S.T. Bende's Blog, page 2
May 7, 2019
Those Rocks in Norway
The dedication in Viking Academy reads: "To Olaug - thanks for showing me those rocks in Norway."Because that series would have looked vastly different if it weren't for my dear friend Olaug, and a side trip involving a cluster of rocks. #TruthLet me explain . . .
Once upon a time (last summer), I visited a magical place (Norway) with a fun-loving octogenarian (Olaug). Olaug led me on an adventure-filled day that included an impromptu two-hour hike, during which I learned "want to see the woods behind the cabin?" meant "bring a water bottle and possibly a lunch, because we are going far, my friend . . ."
(above: pretty barn at least two miles into the woods behind Olaug's cabin)(below: pretty corn field even further into the woods behind Olaug's cabin)
A shopping trip, during which I was advised that Norway in summer is THE place for discounted outerwear (who knew?),
a trip to the fish market,
and a visit to a thousand year old church.
Olaug is spry, y'all. #LifeGoalsAfter being scared out my wits by what turned out to be a perfectly harmless cat . . .
A not-at-all-tired Olaug and I headed back to her cabin. On the way, we passed a circle of large rocks."What's that?" I asked."The Ting. An ancient Viking meeting spot," Olaug said confidently."NO WAY. LET'S GO SEE IT!" I screeched.But Olaug waved her hand and said, "The fish is getting warm."And so we drove home. All through dinner, pieces of a Viking story I'd been playing with knitted themselves together in my head. Turns out seeing an actual Viking site does wonders for the creative process. :) Olaug left to visit friends the next morning, leaving me to ask her neighbors about the "Ting." Nobody knew anything about an ancient Viking meeting spot, but they did know about a nearby Iron Age graveyard . . . one that was made up of a circle of large rocks. And while google knew diddly squat about the alleged "Ting," it did have a few things to say about the "Thing" - a Viking meeting ground that may or may not have involved rocks.There you go.
By the time I made it back to those rocks, Saga and Erik's adventure was almost fully formed. And as I wrote their story, I kept the picture of those rocks up on my computer to remind me of the day Viking Academy finally came together . . . and of the fun always have with my adventure-loving friend.
Viking Academy is live today on Apple Books. It releases everywhere on May 21st.
Once upon a time (last summer), I visited a magical place (Norway) with a fun-loving octogenarian (Olaug). Olaug led me on an adventure-filled day that included an impromptu two-hour hike, during which I learned "want to see the woods behind the cabin?" meant "bring a water bottle and possibly a lunch, because we are going far, my friend . . ." (above: pretty barn at least two miles into the woods behind Olaug's cabin)(below: pretty corn field even further into the woods behind Olaug's cabin)A shopping trip, during which I was advised that Norway in summer is THE place for discounted outerwear (who knew?),a trip to the fish market,and a visit to a thousand year old church.Olaug is spry, y'all. #LifeGoalsAfter being scared out my wits by what turned out to be a perfectly harmless cat . . .A not-at-all-tired Olaug and I headed back to her cabin. On the way, we passed a circle of large rocks."What's that?" I asked."The Ting. An ancient Viking meeting spot," Olaug said confidently."NO WAY. LET'S GO SEE IT!" I screeched.But Olaug waved her hand and said, "The fish is getting warm."And so we drove home. All through dinner, pieces of a Viking story I'd been playing with knitted themselves together in my head. Turns out seeing an actual Viking site does wonders for the creative process. :) Olaug left to visit friends the next morning, leaving me to ask her neighbors about the "Ting." Nobody knew anything about an ancient Viking meeting spot, but they did know about a nearby Iron Age graveyard . . . one that was made up of a circle of large rocks. And while google knew diddly squat about the alleged "Ting," it did have a few things to say about the "Thing" - a Viking meeting ground that may or may not have involved rocks.There you go.By the time I made it back to those rocks, Saga and Erik's adventure was almost fully formed. And as I wrote their story, I kept the picture of those rocks up on my computer to remind me of the day Viking Academy finally came together . . . and of the fun always have with my adventure-loving friend.Viking Academy is live today on Apple Books. It releases everywhere on May 21st.
April 26, 2019
That Day I Met the Avengers
Once upon a time on a very good day, I got to meet some of my favorite superheroes. It wasn't expected (hence my casual Star Wars gear, and look of complete shock on my very excited face), and it wasn't my most eloquent moment (if you could have heard my incoherent babbling you'd have laughed your head off!). But it was absolutely everything to me.I met the Avengers.
Tonight, I'll watch the end of this chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. *cue uncontrollable sobbing* And besides the war chant of I'M NOT READY that's been looping through my head all week, the only thing I can think to say as I head off to Avengers: Endgame is THANK YOU.Thank you, Marvel, for building a world where family is bigger than what you're born into - it's the tribe you create along your journey.
Thank you, Stan Lee, for showing us that anyone, from anywhere, can change the world for the better.Thank you, Kevin Feige, for showcasing honor, hope, and kindness in a way that makes kids want to embody those virtues, and share them with the world.
Thank you, Disney, for giving us another reality in which you can become more than what you observe - you can become what you believe.
And thank you, Avengers, for showing us all that love is greater than hate; goodness exists even in the darkest times; and a single shred of hope can be the most powerful force in the universe.And Thanos . . . well. All I can say is: Please don't break my heart tonight.
xoxo,S.T.
Tonight, I'll watch the end of this chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. *cue uncontrollable sobbing* And besides the war chant of I'M NOT READY that's been looping through my head all week, the only thing I can think to say as I head off to Avengers: Endgame is THANK YOU.Thank you, Marvel, for building a world where family is bigger than what you're born into - it's the tribe you create along your journey.Thank you, Stan Lee, for showing us that anyone, from anywhere, can change the world for the better.Thank you, Kevin Feige, for showcasing honor, hope, and kindness in a way that makes kids want to embody those virtues, and share them with the world.Thank you, Disney, for giving us another reality in which you can become more than what you observe - you can become what you believe.And thank you, Avengers, for showing us all that love is greater than hate; goodness exists even in the darkest times; and a single shred of hope can be the most powerful force in the universe.And Thanos . . . well. All I can say is: Please don't break my heart tonight.xoxo,S.T.
April 2, 2019
Sneak Peek: Viking Academy
Here's a sneak peek at VIKING ACADEMY - coming in May! And sign up for the Launch Team to read VIKING ACADEMY two weeks early!
VIKING ACADEMY: SNEAK PEEKWe rode the rest of the way in silence. A million questions danced through my mind, but I kept them to myself as we made our way down a steep, windy trail, raced along the edge of a fjord, and began the long trek up a waterfall-lined mountain. When the trees thickened and a light snow dusted the ground, Erik slid off the horse and led it into the woods on foot.“Do I get down too, or—”“No.”Well, fine.We walked for another five minutes, until the trees thinned and the whoosh of rushing water broke the silence. Erik turned left at a massive boulder, pulling his horse forward until he reached a small log cabin. It stood near the edge of the waterfall, set back just enough that the spray didn’t reach its grass-lined roof. It had a tidy front porch, a small stable, and a neat pile of wood stacked outside the ornately carved door. It would have been absolutely charming . . . if it weren’t the latest in a series of places I’d be trying to escape.Erik reached up to help me off the horse. “Didn’t want to see you take another tumble.”I bit back my retort.“We’ll spend the night here,” Erik said. “And be in Valkyris by early evening.”“Great.”Erik raised one blond brow. “I meant what I said about running. Our dragons patrol the area by air, so it’s to your benefit to stay in the huset.”Holy skit. Was he serious?I waited on the porch as Erik led his horse to the stable. He returned, dusting hay off his arms before pushing open the sturdy, front door. Nerves danced in my abdomen as he held out a hand and waited for me to step across the threshold.I assessed my situation. On the one hand, I was alone in the woods with a massive Viking—the most heartless member of the most fear-inducing tribe in the entire region. But on the other hand, Erik hadn’t laid a finger on me . . . yet. Even though I’d stabbed him, insulted him, and made no attempt to hide my disgust at his very existence, he didn’t seem inclined to retaliate.Unless he was waiting for just the right moment.Like the moment I fell asleep.Oh, God. Don’t sleep. Run.No. Don’t run. Dragons.I’m so screwed.I glanced up at Erik, willing the fear to ebb from my eyes. He raised a brow and gestured toward the entry. “Well?”Right. I summoned a strength I didn’t feel as I drew a deep breath, pulled my shoulders back, and stepped into the cabin.And I prayed I hadn’t made a huge mistake.
Pre-Order VIKING ACADEMY onApple Books, Amazon, Google Play, Smashwords, Nook. And sign up for the VIKING ACADEMY LAUNCH TEAMto read Saga's story two weeks early!
VIKING ACADEMY: SNEAK PEEKWe rode the rest of the way in silence. A million questions danced through my mind, but I kept them to myself as we made our way down a steep, windy trail, raced along the edge of a fjord, and began the long trek up a waterfall-lined mountain. When the trees thickened and a light snow dusted the ground, Erik slid off the horse and led it into the woods on foot.“Do I get down too, or—”“No.”Well, fine.We walked for another five minutes, until the trees thinned and the whoosh of rushing water broke the silence. Erik turned left at a massive boulder, pulling his horse forward until he reached a small log cabin. It stood near the edge of the waterfall, set back just enough that the spray didn’t reach its grass-lined roof. It had a tidy front porch, a small stable, and a neat pile of wood stacked outside the ornately carved door. It would have been absolutely charming . . . if it weren’t the latest in a series of places I’d be trying to escape.Erik reached up to help me off the horse. “Didn’t want to see you take another tumble.”I bit back my retort.“We’ll spend the night here,” Erik said. “And be in Valkyris by early evening.”“Great.”Erik raised one blond brow. “I meant what I said about running. Our dragons patrol the area by air, so it’s to your benefit to stay in the huset.”Holy skit. Was he serious?I waited on the porch as Erik led his horse to the stable. He returned, dusting hay off his arms before pushing open the sturdy, front door. Nerves danced in my abdomen as he held out a hand and waited for me to step across the threshold.I assessed my situation. On the one hand, I was alone in the woods with a massive Viking—the most heartless member of the most fear-inducing tribe in the entire region. But on the other hand, Erik hadn’t laid a finger on me . . . yet. Even though I’d stabbed him, insulted him, and made no attempt to hide my disgust at his very existence, he didn’t seem inclined to retaliate.Unless he was waiting for just the right moment.Like the moment I fell asleep.Oh, God. Don’t sleep. Run.No. Don’t run. Dragons.I’m so screwed.I glanced up at Erik, willing the fear to ebb from my eyes. He raised a brow and gestured toward the entry. “Well?”Right. I summoned a strength I didn’t feel as I drew a deep breath, pulled my shoulders back, and stepped into the cabin.And I prayed I hadn’t made a huge mistake.Pre-Order VIKING ACADEMY onApple Books, Amazon, Google Play, Smashwords, Nook. And sign up for the VIKING ACADEMY LAUNCH TEAMto read Saga's story two weeks early!
March 19, 2019
Introducing Viking Academy
I've been dancing around a Viking story for a while. The characters and relationships were there, but I couldn't quite piece them together . . . until the real Olaug took me on a very amusing Norwegian side trip. (More on that another time!) Once I finally figured out how everybody fit, their story just clicked. And I'm so excited to FINALLY share it with you!The new Norse Crew is fun, and adventurous, and ridiculously resourceful, given what they're working with . . . and without. (Two words: No Nutella. Gasp!) I absolutely adore them, and I know you will, too. Without further ado, introducing the new Norse crew:VIKING ACADEMY: BOOK 1Erik held me until my shoulders stopped shaking—whether it was a minute or an hour, I couldn’t tell. The only things I knew for sure were:I was trapped a thousand years in the past, with little hope of ever going home. AndI was wrapped in the arms of the most absurdly gorgeous Viking to have ever walked the face of the Earth.Maybe my old life was overrated.When seventeen-year-old Saga Skånstad discovers an antique dagger, she’s instantly sucked into a world where Vikings rule the seas and dragons roam the skies, and the only thing more dangerous than the chief who takes her captive is the rival who steals her away. The heir of Norway’s most feared tribe is fierce, cold, and absolutely unyielding. With intruders encroaching upon his borders, Erik Halvarsson has little patience for the girl whose ignorance threatens his very existence. He enlists Saga in the magical Valkyris Academy, where she learns the skills she’ll need to protect herself from foreign raiders and domestic terrors. But nothing can protect her from falling for the one guy in all the world she’s absolutely forbidden to choose . . . or from risking everything to unlock the secrets that haunt him.When darkness threatens Saga’s new home, she must decide whether to return to the life she’s always known, or fight for a love she never could have imagined. Her decision will determine a legacy—not only for Saga, but for the world she never knew she was fated to lead.
How fun is that?? And the Academy Crew is every bit as awesome as their cover.Viking's honor. :) You can pre-order your copy NOW on iBooks, Nook, Smashwords, Amazon, and Google Play! And check back soon to learn how to get an exclusive sneak peek!iBooks: http://smarturl.it/Viking1-ibooksNook: http://smarturl.it/Viking1-nookSmashwords: http://smarturl.it/Viking1-smashAmazon: http://smarturl.it/Viking1-amazonGoogle Play: http://smarturl.it/Viking1-GPViking Academy will be a three-book series, with titles scheduled to release May, July, and September of 2019. Book 1, Viking Academy, will release May 14th on iBooks, and May 21st on all other retailers. Check back soon for more updates! Until then, I'll be at my laptop. Please send waffles . . . and Nutella!
VIKING ACADEMY: BOOK 1Erik held me until my shoulders stopped shaking—whether it was a minute or an hour, I couldn’t tell. The only things I knew for sure were:I was trapped a thousand years in the past, with little hope of ever going home. AndI was wrapped in the arms of the most absurdly gorgeous Viking to have ever walked the face of the Earth.Maybe my old life was overrated.When seventeen-year-old Saga Skånstad discovers an antique dagger, she’s instantly sucked into a world where Vikings rule the seas and dragons roam the skies, and the only thing more dangerous than the chief who takes her captive is the rival who steals her away. The heir of Norway’s most feared tribe is fierce, cold, and absolutely unyielding. With intruders encroaching upon his borders, Erik Halvarsson has little patience for the girl whose ignorance threatens his very existence. He enlists Saga in the magical Valkyris Academy, where she learns the skills she’ll need to protect herself from foreign raiders and domestic terrors. But nothing can protect her from falling for the one guy in all the world she’s absolutely forbidden to choose . . . or from risking everything to unlock the secrets that haunt him.When darkness threatens Saga’s new home, she must decide whether to return to the life she’s always known, or fight for a love she never could have imagined. Her decision will determine a legacy—not only for Saga, but for the world she never knew she was fated to lead.How fun is that?? And the Academy Crew is every bit as awesome as their cover.Viking's honor. :) You can pre-order your copy NOW on iBooks, Nook, Smashwords, Amazon, and Google Play! And check back soon to learn how to get an exclusive sneak peek!iBooks: http://smarturl.it/Viking1-ibooksNook: http://smarturl.it/Viking1-nookSmashwords: http://smarturl.it/Viking1-smashAmazon: http://smarturl.it/Viking1-amazonGoogle Play: http://smarturl.it/Viking1-GPViking Academy will be a three-book series, with titles scheduled to release May, July, and September of 2019. Book 1, Viking Academy, will release May 14th on iBooks, and May 21st on all other retailers. Check back soon for more updates! Until then, I'll be at my laptop. Please send waffles . . . and Nutella!
October 15, 2018
Visiting Hoth: A Survival Guide
Over the summer I got to visit Finse, Norway - HOTH from The Empire Strikes Back! It was a dream come true to visit theactual place where Han rode a tauntaun, Luke nearly got eaten by a wampa, and the coolest vehicles in all of Star Wars took down some AT-ATs. #TeamSnowSpeeder 
Armed with snacks, water, a jacket and a lightsaber or two (because, HOTH), I figured I was totally prepared for this pilgrimage - uh, day trip.I SO WAS NOT.
But the Force taught me some valuable lessons - lessons I'm sharing so that if you ever find yourself heading to Hoth, you don't show up for an impromptu four hour hike on a Norwegian glacier wearing Adidas Superstars. #SadButTrue
VISITING HOTH: A SURVIVAL GUIDE by S.T. Bende(1) There's always snow on Hoth . . . even in August!! I don't know how I didn't see that one coming, but I was genuinely shocked by the huge patches of snow that looked deceptively close to the train station. So shocked, I may have wept. Openly. #NoShame
(2) If you want to blend in on Hoth, hide your fangirl tears behind big sunglasses. Apparently, most people DO NOT BURST INTO TEARS the moment they step off the train and see the aforementioned snow. Clearly, these are the heartless Sith people.
(3) Greeting fellow visitors with a hearty "May the Force be with you!" earns you weird looks. Despite clearly visible Rebel signage that marked this place as INCREDIBLY SACRED GROUND, it turned out everybody else was there to hike some glacier. Including a group of Boy Scouts who were polite enough to hide their laughter behind their reindeer burgers. Bless.
(4) Space is measured differently on Hoth. Remember that deceptively close looking snow from #1? Turns out, said snow was a four hour round trip hike from the train station, on account of a sneakily wide lake. A FOUR HOUR HIKE. That is way past the first marker. #HothHumor
(5) Snowspeeders aren't required in August, but hiking gear is. Turns out Hoth was filmed atop one of the most beloved hiking locations in all of Europe. (So said every single person who passed me on the trail.) This explains why I was the only person trekking around without hiking shoes, hiking socks, and hiking poles (yes, poles!). See FOUR HOUR HIKE, above. #WheresATauntaunWhenYouNeedOne
(6) In a pinch, Adidas Superstars make great hiking shoes. Because I wasn't not going to hike to that patch of snow! But for the record, white Superstars will be covered in Hoth Berries by the end of the day. (Fun fact: Hoth Berry stains wash out in the laundry!)
(7) In a pinch, Adidas Superstars also make great skis! My bucket list includes "SKI HOTH!" and "SKI JOTUNHEIM!", and since my Rossignols were at home, I made do with what I had. #RebelsAreResourceful (Another fun fact: Hoth is pretty darned close from to a place called Jotunheimen National Park, so I'm calling this a win on both fronts.)
(8) Manners matter, even on Echo Base. Finse is only accessible by trains - a very small number of trains that keep to very regimented schedules. Ours was two minutes late, and the conductor apologized no fewer than fifteen times. Seriously. 
(9) Kyber crystal-powered weapons are allowed on Hoth. Because all the cool adults show up in tiny Norwegian towns carrying lightsabers, right?
Spending time on Hoth, even in questionable shoes, was one of the coolest experiences of my life. Not only was it breathtakingly beautiful, but it gave me a whole new connection to a galaxy far, far away. I'm so incredibly grateful that I got to visit Echo Base, and I can't wait to go back again . . . hopefully in the winter, when there's EVEN MORE SNOW!!I'm planning my footwear already.
Armed with snacks, water, a jacket and a lightsaber or two (because, HOTH), I figured I was totally prepared for this pilgrimage - uh, day trip.I SO WAS NOT.But the Force taught me some valuable lessons - lessons I'm sharing so that if you ever find yourself heading to Hoth, you don't show up for an impromptu four hour hike on a Norwegian glacier wearing Adidas Superstars. #SadButTrueVISITING HOTH: A SURVIVAL GUIDE by S.T. Bende(1) There's always snow on Hoth . . . even in August!! I don't know how I didn't see that one coming, but I was genuinely shocked by the huge patches of snow that looked deceptively close to the train station. So shocked, I may have wept. Openly. #NoShame(2) If you want to blend in on Hoth, hide your fangirl tears behind big sunglasses. Apparently, most people DO NOT BURST INTO TEARS the moment they step off the train and see the aforementioned snow. Clearly, these are the heartless Sith people.(3) Greeting fellow visitors with a hearty "May the Force be with you!" earns you weird looks. Despite clearly visible Rebel signage that marked this place as INCREDIBLY SACRED GROUND, it turned out everybody else was there to hike some glacier. Including a group of Boy Scouts who were polite enough to hide their laughter behind their reindeer burgers. Bless.(4) Space is measured differently on Hoth. Remember that deceptively close looking snow from #1? Turns out, said snow was a four hour round trip hike from the train station, on account of a sneakily wide lake. A FOUR HOUR HIKE. That is way past the first marker. #HothHumor(5) Snowspeeders aren't required in August, but hiking gear is. Turns out Hoth was filmed atop one of the most beloved hiking locations in all of Europe. (So said every single person who passed me on the trail.) This explains why I was the only person trekking around without hiking shoes, hiking socks, and hiking poles (yes, poles!). See FOUR HOUR HIKE, above. #WheresATauntaunWhenYouNeedOne(6) In a pinch, Adidas Superstars make great hiking shoes. Because I wasn't not going to hike to that patch of snow! But for the record, white Superstars will be covered in Hoth Berries by the end of the day. (Fun fact: Hoth Berry stains wash out in the laundry!)(7) In a pinch, Adidas Superstars also make great skis! My bucket list includes "SKI HOTH!" and "SKI JOTUNHEIM!", and since my Rossignols were at home, I made do with what I had. #RebelsAreResourceful (Another fun fact: Hoth is pretty darned close from to a place called Jotunheimen National Park, so I'm calling this a win on both fronts.)(8) Manners matter, even on Echo Base. Finse is only accessible by trains - a very small number of trains that keep to very regimented schedules. Ours was two minutes late, and the conductor apologized no fewer than fifteen times. Seriously. (9) Kyber crystal-powered weapons are allowed on Hoth. Because all the cool adults show up in tiny Norwegian towns carrying lightsabers, right?Spending time on Hoth, even in questionable shoes, was one of the coolest experiences of my life. Not only was it breathtakingly beautiful, but it gave me a whole new connection to a galaxy far, far away. I'm so incredibly grateful that I got to visit Echo Base, and I can't wait to go back again . . . hopefully in the winter, when there's EVEN MORE SNOW!!I'm planning my footwear already.
October 10, 2018
Introducing Star Wars: Galactic Adventures!
I still can't believe I get to type these words: I recently wrote two super fun stories for an epic new storybook from a galaxy far, far away . . . and in said stories, I got to NAME A PLANET!!I am completely and totally over the (forest!) moon!!!
STAR WARS GALACTIC ADVENTURES: STORYBOOK COLLECTION is a collection of 18 all-new illustrated stories for Padawans. It spans the entire Star Wars Saga, and features heroes and villains ranging from Yoda to Darth Maul to a persnickety pirate lord who goes by the name of Lord Alorg. (Spoiler alert: Lord Alorg is not very nice!) This project was a joy to work on, not only because #StarWars, but also because it involved writing stories based on existing Star Wars COMICS. It was an extremely fun process, and I hope your Padawans find as much joy in reading these stories as we did creating them!
STAR WARS GALACTIC ADVENTURES is available NOW everywhere books are sold. Happy reading . . . and may the Force be with you!
STAR WARS GALACTIC ADVENTURES: STORYBOOK COLLECTION is a collection of 18 all-new illustrated stories for Padawans. It spans the entire Star Wars Saga, and features heroes and villains ranging from Yoda to Darth Maul to a persnickety pirate lord who goes by the name of Lord Alorg. (Spoiler alert: Lord Alorg is not very nice!) This project was a joy to work on, not only because #StarWars, but also because it involved writing stories based on existing Star Wars COMICS. It was an extremely fun process, and I hope your Padawans find as much joy in reading these stories as we did creating them!STAR WARS GALACTIC ADVENTURES is available NOW everywhere books are sold. Happy reading . . . and may the Force be with you!
June 25, 2018
The Ære Saga is COMPLETE!!
The Ære Saga is complete!! I cannot believe I'm writing these words. War's crew releases their FINAL book today, and I could not be happier with the way their stories wrap up. Freya faces some hard truths, Mia has to make a decision that requires a lot of notebooking, Elsa supports Forse through an unimaginable heartbreak, and Brynnrik is . . . quintessentially Brynnrik. :) In the face of Ragnarok, the crew demonstrates their commitment to love, honor, and of course, to their friend-family. I hope you enjoy their ride every bit as much as I did. 
This is a dual POV book, told from both Brynn and Freya's perspectives. If you've missed the perkiest Valkyrie this side of Asgard, Brynn's chapters will definitely make you smile. (And possibly cry. But mostly smile.) And if, like me, you've been wondering what it's really like to be Goddess of Love AND High Commander of the Valkyries . . . well, Freya has a few surprises up her sleeve.
Oh! And if you've been missing a certain member or two from that other Norse crew, you're in for a fun treat. :) :) PERFEKT MATCH is available today oniBooks, Smashwords, Google Play, Kobo, Nook and Amazon. And if you haven't met War's crew yet, PERFEKT ORDER, the first book in the Ære Saga, is currently FREE everywhere! I hope Ære's finale makes you smile. As always, I am truly grateful for ALL your support over the course of this series. It's meant the world to me to share this crew's story with you, and I can never thank you enough for dreaming across the realms with me. Skål!
For honor. For love. For Asgard.Valkyrie Brynn Aksel is ready for some downtime. But when an urgent warning arrives from Asgard, heralding the death of a beloved god and the dawn of Ragnarok—the not-so-mythological end of days—it becomes clear there’s no rest for the gods…not when the future of the realms is on the line.Goddess of Love Freya Skönsten can’t shake the darkness that’s clung to her since her Helheim imprisonment. An unsanctioned romantic connection with a mortal is the only thing keeping her in the light, but Freya’s vow to the Norns prevents her from fully uniting with her perfekt match. When Hel returns to finish what she started, Freya must decide how much she’s ready to sacrifice to save the family she loves…and whether she’s willing to give up everything for the worlds she’s sworn to protect.With the forces of darkness aligning to destroy the realms, it’s clear more than just Love hangs in the balance. Ragnarok has arrived. And it's shaping up to be the perfekt storm.READ PERFEKT MATCH NOW on: iBooks, Smashwords, Google Play, Kobo, Nook and Amazon.
This is a dual POV book, told from both Brynn and Freya's perspectives. If you've missed the perkiest Valkyrie this side of Asgard, Brynn's chapters will definitely make you smile. (And possibly cry. But mostly smile.) And if, like me, you've been wondering what it's really like to be Goddess of Love AND High Commander of the Valkyries . . . well, Freya has a few surprises up her sleeve.Oh! And if you've been missing a certain member or two from that other Norse crew, you're in for a fun treat. :) :) PERFEKT MATCH is available today oniBooks, Smashwords, Google Play, Kobo, Nook and Amazon. And if you haven't met War's crew yet, PERFEKT ORDER, the first book in the Ære Saga, is currently FREE everywhere! I hope Ære's finale makes you smile. As always, I am truly grateful for ALL your support over the course of this series. It's meant the world to me to share this crew's story with you, and I can never thank you enough for dreaming across the realms with me. Skål!For honor. For love. For Asgard.Valkyrie Brynn Aksel is ready for some downtime. But when an urgent warning arrives from Asgard, heralding the death of a beloved god and the dawn of Ragnarok—the not-so-mythological end of days—it becomes clear there’s no rest for the gods…not when the future of the realms is on the line.Goddess of Love Freya Skönsten can’t shake the darkness that’s clung to her since her Helheim imprisonment. An unsanctioned romantic connection with a mortal is the only thing keeping her in the light, but Freya’s vow to the Norns prevents her from fully uniting with her perfekt match. When Hel returns to finish what she started, Freya must decide how much she’s ready to sacrifice to save the family she loves…and whether she’s willing to give up everything for the worlds she’s sworn to protect.With the forces of darkness aligning to destroy the realms, it’s clear more than just Love hangs in the balance. Ragnarok has arrived. And it's shaping up to be the perfekt storm.READ PERFEKT MATCH NOW on: iBooks, Smashwords, Google Play, Kobo, Nook and Amazon.
September 26, 2017
Introducing The Prequel Trilogy Stories!
Today is a REALLY special day. Not only is it the day that my first ever children's stories are published, but it's the day that I get to walk into a bookstore and pick up a Star Wars book that has my name in the credits. A STAR WARS BOOK, YOU GUYS. I CAN'T EVEN . . . 
If you know one thing about me, odds are good that you know I'm a massive Star Wars fangirl. #NeverTellMeTheOdds And to get to write stories for a galaxy far, far away has been my biggest dream come true. The mythology of Star Wars has left a bantha-sized imprint on my life, reminding me of the never-ending powers of friendship, hope and trust. The friend-families formed, and the honor with which the characters act has inspired me in every conceivable way. And the relationships I've formed with complete strangers while sleeping in convention center basements during Celebration (Anaheim, Orlando, and that second night in Orlando that was so amazing because RIAN JOHNSON came through and met every single fan!! HOW COOL IS HE?) have made my life richer than I ever could have imagined. Star Wars fans are truly the greatest fans in the world, and to get to write stories for my fellow fans' Padawans has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. I'm so thankful to the team at Disney-Lucasfilm Press who let this big-time fangirl play in their sandbox, and I hope that the stories I got to write will fill readers with all the hope and love that this franchise has given me. 
Star Wars: The Prequel Trilogy Stories is an 18 story collection (with two stories from me!) that tells the tale of Episodes I-III. It's available TODAY everywhere books are sold! Happy reading . . . and May The Force Be With You!
If you know one thing about me, odds are good that you know I'm a massive Star Wars fangirl. #NeverTellMeTheOdds And to get to write stories for a galaxy far, far away has been my biggest dream come true. The mythology of Star Wars has left a bantha-sized imprint on my life, reminding me of the never-ending powers of friendship, hope and trust. The friend-families formed, and the honor with which the characters act has inspired me in every conceivable way. And the relationships I've formed with complete strangers while sleeping in convention center basements during Celebration (Anaheim, Orlando, and that second night in Orlando that was so amazing because RIAN JOHNSON came through and met every single fan!! HOW COOL IS HE?) have made my life richer than I ever could have imagined. Star Wars fans are truly the greatest fans in the world, and to get to write stories for my fellow fans' Padawans has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. I'm so thankful to the team at Disney-Lucasfilm Press who let this big-time fangirl play in their sandbox, and I hope that the stories I got to write will fill readers with all the hope and love that this franchise has given me. Star Wars: The Prequel Trilogy Stories is an 18 story collection (with two stories from me!) that tells the tale of Episodes I-III. It's available TODAY everywhere books are sold! Happy reading . . . and May The Force Be With You!
August 17, 2017
5-Minute Star Wars Stories Strike Back
I'm super duper excited to have some bookish news from a galaxy far, far away! This über-fangirl is over the forest moon (#EwokLove) to get to be a part of another fun release coming soon from Disney-Lucasfilm press!
5-Minute Star Wars Stories Strike Back is a brand new collection of twelve Padawan-friendly retellings (including two from me!!) that cover all of the Star Wars saga - even the upcoming Episode VIII!! (OMG are you as excited as I am to see what the amazing Rian Johnson has in store for us in The Last Jedi? Can we pre-order our movie tickets yet? Are we going to collectively crash poor Fandango again when we do?) The beauty of this collection is that each story can be read in five minutes, so tired Padawns (or their tired parents) can get their bedtime dose of Star Wars without staying up too late. Pretty fun, right? 5-Minute Star Wars Stories Strike Back hits stores December 15, but you can pre-order it HERE. Happy reading! And May the Force be with you!
5-Minute Star Wars Stories Strike Back is a brand new collection of twelve Padawan-friendly retellings (including two from me!!) that cover all of the Star Wars saga - even the upcoming Episode VIII!! (OMG are you as excited as I am to see what the amazing Rian Johnson has in store for us in The Last Jedi? Can we pre-order our movie tickets yet? Are we going to collectively crash poor Fandango again when we do?) The beauty of this collection is that each story can be read in five minutes, so tired Padawns (or their tired parents) can get their bedtime dose of Star Wars without staying up too late. Pretty fun, right? 5-Minute Star Wars Stories Strike Back hits stores December 15, but you can pre-order it HERE. Happy reading! And May the Force be with you!
July 16, 2017
Introducing Defender
Defender, the second book in the Night War Saga, releases today! We're so excited to share this chapter in Allie's story with you!! Check it out on Amazon, and be sure to let us know what you think!
Allie Rydell left her life behind to protect the world from the Goddess of Night. But after weeks of training, hunting, and learning to use the life-giving power that inexplicably chose her, saving Midgard seems more impossible than ever. Nott’s followers have eyes across the realms, and they’re determined to collect the bounty on Allie’s soul. And the closer Allie and her protectors get to the pieces of the immortal weapon that could save them all, the more destruction Nott manages to unleash—not only on the world Allie loves, but on the friends she’d give her life to save.Darkness is coming. And this time, it won’t leave any survivors.Thank you so much for ALL of your support with this series. Leia and I are incredibly grateful that you've embraced Allie & Co. with such love. We're hard at work getting the third (and final!) installment of this series ready, and we think you'll love seeing what we have in store for Allie's Norse crew when Redeemer comes your way in October! Until then, have a magical summer - and happy reading!
Allie Rydell left her life behind to protect the world from the Goddess of Night. But after weeks of training, hunting, and learning to use the life-giving power that inexplicably chose her, saving Midgard seems more impossible than ever. Nott’s followers have eyes across the realms, and they’re determined to collect the bounty on Allie’s soul. And the closer Allie and her protectors get to the pieces of the immortal weapon that could save them all, the more destruction Nott manages to unleash—not only on the world Allie loves, but on the friends she’d give her life to save.Darkness is coming. And this time, it won’t leave any survivors.Thank you so much for ALL of your support with this series. Leia and I are incredibly grateful that you've embraced Allie & Co. with such love. We're hard at work getting the third (and final!) installment of this series ready, and we think you'll love seeing what we have in store for Allie's Norse crew when Redeemer comes your way in October! Until then, have a magical summer - and happy reading!
