Cover Reveal + Character Interview: Determined (Four Stars Over Ardatz #4) by Kandi J. Wyatt

Cover Reveal Day: February 14, 2023

Determined (Four Stars over Ardtaz: Sovereigns Book 4) is releasing on 3/21/2023 and is on pre-order now. It will be on a special $0.99 sale from 2/14-2/19.

Blurb:

When your nightmares waken, where do you find rest?

Eighteen-year-old Siobhan had lived a sheltered life until the Navwood attacked and a dragon bonded with her betrothed. Living with the remnant terrors of two abductions has left its mark, and that cut is getting deeper as she tries to adapt to life as a queen, a wife, and a mother.

Her husband is more interested in spending time with his dragon than being with her—or fulfilling his duties as king. Siobhan’s jealousy over their bond feeds her fear of the draconic features that come and go with his emotions, and the dragon’s silver around his eyes is a constant reminder that he’s not wholly hers—or ever will be.

But when the Navwood send a kidnapper to steal their daughter, Hest marches to battle, leaving his family under the protection of a palace guard. Unfortunately, the dangers of war are closer to home than either of them realized, and to save herself and her family, Siobhan will have to find new courage in the face of a waking nightmare.

When Hest returns, it’ll take all her strength to face the pressures from the court—let alone the changes war has wrought on her husband. Can their own bond survive both the pressures of a kingdom and the fears they both carry?

Determined is the fourth book in the coming-of-age fantasy series, Four Stars over Ardatz: Sovereigns. If you like characters who develop and get more interesting as time goes on, books you can’t put down, and engrossing, well-written adventure tales you’ll love Kandi J Wyatt’s book.

Grab your copy of Determined to continue the adventure.

Just $0.99 2/14-2/19!

Retailers: http://www.books2read.com/sovereigns4

Uprooted (Four Stars over Ardtaz: Sovereigns Book 1) is available for $0.99.

https://books2read.com/u/3R6BDL

Character Interview

Greetings readers. My name is Tatiana. I’ve heard much about the new dragon king of Muintir and came to Cahar to see for myself and take the news back to King Harald of Lochlann. Before me, I have the dragon king himself—Hest Lars’ son—his cannonsea, and the trainer for his fabled Rittider.

The dragon king’s visage is not one to be trifled with. He’s stern and those silver rimmed blue eyes are unnerving. While I’d say that his trainer, Kyeth, is a large man, he’s dwarfed in size by the king’s height. Well, I’d best not waste their time.

“My first question is directed to Kyeth.”

The man nods, looking uncomfortable in the upholstered chair, or maybe it’s the fact that we’re sitting in the king’s personal library.

I continue my question. “Can you explain what the Rittider are and what your role is among them?”

“Ah, the Rittider go back to the first dragon king. They are what other nations may call the palace guard. Our duty is to protect the royal family. My job is to make sure that each man is prepared to do so. I provide them with the training they need.”

“And how long have you been doing that?”

“This is my fifth synod as trainer. I was raised from a scubhear to Rittider five synods before that.”

Synods. I adjust the term to the more common word used in the darklands—rotation—twelve lunar cycles. The man had a reason then for his muscles if he’d wielded a sword every moonstep for the past ten rotations.

“Thank you, and Sydur, can you explain what a cannonsea is?”

The king leaned forward. “’Twas a question that had me curious as well when I first met him.”

Both men chuckle, and Sydur replies, “Aye, ‘twere several miscommunications then. I am over all the Rittider and sit on the council that advises the king. ‘Tis part of my position as cannonsea.”

I’m curious as to what ties these two together, but I forge ahead with what my king wishes to know. Why he desires these answers I don’t understand, but it’s not my place to ask.

“If you had the power of the jiddee’adar and could shift into any shape, what would it be?”

All three look at me as if I’ve lost my mind. I don’t blame them, especially as the king rubs his hands together and silver scales appear.

“An arc lukesure,” he replies without hesitation. “Although my own jiddee’adar has warned me time and again to avoid this.”

I swallow down bile as I realize the man is serious. He could shift into a dragon!

Kyeth adjusts his position in the seat and speaks up. “I suppose I’d wish to be a dog. ‘Tis a plain creature, but ‘tis loyal and protects.” He rubs a hand along the back of his neck, mussing his shoulder-length red hair.

“And you, cannonsea?”

“I’ve never considered, but the best animal that could protect those I love and serve would be a bear.”

I’d memorized the questions I was to ask, but I still glance at the paper with King Harald’s fine script. “What is your favorite book?”

Sydur stretches his legs out in front of him. “Well, ‘tis something I return to often. There is no author, but the Assorted Stories of Muintir have been my favorite since I was young.”

“The Adventures of Lorrin,” the dragon king says. “’Tis a Skymnan tale.

The Rittider stares at his hands clasped in his lap.

“And you, Kyeth?”

“’Twould be Jeeah’s Laws,” he says barely above a whisper.

“I didn’t know you were a Credcha.” The king looks with renewed respect at his friend.

“Aye, since I was young. ‘Tis what keeps me going when things become uncertain around me.”

All three nod.

“And I’ve given you all uncertainty since I arrived,” Hest says with a nod.

“But ‘tis worth it, boiwith.” Sydur rests a hand on the king’s. “Although it may bring me some heartburn.” He chuckles, relieving the pall that had fallen over the room.

I hurry on. “And if an unexpected parcel would arrive for each of you, what would it be?”

The king snickers. “Well, ‘twould depend on from whom. Most would still consider a saddle the best gift for me, and they’d be correct. However, nowasteps, I may wish it bigger to fit Usheen rather than Beskallare.”

Sydur leans forward, clasping his hands. “’Twould be a sword for me. A good blade is what I need to fulfill my duties.”

Kyeth pulls at the neck of his tunic and then smooths it down. “I suppose for me ‘twould be a new tunic, or mayhap a cuirass. Both would be welcome.”

I make a note, knowing King Harald would want this information. “Last but not least, if you were to make a new law or rule that everyone has to follow, what would it be?”

The Rittider cocks his head. “’Tis easy. Do your best, but be sure to be good to yourself in the process.”

“Mine would be similar,” Sydur says. “Do your job to the best of your abilities. ‘Tis what drew me to Hest when I first met him. He took being a stable hand seriously.”

So the rumors that the dragon king had humble origins was true. Another tidbit to share with King Harald.

“And you, Moregot? I know you get to make laws every step.”

He smiles. “Aye, but ‘tis a bit harder to reinforce my law. Care for your horse like you’d care for yourself.” He stands, and I quickly follow, gathering my things and stuffing them into my satchel.

“Thank you for your time, Moregot, cannonsea, Rittider.”

“You’re welcome,” the king says, and motions to Kyeth. “Would you show our guest to her quarters? I know you need to get back to the training grounds.”

“As you wish, Moregot.” Kyeth escorts me from the room but not before I hear the squall of a baby and see the king’s expression soften.

“A little one?” I ask.

“Aye, the princess.”

Another bit of information to return to Lochlann. The king will be pleased with my success, but Prince Lysander even more.

Bio:

Kandi J Wyatt lives with dragons, most in human form--and some even blow fire! She spends her days providing space for teens to be themselves, inspiring them to be more than meets the eye, and spilling hope into their world. When she's not hanging out with fictional characters, Kandi's chilling with family watching anime or playing games. Her toddler granddaughter keeps her running--often in circles--and full of joy.

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