ART: Tami Reaverson

The Third Miko. Tamiko and the Two Janitors, the third book in the Amaranthine Saga, introduces everyone to Principal Tami Reaverson, who has big plans for her small town.

• • •

“How was the conference?”

Tami’s heart skipped with nervous excitement. “Amazing. And intense. We had classes from morning to night, but they were all so interesting. And I was able to meet real Amaranthine!”

“Look at you, snubbing the slang!”

“Our first lessons were in etiquette.” Tami shook her head. “Everyone’s always saying Rivven, even on the news. Most of the attendees didn’t even know there was a proper term.”

“But they set you straight?”

“Kindly.” She patted her satchel. “I brought back so much literature, and some of the information packets are thick as dictionaries. Even if we’re not selected, I’m going to read it all.”

Tamiko and the Two Janitors (Amaranthine Saga, #3)

• • •

Happily, FoxOfTwilight found the time to give us a portrait of Miss Reaverson. ::twinkle:: Continue reading

Followed by Thunder

Celebrating a New Story. The second short story in the Songs of the Amaranthine collection is ready for readers! If you need an additional nudge toward the splurge or the indulgence of a few hours’ read, here are a couple of characters from the story, courtesy of FoxOfTwilight.

The Strength of the Thunderhoof Clan by FoxOfTwilight

The Strength of the Thunderhoof Clan

ART: Green Dragon

Kimiko took in the Amaranthine’s showy coloring, sheer wardrobe, and excess of accessories and pegged him for a dragon. But not the one she’d been expecting, for Lord Mossberne was a blue.

—Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal (Amaranthine Saga, #2)

I haven’t treated you to art in a while. Let’s have another of FoxOfTwilight’s sketches featuring a cast member from Book 2. You know this guy, right? ::twinkle::

Continue reading

Kith, Kin, and Crosser

“Adorable, is he not?”

Eloquence nearly laughed, for Tenma seemed confused over which person Lapis found adorable: Laud, Ever, or Rise. And in finding equal appeal in all of Quen’s denmates—Kith, Kin, and crosser—Tenma earned a greater measure of trust on all sides.

Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal (Amaranthine Saga, #2)

•  •  •

Let’s add a missing piece to the portrait of Eloquence and Ever. FoxOfTwilight was kind enough to give Rise his proper place. Continue reading

ART: Heart of a Dog

Famous Parent. Eloquence Starmark’s dad is one of the Five. No big deal, right? ::twinkle:: His classmate is understandably impressed.

• • •

“Does that mean you’re related to Harmonious Starmark?”

“Closely.” Quen nodded to the embroidered crest on his shoulder—copper thread glinting against dark brown cloth. “Dad’s the spokesperson for the dog clans.”

“You’re a dog.”

“Yes.”

“And your mother’s human?”

Tenma’s grip had tightened, but this wasn’t fear. If anything, he seemed eager. His scent had brightened considerably. Eloquence smiled. “Yes, Mum is human. She’s my stepmother.”

“I saw that special. The one with all the interviews.”

“Who hasn’t?” Quen rolled his eyes. “They’ve aired ‘Heart of a Dog’ every year since my brother was born. It’s becoming an international Christmas Eve tradition.”

Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal (Amaranthine Saga, #2)

• • • Continue reading

RELEASE DAY – Marked by Stars

Now Available! It’s release day for the first short story in my Songs of the Amaranthine collection. Digital only. Currently on Amazon. Need more incentive to splurge? How about twin wolves?

Highwind Twins by FoxOfTwilight

Highwind Twins by FoxOfTwilight

• • •

Beloor-dex and Loor-ket were alike
in every way except significance.

Marked by Stars

ART: Eloquence Starmark

Born the same year as the Emergence, Ever Starmark was the most famous hybrid on the planet. His mother, Dad’s second bondmate, was human, and Ever’s very existence was considered proof that peace wasn’t just possible, it offered new possibilities for the human and inhuman races.

Eloquence slouched into Rise and smiled at Ever’s shifting expression. He knew every quirk and dip of those auburn ears, the swirl of emotion through shining eyes, and the eager thump of his stubby tail. If Quen was completely honest, Ever was the main reason he’d dragged his feet about enrollment. He couldn’t exactly bring a three-year-old to class.

How was he supposed to explain high school to Ever?

Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal (Amaranthine Saga, #2)

• • •

Runt. Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal opens by introducing readers to Eloquence Starmark, who holds a unique place within his clan. For reasons, he never expected to have a bondmate, but he was (mostly) content and entirely grateful for the den he shares with a bachelor uncle, a baby brother, and whoever else may be looking for a cozy place to bed down. No matter what, Quen has Ever, and Ever has Quen. Continue reading

ART: Juuyu Farroost

Siblings Aplenty. In Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal, we learn a little more about Suuzu Farroost, who comes from one of the phoenix clans. Turns out he has quite a few siblings, but one is closer than all the rest.

• • •

Before the elevator doors could slide all the way shut, a hand cut in and they parted.

Another passenger stepped in, looming in the close space and eyeing them narrowly. Utter silence reigned as the doors whispered shut, and then Akira shook free of his shock. Suuzu reacted at almost the same time as they threw themselves at the newcomer.

“Juuyu!” Akira’s nose mashed against silk-draped strength as he was pulled firmly against their visitor’s side. “I thought you were in Europe or something!”

His best friend was tucked under Juuyu’s other arm, his cheek pressed against the lapel of a dark wool suit, his hair gently rearranged by a clawed hand.

An undercurrent of joy suffused Suuzu’s greeting. “Brother.”

Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal (Amaranthine Saga, #2)

• • •

FoxOfTwilight was messing around with brushes, and some sketchy-sketches happened. I’ll share this one today. (Which is code for “there are more.”) Continue reading

ART: Kimiko Miyabe

Grandpa’s Girl. Before FoxOfTwilight even finished Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal, she was ready to draw Kimi for us. Miss Miyabe is an interesting young lady who lives on the fringes of the In-between because her family serve the Kikusawa community as shrinekeepers. Kimi’s path is set, and her options are few, but she finds little ways to add excitement to her days.

A convenience store caught her eye, and she pulled up short. “Say, do you mind if I make a quick stop?”

“Snacks!” was Akira’s stamp of approval.

Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal (Amaranthine Saga, #2)
Continue reading

ART: Gingko

“No need to stand … or stand on formalities.” He strode forward and crouched beside her, offering a hand. “I’m Gingko.”

Tsumiko’s eyes widened, for her gardener had claws.

He sighed. “Nobody told you about me?”

“No.”

“Figures.”

Gingko pushed back his hat. He was younger than she expected—about her own age, perhaps a little older. While he had the famed beauty of the inhuman races, his pupils were round. Which only confused Tsumiko further, because it made Gingko seem more human.

Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox (Amaranthine Saga, #1)

• • •

I don’t like spoilers, nor do I like to spoil surprises. That’s probably why I’ve been sitting on Gingko art for so long. His return to Stately House may be forecast early on, but Tsumiko certainly didn’t see him coming. With Book 2 releasing in less than a month, I’m bringing out FoxOfTwilight’s rendition of the estate’s gardener. Continue reading

The Five – Chibi Editions

Of all the Amaranthine clans, the showiest are probably the dragons. They have a certain grandeur in both appearance and attitude. And it’s safe to say they’re not afraid of color. Or bling. Among the Five, the spokesperson for the dragon clans is Lapis Mossberne. Continue reading

The Five – Chibi Editions

“The leaders of the Five Clans are doing everything they can to establish a place for the Amaranthine. Peace treaties, alliances, registries, amendments, and bills of rights are being negotiated at the international level.”

Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox (Amaranthine Saga, #1)

• • •

The Five are not only spokespersons for their clans, they speak for all the Amaranthine people. As emissaries for their people, they travel a great deal, endure endless meetings and press conferences, all so that their people will be recognized and respected. Another of the most prominent Five is the spokesperson for the fox clans, Nona Hightip. Chibi art by FoxOfTwilight. Continue reading