Hello all my favorite people! It's been quite a while since I sent out a newsletter, and for that I apologize.
It's been madness around here with multiple projects, an increased teaching load for the day job, continuing to clean-up around the folks' house, helping take care of my father, who has dementia, my mother coming down with a nasty case of shingles in the nerves around her left eye, shuttling everyone to and from doctor's appointments, and my writing schedule - but finally, something wonderful to report.
Kraken Rider Z is not only finished, the release date has been set for Tuesday, November 14! And this time, the audiobook, narrated by the amazing Tim Gerard Reynolds, will be available on the same day. In fact, you can already preorder the audiobook on Audible!
You'll notice that the cover is not up yet, but I've been told the cover reveal will be some time this week.
Here is the back of book description:
If there's one thing dragons fear, it's a kraken.
Even lowly hull-scrubber Zee Tarrow knows that. Like everyone on the island kingdom of Tosh, he grew up frightened by fables and horrible tales of the great beasts of the deep. It seems an odd thing to impress upon the children of the realm, because – luckily for the dragons and their riders – no one has seen a kraken in a thousand years.
Then again, Tosh's lifeblood is the sea. Royal Dragon Knights guard the king's ships from the constant threat of pirates, hostile empires, and the monstrous horrors that dwell beneath the waves. It makes sense that the people would fear krakens, even after generations of Knights graduate and take flight from the ramparts of Triumf’s Citadel, the country's most elite – and therefore also exclusive – military academy. A school that Zee, who has barely ever had more than two copper pennies to rub together, should have no chance of getting into.
Thing is... Zee has a secret. He’s not only seen a kraken...
He saved its life.
When that truth gets out, will Zee be hunted by the Dragon Knights he has always envied and admired, or will he become the first Kraken Rider in history...?
From the minds of David Estes and Dyrk Ashton, authors of Fatemarked and The Paternus Trilogy, comes a series perfect for fans of Iron Prince, Mage Errant, and Ascendant. Kraken Rider Z is an action-packed fantasy series with lots of heart, and the kind of unbreakable bond between man and beast that hasn't existed for centuries. Start your adventure today!
And we've already received these wonderful blurbs:
"Kraken Rider Z is exactly what it sounds like. You've got a kraken, you've got a kraken rider, you've got epic battles with sea monsters and dragons, and it's all absolutely awesome. Read it already!" –John Bierce, author of Mage Errant
"If you like dragon riders and want to see an artful twist, this heart-filled tale of a boy and his kraken will be for you!" –Sarah Lin, author of The Weirkey Chronicles
“A heartfelt tale of progression and wonder. Packing an emotional punch and exhilarating action, it's a wild ride you won’t want to miss!” –Phil Tucker, author of Bastion and Dawn of the Void
“The title alone is awesome, but the book is even better. It's genuinely fun, funny, heartwarming, and exciting. It will also leave you wishing for a kraken in your life. –Davis Ashura, author of Instrument of Omens
“A rip-roaring progression fantasy with unforgettable characters.” –Wolfmantula
“Epic AF and funny as hell. Ashton and Estes have created a story that's bursting with action and lively banter, as well as imbued with the incredible strength of a unique found-family bond. This is a truly a ‘kraken’ read.” –Fantasy Book Critic
For those of you who aren't aware, Kraken Rider Z is the first in a trilogy to be released by Wraithmarked Creative, the indie publishing powerhouse behind A Mark of Kings and Iron Prince, and I'm co-writing with David Estes of Fatemarked and Kingfall fame. David has been amazing to work with. We hope you have as much fun reading KRZ as we had writing it!