Of Silver and Beasts (Goddess Wars #1)
by Trisha Wolfe
Release Date: April 19th 2013
New Adult Fantasy
New Adult Fantasy
Summary from Goodreads:
In the sand-covered queendom of Cavan, the goddess once saved a young Kaliope's life, preventing the mercury her father attempted to hide in her blood from reaching her heart. Now, a cybernetic clamp filters it, but the silver streaks swirling faintly beneath her skin are a constant reminder that she's different.
When nineteen-year-old Kaliope is chosen as head of the Nactue Guard, she becomes the sworn protector to her empress. In the midst of an invasion on a neighboring land, Kaliope is placed in charge of guarding Prince Caben, the last heir to his kingdom. But when they're attacked by the feared Otherworlders, Caben and Kaliope are abducted and taken below to a realm where they must fight for their life in a caged arena.
Kaliope struggles to protect her princely charge, keeping him and herself alive while battling inhumanly opponents, and trying to save the stolen, sacred relic that will restore her empress's life force and all of Cavan. And if she can somehow awaken the goddess within her, she may save what's most important.
New Adult Dark Fantasy: Intended for readers 17 years of age and older.
When nineteen-year-old Kaliope is chosen as head of the Nactue Guard, she becomes the sworn protector to her empress. In the midst of an invasion on a neighboring land, Kaliope is placed in charge of guarding Prince Caben, the last heir to his kingdom. But when they're attacked by the feared Otherworlders, Caben and Kaliope are abducted and taken below to a realm where they must fight for their life in a caged arena.
Kaliope struggles to protect her princely charge, keeping him and herself alive while battling inhumanly opponents, and trying to save the stolen, sacred relic that will restore her empress's life force and all of Cavan. And if she can somehow awaken the goddess within her, she may save what's most important.
New Adult Dark Fantasy: Intended for readers 17 years of age and older.
OF SILVER AND BEASTS: A Goddess Wars Novel, Book 1
Excerpt
Excerpt
I drag my gaze away from Caben and look at Cannon as he moves to the center of the Cage. His biceps bulge, like two cannon balls have been implanted beneath his skin. For all I know, they have been. The rings leaders are sick enough to do just that.
He roars and smacks his fist into his palm. Then he barrels toward me.
His face shifts back and forth quickly as he runs, shaking in my line of vision. Suddenly his face is my father's. It flashes before me in an instant, followed by an image of Van falling to the ground. Willa's lifeless form. Lilly. My mother. Caben. The images seize my mind and a deep laugh rolls inside of my head.
Kill him.
I shake my head and lunge out of Cannon's path. He swipes the air. Rolling out of range of his stomp, I get to my knees and latch on to his ankle. I twist, and he falls backward. He hits the ground hard, the dirt kicking up around him.
I tamp down the throaty voice in my head urging me to end his life. I thought it was the madness of the Otherworld invading my senses, but I know the truth. I'm standing atop Bale's grave. The conduit running through my veins calls to her. I can hear her; feel her presence-her darkness. She's not entered my mind; not able to hear my thoughts-the dark priest would have shut down our scheme if so-but I'm tired of hearing her voice. Tired of her madness pressing me.
The rage drumming though me after watching yet another of my Nactue die desires to end this beast trying to kill me now, but I have to remember who I am.
What I vowed.
To protect and serve those I care for.
Not to end lives for a blood sport-a dark goddess.
Cannon wraps his hulking arms around my midsection and lifts me off the ground. He squeezes, and a cry rips from my throat. The mercury pumps faster, scorching my insides. I pull my head back and snap it forward, knocking Cannon in the face.
His nose explodes. Blood sprays my face.
He drops me and swipes the air, his vision blurred. Sickened, I wipe at the blood. It smears over my skin-and I stop-allow it to hide the mercury rising to the surface. Jumping back into action, I kick his legs from beneath him and round his large form. Coming up behind him, I angle my arm around his thick neck and tighten until I see his eyes bulge. Their deep brown irises darken as he gasps for air.
I can knock him out. Anger the ring leaders and the dark priest. They can come out here and kill us themselves to bleed their sacrifices for their goddess. I won't do it. Lena had no choice, I understand that. But she also tried to use her kill to prep me for my fight. I think of her face as I squeeze Cannon's neck tighter.
The horn sounds, and I look up. Weapons descend from the top of the Cage. Before Cannon loses consciousness, he gets a handle on my wrist and kicks off the ground. His booted foot connects with my face.
I try to bring him with me as I'm knocked backward, but he scrambles sideways and breaks my hold. He takes off for the closest weapon dangling from the chains.
He yanks the flail free and swings the spiked ball above his head. The crowd stomps harder and faster as he builds momentum. The whom whom of the spikes slicing the air cuts through my eardrums.
Behind him, illuminated by the projected full moon, is a long sword. I bound to my feet and run.
The flail swipes the air and I just dive out of Cannon's reach as the spiked ball slams the ground. He roars and jerks his weapon free of the black dirt. I turn and leap backward as the flail flies toward me again. It snags my tunic. The bottom of my shirt tears as I struggle free and sprint.
I hear the pad of Cannon's bare feet thumping the ground behind me. Before he launches his weapon, I spring up and grab the sword. Dropping down next to him, I arc my blade against his flail. Our weapons meet with a metallic clang.
Cannon's eyes widen, his sockets enlarging to deliver a crazed glare. He laughs a deep, adrenaline-filled chuckle. "It's over, protector," he roars. "I'm going to smash your bones to dust, just like I'll do to little Red over there when I get to her."
Spinning and blocking his blow, I glance at Krewl's chamber, to where Lilly watches my battle wide-eyed. I knock Cannon's chin with the hilt of my sword. Lilly lost Willa. She suffered through her death. I won't let her witness my death, too.
I won't give Cannon the chance to touch her.
As Cannon groans and swipes the flail at my stomach, I turn and dive. I have to get that flail; use the chain to choke him unconscious. I can spare Lilly and defy the ring leaders at the same time. I just have to-
A spike drives into my thigh and I scream.
I hit the ground hard, and Cannon yanks the spiked ball from my leg. I hear the sickening squish as it leaves my skin. He towers over me, a deranged look on his giant features. I feel the static pull of the electrified cage bars behind me. It tugs on the fabric of my clothes, my hair.
Cannon has me closed off. He swings the flail one final time above his head as he prepares to bring it down on my head. The ball descends, the whoosh filling my ears as the Cage zaps behind me.
I thrust my sword toward the flail.
The chain circles my blade, and I yank back and throw the sword behind my head. The sword connects with the Cage. A current travels through the spiked ball and chain to Cannon's flesh.
His body sparks. His eyes illuminate like the moon above, and his body convulses. He sinks to the ground, still holding the flail as the current continues to drain his life.
I drop my head to the dirt.
The cheers of the crowd surround me, and the announcer's voice shouts over the chaos. I've won.
I've killed.
My eyes seek Lilly. She slips her hand through the bars of her chamber and flattens her palm, her fingers crossed. Tears brim in my eyes.
We're still us-she's still with me.
The announcer waves me to my feet, and I push off the ground. As I slink my way toward Bax's chamber, I keep my gaze on Caben. I don't know if he would've defeated Cannon in the final battle, but now I don't have to worry. It's over.
Goddesses, forgive me.
He roars and smacks his fist into his palm. Then he barrels toward me.
His face shifts back and forth quickly as he runs, shaking in my line of vision. Suddenly his face is my father's. It flashes before me in an instant, followed by an image of Van falling to the ground. Willa's lifeless form. Lilly. My mother. Caben. The images seize my mind and a deep laugh rolls inside of my head.
Kill him.
I shake my head and lunge out of Cannon's path. He swipes the air. Rolling out of range of his stomp, I get to my knees and latch on to his ankle. I twist, and he falls backward. He hits the ground hard, the dirt kicking up around him.
I tamp down the throaty voice in my head urging me to end his life. I thought it was the madness of the Otherworld invading my senses, but I know the truth. I'm standing atop Bale's grave. The conduit running through my veins calls to her. I can hear her; feel her presence-her darkness. She's not entered my mind; not able to hear my thoughts-the dark priest would have shut down our scheme if so-but I'm tired of hearing her voice. Tired of her madness pressing me.
The rage drumming though me after watching yet another of my Nactue die desires to end this beast trying to kill me now, but I have to remember who I am.
What I vowed.
To protect and serve those I care for.
Not to end lives for a blood sport-a dark goddess.
Cannon wraps his hulking arms around my midsection and lifts me off the ground. He squeezes, and a cry rips from my throat. The mercury pumps faster, scorching my insides. I pull my head back and snap it forward, knocking Cannon in the face.
His nose explodes. Blood sprays my face.
He drops me and swipes the air, his vision blurred. Sickened, I wipe at the blood. It smears over my skin-and I stop-allow it to hide the mercury rising to the surface. Jumping back into action, I kick his legs from beneath him and round his large form. Coming up behind him, I angle my arm around his thick neck and tighten until I see his eyes bulge. Their deep brown irises darken as he gasps for air.
I can knock him out. Anger the ring leaders and the dark priest. They can come out here and kill us themselves to bleed their sacrifices for their goddess. I won't do it. Lena had no choice, I understand that. But she also tried to use her kill to prep me for my fight. I think of her face as I squeeze Cannon's neck tighter.
The horn sounds, and I look up. Weapons descend from the top of the Cage. Before Cannon loses consciousness, he gets a handle on my wrist and kicks off the ground. His booted foot connects with my face.
I try to bring him with me as I'm knocked backward, but he scrambles sideways and breaks my hold. He takes off for the closest weapon dangling from the chains.
He yanks the flail free and swings the spiked ball above his head. The crowd stomps harder and faster as he builds momentum. The whom whom of the spikes slicing the air cuts through my eardrums.
Behind him, illuminated by the projected full moon, is a long sword. I bound to my feet and run.
The flail swipes the air and I just dive out of Cannon's reach as the spiked ball slams the ground. He roars and jerks his weapon free of the black dirt. I turn and leap backward as the flail flies toward me again. It snags my tunic. The bottom of my shirt tears as I struggle free and sprint.
I hear the pad of Cannon's bare feet thumping the ground behind me. Before he launches his weapon, I spring up and grab the sword. Dropping down next to him, I arc my blade against his flail. Our weapons meet with a metallic clang.
Cannon's eyes widen, his sockets enlarging to deliver a crazed glare. He laughs a deep, adrenaline-filled chuckle. "It's over, protector," he roars. "I'm going to smash your bones to dust, just like I'll do to little Red over there when I get to her."
Spinning and blocking his blow, I glance at Krewl's chamber, to where Lilly watches my battle wide-eyed. I knock Cannon's chin with the hilt of my sword. Lilly lost Willa. She suffered through her death. I won't let her witness my death, too.
I won't give Cannon the chance to touch her.
As Cannon groans and swipes the flail at my stomach, I turn and dive. I have to get that flail; use the chain to choke him unconscious. I can spare Lilly and defy the ring leaders at the same time. I just have to-
A spike drives into my thigh and I scream.
I hit the ground hard, and Cannon yanks the spiked ball from my leg. I hear the sickening squish as it leaves my skin. He towers over me, a deranged look on his giant features. I feel the static pull of the electrified cage bars behind me. It tugs on the fabric of my clothes, my hair.
Cannon has me closed off. He swings the flail one final time above his head as he prepares to bring it down on my head. The ball descends, the whoosh filling my ears as the Cage zaps behind me.
I thrust my sword toward the flail.
The chain circles my blade, and I yank back and throw the sword behind my head. The sword connects with the Cage. A current travels through the spiked ball and chain to Cannon's flesh.
His body sparks. His eyes illuminate like the moon above, and his body convulses. He sinks to the ground, still holding the flail as the current continues to drain his life.
I drop my head to the dirt.
The cheers of the crowd surround me, and the announcer's voice shouts over the chaos. I've won.
I've killed.
My eyes seek Lilly. She slips her hand through the bars of her chamber and flattens her palm, her fingers crossed. Tears brim in my eyes.
We're still us-she's still with me.
The announcer waves me to my feet, and I push off the ground. As I slink my way toward Bax's chamber, I keep my gaze on Caben. I don't know if he would've defeated Cannon in the final battle, but now I don't have to worry. It's over.
Goddesses, forgive me.
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Of Darkness and Crowns (Goddess Wars #2)
by Trisha Wolfe
Release Date: September 1, 2013
New Adult Fantasy
***WARNING: MAJOR SPOILERS IF YOU HAVEN'T READ BOOK ONE***
Summary from Goodreads:
The moon goddess has taken up residency within Prince Caben, darkening his mind and soul. Now he hunts the very women he sacrificed his life to save, his conflicting desires for love and power raging a battle within him. Kaliope possesses the key to setting Bale free, and Caben will stop at nothing to see his goddess restored. Even if that means destroying the kingdom he's sworn to protect, and the infuriating woman who torments his thoughts.
Kaliope, now the leader to the newly formed Nactue Guard, has vowed to save Caben. But with a traitor lurking among her people, and powers she's unable to fully control, Kaliope's mission becomes shrouded with doubt. Her new role as watcher over Caben's kingdom brings a burden she's unable to bear alone, and appointing the right person in charge of the prince's affairs has turned a kingdom against the Nactue leader. Saving her stubborn, willful prince from the darkness overtaking him will be the battle of her life, and she needs people she can trust by her side. But bad blood between members of the Nactue obscure Kaliope's journey, while her feelings for Caben cloud her judgment.
When the time comes to do what she must to destroy the goddess of chaos, will she be able to if it means losing Caben forever?
When the time comes to do what she must to destroy the goddess of chaos, will she be able to if it means losing Caben forever?
Book two of the Goddess Wars is told in dual point of view from Kaliope and Caben. New Adult Dark Fantasy, intended for readers 17 years of age and older.
Available from:
OF DARKNESS AND CROWNS: A Goddess Wars Novel, Book 2
Caben's POV
Excerpt
Caben's POV
Excerpt
I block her blow and come at her from above, forcing her to deflect my attacks at an awkward angle for her petite stature. My smile spreads. "We can dance like this all night, but I'd rather our time be spent more usefully." I lunge and slash, making it tiring for her to defend herself. "Take me to the goddess relic, and I'll let you and your empress live…for the time being." I grunt as she snakes a cheap shot to my wrist.
She's not amused by the slight damage she's inflicted. Rather, as her gaze traps my broken skin, she looks mortified. Everything I've waited for is falling apart. I can't have her die at the end of my sword while mourning the loss of her prince. She needs anger. Wrath. Disgust.
Those are the emotions that will drive her to face me full-on and not hold back.
I could end this now-slice her open and turn my back on her forever. Find the relic easily for myself and what else I came here for and then be gone. But something inside me refuses to accept a simple defeat. Not from the woman who has tormented my thoughts with weakness and regret.
She's the last thing in this world that threatens my power. And I refuse to destroy her in this state, only to have her haunt me from the grave. I need a worthy foe-a vicious opponent-to defeat.
Not a heartbroken girl.
"This won't do." I growl as I back her against the wall, my swings becoming sloppy with my rage. As if she knows what she's doing to me, she smiles. The first one I've seen in so long…and she's beautiful. Heart stopping. It infuriates me.
I shout and thrust my sword, knocking hers aside as I move into her personal space.
Realization washes over her face, and she quickly brings up her arm to guard against my fist. I stop short, my balled hand an inch from her cheek.
My breaths are hot and quick as they leave my mouth in heavy puffs. My gaze flicks over Kal's shocked face, her trembling lips. And my fingers uncurl. I press closer and trace my fingertips along her soft skin…
Kill her.
With a jerk of my head, I hush the dark goddess's voice. Then I seize Kal's wrist and slam the back of her hand against the stone wall. She's as stubborn as ever, keeping a tight grip on her weapon. I knock her arm against the wall again. And again, until she releases a cry and her sword clatters to the floor.
I drop my own and grab the arm still held up as a shield, then pin both her wrists to the wall. "Look at me," I order, my tone giving away my frustration. Impatience grips my nerves, and I drop one hand to grasp her face, forcing her eyes to meet mine.
As she drinks me in hungrily, like she's only just now truly seeing me, something stirs beneath my skin. The white power crackles over my hands, healing the wound on my wrist, and Kal's eyes widen.
The last time she encountered my power, when she was trapped by the glowing tentacles, she suffered tremendous pain, I'm sure. And though something inside me is screaming to unleash that power on her now, I rein it in. I don't want our dance to end so soon.
As the power recedes, leaving my skin unblemished, I caress her face. Run my palm and fingers along her soft flesh. Down her jawline. All the while, her eyes hold me, ensnaring me. This is her power-her spell over me. It's the reason why she must die.
I have to be free of her.
Yet, I can't help wanting to inhale her, taste her, quench my thirst of her one last time. And maybe that will even spark the fury within her to fight. Bring the old Kal back, the one who would rather put a blade through a man's heart than be victim to his charms.
Pushing my body against hers, I revel in the feel of her curves, and know that I'm lying to myself. It's completely selfish what I'm craving, but the lie is all too tempting. Just like her.
I lower my head and place my lips to her neck, breathe her in. Then, trailing them along her slick skin, my tongue flicking out to taste the mix of sweetness and salt, I move next to her ear. Her breaths deepen, pressing her sultry chest to mine.
"Let me in, Kal," I whisper, loving how my words cause her to shiver. "It's what you want."
Pulling back, I lock gazes with her. The desire in her eyes urges my lips to trap hers, and I move in. Wanting to caress them as much as the yearning demands to hurt them.
"Caben," she says, low and breathy. I halt my descent. She bites down on her lip, and my arousal hardens painfully against my pants.
"What, love?"
A slow smile curls her lips. "Fuck off." Then she spits in my face.
She's not amused by the slight damage she's inflicted. Rather, as her gaze traps my broken skin, she looks mortified. Everything I've waited for is falling apart. I can't have her die at the end of my sword while mourning the loss of her prince. She needs anger. Wrath. Disgust.
Those are the emotions that will drive her to face me full-on and not hold back.
I could end this now-slice her open and turn my back on her forever. Find the relic easily for myself and what else I came here for and then be gone. But something inside me refuses to accept a simple defeat. Not from the woman who has tormented my thoughts with weakness and regret.
She's the last thing in this world that threatens my power. And I refuse to destroy her in this state, only to have her haunt me from the grave. I need a worthy foe-a vicious opponent-to defeat.
Not a heartbroken girl.
"This won't do." I growl as I back her against the wall, my swings becoming sloppy with my rage. As if she knows what she's doing to me, she smiles. The first one I've seen in so long…and she's beautiful. Heart stopping. It infuriates me.
I shout and thrust my sword, knocking hers aside as I move into her personal space.
Realization washes over her face, and she quickly brings up her arm to guard against my fist. I stop short, my balled hand an inch from her cheek.
My breaths are hot and quick as they leave my mouth in heavy puffs. My gaze flicks over Kal's shocked face, her trembling lips. And my fingers uncurl. I press closer and trace my fingertips along her soft skin…
Kill her.
With a jerk of my head, I hush the dark goddess's voice. Then I seize Kal's wrist and slam the back of her hand against the stone wall. She's as stubborn as ever, keeping a tight grip on her weapon. I knock her arm against the wall again. And again, until she releases a cry and her sword clatters to the floor.
I drop my own and grab the arm still held up as a shield, then pin both her wrists to the wall. "Look at me," I order, my tone giving away my frustration. Impatience grips my nerves, and I drop one hand to grasp her face, forcing her eyes to meet mine.
As she drinks me in hungrily, like she's only just now truly seeing me, something stirs beneath my skin. The white power crackles over my hands, healing the wound on my wrist, and Kal's eyes widen.
The last time she encountered my power, when she was trapped by the glowing tentacles, she suffered tremendous pain, I'm sure. And though something inside me is screaming to unleash that power on her now, I rein it in. I don't want our dance to end so soon.
As the power recedes, leaving my skin unblemished, I caress her face. Run my palm and fingers along her soft flesh. Down her jawline. All the while, her eyes hold me, ensnaring me. This is her power-her spell over me. It's the reason why she must die.
I have to be free of her.
Yet, I can't help wanting to inhale her, taste her, quench my thirst of her one last time. And maybe that will even spark the fury within her to fight. Bring the old Kal back, the one who would rather put a blade through a man's heart than be victim to his charms.
Pushing my body against hers, I revel in the feel of her curves, and know that I'm lying to myself. It's completely selfish what I'm craving, but the lie is all too tempting. Just like her.
I lower my head and place my lips to her neck, breathe her in. Then, trailing them along her slick skin, my tongue flicking out to taste the mix of sweetness and salt, I move next to her ear. Her breaths deepen, pressing her sultry chest to mine.
"Let me in, Kal," I whisper, loving how my words cause her to shiver. "It's what you want."
Pulling back, I lock gazes with her. The desire in her eyes urges my lips to trap hers, and I move in. Wanting to caress them as much as the yearning demands to hurt them.
"Caben," she says, low and breathy. I halt my descent. She bites down on her lip, and my arousal hardens painfully against my pants.
"What, love?"
A slow smile curls her lips. "Fuck off." Then she spits in my face.
About the Author
From an early age, Trisha Wolfe
dreamed up fantasy worlds and characters and was accused of talking to herself.
Today, she lives in South Carolina with her family and writes full time, using
her fantasy worlds as an excuse to continue talking to herself. For more
information on Trisha Wolfe and her works, please visit: www.TrishaWolfe.com
***Author Links***
***GIVEAWAY***
1 Caben Flask Necklace (US only)
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