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Archive for: NICODEMUS

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

Posted by dbreynolds on February 14, 2021

This is me, checking in from back in the cave. I’m hiding out for revisions this time. They’re almost finished, and I’ll be sending it back to my very patient editor this week. It’s a BIG book, people!! It takes a while to get through all the changes. But I think you’re going to love this last book of my Stone Warriors saga, and especially finally getting to read Nick’s story.

And here’s a tiny, tiny snippet, just for you.
—————-
Several layers of wrapping later, including a final swathing of cheesecloth—which seemed an odd choice—Nico lifted the lid, and found even more cheesecloth crushed into balls that filled every empty space in the package, as if to guard against breakage. He frowned, no longer able to guess at what it might contain. He uncovered four smaller packages, identically sized, and as carefully wrapped as the box itself. Nearly out of patience, he split the string on one of the smaller packages, carefully unwrapped it…and had to grip the table lest he fall to the floor, devastated by what he found. Tears blinded him when he hurried to open the other three packages, until finally he shoved the endless piles of wrapping to the floor, and stood four statues on top of the table.

“Damian,” he whispered, touching the first. “Kato. Gabriel. And oh gods, Dragan.” Tears rolled unheeded down his face while he stared at the near perfect images of his warriors as they’d been in the final moments before they vanished.
—————-
Yep, our Nico has lived through some hard times. But don’t worry, his revenge will be all the sweeter for it.

I’m going back to the cave now. These revisions won’t write themselves, and I want this book done.

Stay safe out there. Wear a mask.
xoxo
DBR

Categories Life in the Time of Corona, NICODEMUS, Snippets, Stone Warriors, Uncategorized

STILL ALIVE AND DEEP IN THE CAVE!

Posted by dbreynolds on January 11, 2021

Hi everyone! This is just a very quick note to let you know I’m still breathing and still deep, deep in the cave, which is why you haven’t heard much from me. You (and I) will be happy to know that Nick’s book will be finished THIS WEEK! (if you hear sobs of relief, that’s just me.) I had to trim my original outline, because it would have taken two complete books to do it right. Nick’s had a very, very long life, so I had to do some judicious editing about the details of his history between soon after he took that big leap into the maelstrom of time, and his modern day present, which is his life and adventures once he reunited with Antonia (which he did at the end of DRAGAN.) I don’t know about you, but I wanted to learn how Nick, Antonia, and all four warriors get their revenge on Sotiris. I’m happy with the way it’s turned out, though being a trained historian, I cried a little. There’s a reason I don’t write historical romances, I’m too big of a stickler for accurate details.

Other than writing, I’ve watched the occasional movie (WW1984!) I’ve also bought a frontpack for my 6 mo. kitten, Eddie, so we can take walks together. Where I live, it’s not safe to walk her on a leash. She needs to be secure and protected against marauding coyotes. The pack does have a bubble front though, so she can see where we’re going. We’re taking a road trip later this month, so she’ll be ready for walks in the great outdoors.

For any of you who want to read the earlier books, or if you know someone who does, RAPHAEL‘s ebook is on sale for only $0.99, for two weeks only! This is a super low price for him, so get it while you can.

And finally, I hope you’re all enjoying (is that a word we can use these days??) the new year, and are holding out hope for a better 2021. By the end of this year, maybe we’ll be able to travel again? Maybe? I live in California where things are bad right now, so…fingers crossed for better times for everyone, especially those fighting for their lives, and the ones helping them fight.

Stay safe out there.
Wear a mask, protect yourself and others.
xoxo
DBR

Categories Books on Sale - Where?, Holiday Greetings, Life in the Time of Corona, NICODEMUS, RAPHAEL, Stone Warriors

IN THE CAVE and a SNIPPET……….. (as promised)

Posted by dbreynolds on December 7, 2020

You all know what this means, right? Yep, I’m in the cave again. Although it seems to have gotten colder since I’ve been gone…there’s ice everywhere! Nothing’s been the same since we locked down in March, and now we’re locked down again. Fortunately, I have Eddie to keep me company now. My hands might be covered in scratches and little fang bites, but she’s a good companion, and even permits the occasional cuddle when she’s in the mood. lol
There she is, awake for a change, keeping guard while I write, and thankfully not offering any “helpful” suggestions.

I have the fireplace going, calming music playing, and hot water for tea and cocoa close at hand, so we’re doing great. NICODEMUS’s story is flowing, though it doesn’t want to end. Nick’s life was long, which means I’ve had to decide which parts to include. Otherwise, I’d still be writing this book next summer. lol

As promised, however, today I bring you a snippet. Fair warning: This is an UNEDITED piece of a larger scene that hasn’t been read by anyone but me. So when the scene shows up in the book, it might look very different from what you’re about to read. The snippet’s still covered by my copyright, however. Heh, heh.

So, have a look, and enjoy the first time Nicodemus meets Antonia…
—————————
Nico lifted a flagon of ale, intending to wet his throat, when the soft scuff of a footfall on the stone stairs made him set down the ale and turn, a defensive spell on the tips of his fingers. His servants had standing orders never to climb those stairs, and his four warriors would never have stepped so softly.

He was on his feet, eyes focused on the final turn of stair visible through the open door, when the very last person he’d have expected came around the curve and, seeing his martial pose, went perfectly still.

“Lord Nicodemus.”

He’d never heard her voice before, and was surprised to find it as melodious as the morning birdsong outside his bedroom window. He lifted his gaze from the automatic perusal of her feminine form, and caught the slight twinkle of amusement in pale gray eyes.

“Lady Antonia.” He managed to utter her name without embarrassing himself, and wondered what had overtaken him. He did not become flustered in the presence of even the most beautiful women. But this one, who was lovely but not the equal of some, had him as tongue-tied as a raw youth. Not to mention that she belonged to Sotiris, which surely made her an enemy. For all that she never appeared on the battlefield, it was well known that she had significant power, and was particularly skilled at both conjuring and casting spells.

Dark lashes fell demurely over those pale eyes as she stepped into the room, and when she looked up again, all traces of humor were gone, hidden behind a mask of polite perfection. “Forgive me for intruding, my lord. I would not have done so, if the situation were not,” she hesitated before choosing her next word, “critical.”

Intrigued enough that his unusual first reaction to her presence fell away, Nico swept his arm toward the small, sunlit seating area, which was much neater than the rest of the room, solely because he never used it. “Sit, my lady. I have ale, but I can ring for tea, if you’d—”

She laughed, and his heart seemed to pulse harder against his chest for a beat. By all the gods in heaven and hell, how had Sotiris managed to hold such a light spirit for so many years? And what was she doing here? Now?

“I am not so delicate that I don’t enjoy a fine ale, my lord.”

At his charming best—which was damn good—Nico smiled and filled another flagon, giving her the same full measure as when he topped off his own. He delivered hers with a courtly bow, before sitting on the chair opposite and waiting politely until after she’d taken a sip to ask the obvious. “My tower is always open to a lovely woman, my lady. Though it is rare that one has sufficient magic to make it this far without mishap.”

“You flatter me, my lord. I am more than aware of your own power, and have no doubt you permitted me to approach you.”

It wasn’t true, but he wasn’t going to tell her that. He was intrigued, however, because he was aware of her power, too. And she didn’t have the strength to approach him without notice, much less to access his most private tower. Though he doubted she’d have been able to cross the room’s threshold without serious injury to herself, had he not invited her to do so.

He remained silent, waiting for her to venture her reasons for being there, sipping his ale as if her visit was nothing unusual.

She shot him a quick glance, then another, before a sigh offered her surrender to their unspoken test of wills. “May I speak frankly, Lord Nicodemus. And with assurances that this conversation will not reach my lord Sotiris’s ears?”

Nico cocked his head curiously. “I can assure you for my part, Lady Antonia.”

“That will do, since I value my life too much to whisper a single word of it myself.”

He came alert. “If you are in danger, my lady—”

She waved one delicate hand. “Nothing so drastic. Not yet, and not ever, if you hold to your assurance.”

“I give you my word, on my honor.”

She met his gaze steadily, as if looking into his soul. “And I have heard that you are that rare being…an honorable man of power and title.”

Nico dipped his head slightly, acknowledging the compliment, but held to his patience, waiting for her to begin.

“I had not heard,” she said tartly, “that you were a man of such patience.”

It was his turn to laugh. “My mother will be pleased that you think so. What brings you here, my lady?”

“Save your breath and time. Call me Antonia,” she said impatiently.

“And I am Nico,” he said, too charmed to tease her any further, and surprised that he’d been inclined to do so thus far.

“Nico,” she repeated, as if tasting the name. “I had wondered if your family shortened the name any. Sotiris never calls you anything but Nicodemus. When he’s being polite, that is.”

“Which brings us to my surprise at finding you on my doorstep.”

—————————

Well, that was fairly long. More of an excerpt than a snippet. An exppet, maybe?

Hope you enjoyed it anyway. I don’t have a firm release date yet, but I expect it to be in the early spring. I’m going back to working on it now. I’ve set a deadline for myself, and I’m determined to make it. I did “win” NaNoWriMo again this year, which means I wrote at least 50K words in the month of November. Did you know that RAPHAEL was my very first NaNo project? And I’ve been doing it every year since, although there have been a couple years when I didn’t make the cut.

Stay safe out there. Wear a mask!

xoxo
DBR

Categories Just checking in with misc. stuff, Life in the Time of Corona, NaNo, NICODEMUS, Snippets, Stone Warriors, Uncategorized

STILL WRITING…MOSTLY

Posted by dbreynolds on November 16, 2020

So, it’s November, which means NaNoWriMo, even in 2020. I’m NaNo’ing this year, combining it with my work on Nick’s story (officially NICODEMUS.) This story has turned out to begin differently than I’d originally planned. My first thought was to hit the moment Nick’s four warriors disappeared, finish off the battle, and send Nick on his way after the warriors. And that’s what I wrote. But then I realized…we need to hear Nick and Antonia’s love story. We need to know who Antonia is! And I loved writing it. This is a less cynical Nick, younger in many ways, a powerful sorcerer who’s never really faced any problem his power couldn’t solve, much less any real tragedy. But now it’s back to the battle and the day he lost everything. He’ll be heading for our world, during the Bourbon Restoration in France. I’d like to give you a snippet…but maybe next time.
Since this IS 2020, I’m in my house most of the time, with (mostly) daily walks out into the fresh air. I did manage a weekend to attend my niece’s softball tournament, and was once again impressed by the physicality and discipline of the players. Great “heads-up” playing. But mostly I’m home, so when I need a break from writing, or just something to watch while I eat dinner, I’m searching Netflix and Amazon, along with everyone else. In the interest of saving others the search time, I have recommendations. “The Queen’s Gambit” on Netflix is excellent. Whether or not you’ve read the book, you’re going to love this. “The Impossible” also on Netflix, is the story of one family in the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami in Southeast Asia. Ewan McGregor, Naomi Watts, and a very young Tom Holland lead an excellent cast. And finally, on a much lighter note, Dash & Lily is a sincere but lighthearted look at two 17-18ish kids who don’t quite fit in, and the unique way they find each other. Oh, and if you want something with more episodes, but requiring less attention to watch, there’s always Emily in Paris.
Just so you know, this is whom I’m spending Covid with…my sweet (sometimes) Eddie, who’s got her eyes on the squirrels outside my bedroom window. She was a tiny kitten, weighing about a pound, when she first came to live with me, but she’s officially mine now. The adoption went through and I’ve registered her chip. Sharing lockdown with another living creature makes a difference, especially since it seems we’re about to lock everything down again.
For anyone—or their friends—who haven’t read it yet, the e-book of the second volume of Vampire Vignettes is currently on sale on all the usual e-retailers.

And now back to writing. Nick’s about to take his great leap into the future.

Stay safe, wear a mask!
xoxo
DBR

Categories Books on Sale - Where?, Life in the Time of Corona, NaNo, NICODEMUS, Stone Warriors, Uncategorized, Vampire Vignettes

XAVIER Book Fourteen

LACHLAN – Book Thirteen

QUINN – Book Twelve

The VIGNETTES -Vol 2

RELENTLESS – Book #11.5

LUCIFER – Book Eleven

Four Novellas – Omnibus

Hi Rez The Cyn and Raphael Novellas

COMPELLED – Novella #10.5

CHRISTIAN – Book Ten

Christian Final Cover

DECEPTION – Book Nine

DECEPTION large for blog

VINCENT – Book Eight

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UNFORGIVEN – Novella #7.5

UNFORGIVEN FINAL COVER TEASE

ADEN – Book Seven

Aden - 600x900x300

HUNTED – Novella #6.5

Hunted - 600x900x300

LUCAS – Book Six

BETRAYED – Novella #5.5

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The VIGNETTES – Vol. 1

DUNCAN – Book Five

Duncan - 600x900x300

SOPHIA – Book Four

RAJMUND – Book Three

Rajmund - 600x900x300

JABRIL – Book Two

RAPHAEL – Book One

Also by D. B. Reynolds HEART OF THE WOLF Heart of the Wolf, an e-novella available in KINDLE format from Amazon also from the publisher Siren E-books
D.B. Reynolds.com
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