best of luck.

My 2015 New Year’s Resolution

By Renee Scattergood

I know a lot of people aren’t big on New Year’s Resolutions, but I always like to have at least one goal I set to accomplish throughout the year, so when the next new year rolls around, I have something to reflect on and hopefully be proud of.

Last year, my goal was to overcome my fears that were keeping me from getting something written and published. I knew writing an entire novel would be hard for me. I’m a perfectionist, and I had a bad habit of loving my work until I got close to the end then scrapping it. Plus I was always overly concerned about how to deal with people once they started reading my work. I didn’t expect everyone would like it, so I wasn’t worried about that, but I’m a very introverted person and I have a hard time with socializing with people.

So about half way into the year, I decided to try writing and publishing in smaller chunks. That’s how I came up with the idea of writing the Shadow Stalker episodes. It was much easier for me to write shorter pieces and get them published, taking baby steps, so to speak. When I published the first episode it was like a dam breaking, and I’ve been so excited about writing since then. I feel ready to move on to bigger and better things.

Which brings me to my 2015 New Year’s Resolution! This year I want to focus on writing and publishing my first full length novel. My goal is to publish it in April of this year. So wish me luck!

***

Shadow Stalker Double Feature Tour – Review of Demon Hunt

I’m thrilled to be part of Renee’s double feature tour. Not only is she sharing with us the details of the next episode of Shadow Stalker, she has also just released a prequel to the series. The cover design for Demon Hunt is by Kathryn Jenkins, and I’m sure you’ll agree it’s pretty great.

Review

I thoroughly enjoyed Demon Hunt, the prequel to the Shadow Stalker series. I’ve come to know Kado and Auren pretty well over the last four episodes, so this was a wonderful opportunity to explore their earlier relationship. Their camping trips play a big part of the journey, and reference is made to Auren’s childhood training, so taking this adventure with them was a special treat.

My favourite thing about Demon Hunt is undoubtedly the fact I got to see things from Kado’s point of view. I was drawn to him from the first episode, but since the series is predominantly told from Auren’s point of view, there were times when I wanted to get inside Kado’s head.

Demon Hunt gave me a chance to learn his motivations and, more importantly, to see a lighter side to his nature. I really enjoyed Renee’s descriptions of him. As a character he is extremely compelling, and his relationship with Auren is one of the things I love about the series.

The story also revealed more about the bond Kado and Auren share. Due to the way they lived in the beginning, and the necessity to hide Auren’s identity, Kado had to to wipe her memories on a regular basis. He could not risk detection, but he also needed an opportunity to train her without barriers. The conflicts, as always, were handled beautifully. Seeing both sides brought me closer to them as a reader.

Demon Hunt is a peek into the past, allowing readers to uncover some of the mystery behind Auren’s training regimen and also her past. It is also an adventure. As she unwittingly releases a demon into the world, the pair must hunt the creature and deal with the aftermath of her mistake. It made for an emotional, exciting and engaging read.

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Demon Hunt – Synopsis

Auren longs for adventure and a break from her tedious life on Appolia. It’s the start of summer, and she is looking forward to her yearly camping trip with her foster father, Kado. She believes these trips are for fun, but when they arrive on Luten Isle, Kado informs her that she is a shadow stalker, and she is in training.

One morning, Auren decides to take her training into her own hands. She only means to practice seeing the veil to the shadow world, the world of the shadow people and the source of their power. Instead, she opens the veil releasing a demon, a guardian of the shadow world, into the physical world.

With the deadly beast loose, she and Kado don’t have long to hunt it down and return it to where it belongs, or many innocent people could die.

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Renee Scattergood lives in Australia with her husband, Nathan, and daughter, Taiya. She was inspired to become a story-teller by George Lucas, but didn’t start considering writing down her stories until she reached her late twenties. Now she enjoys writing high fantasy, and has recently began publishing her first series, Shadow Stalker. Aside from writing, she loves reading (Fantasy, of course), watching movies with her family, and doing crafts and science experiments with her daughter.