Of Ice and Air is Carlie M A Cullen’s latest fantasy novel.
What do you think of the gorgeous cover?
You can check out my review here.
EXCERPT
He opened the door to a large stable-like room, but much more comfortable for the animals. In each stall were large fluffy blankets and individual food bowls. The centre had what appeared to be a congregation area which had matting on the floor. Some of the strange animals were sleeping in their stalls while others were in the centre appearing to be conversing in some way.
“Can they talk?” she asked as she watched them.
“In a way. They have their own language which our most talented linguists have tried to learn and translate without success. However, they do understand us and will react to anything we say to them.” They descended the steps and stood on the matting. “Before you make your choice,” the king continued, “I want to show you the Blenorai Kai. They are the elite of the breed and are the only ones allowed to carry members of the royal family. When a Blenorai is chosen, the Kai train them extensively until they are qualified for the title. Once you bond with a Blenorai, they are yours for life and will accept no other rider.”
They walked through a door and found even more luxurious appointments for the beasts. As soon as they saw the king enter, they stopped what they were doing and stood to attention.
“Stay exactly where you are for a moment and don’t move. Understand?”
“Yes, Grandfather.”
He walked around the room and patted each animal on the head. One particular beast got a little more attention than the others and Kailani surmised it was the king’s own mount. “Blenorai Kai, this is my granddaughter, Kailani. She must not come to any harm. She is about to choose her own mount. He or she must be trained as quickly as possible. Now, please acquaint yourself with my granddaughter.” The huge, pure white beasts with the head and mane of a lion, the body of a long-haired bear, a lion’s tail with wicked-looking spikes on the end, and armour on their bodies formed an orderly queue and approached her. The first one stared at her face and she was taken by the beautiful violet colour of its eyes. He then sniffed her all the way to her feet then moved away. This continued in the exact same format until each one had smelled her.
“Which one was my mother’s mount?”
The king strode forward and stopped in front of the beast. “This one. His name is Yashtig.”
Kailani reached forward and stroked his mane. “Hello Yashtig. I’m Princess Garalia’s daughter, Kailani. I wish you could speak my language so we could talk about her. I may have need of your services soon for the benefit of my mother. Would you be prepared to help me?” The beast nodded his head. “Thank you. I will call on you as soon as my mount is ready.” Again, Yashtig nodded.
“Come, Kailani. Let us choose your mount so the training may begin.” She moved toward the door looking closely at the size of each, their leg muscles, and any other attributes she felt were crucial. In a way she thought it might be a test, to see if she had a good eye and could pick the best of the bunch. She didn’t much care about that though, as she knew her intuition would help her.
Once back in the first room, King Jaanis cleared his throat and all the animals stood to attention. “This is my granddaughter and today she is choosing her mount,” he announced. He then turned to her and said, “Feel free to wander around them, touch them, feel their muscles, look at their spikes, whatever it is that helps you decide. Take your time as your decision is probably one of the most important you will ever make in your life.”
ABOUT OF ICE AND AIR
On her 21st birthday, Princess Kailani’s father tells her that when she was a baby, her mother was abducted. She also learns she has family in another world.
Defying her father, she travels from her Cloud Castle home to the ice kingdom of Idenvarlis where Kailani’s instincts drive her to find the mother she doesn’t remember.
Gifted with the magic of two worlds, and skilled in the use of weapons, she journeys into unknown and dangerous territory. Despite her determination to rescue her mother, she’s forced to overcome new fears and find a way to cope with all she encounters.
However, a person in authority will stop at nothing to prevent either of them returning.
Kailani faces isolation, wild beasts, rogue soldiers, and more as she battles to return to the Ice Palace. With the stakes so high, can she make it back alive?
ABOUT CARLIE M A CULLEN
Carlie M A Cullen was born in London. She grew up in Hertfordshire where she first discovered her love of books and writing.
She has always written in some form or another, but started to write novels in 2011. Her first book was published by Myrddin Publishing in 2012. Author of the Heart Search trilogy and Of Ice & Air, she writes in the Fantasy/Paranormal Romance genres for New Adult and Adult.
Carlie is also a principal editor for Eagle Eye Editors.
She also holds the reins of a writing group called Writebulb. They have published four anthologies so far, two for adults and two for children, all of which raise money for a local hospice.
Carlie currently lives in Essex, UK with her daughter.
Stalk Carlie:
Website / Twitter: @carlie2011c / Facebook / Linkedin / Amazon / About.me
My Reviews for Carlie’s Heartsearch Vampire Trilogy but first a little tease:
Trailer for Book I, Heartsearch Lost, where it all started:
Review of Heartsearch: Lost, Book I by Carlie M A Cullen
Heartsearch: Found: Book II by Carlie M A Cullen
Review: Heart Search: Betrayal by Carlie M A Cullen
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