Pack Nickname. We’ve seen more than a few nicknames doled out by dogs and wolves alike. They’re a gift of sorts, denoting trust and belonging. The exchanging of nicknames can also be used to formalize a pact.
Do you recall which folks have earned the following nicknames?
Shelter Me. We’ve encountered several reaver classifications with each new installment of the Saga & Songs. Many of you picked up on a tiny detail in Book 3, where Argent refers to Tsumiko as a bastion. In essence, those with a bastion’s classification serve as an anchor for the wards and barriers that protect a location. Usually, this means they have to stay put.
Argent was inclined to agree. “You would not be the first unofficial beacon. My own bondmate is unregistered, yet she has been acknowledged as both beacon and bastion.”
Tamiko and the Two Janitors (Amaranthine Saga, #3)
“I was bought and brought to become this enclave’s anchor, and I was raised in the Amaranthine style. They don’t send away their children.” Jiminy kept his eyes on the road as she guided the car toward the highway. “I don’t often leave campus, so this is something of an adventure.”
Tamiko and the Two Janitors (Amaranthine Saga, #3)
Fira could feel her cheeks warming. Pushing the stone toward the center of the table, she asked, “Why do I have to do this, anyhow? I thought Lufu is the one you want for an anchor. The stones like her, and she makes them happy. Train her.”
Followed by Thunder (Songs of the Amaranthine, #2)
As Seen on Patreon. Whether you call it boba tea, bubble tea, or even pearl shakes, these drinks are something I first discovered when I moved to California. I’ve tried so many flavors! My favorites are a Vietnamese coffee shake & several of the real fruit smoothies my local Boba Bar serves up. Just yesterday, I was craving a melon one. Lovely stuff.
If you’re a patron (or if you ordered a signed book from me), you may have received one of the promotional postcards pictured below, which includes a short story snippet (on the reverse) that takes place in the setting of Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate. Brew & Bubble is the coffee shop at a local museum/art center, and they serve both coffee & assorted teas (including those boba smoothies I love). The art turned out so cute, we put it on totes! Now available.
“Added security, you understand.” When Argent Mettlebright sets his trap for the Gentlemen Bandit, he arranges for a security team he can trust. So Juuyu Farroost meets the formidable duo known as the Lost Harbor Lockets. ::twinkle::
Lost Harbor Lockets | art by FoxOfTwilight
. . .
“Curious?” The woman smiled broadly and crooked a finger. “You can look, but don’t touch. They’re loaded.”
The sigils stood out like lace upon her skin, inked in white, shimmering with power.
“These are what I like to call a competitive edge.” She turned, encouraging his perusal. “This set has shields for deflective attacks. Ever been hit by an airbag in a moving car?”
Juuyu’s eyes widened.
So did her smile. “Broke my nose once. Gave me the idea. Defensive measures can pack a wallop. So does my partner. I’m Magda Locket, by the way. We’re the Lost Harbor Lockets.”
As if he should recognize them.
He met her palms and admitted, “I am … unfamiliar.”
“Seriously?” Magda propped a hand on her hip. “We’re on the battler circuit. The games are televised and everything. Ever watch any extreme sports? No?”
“I apologize.”
Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate
Amaranthine Saga, #5
Audio Book. The wait is over! Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate, narrated by Travis Baldree, is now available.
You can reread the entire Amaranthine Saga (and the first four Songs) this way. Audible >>
Bathed in Moonlight. There are several wolves in the new short story, and most of them are dexes. We actually get a proper introduction to one of them, so in honor of release day, I’m posting Henloo’s. ::twinkle::
I suppose next, you’ll be wanting a full listing of the Seven Score Moons? I’ll have Sinder print out a copy for you, too.
Kith and Kin. I borrowed from that old turn of phrase when giving the Amaranthine clans a bit of lingo. In English, kin (and kindred) refer to family, while kith refers to close friends or neighbors. You’ll find that when two Amaranthine meet and haven’t yet gone through the formalities of a proper introduction, they’ll address each other as “kindred.” This courtesy applies no matter which clan the Amaranthine hail from.
The Amaranthine world has many layers. The Kindred clans are uppermost. These take our form, learn our languages, and make peace. But others cannot aspire to such complexities. Kith are sentient, but have no speaking form. And then there are the Ephemera—tiny creatures that are difficult to classify because of their diversity. They can be pretty or pests.”
Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox (Amaranthine Saga, #1)
Adoona-soh’s tail swayed slowly, and she made a gesture for peace. “I expected nothing, but I hoped for trust. Let us help you, Kindred.”
Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox (Amaranthine Saga, #1)
Narrated by Travis Baldree. Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate is showing up on Amazon & Audible for pre-order, so zip on over and secure your copy! The audio book will release on November 9, 2021.
Signed Books. One of the little things I’ve always done for author-signed copies of my books is a specially-made stamp. If you’re interested in buying a book from me, check out the Signed Books tab >>
Kiddo. Just wanted to drop this here in case you needed reminding of what Nonny looks like. (Art by FoxofTwilight.) And … while we’re at it! Those who were able to listen in on Travis Baldree’s recording sessions for the audio book of Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate already know that Nonny (who often employs Britticisms) has a Cockney accent. ::twinkle::
… such pretty flocking!
::twinkle::
Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate. If you need a place to react, confer, or kick up a fuss, this is the spot. I’ll enjoy your enthusiasm, I might be willing to clarify small points, but I reserve the right to evade questions that will be answered later in the series. ::twinkle::
[[[WARNING: HERE THERE BE SPOILERS]]]
Release Day • October 22, 2021
She could make a mess of everything. Especially him.
The Junzi—also known as the Four Gentlemen—are a set of ancient weapons fashioned from remnants. Dragons refer to them as the Four Storms, and Hisoka Twineshaft believes they will make a difference in the hunt for the rogue. But someone else is interested in gathering up these crystal masterpieces. The so-called Gentleman Bandit is responsible for two thefts already, and Hisoka is concerned for the Bamboo Stave. So he deploys an elite taskforce to guard the treasure. And to catch a thief.
Juuyu Farroost and his teammates regroup at a safehouse tucked under the boughs of one of the oldest—and most heavily fortified—orphan trees in the Americas. Fumiko and her tree twin have enough rooms for all of them. If they can shift enough of the woman’s clutter to set up their equipment. Juuyu’s expertise is essential to the success of their mission, but he can barely focus thanks to Fumiko, her messes, and Akira, who apparently owes Boon a favor.
• • •
If you’ve already begun reading, hold onto your comments and put them on the Squee Post. (I want this thread to remain spoiler free.)
Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate. While Fumiko officially releases tomorrow, many of you will find the fifth book in the Amaranthine Saga downloading to your e-reader tonight. (Mine always shows up before 10pm.) OR you live in the future, because it’s already the 22nd in your hemisphere. So the festivities begin early. Happy Release Eve!
An official Release Day post is scheduled to go up at midnight here, with a Squee Post close on its heels. But I know from long experience that tomorrow will be pretty quiet. And that’s fine. I hope you can enjoy your weekend’s reading!
Copper Eyes. The Starmark clan is famous for their copper eyes, a trait they inherited from Radiance, who hails from the Ambervelte pack. She’s a buoyant, charismatic lady, and in many essentials of nature, her son Harmonious takes after her. Mikoto Reaver is more than a little in awe of her: “Glint’s bondmate was a force few knew they should be reckoning.”
Kyrie fiddled with a set of wooden shutters, and more light flooded the shelter. Enough that Lilya could now see the small, silvery star that marked the center of Radiance Starmark’s forehead. “Is that your blaze?”
“No.” Her eyebrows arched. “It’s a miracle.”
“Truly?” asked Kyrie, coming closer and bending down to see.
Radiance hooked his elbow and pulled him onto her lap.
For a moment, Kyrie froze. Lilya understood his surprise. Most people were wary of a red-eyed boy with horns. Not her. When Lady Starmark proceeded to snuffle his neck, he collapsed into gasps and giggles.
“She’s sniffening you!” Lilya exclaimed.
“Don’t mind me,” said Radiance. “Standard procedure for special guests. Especially wily, barrier-dropping dragons who may need tracking.”
Mikoto and the Reaver Village (Amaranthine Saga, #4)
Maybe. Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate will release this coming Friday, October 22 (::confetti toss::). While I can’t guarantee a release day delivery like certain vendors, I’m going to get as close as possible. The first shipment will go out today, bound for international recipients. And another teetering stack will go out on Monday. Media mail supposedly takes up to ten days, but most of my recipients see a package in seven. Unless they live in nearby states, in which case, books could show up early. Lucky you! ::twinkle::
Aaah, we’re so close. I hope you’re as excited as I am for what’s to come. And thank you for supporting my stories wherever they can be found.
FORTHRIGHT 