Another One in the Books

 Since I captured it for an Insta story, I know it was exactly 8:59 this morning when I typed "The End" on Fortunes of War. 🎉 It ended up being 163,000 words - pre-edits, of course - and 430 pages in paperback form. Speaking of paperbacks: since I have my new laptop, finally - 🎊🎊🎊 - I've already uploaded and ordered a physical proof copy so I can get started on editing ASAP. 

I'll have much more to say about it in the weeks to come, with teasers, visuals, and, once it's released, debrief posts. For now, I'll say this: the title for this installment refers to the unpredictable nature of war; the ways its participants are subject to its fate, the future uncertain. It's a character-driven book: as the armies move toward more direct run-ins with the enemy, some characters will face their demons, and others will spot demons lurking in the shadows they never suspected. It's important to remember that though there is a lot of relationship development happening here, nothing is settled; the story is still very much ongoing. So I will say: wait and see. This is a middle volume, in-the-thick-of-it book, with lots of good advancement, but no clear ending in sight, yet, for the readers or the characters. 

If you've not started the series yet, you can do so here, with book one, Heart of Winter, and then hold on tight! Fortunes of War releases soon! You can find the blurb below. 

War looms on the horizon for the kingdoms of Aeretoll and Aquitainia, a war they’ll fight together, as the allies begin to plan their cooperative marches through missives sent via falcon. But in Aeres, Náli arrives with news of the enemy: he’s met the emperor of Seles, Romanus Tyrsbane, beyond the veil in the Between, and the emperor, it seems, is searching for Oliver. With Náli’s help, the three Drakes must now learn how to go walking between worlds, guarding their minds and their magic from an enemy who can reach out and touch them from afar.

Restless in a way he’s never been before, confused by his anger and his new instincts, Leif takes his wolfpack and departs early, traveling quickly and in secret toward the Southern camp in Inglewood. At his side, urging him to let his wolf take charge, is Ragnar. Cousin, war prize, thrall, wearing Leif’s torq, and testing all of Leif’s patience. He knows it’s foolish to trust him, but Leif cleaves to him regardless, distrustful and resentful of everyone who cannot understand the man – the wolf – he’s become.

Leading a ragged army of Southerners and woodland outlaws, Amelia spends her days planning their next move, and her nights walking in a world of dreams, visited by a pair of wolves with blue eyes and an irresistible allure. A letter from Oliver forewarned of Leif’s arrival, but nothing could have prepared her for the way her first glimpse of the prince rattles her to the bone.

For Oliver, the long march South is full of sword lessons, saddle sores – and clandestine meetings in the Between with the emperor himself. He’s only spying, he reasons, and he can stop anytime he wishes…can’t he?

Fortunes of War is the fifth installment of the ongoing high fantasy Drake Chronicles series, which is intended for adult audiences. It is not a standalone, and the series must be read in order. Dragons, shapeshifters, family drama, and romance abound as our heroes march toward a terrifying enemy, at the mercy of the fortunes of war.