Thursday, January 3, 2019

Trial of a Warrior ~ Mary Morgan

What could possibly be as sexy and intriguing as Mary Morgan's Dragon Knights? There's only one answer - A Fenian Warrior. It's been my pleasure to feature each one on my blog as they've become known to the world. Today, Mary Morgan is here to tell us about her third Fenian Warrior, Liam, and the beautiful princess, Abela.




Blurb:
"You met them in the Order of the Dragon Knights. Now, journey to the realm of the Fae and witness their legends!”

A warrior sentenced to die.

On trial for breaking a supreme Fae law, Fenian Warrior, Liam MacGregor has no regrets. He is prepared to accept his sentence—even if it means his death. However, freedom comes in an unexpected manner, and brings with it certain dangers as he travels through the Veil of Ages. 

A princess honor-bound to remain hidden.

Princess Abela might be a priestess and the daughter of royalty, but that doesn’t prevent her from doing the unimaginable. She sacrifices duty and honor to set free the man who captured her heart so many years ago. No matter the severity of his crimes, she cannot let Liam die.

A rescue that will bring about a war and divide a kingdom!   

In their quest to secure a treaty to forestall Liam’s death sentence, they must fight their desires for one another, as well as the Fenian Warriors sent to capture them. 

Hi Sandra! I’m delighted to be on your blog today and share some insight behind the scenes of my new release, Trial of a Warrior. Initially, you meet these warriors in my first series, Order of the Dragon Knights. I knew one day I would have to write each of their stories.

I have always been fascinated with Celtic mythology, so it only made sense that I would develop and expand the world of the Fenian Fae Warriors. Theirs was a world rich in legends, colors, and senses. I’ve based my own fictional account on the legend of the Tuatha Dé Danann—one of the invasions of Ireland. They were known as the Shining Ones or the Fae.

The Tuatha Dé Danann was defeated in two battles by the Milesians, whom historians and scholars alike agree were probably the first Gaels in Ireland. It was agreed that the new invaders (Milesians) and the Tuatha Dé Danann would each rule half of Ireland. Therefore, it was that Amergin of the Milesians chose that half of Ireland which lay above ground, leaving the Tuatha Dé Danann to retreat below. They were led underground by Manannán mac Lir, God of the Sea, who shielded them with an enchanted mist from mortal eyes. As time passed, they became known as the Sidhe (Shee), or Ireland’s faery folk.

With my warriors, there is nothing diminutive with these heroes. They’re ancient, extremely tall, and commanding. As always, it will take a strong woman to stand beside these ancient Fae.

I have never had a story developed so quickly as Trial of a Warrior. Princess Abela stunned me one cold winter morning when she stepped forth within my thoughts and Liam’s prison. Uncertainty filled me as I fought against her choice for the heroine. Yet, she refused to leave, and I yielded to her demands. After all, she is royalty.

In the end, it was a perfect match.

Liam and Abela took me on an amazing adventure. I allowed these characters to involve me—the writer—on their epic journey. We also learned that the greatest Fenian Warrior, Aidan Kerrigan, had his own secret. Did I know this important fact? No. The warrior chose not to reveal this particular information until I was almost finished writing the story.

And this is what happens in the life of a writer. Some elements of a story unfold immediately before we hit the first keystroke. However, there are times when you have nothing, and when you sit down to begin, the characters reveal the story to you.


Excerpt:
He could feel her heart beating against his skin, and the air cooled around them. Sunlight faded, and he slowly lifted his head. Unable to focus on their surroundings, he rolled over and brought her still quaking body against his chest. He tried to calm his own rapidly beating heart and closed his eyes. When he finally did open them, he glanced upward.

“Where is our sunshine?” asked Abela, her question muffled against his chest.

He stroked a hand down her back. “The sun and moon are as one.”

Abela visibly shuddered, her eyes growing wide. “No,” she whispered.

Liam wiped a finger across her worried brow. “What troubles you? It is only a solar eclipse.”

“Have you not heard the legends about a Fae witnessing the appearance of both—sun and moon—at the same time?”

“I believe it is only a tale told of—”

“Two Fae who defied the kingdom and married,” she interrupted.

“And they were banished,” he concluded, kissing her lips. “It is a story about a couple on our homeland, Taralyn. I do recall it was when the moons crossed with the sun. We are in the mortal world.”

She pursed her lips in concentration. “Yes, you are correct.” Glancing over her shoulder, she added, “Yet, can this similar occurrence be an omen?”

Liam cupped her cheek, forcing her to meet his stare. “Again, we are in the human world and not our own. This does not apply to us.” Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, he asked, “Are you truly worried? Have I brought you shame?” He held his breath, fearing her reply.

“No, no,” she whispered against his lips. “I have waited a lifetime to be with you, Liam. My heart is yours. It has always been yours. Why do you think I freed you?” She swallowed. “I love you.”

Buy Links:








Author Bio
Multi award-winning Celtic paranormal and fantasy romance author, Mary Morgan, resides in Northern California with her own knight in shining armor. However, during her travels to Scotland, England, and Ireland, she left a part of her soul in one of these countries and vows to return.
 
Mary's passion for books started at an early age along with an overactive imagination. Inspired by her love for history and ancient Celtic mythology, her tales are filled with powerful warriors, brave women, magic, and romance. It wasn't until the closure of Borders Books where Mary worked that she found her true calling by writing romance. Now, the worlds she created in her mind are coming to life within her stories.

If you enjoy history, tortured heroes, and a wee bit of magic, then time-travel within the pages of her books.



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ORDER OF THE DRAGON KNIGHTS

Dare to journey with the Dragon Knights of Scotland!

They were an ancient order descended from the great Tuatha De Danann, a tribe from the Goddess Danu. Half human and half fae, each blessed with mystical powers. They were also given holy relics and guardianship over the dragons.

With the dawn of Christianity, the dragons were systematically hunted down and slain leaving only one. The Dragon Knights took her from Ireland to a land across the sea, settling in the Great Glen near Urquhart. The clan was known as the MacKay clan, descendants from the MacAoidh.

Yet, there were those who deemed the Order had too much power, and they tried to possess it for themselves. They were evil and twisted, and their plan succeeded one fateful night.

The Clan MacKay is no longer.

The Dragon Knights are scattered across the land.

Yet out of the darkness, they will each fight for redemption, and the women they love.


22 comments:

  1. Mary, thanks for gracing my blog with another fabulous hero. I can't wait to find out what's next!

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    1. I'm delighted to be here today, Sandra! I turned in last month the fourth and final book in the Legends of the Fenian Warriors: DESTINY OF A WARRIOR. This is the story of Aidan Kerrigan. You met him in DRAGON KNIGHT'S MEDALLION as the father of the heroine, Aileen Kerrigan. Noble warrior meets feisty, strong-willed member of the Society of the Thistle in Scotland. Sparks will fly and destinies will be altered.

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  2. Love how the story formed for you. Best of luck with it!

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    1. My characters definitely took me on an adventure, Jennifer. Thanks for stopping by. xo

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  3. Another fabulous book by a wonderful and talented author!

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  4. I loved learning how this story came to be Mary! Another fantastic installment. Congratulations.

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    1. I was exhausted after I finished Liam and Abela's story, Charlotte! Each time I tried to take control, one of them would snatch the reins and take off in another direction. Thanks for stopping by.

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  5. Fascinating story. Thank you for sharing, Mary.

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  6. I love how the story and Aidan's secret were revealed to you, Mary. Hope 2019 is a great year for you AND Trial of a Warrior!

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    1. Aidan was a layered individual. He was one of those characters that kept surprising me, even when I finally sat down to tell his story. Thanks so much for stopping by, Judith! xo

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  7. As always, fascinating, all the best Mary :)

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  8. Hi Mary, the background lore to your stories is fascinating. Now I have to read them. :)

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    1. Aww...music to my ears, Laura. :) Thanks so much for stopping by.

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  9. Morning Mary! Don't you just love when new things are revealed that you didn't expect? I enjoyed your interview and learning how Trial of a Warrior came about. Best of luck for a fantastic 2019 for you and Trial of a Warrior!

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    1. Definitely, Tena! Yet, as a type A and control freak, I really had to learn to trust in my characters' direction. :) Thanks for stopping by. xo

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  10. Love your books, Mary! Best on this one.

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