Free fantasy book! From the Valley of Orchids free this weekend

December 2, 2023 / Niels Saunders / Leave a comment

Free eBook Available on Amazon:

To celebrate the launch of Battle of the Adachi Wastes (Book 7 in The Legend of Saru) you can grab a copy of From the Valley of Orchids (Book 1) for free this weekend:

Amazon link

(Regular price $4.99 / £3.99)

Here’s the blurb:

Gods and Demons Clash in Mythological Japan

In the Kingdom of Yamato, magic is misunderstood. When humans pray at shrines to the spirits of the land, their wishes are not granted directly. Instead, sometimes gods are born: shapeshifting animals with the power to conjure weapons and enter the realm of dreams.

When a snow monkey named Saru is born from a prayer of hope, he longs to understand the truth about his nature. At an enchanted temple, he crosses paths with the demonic monk Akame whose infernal magic destroys everything Saru loves—and could soon threaten the whole world.

Saru flees to Otari Village, a settlement of kind people who welcome him into their homes. The village, however, is plagued by ghosts and wicked men who would exploit Saru’s powers. With Akame’s arrival looming, will Saru save the village, or lose everything again? How far will he go to protect those he loves?

Don’t forget—book eight in The Legend of Saru is now available to pre-order. World of Ruin releases on December 19th:

Click here to find out more.

Epic Fantasy Book Launch – The Ten Courts of Hell

October 19, 2023 / Niels Saunders / Leave a comment

Witness the Origin of Akame

The Ten Courts of Hell is now available on Amazon in eBook, paperback and hardcover:

eBook

Paperback

Hardcover

Five hundred years after the events of The Golden Age, Hanya now enjoys a peaceful life atop Mount Haku. In the nearby village of Tobata, however, lives Yoshiharu of the Clear Skies, the man who will one day be known as the dreaded Akame…

Here’s the blurb:

For centuries, Tobata Village has worshipped the Golden Emissary, a mercurial wish-granting creature who lives atop the nearby Mount Haku. Disillusioned by a childhood tragedy, only one villager refuses to venerate the Emissary: a humble farmer named Yoshiharu of the Clear Skies, long before he will become known as Akame.

When Yoshiharu’s family suffers several misfortunes, his neighbours vilify him as a cursed heretic. His only hope is to bargain with the very Emissary he has scorned for most of his life. The Emissary, however, is none other than Hanya, and the wishes he grants are often devious and cruel.

Seeking vengeance, Yoshiharu must endure the Ten Courts of Hell and confront Estera himself on his hill of skulls. Meanwhile, Laurent journeys to free himself of the blue rose’s poison and Juzo’s quest for the twelve eggs continues. With all stories colliding, the sad fates of Yoshiharu, Laurent and Hanya are finally revealed.

The cover, as always, is by the marvellous Nicolás Castell.

Don’t forget, all six books released so far are available on Kindle Unlimited!

Not only that, but book seven in The Legend of Saru is now available to pre-order. Battle of the Adachi Wastes releases on November 22nd:

Epic Fantasy Book Launch – From the Valley of Orchids

May 22, 2023 / Niels Saunders / 1 Comment

Today’s the day! From the Valley of Orchids is now available to buy on Amazon. Volume one in the epic fantasy series The Legend of Saru, the eBook is only $0.99 / £0.99 for its entire launch week. Here’s the blurb:

Gods and Demons Clash in Mythological Japan

In the Kingdom of Yamato, magic is misunderstood. When humans pray at shrines to the spirits of the land, their wishes are not granted directly. Instead, sometimes gods are born: shapeshifting animals with the power to conjure weapons and enter the realm of dreams.

When a snow monkey named Saru is born from a prayer of hope, he longs to understand the truth about his nature. At an enchanted temple, he crosses paths with the demonic monk Akame whose infernal magic destroys everything Saru loves—and could soon threaten the whole world.

Saru flees to Otari Village, a settlement of kind people who welcome him into their homes. The village, however, is plagued by ghosts and wicked men who would exploit Saru’s powers. With Akame’s arrival looming, will Saru save the village, or lose everything again? How far will he go to protect those he loves?

Aimed at adults and an older YA audience, From the Valley of Orchids explores themes of grief, loss and hope, all told from a unique perspective. All nine volumes are finished and will be released monthly this year.