A Thermometer in Surprising Places
I’ve recognized a reluctance on my part to adding a little heat to my plots, and the necessity of doing so. My first fantasy genre stories had plot driven attempts at romance and I kept as much off page as I could which only made them more awkward. Pop! A stork must have arrived because they had a baby.
Even in urban fantasy I keep a pretty low temperature going, but it is growing by degrees. A romance offers wonderful options for conflict, the chance to really torture your protagonist in heartbreaking ways, and scars that no one but the closest reader will ever know. A passionate moment can bring in warm resolution and a chance to recover, if we care about those characters. The actions and reactions in physical contact can speak worlds about an extrovert or introvert, a narcissist, or a person’s hidden dreams.
In the AngelSong series, Haddie has a slow burn relationship and it was fun to do, but still a lot off screen.
My newest character in Khimmer Chronicles is Ahnjii Fate. She has a very open sex life offscreen, a difficulty with romance, and an arc to tie all that together. I still haven’t gotten my editor’s schedule, so there’s still time to stick a thermometer in there and decide if I want to turn up the heat.
AngelSong
Book One
Kevin A. Davis
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Inkd Publishing LLC
Date of Publication: 2/9/22
ISBN: 978-1737391432
ASIN: B09S6SDHCB
Number of pages: 265 ebook, 300 paper
Word Count: ~67K
Cover Artist: Warren Designs
Tagline: The Next Rave Might Be Haddie’s Last.
Book Description:
Will Haddie’s power be enough?
Haddie has a power she doesn’t understand – the bizarre ability to move objects back in time – unfortunately not in one piece.
With all that she has going on, Haddie ignores Liz’s call. Later, when she listens to the message, the panic in Liz’s voice is unmistakable, the words threatening to be her friend’s last. Overcome with guilt, Haddie puts everything on the line to find Liz.
Someone, or something disturbing is hiding amid the colorful lights and music of Portland’s raves. Nothing could prepare Haddie for the supernatural creatures she uncovers in the search for Liz in the secret underground raves. Haddie races time to track down Liz before she becomes another victim.
The next rave might be Haddie’s last.
Excerpt:
Haddie swore. No wonder Dad had been calling. “Tell her I'm
fine. Just looking for Liz.”
“And Dr. Aaron?” Terry sounded relieved that she didn't go
off on him.
“How do you know him?”
He swallowed audibly. “Well, I mean, he's been a constant in
these demon groups. A bit of a fanatic. But I got worried, and asked if anyone
had seen a friend of mine around this sighting. He messaged me immediately and
started demanding that I put him in touch with you. Said he knew you from last
winter. That was the ski trip, right?”
Terry had posted a description of her in the forums. It
didn't matter. The fight outside the hotel had to have attracted some
attention, though she'd had pink hair part of the time. She opened her mouth,
about to ask Terry if he'd heard anything about the fight outside the hotel,
and stopped.
Wilkins would be after her shortly. The FBI
wouldn't just let something like this go. She'd killed someone, no matter the
circumstances.
“Haddie?”
“Huh?” She stared at the building where the rave would be happening.
She needed to find Liz.
Get past those guards.
“What about Dr. Aaron? Do you want me to give him your
number?”
She did want to know about the demons. He'd been suspicious
of her and her powers, and had disappeared right after the fight. “Yes.”
He paused and she could hear him typing. “So what's going on?
Still haven't found Liz? I mean, this could be serious. The more I look, the
worse it gets. Missing people, on top of the suicides. One mom swears her son
is in a mental hospital because of these raves.”
That sounded about right. Whatever the song did, she could
imagine it driving her crazy. “I'm about to go into the rave now. I'm hoping to
get Liz out. I'll let you know.”
“You're alone?”
“Yes.” She'd rather have Dad with her.
She peered at the building where the rave would be. If the
guards were looking for her, likely considering the attack at the hotel, then
she'd have to scout for a back way in. Before, she'd planned on walking in as
if going to the rave, then scoop up Liz — and Matt.
“Maybe you should just call the police.”
She thought of a swat
team facing down demons or the fanatical yellow-hazed men, with Liz in the
middle. “Not yet.” This needed to be quiet. She looked into the mirror at the
spray of pinkish brown covering the right side of her hair and leaving a shock
of white down the left side of her face. Not very stealthy, Haddie. Maybe she
had a hoodie in the back from last winter.
Kevin A Davis writes fantasy, especially urban and contemporary. His urban fantasy series, AngelSong, can be found on Amazon, Audible, and Ingram. There might even be a few paperback copies in the rural bookstore that he and his wife own. His Khimmer Chronicles series will be available starting late 2022.
Visit his website and sign up for his newsletter at
Download a free ebook of Shattered Blood at
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Excellent excerpt, Penumbra sounds like an exciting, edge of your seat urban fantasy for me! Thanks for sharing it with me and have a spectacular day!
ReplyDeleteAn awesome cover, synopsis and excerpt, this sounds like an exciting read. Thank you for sharing the author's bio and book details
ReplyDelete