Tala slipped in and out of consciousness. When she woke, all she could remember was the searing pain, the aching muscles, and the betrayal of someone she shouldn’t have trusted. Somewhere in the blur…

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Today’s the last day to take advantage of my e-book and paperback sale.

Sale Details

E-Books

Daughters of Tamnarae Boxset (all 3 E-Books) for Sale $4.99 (normally $9.99)

Direct from Me $3

Etania’s Worth E-Book $1.99

Direct from Me $.99

Signed Paperbacks

($15+tax. +FREE Shipping) Limited while Supplies Last

Etania’s Worth

Etania’s Calling

Etania’s Destiny

Finding God in Anime Volume 3

Audiobooks are always on Audible!

In Case You Missed It:

Read-Along (Etania’s Worth) from June 8-July 10.

Substack Live July 11 1 PM PST.

Read-Along (Etania’s Calling) from July 13-August 12.

Substack Live August 15 1 PM PST.

Read-Along (Etania’s Destiny) from August 17-September 12

Substack Live September 19 1 PM PST

The Substack Chat is something available for all of you who use the app and subscribe to this newsletter. If you are there, please pop on and say hello!

Read the Books? Fill out this Form.

Book of the Month

Aivan: The One Truth, the prequel novella to the Chronicles of the One Truth series, has a new look for the updated edition releasing June 30th

A story exploring identity, purpose, and what it means to have faith in a world content to spread falsehoods, the revised edition of Aivan: The One Truth will engage tweens, teens, and adults alike. Written by Kayla E. Green and publishing with Ambassador International, this is a fast-paced, allegorical fantasy adventure perfect for family read alouds, book clubs, or solo reading!

Blurb:

As granddaughter of the leader of a village in the northern nation, Rune Kallio has been a devout believer of the gods of vihishki her whole life. When a prophet challenges the beliefs of the world by saying only Aivan, the One Truth, is the only true God, she finds herself desperate to separate what is genuine from manmade falsehoods.

In the low valleys of the southern nation, Rolf Larsen has two lives. One lived in public following the gods of vihishki, as required by law, and the other lived in private following the One Truth. When Aivan directs him outside of his small village, Rolf follows. He quickly learns that the world will never make seeking and speaking truth easy.

Preorder Your Copy

Until Next Time,

M.H. Elrich

P.S. If you want to download any of my free short stories, please reply to this email or comment below, and I will email you a link. The free stories will soon be put on Amazon for sale.

I know this is a bit earlier than I usually email you (usually it’s the second Friday of every month), but I wanted to email you earlier because of the sale.

First, thank you for filling out my Reader Survey! It was fascinating to know where the audience is coming from, how much you know about my stories, and what you think I should do. I appreciate every single one of you who offered your opinion.

The winner of the $20 Amazon Gift Card is Sherry M.! You will be receiving an email with your gift card shortly.

The Reader Survey showed me many surprising things, but the most interesting was that many of you have not bought or read my books.

So I decided to do two things: run a sale and provide a reading plan with incentives for finishing the books and a possible live interview (if you want it!).

Sale Details

Today, June 5 to Monday, June 8

Click the Title to Purchase

E-Books

Daughters of Tamnarae Boxset (all 3 E-Books) for Sale $4.99 (normally $9.99)

Direct from me $3

Etania’s Worth E-Book $1.99

Direct from me $.99

Why is direct less? I make more from direct sales and immediately receive payment instead of Amazon taking a large cut.

Signed Paperbacks ($15+tax. + FREE Shipping)

Limited while Supplies Last

Etania’s Worth

Etania’s Calling

Etania’s Destiny

Finding God in Anime Volume 3

Audiobooks are always on Audible!

(Unfortunately, because of Audible’s terms of service, I am unable to put them on sale, but Audible has a 30 day free trial and my audiobooks run between 8-10 hours each, so it’s possible you could listen to all of them within the month)

Read-Along Challenge + Prizes

After you purchase the books, I would love for you to read my books and see if I am the author for you! I have several incentives and a plan listed below. For the lives, I plan on giving you behind-the-scenes information, including how I wrote the book, why I wrote the book, and other fun information you might not know.

After you are done with each book, you can fill out the form, or do it after finishing all three. For those of you who have read my books, you can fill out the form now. You also do not have to read it in the way I have paced it; you can always binge all three books now.

I will also be creating a Subscriber Chat for the Read-Along and to share spoilers (similar to a Facebook Group). You are not obligated to join Substack and the chat, but it may be fun if you choose to!

Etania’s Worth (1 Chapter Monday-Saturday)

• Chapters 1-6 (June 8-13)

• Chapters 7-11 (June 15-20)

• Chapters 12-17 (June 22-27)

• Chapters 18-23 (June 29-July 4)

• Chapters 24-30 (July 6-10)

Reading Award: Character Art of Etania, Keyel, and Jakin (digital or print. Print is limited to first come, first serve basis).

Substack Live July 11 1 PM PST

Etania’s Calling (1 Chapter Monday-Saturday)

• Chapters 1-6 (July 13-18)

• Chapters 7-11 (July 20-25)

• Chapters 12-17 (July 27-August 1)

• Chapters 18-23 (August 3-8)

• Chapters 24-26 (August 10-12)

Reading Award: Character Art of Bayanna, and Zaden (digital or print. Print is limited to first come, first serve basis)

Substack Live August 15 1 PM PST

Etania’s Destiny (1 Chapters Monday-Satuday)

• Prologue-Chapter 5 (August 17-22)

• Chapters 6-12 (August 24-29)

• Chapters 13-19 (August 31-September 5)

• Chapters 20-Epilogue (September 7-12)

Reading Award: The Journeyman, a Short Story about Zaden after the events of Etania’s Destiny

Substack Live September 19 1 PM PST

NOTE: If you have already read the series, you are eligible for these bonuses, including “The Journeyman.” The Journeyman will be sent when it has been edited. You can also join the Lives at anytime.

Reader Appreciation Form

Other Author News

• I have sold almost 1,000 books! This is amazing, and I feel so blessed by God. Thank you for making this possible, and my hope is that this sale will help me surpass the 1,000 milestone. So, even if you’ve read my books, please spread the word.

• My editor has finished the developmental edit and returned my manuscript to me. I will be hard at work over the summer editing this book. I plan on posting updates on Substack about my progress and will let you know here how far I am.

Book of the Month

Aivan: The One Truth, the prequel novella to the Chronicles of the One Truth series, has a new look for the updated edition releasing June 30th 🎉

A story exploring identity, purpose, and what it means to have faith in a world content to spread falsehoods, the revised edition of Aivan: The One Truth will engage tweens, teens, and adults alike. Written by Kayla E. Green and publishing with Ambassador International, this is a fast-paced, allegorical fantasy adventure perfect for family read alouds, book clubs, or solo reading!

Blurb:

As granddaughter of the leader of a village in the northern nation, Rune Kallio has been a devout believer of the gods of vihishki her whole life. When a prophet challenges the beliefs of the world by saying only Aivan, the One Truth, is the only true God, she finds herself desperate to separate what is genuine from manmade falsehoods.

In the low valleys of the southern nation, Rolf Larsen has two lives. One lived in public following the gods of vihishki, as required by law, and the other lived in private following the One Truth. When Aivan directs him outside of his small village, Rolf follows. He quickly learns that the world will never make seeking and speaking truth easy.

Preorder Your Copy

That’s it for now. Next month, I will tell you more about Lavanna and what plans I have for her stories.

What’s a question you’d like to ask me?

I would love to answer it Live next month.

Let me know in the comments or by replying to this email.

Until Next Time,

M.H. Elrich

Image by Shima Abedinzade from Pixabay

The sun was setting, casting orange and purple streaks across the sky. After sleeping in, Jakin had a successful work day and fulfilled several more orders.

Whist…

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I have a major favor to ask of you: will you fill out this reader survey for me? If you do, you’ll be entered to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card. Thanks ahead of time! Now, on to the regularly scheduled programming.

Bayanna is a character that is often a reader favorite.

She’s sassy, funny, and spunky.

She is a kick-butt heroine who isn’t in your face about it.

She’s Mulan meets Merida, with the red hair, green eyes, and charming smile to match.

She’s Etania’s best friend.

Many readers want to know what happens to her after the events of Etania’s books, and I tend to hide my face behind my hands.

Bayanna is my one non-Christian character.

Because of that, I actually considered killing her off in Etania’s Destiny.

However, readers loved her so much, I figured you might bring out pitchforks and try to burn me at the stake if I did that.

So I kept her story and her role as it is, and I gave her a “happy” ending.

Yet, she remains in unbelief.

This is because, as sad as it is, not everyone will come to believe in Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life.

I wanted to have at least one person realistically choose to live their own way instead of God’s way.

The result?

Bayanna is the same, but there are hints that her life isn't sunshine and roses.

Spoilers ahead, scroll past the image and go to the next heading to skip. What follows is a snippet from Lavanna’s Journey.

This is the character art for Bayanna.

Lavanna loved the beautiful blue ocean and the salty spray on her skin. But loving the water and loving the harbor were two different things. After checking in with the council to tell them what was going on, packing for a long trip, and then gathering information about the location of Bayanna and Cam, Lavanna was beyond exhausted. The harbor, with its crowds of sailors and the pungent smell of fish, was not something she enjoyed navigating. Nevertheless, she pushed forward, hoping that Bayanna and Cam could bring them one step closer to finding her mother.

At the end of a pier that jutted out from the shore, just a bit away from the Dragon Inlet, was Bayanna and Cam’s galleon. The gigantic ship, dwarfing the sea and shoreline almost by comparison, made Lavanna’s jaw drop. As soon as they approached and went up the plank, Lavanna observed sailors running up and down the deck. The captains were shouting orders while bickering—something that always made Lavanna wonder how Bayanna and Cam were still together if they argued so much.

When Bayanna saw their group, her eyes widened, and her grin overtook her face. She ran and embraced Lavanna’s father, who winced and guffawed at her brief embrace. Cam continued giving orders.

“ ‘Ello Keyel!” She looked over at Lavanna’s group. “Where’s Etania?’

Her simple question shot like an arrow through Lavanna’s chest.

“I see.” Bayanna scanned their group, eventually landing on Torrance. She pointed a finger at him. “Who are you?”

Torrance shifted from foot to foot. “I-I’m Zaden’s apprentice and his…son.”

Lavanna felt a slight twinge of sympathy for him, which she quickly suppressed.

“I should’ve known that womanizer would produce a child.” Bayanna shook her head. “Cam will lose a bet.”

Bayanna looked delighted that she could shove this fact in her partner’s face, and then faced Lavanna. “I haven’t seen you in quite a while. You’ve grown so much!”

Lavanna blushed at the compliment.

“Bayanna, we don’t have time for catching up,” Keyel reminded. “You know I never visit you unless we have a serious reason.”

Bayanna rolled her eyes. “I forgot how boring you are without Etania. Let’s go to my cabin to meet.”

They agreed, and Bayanna shouted at Cam.

“Come if you want to know what’s going on.”

“What if I don’t want to know?” Cam barked back. “Anytime they’re involved, it’s trouble.”

“Them?” Bayanna yelled back, “They’re still young! They haven’t done anything yet.”

“You know exactly who I mean,” Cam replied. “Take them to the navigation room. I will be there shortly.”

“I was going to!” Bayanna huffed.

She led them behind the wheel to a narrow ladder, which led down into the navigation room.

Book Spotlight

The Thief’s Keeper (An Enemy’s Keeper Prequel): A Heartwarming YA Medieval Fantasy with Budding Romance

Receive a bonus FREE companion graphic novel, The First Dance! 100% human-illustrated.

Two outcasts. One lost boy. A daring quest for freedom in war-torn England.

In the aftermath of a rebellion against William the Conqueror, northern England lies in ruins, its people scattered and starved.

Aelfric, a 14-year-old thrall, flees from his master and stumbles upon a cache of stolen laundry. The thief? Aliwyn, a girl around his age, ostracized for being “cursed.” In her care is a lost toddler she has rescued from the clutches of greedy thrall traders.

Forced to cover each other’s secrets, Aelfric and Aliwyn form an unlikely friendship... and maybe something more. They embark on a perilous journey to reunite the child with his family on Easter Sunday and to seek a cure for Aliwyn’s mysterious condition.

But time is running out. Aelfric’s master is on the hunt, and the shadows of death loom ever closer over Aliwyn. Will they find the courage and faith to press on, or will their quest end in capture and ruin?

Dive into a tale of heart-stopping challenges and unforeseen twists. The Thief’s Keeper is a thrilling magic-free YA historical fantasy that transports you to an alternate medieval world, where Celts and Norman knights live alongside the last Vikings. Begin your adventure today!

Get Your Copy

Until Next Month,

M.H. Elrich

P.S. Have you taken the reader survey yet? Please do so and get a chance to win a giftcard!

Take the Survey!

How I visualize Tala’s feelings regarding her situation. Image by Karan Kwatra from Pixabay

Tala’s heart pounded as she returned to her cot in the dormitory. Yes, she had fixed one problem, but now sh…

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I have a confession to make.

I am a Young Adult Christian Fantasy Author.

Why, M.H. Elrich, I knew that already! You may be saying.

What’s hilarious is that I didn’t.

You see, I wrote my books thinking they were meant for adults, specifically women.

Adults do love them and enjoy them (Otherwise you wouldn’t be here!)

However, what I realized is that my themes and characters indicate a more young adult audience.

I should’ve known.

When mothers, grandmothers, and others approached me and told me how much their teenage daughter and granddaughter loved my books.

But I resisted.

I teach high school. My students don’t seem like the type to like my books.

But there have been a few who absolutely love them and were my early cheerleaders.

I thought that my books had too much content (Zaden, anyone?).

Then I realized that the books I teach (at a Christian school) have the same level of content that I do. Older teenagers (16+) want to know how to handle the issues the world will hand them (Who am I? Why am I here? How am I supposed to live?).

This is not to say that what we read is explicit. It isn’t. Neither are my books.

But they do tackle tough topics, like sexual immorality, alcoholism, addiction, racism, prejudice, etc.

I think the best books look at the darkness of the world and teach about how to live in the light, or serve as a warning of what happens if we walk in darkness.

Besides, Clean Fiction Magazine reviewed all three of my books and mentioned how clean/wholesome my content is, with “showing some ankle” being the highest rating I’ve received from the magazine.

If you want to know exactly what kind of content I have in my books, reply to this email, and I will send you a more detailed list with snippets.

When I spoke to my author friends/biggest fans of my work, they told me to face reality.

I am a Young Adult Christian Fantasy author.

What does this mean for you?

If you love my books and writing, or are curious about them, I encourage you to stay with me. I will still be sharing snippets from my work-in-progress, and my paid serial story, Tala. (Sorry about sending that to all subscribers, who can only see a preview; I meant to only send it to paid subscribers)

If you are only here for the book recommendations, I have shifted most of those to my YouTube channel, Christians Behind the Book. I will be sharing some out-of-genre books in my newsletter for a few months, then I will be shifting gears (more information coming soon).

You can also check out some audiobooks in the clean fantastical fiction genre by clicking this banner:

If you were only here because you thought my books were fantasy romance, or you are not interested in my books now that you know they are young adult, then you can unsubscribe at any time. I understand, and I’m sorry for promising the wrong message.

For those of you who’ve stuck around—thank you. Your support means the world.

Author News

• My audiobook is finally here! You can get your copy here.

• Lavanna’s Journey is being edited by C.E. Stone, and she is fifty pages from the end. Her earlier commentary and suggested fixes are sure to make this book even better for you.

• I am going to be selling books in-person in California. If you live in this state, reply to this email, and I can tell you where to find me in-person!

• I am continuing to do live interviews on Instagram (hoping to shift to my YouTube channel eventually). My last was with H.L. Burke, and I have another one with K. Michele Moseley tomorrow on Instagram (@mhelrichbooks). You can listen to all the interviews on my channel, which is updated on Mondays.

Book of the Month

An outcast orphan. A sea dragon pup. A brutal trial.

Blake lives under the pier, scavenging by night, and dreaming of a way out. When a sea dragon arrives to choose a new Rider, Blake has the chance at a new life. If he survives the trial.

Get Your FREE Copy Here

Until Next Time,
M.H. Elrich

How I visualize Jakins’ blacksmith shop, though with a little less modern-day equipment. Fendt in German apparently has something to do with agriculture.

“Jakin!”

He reached out his hand toward the shadowy figures, grasping at air.

“Mother! Father!” he screamed.

A Skazic dragged away the figures. Jakin fought hopelessly against the one holding him. But he was so small, and the Skazic was too strong.

“No! Please!”

Tears streamed down his face. It was too late. Too late for any of them.

“Jakin!” This second voice sounded too real and too high-pitched to be his mother.

He sat up, rubbing his eyes. I hate that nightmare, he thought.

Someone pounded at the door. Like most shop owners, his living quarters were above the blacksmith forge below. Looking out the window, he saw that the night was still pitch black. Flipping to the side, he intended to go back to sleep, forcing the customer to come back in the morning.

“Jakin, please!” A female voice echoed. “I need your help!”

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The audiobook is here!

Get the Audiobook

Darkness gathers. Faith is tested. A new bride must learn that the only way to save her people is to surrender her battle to the One who fights for her.

Etania’s wedding to Keyel should have been the beginning of a joyous union celebrated by the people. But the honeymoon is cut short by the drums of war. Damien, possessed by the demon Narak, has amassed a terrifying coalition intent on crushing the Southern Tamnarae.

Desperate to protect those she loves and end the bloodshed, she faces a harrowing temptation: a promise of peace from the enemy himself. When she tries to take matters into her own hands, she learns that walking alone leads only to darkness. To rise as the leader her people need, Etania must learn that true strength is found not in power, but in reliance on Melchizedek.

As dragon fire rains down, Etania, Keyel, and Zaden must unite against a tide of evil that seeks to devour their world. Their only hope lies in forgiveness, trust, and a faith that burns brighter than the darkness.

Until Next Time,

M.H. Elrich

P.S. I started a YouTube channel! See my first author interview on it here.

If you’re new around here, welcome! This is the Elrich E-Readers, a group of Christians who enjoy fantasy books with romance subplots. You have joined this group by entering a giveaway or grabbing my free e-book, Beginnings. You can opt out any time by unsubscribing at the bottom, but I hope you will stick around for news about my book series, Daughters of Tamnarae, and other opportunities to read free, clean, and/or Christian Fantastical Fiction.

Author News:

• My audiobook is under approval! I will send you an email as soon as it is available.

• Lavanna’s Journey is being edited by C.E. Stone. I am hoping to release it in September.

• I am going to be live on Instagram on March 21 at 1 PM with Jenelle Leanne Schmidt, who wrote the Turrim Archive. Save the Date to tune in to that interview. I have another April 4, same time with H.L. Burke. I hope to see you there!

• Also, if you are new and didn’t know, I am now offering paid subscriptions! For less than $2/month, you can read the serialized novel, Tala. Find out more about Etania’s mother and father, how they met, fell in love, got married, and most of all, how they came to faith in Melchizedek.

  Get 75% off forever

Highlighting Keyel Evant

Keyel Evant has always been Etania’s love interest.

His original name was Malkiel, a name I took from the Bible, meaning “God is my king.” However, it seemed like too much of a mouthful, so I abbreviated it to Keyel.

Unlike Zaden, Keyel was always a bit harder to write. Just like his character, he was reserved, taking a while to warm up to my entreaties for more.

But once he did, he showed me his haunted past, where he failed to protect someone he loved. Once I realized that, it explained why he was so overprotective.

Etania’s relationship with him developed naturally. He was there for her, unlike her father, and he also could relate to her difficulties with Jakin.

Handsome, a good listener, a lover of books, and noble, Keyel is definitely a knight in shining armor.

However, he is flawed.

You see, I didn’t want to make Etania’s love interest a picture-perfect man. I wanted to show his good side in Etania’s Worth and his flawed side in Etania’s Calling. Then, his character comes full circle in Etania’s Destiny.

SPOILERS AHEAD, SCROLL PAST THE NEXT IMAGE TO SKIP

In Etania’s Calling, Keyel struggles with trusting Etania after she lied to him for months. Adding to his jealousy and difficulties was the deceptive prince Zaden, who wiggled his way into their relationship, lying to them both.

Once Zaden revealed his true colors and both of them realized they had been deceived, Etania and Keyel were able to repair their relationship.

In Etania’s Destiny, they are wed. Together, they face the darkness threatening Tamnarae. They learn to forgive Zaden for what he has done.

In the end, Keyel builds a rivalry with Zaden that is more akin to two brothers. He helps Zaden train to become the next Lehrling.

Because Zaden lives with Jakin as his apprentice, when Keyel has children, they essentially become like family.

In Lavanna’s Journey, Keyel takes more of a mentor role, and his conversation with Garel reveals that.

A medieval duel that reminds me of my story. Just give them wooden swords, less armor, and a ship, and you’re in the right place.

“Mind if I duel you?” Keyel asked.

Garel gulped. Keyel was an excellent swordsman who was one of the few who could beat him. The times Garel had won were mainly due to Keyel’s age, rather than skill. Yet, the opportunity to duel the General of the Guard was too great to pass up. He nodded, and they took their stances across from each other.

First, they tested each other, hitting their wooden swords against each other at the tip. Then, Garel took initiative, attacking first with a quick lunge that Keyel easily parried. He countered with a swift thrust, but Keyel deflected that, too. Their wooden swords clacked against each other, and Garel felt sweat drip down the side of his cheek. He tried another maneuver, wanting to stay on the offensive, but Keyel suddenly got the upper hand. Instead of Garel being the initiator, Keyel was, and Garel was forced to defend. Clenching his jaw, Garel tried to regain his footing, but was soon exhausted by Keyel’s relentless, precise sword strikes.

Heaving, Garel was disarmed and out of breath. He bowed, as was custom to end a practice duel, and then noticed that Keyel, too, was panting. Garel smiled.

“What are you grinning for?” Keyel asked, his mouth twitching as it attempted to stay in a firm line.

Garel stiffened and stood at attention. “I-I’m honored to give you a good fight, General.”

“I’m not a General now, Garel,” he said. “I’m just Keyel. You can call me that.”

Garel twitched. “I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to do that. After all, you and my father are heroes.”

“Heroes, huh?” Keyel’s expression darkened, and he ran his hand through his hair. “Tell me, how is it that a ‘hero’ like me failed to resist the sirens?”

“You, sir?” Garel sputtered, utterly shocked that Keyel had succumbed.

“Did you listen to what those creatures said?” Keyel asked.

Garel’s brow wrinkled as he tried to recall their words.

Keyel sighed. “The siren told me that it could help me get my wife back in an instant. I knew it was lying, but still…”

Garel tried to contain his shock. “Wh-why are you telling me this?”

“I wanted to comfort you,” Keyel said. “You seem like someone who idolizes the old generation, but doesn’t realize his own value.”

If Garel was surprised before, he was astonished at this moment. How could Keyel see him so clearly?

Keyel laughed at his expression. “I know, it doesn’t seem like the General would notice or care, right? Well, I notice a lot more these days.”

“I-I see,” Garel said.

“Anyway, my point is, we ‘heroes’ are real people, too,” Keyel said. “We make mistakes. We mess up. We seek Melchizedek’s forgiveness.”

Garel didn’t reply.

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Book of the Month

They murdered his family-

Stole his childhood, and even his innocence.

But when they came for his soul . . .

The year is 2158. Civilization has collapsed, but from the ashes, the Order has emerged, not as a savior, but as the unseen power that has ruled all along. Once a subtle force lurking in the background of human history, the cataclysm has unveiled the Order’s dominion in full—an unchallenged, one-world religion that bends all to its will. Truth is a relic. Dissent is a death sentence.

When Professor Reuel arrives unannounced and in obvious distress, his old friend Butterman offers help.

But his assistance may very well come at the price of his home and his livelihood, possibly even his life- unless a new visitor intervenes.

Find out if Butterman or Reuel can survive the tyranny of the Order, and start the adventure with a sneak peek behind the scenes of the exciting new epic, The Seekers Series.

Fans of Frank Peretti, Ted Dekker, and the sprawling worlds of Dune and Atlas Shrugged will be captivated by the pulse-pounding fusion of high-stakes thriller, epic sci-fi, and profound spiritual warfare.

Get the Prequel Free

Until Next Time,
M.H. Elrich

Read more

If you’re new around here, welcome! This is the Elrich E-Readers, a group of Christians who read high fantasy with romance subplots. You have joined this group by entering a giveaway or grabbing my free e-book, Beginnings. You can opt out any time by unsubscribing at the bottom, but I hope you will stick around for news about my book series, Daughters of Tamnarae, and other opportunities to read free, clean, and/or Christian Fantastical Fiction.

Author News:

• My audiobook is under production! To listen to a sample of it, use this link. If you want to listen to other great audiobooks or check mine out yourself, go here.

• Lavanna’s Journey is being edited by C.E. Stone. I am hoping to release it in September.

• I am going to be live in March with a lovely author friend. This is hopefully the first of many author interviews I plan to do in a segment I’m going to call: Beyond the Written Story, where you can learn more about the books and characters of amazing Christian-made fiction. More information coming soon!

• I’m helping an author friend launch her YA Dark Fantasy into the world. If you like books that address religious trauma in a fantastical setting, you can get her first for .99 and get an Advanced Review Copy here.

• Also, if you are new and didn’t know, I am now offering paid subscriptions! For less than $2/month, you can read the serialized novel, Tala. Find out more about Etania’s mother and father, how they met, fell in love, got married, and most of all, how they came to faith in Melchizedek.

  Get 75% off forever

Highlighting Zaden Rapiro

Zaden Rapiro is one of those characters who is easy to write. Somehow, writing a bad boy with a charming personality came easily from my fingertips.

Zaden is a character who always threatens to take over the book when he shows up.

In the books, he is first a prince who has everything at his fingertips, but wants more.

He seduces wealthy women, convincing them to give him their most precious possessions or stealing them.

Then, he’s given a challenging prospect: seduce the Leici, Etania Selali. Steal her from her beau, Keyel. Use her, then hand her over to the evil queen, who just so happens to be Zaden’s cousin.

Of course, he takes the deal. It’s a challenge. It’s exciting.

He thinks it will be easy.

He is oh so wrong.

Zaden is one of those characters I always intended to break.

It sounds terrible, but I think that if you read Etania’s Calling, the first book he appears in, you’ll understand why.

Many believe that you can sin and get away with it. Think of Ocean’s 11 or Leverage. These kinds of shows can be fun, but they downplay the seriousness of theft, which is a sin.

Zaden is a character meant to show the consequences of a life of debauchery and selfishness.

But he is also meant to show what happens when life is transformed.

SPOILERS AHEAD, SCROLL PAST THE NEXT IMAGE TO SKIP

Once Zaden is properly humbled in Etania’s Calling, he experiences a massive redemption arc in Etania’s Destiny.

This arc has been compared to Zuko’s from Avatar: the Last Airbender. It isn’t immediate, and it isn’t easy. Zaden, like Zuko, has to earn back the trust of those he betrayed.

He also finds out that he has impregnated one of his lovers, Gwen. That’s where one of the main characters from Lavanna’s Journey comes in. Torrance is Zaden and Gwen’s son, but he doesn’t know it at first.

Of course, Zaden has another role to play besides being Torrance’s father. For that one, keep reading!

How I picture Mayumi (somewhat).

“Come on.” Mayumi dragged Zaden out of the cell by his arm, slamming the door behind them and locking it with a resounding thud. Picking up the box, she shoved it into Zaden’s hands.

Waving her tanto, she said, “Carry that and follow me.”

“What’s in the box?” Zaden asked as he trotted behind Mayumi. “It feels ominous.”

Ah, so he can feel it too, Mayumi thought. She had thought she was the only one who felt the evil emanating from the box. Choosing not to answer the Lehrling, Mayumi forced the Lehrling above deck.

On deck, the crew worked tirelessly to repel the sea dragon’s sweeping attacks. Whether it was repelling the dragon with waves or using their light Neuma to blind him, they had so far kept the masts intact. Mayumi found a place that was relatively out of the way for both of them, but still above deck.

“Open the box,” Maymi commanded.

Zaden obeyed, and then cocked his head to the side as he took in the kote. Metal and leather were woven together in long gloves that ended at the elbow. Mayumi figured the Lehrling had never seen such a thing. After removing the cuffs that limited Zaden’s power, Mayumi issued a command, flourishing her tanto.

“Put them on.”

Zaden bit his lower lip and hesitated.

“Put.them.on,” Mayumi threatened, deepening her voice even more and putting her tanto in front of Zaden’s face.

Zaden pulled the kote on, shuddering as the darkness that surrounded them seemed to sink into his skin. Mayumi put the other kote on and tried not to wince as it tightened around her arm. She lifted her arm and watched, with delight, when Zaden’s arm lifted too.

“What did you do to me?” Zaden asked.

“Surely, you have heard of Daas’ gauntlets?” Mayumi said.

Zaden’s eyes widened. “I-it can’t be. They were destroyed!”

“Maybe yours,” she said. “But ours are intact.”

She didn’t mention that it was because her brother had them commissioned by a Cult of Daas member, or that these were instruments of his eventual death. No, she wouldn’t mention that. She suppressed a shudder.

“I want you to teleport us on top of the dragon.”

“Excuse me?” Zaden said. “I don’t think I heard you right. Did you say teleport?”

“Yes. I have heard it is easier if you are in the open air. Perhaps you should consider climbing the main mast.”

He shuffled back a few feet. “You can’t be serious. You want me to teleport on a moving sea dragon?”

“I thought you were intelligent enough to understand basic words,” Mayumi spat. “Apparently, I was mistaken.”

Zaden crossed his arms over his chest. “I understand you perfectly. I think you don’t understand that doing so would put us both at risk.”

Mayumi ground her teeth together. She yelled the name of one of her subordinates, who came and bowed.

“What is it you need, Mayumi-sama?”

“Grab the female Lehrling and bring her here,” Mayumi said. “It seems our Lehrling friend needs extra motivation today.”

“No!” Zaden said. “Please, don’t. I’ll…I’ll do it.”

Mayumi would normally be happy that she had convinced her prey so easily. Instead, she was relieved she wouldn’t have to hurt the woman herself. She knew all too well how it felt to be vulnerable, and she didn’t wish that on anyone. She dismissed her subordinate with a wave of her hand.

“Good,” Mayumi said, making sure her voice didn’t reveal how she truly felt. “Get started then.”

Taking a deep breath, Zaden stared at the water dragon for a few minutes, observing its patterns while her crew defended the ship.

“I’m ready.” Zaden held out his hand.

Mayumi frowned at him.

He rolled his eyes. “Trust me, okay?”

She didn’t trust him, but the kote should keep him from disobeying her. With that in mind, she sheathed her tanto and reached out her hand. He took her hand in his own, and she was surprised to find it calloused from working with swords. Was this man truly the smooth talker that Sensei thought? Before she could complete that line of thinking, she heard Zaden start mumbling under his breath. Is that a prayer? Mayumi wondered. Whatever it was, the darkness seemed to shrink away from the kote, and amethyst colored flames began to swirl around Zaden’s arms. Trying not to be frightened, she kept her eyes open as the tornado of flames swirled around them, whooshing them away.

The blur of flames and passing landscape mixed, causing her to be dizzy and disoriented when they reappeared—directly on the sea dragon’s back! Mayumi cursed as the dragon flailed with its new riders. Hanging on as best she could, she scrambled to reach her tanto. Zaden used his flames to burn the sea dragon’s head, causing it to shake even more. Mayumi’s grip slipped, and her tanto began to fall. Managing to grip the hilt without falling off, the water dragon dove underwater.

The sting of seawater and sudden loss of breath almost shocked Mayumi away from her task. Once the dragon saw that it could not drown them, it emerged from the water. Mayumi gasped, and nausea rose as the dragon began shaking its head violently. Zaden hit its head with his flames once more, and Mayumi tried to steady herself so she could stab it. Just as she managed to swallow her nausea and withdraw her tanto, the dragon dove again. She choked and sputtered as it dove into the water and emerged. Finally, she stabbed downward even while she coughed, her sharp blade penetrating the scaly flesh. The dragon roared, the water spraying from its mouth and moving in waves to its sound. Zaden added to her attack, using his flames to continue. The dragon bucked as it died, and Mayumi and Zaden were flung into the sea.

Immediately, her heavy clothes caused her to sink. She tried to kick and emerge, but she had never been a strong swimmer. She looked around and saw Zaden swimming toward her. He put his arm around her waist and pulled her upward, kicking both of them to the surface. She spat out seawater and tread water with his arm around her waist. The crew threw a rope out to them, and they were taken aboard. On the wooden platform of the ship’s deck, they cheered and congratulated her. Mayumi’s ears rang as she gasped for air, trying to get her dignity and her bearings back. Zaden was already on his feet, and he offered her his hand. She huffed and didn’t take it.

“Why did you save me?” Mayumi questioned. “You could’ve been free!”

Zaden shrugged. “It was the right thing to do.”

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Book of the Month

Sold as a slave and uprooted from home, 18-year-old Hest must decide where his loyalties lie or risk losing his new friends.

At peace in the stable, Hest cares for the visitors to Stad while spinning tales of adventure for the innkeeper’s son. But when a foreign warrior purchases him as a slave, he must decide if he’s willing to live the adventures he’s told.

With his new home under attack from an old enemy, Hest must learn to fight or lose his life in battle. While recuperating from injuries, he overhears a plot of treason. Choosing where his loyalties lie will seal his fate and that of a kingdom.

Hest’s already lost one family. He’ll do anything to keep his new one—even ride out to battle and most-certain death.

Uprooted is the first book in the coming-of-age fantasy series, The Sovereigns. If you like action, rounded character development, and dragons, you’ll love Kandi J Wyatt’s book.

Use Yes2Hope to Get the FREE Book

Until Next Time,
M.H. Elrich

Please note: these are unrevised, exclusive sections for paid subscribers. I ask for your grace in any errors or mistakes. The same applies for the voiceover.

Tala remembered the day she lost her freedom. She was five years old, sleeping soundly when her parents came into her tent and woke her up, putting their fingers on their lips to let her know not to wake her younger brother and sister.

“What is it, Mama?” Tala asked, rubbing her eyes with the backs of her hands.

“We have a surprise for you,” her mother began.

Tala wrinkled her nose. The smell of alcohol was on her mother’s breath.

“Really?”

“Yes, it is a good one,” her father agreed.

He rubbed his hands together, looking right and left at the tents belonging to the Knights of the North Legion. They were traveling merchants and had stopped to spend the night with the military, selling their wares before they moved.

“Can I sleep after?”

“Yes,” her mother reassured. “You’ll get to sleep with soldiers watching over you.”

Tala didn’t know what that meant, but she trusted her parents. Tala’s father held her hand and she took it, stumbling to her feet. He guided her through the camp, swaying from side to side. They came to a stop at Lord Caiden’s tent.

“I brought her,” her mother said.

“Good!”

A woman emerged from the tent, and instead of being hit by the smell of alcohol, Tala was surrounded by the pungent aroma of perfume. Looking up, Tala saw that the woman wore several layers of cosmetics—the most noticeable being the woman’s dark red lipstick that made her smile seem like the gaping mouth of a lion.

“Lady Eliza,” Tala’s father said.

Both of her parents bowed, so Tala attempted to do a clumsy curtsy. Eliza laughed.

“She still has much to learn,” Lady Eliza observed.

“Yes, but is she acceptable?” her mother questioned.

Lady Eliza hummed to herself. “She will do.”

“Is our debt settled then?” her father said.

“Yes.” Lady Eliza snapped her fingers, and an old woman appeared. “Get this girl cleaned up. I don’t like my slaves to be filthy.”

Slaves? Tala wondered. What does she mean?

Tala wouldn’t understand for months afterwards. She was taken to Fort Kundur, where the Knights of the North Legion were stationed. The Fort existed alongside the bustling city of Haven. At the time, her parents told her it was temporary, that she would work for a year for Lady Eliza and they would come back for her.

But as the years passed and her parents’ gambling debt continued to pile up with the Knights of the North Legion, Tala was smart enough to figure out that she would never be free again. She saw her parents once every year, and at that time, the most Tala could hope for was that they wouldn’t get further into debt.

That’s why it surprised her when, during her thirteenth year as a slave, Lady Eliza called her and the other slaves to her room within the Fort and made them an offer.

Read more

If you’ve read my complete trilogy, found here, you’ll know that there’s one particular character that people love that didn’t get that much page time for a certain spoilery reason I can’t go into. Her name?

Tala.

Tala is Etania’s mother and Jakin’s wife, but before that, who was she? What did she do? How did she come to meet and marry Jakin in the first place?

These questions I’ve tried to answer numerous times, writing and rewriting the beginnings of her story to no avail. Some of it is because the story is set during a time when Melchizedek was alive, so it’s a sort-of-not-really Jesus/Gospels retelling.

Well, I’ve finally decided, with God’s gentle nudge, to serialize her story right here on Substack, and I want to invite you, my Elrich E-Readers, to be the first ones to read it. This is an unedited version of what will eventually, hopefully, prayerfully, be published as a standalone novel from my other books. The only catch?

This is a paid subscriber exclusive.

I know, I know, I can hear what you might be saying—I don’t need another paid subscription, Elrich! I have enough already.

I get that, I really do.

But honestly, I can’t keep doing this without your help.

It would be lovely if I could just give away all of my writing for free. Believe it or not, I would happily do that if I had loads of money.

I try to give away what I can for free, from my free short stories to my free devotionals to my free monthly newsletters (which contain monthly snippets of my other work-in-progress and usually a freebie by an author I trust).

The truth is that with the rising cost of living and self-publishing my books, I have been forced to seek alternatives means of raising funds (including working multiple jobs and the amazing fundraiser to cover medical bills that you may have participated in). It would be nice to not have to work so much and be able to spend more time writing the stories you love.

So that, combined with the fact I got my first ever paid subscriber suddenly (shout-out to you!), I decided to prayerfully write a serialized story exclusively for this person and whoever else would like to join.

And get this? It’s only a $1.25/month (if I did my math right with the discount).

So, if you’re interested in getting the discounted price (to you who paid the full price; if you are able, please see if you can take advantage of this), subscribe below. You can cancel at any time and even binge the serial when I get enough in. I’ll probably send out reminders quarterly about this offer, but it won’t last forever.

Get 75% off forever

If you’re someone who couldn’t do a paid subscription, I totally understand. I will continue to give you valuable information through the free monthly newsletter and work on publishing the next book in the series.

My books are also available for libraries to purchase, and I currently have four libraries (that I know of) carrying my books. I also offer free copies to anyone who is willing to read and review them. So if you are someone with limited means, there are multiple opportunities for you to read my books for free. I also do a sale on my series at least three times a year, which you can take advantage of.

Thank you for your unending support.

Until Next Time,
M.H. Elrich

If you’re new around here, welcome! This is the Elrich E-Readers, a group of Christians who read high fantasy with romance subplots. You have joined this group by entering a giveaway or grabbing my free e-book, Beginnings. You can opt out any time by unsubscribing at the bottom, but I hope you will stick around for news about my book series, Daughters of Tamnarae, and other opportunities to read free clean and/or Christian Fantastical Fiction.

For everyone else, you asked and I’m answering! Here’s why I love Etania and where she is now in my current work-in-progress, Lavanna’s Journey.

When I first wrote Etania’s Worth, she was the only character in the book.

You read that right. She was the only narrator, the main character, and the only one with character growth.

I gave my first completed version to my husband, squeezed my eyes shut, and asked him to give me a critique.

He said the book was good, but it was like a house with walls and nothing else. It needed more.

I agreed, rewriting the novel so that it included more characters and more development, eventually becoming the version we know today.

So, of all my characters, Etania is the most developed.

She’s caring, compassionate, kind, and more a reluctant heroine than a kick-butt female character. Yet, she’s strong in her own way.

She can be impulsive, stubborn, and even easily deceived.

By the time she appears in Etania’s Destiny, I hope you see how much she has matured. She’s embraced her role as the Vexli, a woman with powers which can essentially make monsters powerless. She’s learned how to deal with different crisis in her life.

Most of all, she has come to trust in Melchizedek, my God figure, throughout all the trials.

SPOILERS AHEAD, SCROLL PAST THE NEXT IMAGE TO SKIP

Etania also married Keyel, her loyal bodyguard. When you read her ending, it is a few years into their marriage and she gives birth to a girl.

The girl’s name?

Lavanna.

You can probably see the connection now.

Lavanna’s Journey is told approximately twenty-five years after the end of Etania’s Destiny and centers around the journey of Lavanna and her companions.

At the beginning of the book, Lavanna (who is the inheritor of the Vexli powers), longs for adventure, but is contained to the capital city. There, she is permitted to use her powers only to help her mother, as portrayed in the scene below, one of the few scenes featuring my beloved first main character.

Enjoy!

“No, you mustn’t!” an unearthly screech greeted Lavanna’s ears as she approached her home.

Lavanna rushed inside, where a scaly woman was wrestling Zaden and her mother, trying to get free. Based on the state of the living room, the Soacronis had been at it for a while.

“We will not force you,” Etania’s voice rang out. “But you expressed earlier that you wanted to change. So which is it?”

“I–I can’t decidesss,” the woman’s voice slurred.

Lavanna waited with her hand on her hilt. Should she draw? Right now, Zaden had the woman pinned to the ground with his knee. Etania gazed at the woman, arms crossed over her chest. They seemed like they had it handled, but then Lavanna heard thumping from…was that their closet?

“Ah, Lavanna, you’re home,” Zaden said with a monotone that made this another ordinary day. “Deal with the one in the closet will you? They’re twins, and we didn’t have enough hands.”

“Be careful!” Etania cried out.

Lavanna rolled her eyes and yanked open the closet door.

“I’m always—oof!”

The male Socaroni’s body slammed Lavanna before she could draw her sword. With his superior strength, he knocked her to the side before rushing to his companion.

“Don’t do it, Layla,” the Soacronis said. “They’ll change you back to human! Did we really give up our dragons for that again?”

Lavanna yanked him back by his collar, slamming him to the ground and pinning him in a similar way to his sister. Dazed, the Socroni could do little but blink rapidly. Lavanna hoped she hadn’t hurt him too badly.

“Shush, it’s her decision,” Lavanna said. “Maybe she wants a normal life again, ever thought about that?”

The man grumbled but said nothing.

The female Soacronis, or Layla, looked between the man and Etania, whose expression was full of compassion. Lavanna wondered if she would ever be able to convince Skazic to give up their wickedness like her mother.

“I…” Layla swallowed, and tears came to her eyes. “I want a normal life again, Linus.”

With that permission, Zaden eased his knee off her back so that she could stand. He turned around and approached Lavanna.

“Let me handle him.” Zaden jerked his head in her mother’s direction. “Help her by getting a dress out of the trunk.”

Lavanna nodded and they switched places. Because their Neuma removed the powers of the Skazic, it sometimes resulted in a person’s nakedness. This was especially the case with the Soacronis and Toothbreaker types, which were covered in fur or scales in their monster form.

Etania’s hands glowed and Zaden turned both Linus and himself around as her mother began the process. Bright light filled the living room, even brighter than the sunlight streaming through the windows. Layla screamed and groaned, flailing as the white flames ran up and down her body.

“What’s happening? I thought you were going to help her!” Linus cried out.

“Transformation isn’t easy,” Zaden said.

A cry of relief echoed in the room as the transformation was completed. Lavanna opened a trunk in the corner of the living room to find a dress and undergarments for Layla. This one was a dress that Amalia had made. She could tell because of the neat, ornate stitches. Whenever Lavanna attempted to make clothing, her sewing was jagged.

Lavanna handed Layla the dress, which she took with tears in her eyes. Quickly, Layla changed into her new outfit. Although the tall herbs and plants from their garden covered the windows, Lavanna knew it was better to be careful than embarrassed.

“Thank you,” Layla told her mother. “You saved me.”

Etania shook her head. “I didn’t save you. Melchizedek did. Turn to him fully, and you will find joy in a new life.”

Layla nodded, dabbing her eyes with one of the handkerchiefs in the dress’s pocket. She turned to face her twin. Zaden eased a bit off of him so he could stand and look at his sister. He shivered, looking too and fro, his snake-like tongue flickering in and out of his mouth.

“Linus,” Layla said gently. “It’s your turn now.”

He clutched his arms and looked away from her more human gaze.

“But your cries…it seemed like it hurt…”

“Yes, it does,” she said softly. “But sometimes, pain is just a different type of healing.”

“That doesn’t make any sense.”

Layla smiled and offered him her hand. “Come and see.”

Trembling, Linus took it.

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Book of the Month

First daughter. First enemy. First escape.

When Araby slavers seize stronghold first daughter Kyrin Cieri from the coast of Britannia, she finds a mystery, martial skill, and friendship closer than blood.

A falcon pursues her through tiger-haunted dreams, love, and war in the Araby sands. With a strange dagger from her murdered mother’s hand, an exiled warrior from the East, and a peasant girl, Kyrin faces the sword that took her mother. Caught in the caliph’s court intrigue, she must outwit deadly treachery to save those she loves and overcome more than a blade. Kyrin will spend her blood to protect her friends and her stronghold from those who would destroy them: Love against hate, dagger against sword.

Get your FREE copy here

In February, I will be highlighting Zaden’s appearance in Lavanna’s Journey and how far he has come. Also, the audiobook version of Etania’s Destiny should be launched then! Wohoo.

I would love to hear from you: if you were to become a paid subscriber to my Substack for $1/mo, what would you be willing to pay for? Serial fiction? Short Stories? Let me know by replying to this email (even if it is to tell me you wouldn’t become a paid subscriber!).

Until Next Time,
M.H. Elrich

If you’re new around here, welcome! This is the Elrich E-Readers, a group of Christians who read high fantasy with romance subplots. You have joined this group by entering the Clean Fantastical Fiction Paperback Giveaway. You can opt out any time by unsubscribing at the bottom, but I hope you will stick around for news about my book series, Daughters of Tamnarae and other opportunities to read free clean and/or Christian Fantastical Fiction.

The winner of the paperback giveaway is…..

Nathanael Stottlemyer

If you didn’t win, I hope you’ll take advantage of this FREE story instead.

Here’s a sample:

I paused at the top of the stairs and took a deep breath. As I stared at the worn treads, I prepped myself for the off chance that I might come in contact with Fiona. “It’s just another day like any other. Don’t expect anything from her. It doesn’t matter that it’s your birthday.” No matter what, this year, I would not get my hopes up.

I shuffled downstairs then through the dining room to the kitchen. Fiona’s immense plate collection in the hutch rattled in my wake.

Fiona sat at the kitchen table, eating a late breakfast. She dropped her head, shaggy gray hair falling around her face as she wiped her eyes, and shoved a postcard into the pocket of the drab brown sweater she always wore—even in this summer heat.

I almost turned and left, but I needed coffee. Sighing, I plodded to the coffee maker, eyeing the cracked black-and-white checkered tile as I went. My tangled mass of black hair dangled in my face, shielding me from view.

Fiona slurped her coffee. “Look who decided to grace us with her presence.”

I wanted to ask if “us” included her many personalities. I bit my tongue. Instead, I grunted something resembling “morning.”

I hoped she’d leave it at that. Nothing good came from conversation with Fiona. The more I allowed the woman to voice her opinion, the greater the chance I’d run away in tears. She was a guilt-trip ninja, striking when I least expected.

“I have something for you.”

A warning thumped in my chest. I continued to stir the cream and sugar in my coffee, too much of each. I turned to face her. “What is it?”

“Oh, for Pete’s sake, stop gawking and come here, Fallon.”

I peered with extreme caution into her outstretched palm.

“Well, take it.” She shook the object clasped in her meaty fingers.

Like a game of Operation, I snatched it and removed my hand as fast as possible as if to avoid the buzzing sound. I then backed to a more comfortable distance.

A necklace. I sucked in my breath. The pendent seemed ancient. A heavy circle made from some type of gray stone attached to a leather cord. Seven cone shapes pointed from a circular indent in the center, giving it the shape of a star or a sun. Strange marks, like hieroglyphics, each unique, etched deep between the points.

It had been so long since I’d received a gift I didn’t know how to respond. “What is it?”

“Not quite sure. It belonged to your mother.”

“My mother?” The amulet fell, the cord caught around my finger. I pulled it to safety and let out a heavy breath. My mother. I couldn’t remember the last time she was mentioned in this house.

Fiona’s steel-blue eyes lost their sharpness for a nanosecond. “Yes.” Then with a quick shake of her head, adding more volume to her frizzy hair, she stood and brought her dishes to the sink. “Well, enough of that.”

“No.” My mother’s ghost had been summoned. I couldn’t let it float away.

Fiona stuck out her jaw and glared at me with dead, unblinking eyes. My stomach jumped into my throat. I had ventured into dangerous territory, but I might never have another chance to find out about my mother. I’d searched this house from top to bottom for pictures—any insight into my parents—only to be denied. I tried softening my tone. “I mean…did my mother give this to you?”

Fiona dropped her gaze and returned to the sink. “No. She didn’t.”

“Well, who then? You’ve been holding on to it all these years? Why’d you give it to me now?”

Fiona placed her hands on her disproportionately large hips, lowered her head, and sighed. She remained like that, as though worn out from fighting down whatever humanity remained entombed within her otherwise heartless carcass.

After a few eons, she faced me. “Fallon, I really didn’t know your mother well. This was given to Nathaniel after her…” She paused as if searching for the appropriate word. “…disappearance. He was instructed to hold onto it until your seventeenth birthday then give it to you. He’s not here, so I’m doing it.”

“Someone gave it to Bumpah after my mother…? Who?”

“I don’t know. I wasn’t there. He never said.”

“But why? Why give this to me now? What for?”

Fiona folded her arms across her chest. She leaned toward me. Her pear-shaped frame extended as her face scrunched in a scowl, forcing the peach fuzz to stick out on her upper lip. “I was tempted to throw the stupid thing away. I’m only doing this for Nathaniel. I promised.”

Was she for real? I knew she hated me, but this was a whole new level of heartlessness. To want to toss the one thing connecting me to my mother…that was cold. My eyebrow twitched as I tried to think how to respond. I opened my mouth, but words escaped me. Her unblinking eyes bulged in my direction. Words I’d been dying to say for years flew from my mouth. “You’re not the only one who lost your family, ya know. I miss Bumpah too. It’s not fair. I can’t even remember my parents. And I’m…I’m…” I knew what I wanted to say but couldn’t bring myself to do it.

“You’re what?”

Her nasty tone loosed my tongue. “I’m stuck with you!”

“Don’t try to bait me. Nathaniel would still be here if it weren’t for you. He was too old to be chasing after a rambunctious kid. As for my son—let me just say—no parent should outlive her child. You miss people you never knew. I lost the only people I ever loved. And where’s your mother? I don’t know. Her casket is empty next to my son’s. Is that fair?” She paused as though I might actually reply. “For all I know, she killed him.”

Fiona’s chest heaved as she gulped for air, her face red. Blotchy. I stood frozen. Though her words stung, they didn’t send me crying as they once had. Instead, they fueled my anger. I wanted nothing more than to smack her across the face. I fought to keep my clenched fists by my side. “What about me? I’m your granddaughter, remember? You didn’t lose everyone.”

Fiona shoved her hands into her pockets. “Oh for Pete’s sake, I don’t have time for this nonsense. I have more important things to attend to. Not all of us sleep until noon.” She trudged out of the kitchen, leaving dirty dishes in the sink.

Blown off again. Fiona didn’t have anything to do but send herself postcards from her dead husband, add to her ridiculous plate collection, and resent being stuck with me.

I dropped my cup into the sink, chipping it, and adding to the pile.

Several fantasies flashed across my mind. Most involved Fiona spinning and falling after a swift blow from a frying pan. Hurtful words I wished I’d said resonated in my mind. I cursed myself for allowing her to suck me in. I should know better by now.

My mind returned to the amulet. My first tangible connection to my mother. I placed it around my neck. It fell heavy against my breastbone. Warmth radiated from the spot, comforting me as if a missing piece of my heart had returned. I held it up to study the markings once more. As my fingers traced the cone shapes, feeling the rough surface, it sparked, like static electricity in the dark. I jumped. The necklace slipped from my fingers and thudded against my chest. My heart skittered. I yanked the stone off and dropped it on the counter.

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Thank you for voting in the poll! As you asked, I’ll be back in January with a feature about Etania, and a snippet of her appearance in Lavanna’s Journey, the fourth book in my series. Save the Date: January 9, 2026.

Until Next Time,

M.H. Elrich

*Click the banner above to discover some FREE E-Books*

Dear E-Reader,

Are you someone who likes to look ahead?

I enjoy planning for the next day, the next month, or even the next year.

I like thinking of different scenarios and options, running through the possibilities in my mind.

Sometimes doing so can create more worry than peace, so I’ve learned to keep my “plans” for the year with an open hand.

I try to invite God into the process, asking him what I should do and where I should go next.

Sometimes he tells me to wait. Sometimes he tells me to go. And sometimes, he leads me down paths I never expected.

One of those paths is the Goodreads Group, where I want to (eventually) move most of my engagement.

Another is the email series I’m starting in the New Year which will feature one of my characters and their appearance in Lavanna’s Journey, the next book in the Daughters of Tamnarae series. If you ever what happened to the characters from the first series or want to know about the new generation, this series is for you!

*Poll Ends Today! So Vote Soon*

Finally, there’s the devotionals I’m a part of that will continue in 2026. Whether that’s the Beneath the Tangles devotional, the Daily Devotional for Women, or the features in Clean Fiction Magazine.

There’s so much to look forward to, including an audiobook version of Etania’s Destiny (coming February 2026).

What are you looking forward to in the New Year?

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Last Day to Enter

Tomorrow I’ll be sending an email out announcing the winner of the paperback giveaway and giving you an opportunity to read another Christian Fantasy book.

Sincerely,

M.H. Elrich

Dear Elrich E-Readers,

I promise I don’t email this often, but I just want to make sure that you know you can get my books and many others for cheap, and today’s the last day to take advantage of the sale.

So, if you haven’t already, buy my entire series here.

Or you can check out Starganauts, a sci-fi series that has made many fantasy fans love convert, here.

If you’ve already loved and enjoyed those books, there’s an entire selection of clean books here.

If you’re looking for a devotional and you love anime, I’m running a limited time sale on my personal paperback copies of Finding God in Anime Volume 3, found here.

NEW: A paperback giveaway just in time for Christmas begins today! Enter for a chance to win here.

NEW: An Ebook giveaway of faith-filled freebies can be found here.

If you’ve already bought, read, or reviewed my books or others I’ve recommended, THANK YOU. I am so grateful for every kind word and encouragement you have shared with me.

The next time I will be emailing you is December 12th and 13th, where I will remind you to enter the giveaway, share author related news, and on the 13th, announce a winner.

Until Then,

M.H. Elrich

Buy the Series Here

Buy the Series Here

Purchase a Paperback Copy

Browse the Sale

Until Next Time,

M.H. Elrich

This depressing statistic struck a chord with me when I heard about it on a podcast I listen to called Author Update.

Yet, it also made me grateful.

Grateful for each and every one of you who still reads.

Whether it is on an e-book, with a physical book, or listening in the car, I’m grateful you take the time to not only enjoy my work, but also the works of others I recommend.

This statistic also inspired me to do something a little different.

The truth is, I want to get to know you, my readers, better.

So, if you’ve read and enjoyed my works, I would like to invite you to an even more exclusive club than this newsletter.

In it, we will have a book-related discussion every month.

People can discuss what they’re currently reading and what they want to read.

We will probably have some read-alongs and prizes, especially for my books and books from other authors I know you’ll love.

Overall, I want it to be a place where I know we can share our love of books AND spread the word about books we love with other people.

Where will it be?

Goodreads!

This website is a great place to keep track of your reading, review books, and find books to love. It’s free to use, and if you need any help setting it up or knowing how to use it, you can check out this video.

What’s it called?

Christian Fantastical Fiction Readers.

This is because it will be focused primarily on fantastical fiction written by Christians, preferably with Christian themes or elements.

Do you want to join?

Join the Group

Author News

• Save the Date: Black-Friday to Cyber Monday Sales (including my very own books!). I will send out several emails then. I’m also part of a massive paperback giveaway starting in December.

• The audiobook version of Etania’s Destiny will be here in February 2026! I’m so excited! If you would like to help spread the word, please comment below.

• Lavanna’s book is coming along nicely and I hope to add 10,000 more words to my draft as part of the new novel writing challenge hosted by King’s Daughters Writing Camp.

• In-person Book Signing Events: Olive Knolls Christian Church on November 22nd. If you live in California, reply to this email and I’ll send you the address.

• Thank you for contributing to my medical debt fund! We are fully funded because of many of you.

Here are some great books to check out:

The Tower of Babel Giveaway

The greatest skyscraper on earth.

And the greatest danger.

Fresh off a trip to Europe, Austin, a young sculptor, comes home to his apartment longing to create. But a letter slipped under his door changes everything. It’s from Stella—the unearthly girl who broke his heart three years ago, when they labored to bring a mysterious god to earth who would cleanse the planet of evil.

The letter calls Austin back to the abandoned church in the countryside where he and Stella failed. It’s time to pick up the task again. Yet Austin can’t possibly return to Stella or their old work—especially after he gets commissioned to create the crowning sculpture at the top of the Tower of Babel, a titanic skyscraper that’s going up at the edge of the city.

Then C. Arthur Gilgamesh, the director of the Tower project, reveals his dark purpose. Austin’s past and present are deeply connected—and Stella and Gilgamesh are mortal enemies. Austin can’t vacillate any longer. The battle has already begun, and his artwork—as well as the Tower—lie at the heart of it. He’ll have to play both sides to bring the god to earth at last and survive the coming apocalypse.

Enter the Giveaway

Magical Library. Distorted fairy tales. Time travel.

Bookworm Bellarose, egotistical Gerard, geeky Quinn, and mysterious Elayne are thrust into a fairy tale through a magical library. The problem? Most of these eighteen-year-olds’ memories have been wiped clean of life before they became characters in a familiar, but twisted story.

In this first tale, despite insulting banter and recent grievances, Bellarose must join forces with Gerard to break the curse the enchantress Aerowyn has placed on a hexed plantation. The stakes? Those they care about will be cursed forever. The unknown price? They will be stuck inside the warped fairy tales where they may become the villains.

Read this teen fantasy series for action, adventure, wholesome romance, and many nods to Beauty and the Beast.

Buy the Series

I’m constantly asked: what should I read next? Well, I decided to put together a guide filled with my favorite Christian-made Fantastical Fiction. So if you’re stuck in a rut and don’t know what to read next, check out this guide. FREE for you, my Elrich E-Reader.

View Here

Until Black Friday,

M.H. Elrich