Today I have my agency sister, Michelle Hauck, with her most recent release, Kindar's Cure. Check it out.
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Princess Kindar of Anost dreams of playing the hero and succeeding to
her mother’s throne. But dreams are for fools. Reality involves two healthy
sisters and a wasting disease of suffocating cough that’s killing her by
inches. When her elder sister is murdered, the blame falls on Kindar, putting
her head on the chopping block.No one who survives eighteen years of choke lung lacks determination. A novice wizard, Maladonis Bin, approaches with a vision—a cure in a barren land of volcanic fumes. As choices go, a charming bootlicker that trips over his own feet isn’t the best option, but beggars can’t be choosers. Kindar escapes with Mal and several longtime attendants only to have her eyes opened that her country faces dark times.
Her mother’s decision to close the prosperous mines spurs poverty and joblessness, inciting rebellion and opening Anost to foreign invasion. As Mal urges her toward a cure that will prove his visions, suddenly, an ally turns traitor, delivering Kindar to a rebel army, who have their own plans for a sickly princess.
With the killer poised to strike again, the rebels bearing down, and the country falling apart, she must weigh her personal hunt for a cure against saving her people.
“Princess
Kindar, Her Majesty will see you,” a chamberlain barked from her mother’s
bedchamber.
Kindar
strode forward alone. As the door closed after her, she sank into a deep
curtsey before moving forward to the center of the room. Empress Eugenie Stefanous
sat before a large mirror, clothed in her undergarments. Seventeen when her
first daughter was born, the empress was still young, her belly and hips
pleasantly rounded. Her auburn hair fell in a thick mass of long curls around a
delicately painted face.
After
bearing three daughters, Empress Eugenie had retired her husband, not wanting
to ruin the fortunate omen with another child. Now she confined herself to her
own amores. The empress’ two current favorites lounged on a chaise. Young
enough to be her children, they sported more paint than their mistress. Kindar
pushed down irritation that these wretches sat while she must stand.
Behind her
mother, the First Minister Hayden wore a military uniform which had never seen
a day’s fight. He held a sheaf of papers from which to report his latest
information. Information his extensive team of spies provided. “… and the
disposition of the Cushwair rebels remains unchanged.” Minister Hayden cut off
as he saw her, stooping to whisper into her mother’s ear.
Eugenie
lifted her eyes to Kindar’s reflection in the mirror. “I hear your humours are
clean this morning, Daughter.”
Suddenly,
answers clicked in Kindar’s mind. The physician had been suggested by Minister
Hayden as punishment for failing to show him favor. Kindar narrowed her eyes.
From such men as this, her mother sought the advice that would dictate her
children’s futures. But this meant her mother might be well-disposed toward
her. Her optimism grew to a painful intensity. After all, Eugenie needed all
three daughters to give weight to the omen. Kindar curtseyed again. “Yes,
Majesty.”
“Strange.”
The empress turned her eyes from contemplating her own face in the mirror to
favor her daughter with a glance. “Your humours are seldom clean.”
“It is more
auspicious for the wedding, Majesty, if I’m not bled.”
“Perhaps.”
Empress Eugenie set down a thick rope of diamonds and picked up a necklace of
pearls. “That gown doesn’t suit you. You look like a scrawny washed-out rabbit.
Why did I ever choose it? Never mind, I suppose it will do for you. I have made
a decision about your future.” The minister bowed, looking suitably impressed.
“Yes,
Majesty.” Kindar waited with a fluttering heart. The throne could not belong to
an unmarried woman; the law made that clear. In addition to making her a
legitimate heir, a betrothal would give her certain freedoms, such as the end
of these painful morning visits. Even if she did not care for the peer chosen
by her mother, a betrothal would give her status. She would be higher than
Ceria, instead of equal, and able to overrule her actions.
Kindar’s
Cure on Amazon Ebook
Michelle Hauck lives in the bustling metropolis
of northern Indiana with her hubby and two teenagers. Besides working with special
needs children by day, she writes all sorts of fantasy, giving her imagination
free range. A book worm, she passes up the darker vices in favor of chocolate
and looks for any excuse to reward herself. Bio finished? Time for a sweet
snack.
She is a co-host of the yearly query contests Query Kombat, Nightmare on Query Street, and Sun versus Snow. Her epic fantasy, Kindar's Cure, was published by Divertir Publishing. Her short story, Frost and Fog, was published by The Elephant's Bookshelf Press in their anthology, Summer's Double Edge. She’s represented by Sarah Negovetich of Corvisiero Literary.
She is a co-host of the yearly query contests Query Kombat, Nightmare on Query Street, and Sun versus Snow. Her epic fantasy, Kindar's Cure, was published by Divertir Publishing. Her short story, Frost and Fog, was published by The Elephant's Bookshelf Press in their anthology, Summer's Double Edge. She’s represented by Sarah Negovetich of Corvisiero Literary.
Find Michelle online:
Twitter: @Michelle4Laughs
Facebook: Michelle Hauck, Author
Goodreads: Kindar’s Cure
This took me to another time and place. That cover is idyllic.
ReplyDeleteSame here, Medeia!
DeleteHow lovely to have "agency sisters" and be able to showcase their work. Your website in perfect for it.
ReplyDeleteHappy to help my agency brothers and sisters. :)
DeleteThat sounds like an amazing book. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you for hosting me, Kelly! Agent sister love!
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome, Michelle. Happy to have you. :)
DeleteI haven't heard of this one before, but it sounds like a great book! Wishing Michelle the best of luck. :)
ReplyDelete~Jess
Thanks for stopping by, Jess.
DeleteA beautiful cover. Horses always catch my attention. Sounds like an interesting story, too. Congratulations and best luck, Michelle.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it, Beverly.
DeleteThe excerpt caught me. Now I have to add it to my growing list. Thanks Kelly.
ReplyDeleteThat's great. I'm sure Michelle will be happy to hear it. :)
DeleteWhat a pretty horsey! His coat contrasts nicely w/all that white. Very fantasy-esque! And poor Kindar, her mother sounds like a beast. =/
ReplyDeleteI agree, Leandra.
DeleteThanks for all the kind words. I really appreciate it.
ReplyDelete:)
DeleteGosh, the choking lungs-cough disease sounds like a horrible way to go!
ReplyDeleteIt does.
DeleteIt certainly sounds, Michelle, like you've established an intricate world in your work. I like the excerpt!
ReplyDeleteI agree.
Deletevery interestng premise. Choke lung?! Eeek!
ReplyDeleteI know, right?
DeleteThis book sounds really interesting. I can only imagine the trials and tribulations the princess will have to suffer through.. just the thought of dying young is enough to push any protagonist toward any other outcome. I really enjoyed reading this... thanks for sharing, Kelly! Happy belated Valentine's Day!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed it, Gina. Happy belated Valentine's Day to you too.
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