Straight from the Library: Straight Chatting from the Library

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Ron will be awarding a $25 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn commenter and a $50 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn host during this tour and the Standard Tour.

What is the favorite book you remember as a child?

The Littles series, by John Peterson. I was fascinated by the thought of tiny people living in the walls, using the detritus that we lose to create everything from their clothing to their housewares and locomotion. A fascinating idea, and a good introduction into fantasy!

What is your favorite book today?

It seems frequently I’m reading series of books. I’d say one of my favorite stand-alone books would be Bag of Bones by Stephen King. I wish I could so eloquently capture loss and love the way Mr. King does in that book. Truly a moving book, and one of my favorites!

Tell us about your current book in 10 words.

Daniel Marten explores the true meanings of destiny and sacrifice.

What are you reading right now?

I have quite varied tastes. I enjoy a good historical fiction, fantasy, science fiction, or political thriller. Currently I’m reading a book that doesn’t fit into any of those. It’s called Worst Person Ever by Douglas Coupland. This one just jumped out at me, because it sounded like it’d be funny, and it is!

E-Reader or print? and why?

I am a voracious reader. When I find an author I like, I tend to read every book they’ve published. Consequently my bookshelves would frequently be sagging under the weight of so many worthy entries. It was mostly because of this that I’ve switched over to e-books. It is so much easier to carry ten or fifteen of your favorites with you that way! I do still like print books, though. If I’m going on vacation, I absolutely have to have a print book to take along to the beach or mountains or anywhere in between.

Dog-ear or bookmark? (don't worry—Librarian Judith won't hold it against you—much)

It actually makes me cringe to even think about marring a book! I spent years as a child trying to read paperbacks by never actually fully opening the pages, because I didn’t want the creases on their spines. Consequently, Librarian Judith, you’ll be happy to hear I always use bookmarks. My favorites are the ones my kids make for me, but sometimes I’ll just use a receipt or post-it note if they’re handy.

Favorite genre?

I mentioned earlier that I have varied tastes. Consequently my favorite genre can be quite a mixed bag, depending on my current mood. Right now I’m mostly in a historical fiction state of mind, but I’ve been known to throw in a political thriller to keep things interesting. I’d say if I had to pick one genre as my all-time favorite, it would have to be fantasy. That is the one I come back to time after time, and the one I placed The Prophecy Chronicles in, so it certainly has staying power for me.

Do you loan your books?

Absolutely! There is nothing better that you can give someone than an excellent book, and to be able to share the joy of that book with them is priceless. I have a brother-in-law that is very science-oriented. A few years ago I got a book called Death by Black Hole and Other Cosmic Quandries by the scientist Neil DeGrasse-Tyson. It was filled with essays about various topics in physics. I really enjoyed it, and my wife rolled her eyes at me, but I was happy to give it to my brother-in-law for his birthday. I think he enjoyed it as much as I did!

Favorite book to recommend?

Actually the book I recommend, and quote, the most often is the Bible. It is also in part source material for The Prophecy Chronicles. The country Daniel Marten finds himself in is called Naphthali...ever heard that before? That’s right, it’s mentioned in passing in the 34th chapter of Deuteronomy, only there its spelled Napthali. There are quotes that allude to John the Baptist and passages from Phillipians in my trilogy too...but I also quote George Bush Jr, so my sources are pretty varied...

Re-reader or not?

If I find a book I like a lot I’ll reread it, but typically I don’t. There are just too many great books that I’ve yet to read, who has time? Having said that, I have reread The Stand and The Talisman by Stephen King several times, as well as the Harry Potter series by JK Rowling...some books are just too good to put down forever!

READ THE BLURB

Daniel Marten crossed the Burning Sea and convinced himself that he is the Prophesied One. But what does that mean? In this second installment of the Prophecy Chronicles trilogy, Daniel forges new alliances in his bid to save Naphthali from the Emperor. He meets the Tene’breon, a magical race that has evolved to use the Weave as effortlessly as he breathes air. The leaders of this race recognize him for what he is...but they also see something more.

Naphthali has been dramatically altered by the rule of a new governor, a man whose power is tied to Daniel in a horrifying way. How far will Daniel go to save Naphthali? And what is the secret that binds his destiny with his new allies? Only time will tell in The Prophecy Chronicles: Prophecy Revealed.

READ AN EXCERPT

He heard a noise and turned to see Meadow Song walking across the map room at the tower's top. He walked through the double doors to greet her and was surprised when she pulled him in close, hugging him tight. His left arm wrapped around her waist and his hand slid up her back until it cupped the base of her neck. She tilted her head up as he leaned in and their lips brushed together. Her tongue darted in his mouth, soft and sweet, and a hot rush bloomed inside him as he pressed into her, responding to her need with his own. Barely registering over his desire, a part of Daniel's mind whispered, so different from Ashley. The feel, the taste...

He gasped and pulled away. Meadow Song looked up at him, her eyebrows raised. "What is it?" Her voice was low and husky.

Daniel hesitated before breathing, "I-I love you."

Her face lit with a soft radiance. "And I you. Why do you stop?"

Daniel's arm fell away and he stepped back. It was too easy to lose his resolve when he stood in her warm embrace. "I can't," he whispered. He closed his eyes and saw Ashley. "I may never see them again, but I can't betray them."

Meadow Song frowned before understanding dawned. "Ashley is a fortunate woman." Daniel's heart wrenched at the pain in her whisper.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Author Bio: Ron Hartman has had a life-long passion for the written word and is an avid reader. The Prophecy Chronicles are his first written works. The first in the series, Prophecy Foretold, was released in October of 2012. Prophecy Revealed is the second in the trilogy. Ron graduated from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2000 and lives in Ottumwa, Iowa with his wife and three children.

Website link: www.prophecychronicles.com
Purchase link at Rogue Phoenix Press: http://shop.roguephoenixpress.ieasysite.com/