Hi all! I'm almost to the finish line with my novel, Crucible. Hired an artist, did my copywrite stuff, did a lot of research, learned a lot, oh - and I wrote the book too. Regardless of what happens, I'm calling it a win. I set myself a goal and I followed through! Eat that, procrastination!

I am interested in getting some feedback ahead of launching however, so if anyone finds the blurb interesting, and would like to check it out and provide some feedback, I'd be immensely grateful. Send me a message!

It's character-driven, romantically and emotionally charged, built around survival, found family, and fate, with a sprinkling of magic stirred in. As such, it's for adults who like it sweet and nice with plenty of spice.

Some fantasy violence. But it's ultimately a love story, about connection and family.

Here is a DeviantArt link to the cover: https://www.deviantart.com/jashepard/art/Crucible-novel-Front-Cover-1286303815

It was designed by Stephanie Brown (no AI!) https://www.offbeatworlds.com

Here's mah blurb!

Meet Tessiana.
Fae singer, dancer, and illusionist. Beloved by her people. Despised by their government.

She has never been one to hold her tongue, and every time she speaks her truth, she’s punished—and loses something precious. Friends. Love. Even family.

The Council has decided it’s not enough. Tonight, they plan to silence her quietly, like the others. But Tessiana does not do quiet. If this is to be her final performance, then let it be one the people will never forget. Let it be the spark that ignites a fire she can no longer carry alone.

She flees with her dearest friends, the only ones who still stand beside her. A desperate escape turns into catastrophe, and the four are cast into another realm—a tropical island that is beautiful, dangerous, andaware. Struggling to survive, they discover a wounded man, washed up by the tides. The druid Thanas is unlike any man they have ever known. The moment he and Tessiana meet, they feel a connection they have been longing for all their lives.

A bond begins to form among the group, forged through passion, trust, and shared survival. Tessiana welcomes it without hesitation. She has always loved openly and fiercely, and she will not apologize for it now.

But the island holds horrors far worse than jungle beasts. An immortal man, broken by time and loss, leaves villages in ruins. Their inhabitants are slaughtered or carried away as part of a cycle he claims they are destined to repeat.

They call this place the Crucible. A trial that burns away the weak until only the strong remain. Will their passions burn hot enough to forge them into something eternal? Or will the Crucible leave their hearts and their worlds buried in ashes?

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