When I tell people I write in the paranormal and
fantasy romance genre, one of the first questions I get asked is; ‘Why?’ For
those of us who love all things paranormal, fantasy or supernatural, this may
sound like a rhetorical question. Or the immediate answer that springs to mind
is; ‘Why not paranormal?’. But for others, the appeal with this incredibly
popular and successful genre remains a mystery. So sad, I know! I even know
some secret readers – I’m sure many of you do as well. Those readers who
indulge in shapeshifters, vampires and werewolves in private but in public;
deny, deny, deny … boggles the mind! So, in light of that perpetual question; ‘Why
paranormal?’ I decided to give it a bit more thought. Unsurprisingly, the
answers to that question are as many and as diverse as the incredibly awesome
genre itself.
For me, the most immediate and perhaps the most important
reason is … freedom. As a writer, to have the freedom to make real anything I can
imagine – and trust me, I can imagine a lot – is such a wonderful luxury. Not
only am I allowed to let my rampant daydreams of alpha males with wings the
colour of midnight and eyes the colour of aged whiskey run free, but it is
expected, welcomed and even celebrated. A group of ancient knights with the
birthright to protect and serve magical beings who have power over the
elements? Bring it! Demons who have angels for their guardians? Right on! Just
when you think you have read it all, an amazing paranormal mind spits out a
whole new world. Such glorious freedom for authors and readers alike.
But what does this freedom to create and celebrate
the unique and the surreal actual achieve to make us come back again and again?
That’s an easy one – escape. The magical world of witches, mages and elves lets
us escape from the real world for just a little while. Bills, dirty dishes,
deadlines – all forgotten with the turn of a page and a witch wielding a spell
to cast the evil out of the fey forest. And for those readers out there who
happen to be single (or not so single – no judgement here), the ability to
escape with a hot sexy vampire whose sole reason for being is to make his mate
feel happy, respected, loved and very, very satisfied? Escapism at its best!
Buffy totally had the right idea!
What’s more, the sheer variety available in this
genre never fails to astound me. The term paranormal
is flexible enough to encompass fantasy, science fiction, urban and even young
adult. Talk about versatility! A genre that anyone at any age can read? Yes, please!
As an author, this flexibility really makes me grin. It means I don’t need to
pigeon-hole myself or even target a specific audience if I don’t want to; it’s
all about pleasing the masses after all. Come one, come all; magic awaits to
motivate teenagers to become avid readers, a tickle of erotic fantasy awaits to
inspire adults on a rainy night, and sci-fi space cowboys await geeks to
satisfy their geekdoms! Now don’t get me wrong, some – even most of the time –
an author does write to a targeted audience. Exhibit A: please don’t let your fourteen-year-old
read page 258 of my first book! My point however, is that I can target young adults next book, or
men only, or geeks only without having to change my genre. The paranormal genre
endures! Freaking cool!
So we have freedom of the mind, escape from the
hum-drum, and variety in spades. We have heroes and heroines, mystery and danger,
good vs evil. That ultra-cool chick who
is prophesised to save the world and that leading man destined for greatness … seriously,
what more can a human brain ask for?
The superpowers and the magical bling that the paranormal
can bring us hits every chord with me as a reader and as a writer. So when
people ask me; ‘Why paranormal?’, I respond; for fun, freaky and freeing times!
Because I love to write what I love to read … and I do love to read!
If I could add one more thing, it would be my advice
for readers out there who aren’t yet sold on the paranormal genre, or for those
who find themselves sitting there and thinking; ‘Really? A five-foot-nothing
redhead who can read minds, see souls and control the elements?’
Just go with it!
Elemental Paladins
Book Five
Montana Ash
Genre: Paranormal/fantasy romance
Publisher: Paladin Publishing
Date of Publication: January 20th, 2017
ISBN: 978-0-6482396-1-1
ASIN: B07874BLBD
Number of pages: 310
Word Count: 81,328
Cover Artist: LKO Designs
Tagline: Ancient knights … with a modern twist!
Book Description:
Max has finally found everything she never dared dream of; family, friends, and love with a man who does terrifying things to her independence. She has more to lose than ever before. With lines being drawn in the sand and sides being chosen, the future from her nightmares seems set in motion. Max is terrified – feeling the weight of her Order’s lives on her shoulders. But she’s also resolute, because she’s calling do-over on their entire society!
Ryker had been a miserable bastard for years before Max stumbled into his life and turned his whole world upside down. Months ago, she arrived and offered him everything he swore he would never want or need. Now there was no question; he was blissfully whipped. But who would have thought that winning Max’s heart wasn’t the real fight?
With the rot at the centre of their society uncovered and the hidden threat identified, Max and Ryker must unite all – wardens, paladins, rangers, and chades – if they are to defeat their common enemy.
But hey, with a Goddess on their side, how hard can it be?
For More Bookstore Links Visit Books2Read
Excerpt:
"We totally
crushed that. High five," Max wheezed out, holding her hand up.
Despite his
exhausted and satiated state, Ryker laughed, raising his hand high enough to
give her a companionable slap before grinning at her.
"What?"
Max asked.
Ryker shook his
head, "Nothing. It’s just you. You are so awesome."
Max snorted,
stretching languidly and causing his idiotic body to stir once more, "I
could have told you that.”
"I know you
could. But it loses a little something when you say it yourself," he
informed her.
Max rolled her
head to look at him once more, "I've never found that to be true.”
Her words caused
him to snort out another laugh, "Why doesn't that surprise me?"
The shock of
seeing so many bodies had reality returning swiftly and the ramifications of
what she was about to do had bile rushing to her throat. “This can’t be why I
was made,” Max whispered, turquoise eyes desolate as she watched the writhing
mass of evil bodies in the distance. She didn’t see Ryker move but he was
suddenly in front of her, cupping her face in his large hands. His russet eyes
held hers captive as he spoke;
“It’s not. You
were made for me.”
His lips brushed
hers, once, twice, and a third time. The kiss was soft and sweet as if they had
all the time in the world. Max was still a little out of breath when he pulled
back, despite the leisurely pace. She stood up on her toes so she could wrap
her arms around Ryker’s neck, smiling and shaking her head; “How does the man
who called me a liar and told me I looked like shit, always know the exact
right thing to say now?” she asked, absently playing with the hair on his nape.
Ryker grinned,
“I’m complicated.”
Montana is an Aussie, self-confessed book junkie. Although she loves reading absolutely everything, her not-so-guilty pleasure is paranormal romance. Alpha men – just a little bit damaged – and feisty women – strong yet vulnerable – are a favourite combination of hers. Throw in some steamy sex scenes, a touch of humour, and a little violence and she is in heaven! She is a scientist by day, a writer by night, and a reader always!
Facebook author page- https://www.facebook.com/montana.ash.author/
Fangirling group – Montana’s Maniacs-
Newsletter sign-up – Montana’s Memos http://eepurl.com/cWfNKP
Website http://www.montanaash.com/
Amazon Author Page http://www.amazon.com/author/montanaash
Twitter @ReadMontanaAsh
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5 comments:
Absolutely loved Custodian. So many loose ends from the rest of the Elemental Paladins series were tied up & we caught all our favourites. Can’t wait to read read more from this fantastic series.
Love this series. Custodian answered so many questions. Here’s hoping there is a short wait time for next book.
I am hooked on the Elemental Paladins series
Custodian is an epic addition to the series.
Loved every page
Loved it
Feisty ladies, hot hunky men! Love the Elemental Paladins series! Custodian took me on a emotional ride. loved it!
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