Soulstone Series Books
The Guardian
Soulstone Series - Book 1
Reviews
“The Guardian by new author A.T. Duguay was an absolute treat to read. Usually, when I pick up a fantasy book from a new author, I expect to be bombarded by old-school, dungeons and dragons-style fantasy tropes. Colour me impressed that the author managed to escape a lot of the traps others fall in, all the while elevating his prose without getting lost in the minutiae. While a bit slow to start, by the end Duguay has all engines running, keeping you locked to the page (particularly during a late-stage series of encounters I could easily see working on screen as well) while making you care about his grounded and real characters. If you are a fan of fantasy but want to avoid Tolkien boring you to death with 5 pages about a field, look no further than The Guardian, where no ink is wasted and the world cries out to be experienced.”
“An excellent unexpected first novel. I liked the way it was written and the style. The plot and characters were enjoyable and I read it all in a night! Looking forward to more. Well done!”
“Enjoyable, interesting start to what had better be, a series of books. Good solid characters. Looking forward to the next one!”
“This book reminded me of Game of Thrones (minus the gore and ultra adult scenes) with the way we had multiple characters with storylines that ended on major cliffhangers. Right when I told myself I had to stop reading to get to a chore, a scene would end and I HAD to know what happened next. I hope to read more about Prince Davidus - I can see him being a villain with a juicy arc to come! Duguay is a masterful writer and I can’t wait to see what he has next in store!”
“Written in three parts, the story does wonder character introduction, world-building, and intrigue in the first part. Massive action in the second part. The third part left me really wishing the book had a fourth part! Can't wait for the sequel! For fantasy genre fans, this book is a MUST READ.”
“This book was an exceptional read that introduced me to a rich and well-developed world, somewhat reminiscent of both the Middle Ages and Ancient Rome, except with some intriguing fantasy elements. Just when I assumed I knew what was going to happen, there was a twist that elevated the plot beyond one of entertainment to one of purpose. This is a story that will stick with you and keep you thinking. Definitely give it a read!”
Author appearances
Steve Bujold’s Downhome Corner - Episode 2
Gabrielle's book American Baby tells the story of Margaret Erle Katz, how she was forced to give her newborn son up for adoption then spent more than 50 years trying to find him. Later in the show, Campbellton author Alex Duguay joins us with his thoughts and questions and gets some friendly, professional tips from an acclaimed author and journalist. Maybe it will inspire you to publish a book.
Praise for American Baby
Through powerful empathy and tireless reporting, Gabrielle Glaser lays bare the coercive system under which three million young mothers surrendered their babies for adoption in the years leading up to Roe v Wade. Glaser skillfully unearths the attitudes toward sex, marriage, gender, and race that underlay this chilling chapter in a not-so-distant American past. -Janny Scott, author of The Beneficiary and A Singular Woman
Gabrielle Glaser shines a searing light on adoption during the post-WWII Baby Boom years, a time of celebration of family. She illuminates the cruel, secretive, and shaming aspects of adoption, a stark contrast to the prevailing view of adoption as a happy solution for birth mothers, babies, and adopting families. - Elaine Tyler May - Author ofHomeward Bound: American Families in the Cold War EraandAmerica and the Pill
Combining personal tragedy and overall history, this book evokes sympathy for a wide swath of mid-century American women. -Library Journal
A triumph of investigative reporting and an eye-opener in so many different ways. -Barbara Demick - Author of Nothing to Envy
Steve Bujold’s Downhome Corner - Episode 1
I join Stephen Bujold on his Downhome Corner Podcast. Here, I talk about my experiences writing The Guardian and what I learned along the way. I share insight and tips for new authors, and some errors to avoid!
Praise for The Guardian
“The Guardian by new author A.T. Duguay was an absolute treat to read. Usually, when I pick up a fantasy book from a new author, I expect to be bombarded by old-school, dungeons and dragons-style fantasy tropes. Colour me impressed that the author managed to escape a lot of the traps others fall in, all the while elevating his prose without getting lost in the minutiae. While a bit slow to start, by the end Duguay has all engines running, keeping you locked to the page (particularly during a late-stage series of encounters I could easily see working on screen as well) while making you care about his grounded and real characters. If you are a fan of fantasy but want to avoid Tolkien boring you to death with 5 pages about a field, look no further than The Guardian, where no ink is wasted and the world cries out to be experienced.”
“An excellent unexpected first novel. I liked the way it was written and the style. The plot and characters were enjoyable and I read it all in a night! Looking forward to more. Well done!”
“Enjoyable, interesting start to what had better be, a series of books. Good solid characters. Looking forward to the next one!”
“This book reminded me of Game of Thrones (minus the gore and ultra adult scenes) with the way we had multiple characters with storylines that ended on major cliffhangers. Right when I told myself I had to stop reading to get to a chore, a scene would end and I HAD to know what happened next. I hope to read more about Prince Davidus - I can see him being a villain with a juicy arc to come! Duguay is a masterful writer and I can’t wait to see what he has next in store!”
Live Conversation with author Jasmine Young - 1# Amazon bestselling author
Jasmine is the author of the #1 Amazon Bestselling Four Kingdoms: Origins series.
Stormfire is her first book in the series:
Fourteen-year-old Jaime Pappas expects to live the remainder of his life on the chilly alps of the Air Kingdom. But he doesn't expect the king's men to arrive at his farmstead—or burn his brother for treason. Forced to run, Jaime's world upends when he discovers a chilling prophecy that will call him to exchange his farmer’s cowl for a crown. Meanwhile, ancient nightmares are returning to the mortal world. Signs abound that the end of times is near. His true enemies might not be who they seem.
Torn between duty and his heart, he will have to decide whether he will learn to bend storms to stop the king... who also happens to be his long-lost father. Can Jaime rise to liberate his kingdom—even if he must burn with the rest of his family?
Praise for Stormfire:
"Jasmine Young’s Stormfire is exciting and promises to be one of my favourites."
"I read the book in a weekend because it was impossible to put it down."
"I loved this book sooo much that I can't express my feelings."
"My mind was utterly blown at the end."