The Scythian Trials Blog Tour: Excerpt + Giveaway

The Scythian Trials

Author: Elizabeth Isaacs

Release Date: October 22, 2018
Publisher: Vesuvian Books

Praise for THE SCYTHIAN TRIALS:

"... Fun and sensual fantasy [with] magnetic characters." ―Publishers Weekly

"The Scythian Trials crackles with life, hums with heart, and pounds with action for one hell of a read." ―San Francisco Book Review

"If you loved the Hunger Games and Divergent and just all around kicka$$ characters with an amazing storyline then you will love this." ―Books With Jess 

Description:

Descendants of the Amazons, the Scythians work alongside prominent governments but answer to no one. Warriors living on the fringe of civilization, they live by one credo: Strength through Equality. Power through Knowledge.

Nya Thalestris is the brightest Scythian of her generation. Strong, capable, ruthless, she is sure to earn a spot in the Trials, a time-honored mating ritual responsible for the evolution of her species. 

Abducted by their sworn enemy, the Drahzda, Nya is forever altered and spirals out of control. The Society sends in Jax Nickius. Infamous psychologist and one of the most brutal warriors of their kind, he discovers triggers planted in Nya’s mind. As Nya solidifies her spot in the Trials, Jax develops a plan to help—while pursuing her as a mate. But, Nya’s attraction to Jax is at war with her instinct to never let anyone get too close.

During the Trials, Nya’s repressed memories surface, revealing a new enemy—one from inside the consulate walls—and a traitorous alliance on the horizon that could irrevocably change the course of history.

Since before the Bronze Age, the Society has managed to safeguard humanity from itself … until now.

You can purchase The Scythian Trials at the following Retailers:

  

   

“Why are you doing this?”

“Because you’re my responsibility.”

Her brow lowered. “No, I’m not.”

He rested his hand on either side of her hips. “Yes, you are. You still need me, Vtachi. I don’t give up, and I don’t walk away. You know that.”

She looked away. He might be able to keep his emotions out of this, but that gaping hole in her chest only eased when Jax was around. What if she started to develop feelings for him? Shit.

He touched her nose with his. “I know you’re holding back. Talk to me.”

Nya groaned. Oh hell, no. She so wasn’t going there right now. “Jax, I’ve lost a ton of blood, I’m battered and bruised, both emotionally and physically. My leg hurts like a mother. The brutal

reality that I’m getting ready to choose a rovni is hitting me like a two-by-four. You’ve just informed me that you’ll be coming to Carpathia for some bizarre intensive therapy, which is supposed to help me tolerate sex. And to make matters worse, the next four hours I’ll be spending with my parents pretending that everything’s peachy when all I want to do is scream and run the other way. Can we please not do this now?”

Jax stared at her long and hard. “You’re right. Now’s not the time.” He leaned in until his lips brushed her ear. Nya’s pulse raced as his warm breath tickled her neck. “However, sweet Vtachi, there will come a time when you won’t be allowed to deflect, evade, or fly away. And then we will have this discussion; I can promise you that.”

Copyright © 2018 by Elizabeth Isaacs

Photo Content from Vesuvian Books

Elizabeth Isaacs is an author, teacher, and publishing professional who began her career as a national presenter for Resource Profiles, where she developed teacher seminars designed to foster creative brain stimulation. Moving into formal education, she helped at-risk students improve their writing skills as well as created and implemented a creative writing/blogging program that centered on teaching the 21st-century learner. Works stemming from this initiative were published online and seen in over 40 countries.

Elizabeth receives invitations to speak nationwide at schools and book clubs. She co-founded the popular book blog, Chirenjenzie, which reaches thousands of readers throughout the world. The writer support and reader interest group promotes and interacts with followers on Goodreads, Facebook, and Twitter. Elizabeth has a Master’s degree from Austin Peay State University, where she studied classical opera. She graduated Magna Cum Laude and was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society.

Her newest work, The Scythian Trials, is slated for release in 2018.

         

*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*

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WEEK ONE

JANUARY 14th MONDAY JeanBookNerd INTERVIEW

JANUARY 15th TUESDAY Oh Hey! Books INTERVIEW 

JANUARY 16th WEDNESDAY RhythmicBooktrovert TENS LIST 

JANUARY 17th THURSDAY BookHounds INTERVIEW 

JANUARY 18th FRIDAY Movies, Shows, & Books EXCERPT 

JANUARY 18th FRIDAY Sara Is Reading What? REVIEW

WEEK TWO

JANUARY 21st MONDAY She Dreams in Fiction TENS LIST 

JANUARY 22nd TUESDAY Wishful Endings INTERVIEW

JANUARY 23rd WEDNESDAY Adventures Thru Wonderland REVIEW

JANUARY 23rd WEDNESDAY Under the Book Cover REVIEW & GUEST POST

JANUARY 24th THURSDAY Stephanie's Life of Determination REVIEW 

JANUARY 25th FRIDAY Insane About Books REVIEW

WEEK THREE

JANUARY 28th MONDAY Nay's Pink Bookshelf REVIEW 

JANUARY 28th MONDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW

JANUARY 29th TUESDAY Sabrina's Paranormal Palace REVIEW 

JANUARY 29th TUESDAY J.R.'s Book Reviews TENS LIST 

JANUARY 30th WEDNESDAY TTC Books and More EXCERPT

JANUARY 30th WEDNESDAY Port Jericho REVIEW 

JANUARY 31st THURSDAY A Dream Within A Dream EXCERPT

 

 

 

 

 

The Scythian Trials Blog Tour: Review

The Scythian Trials
Author: Elizabeth Isaacs
Release Date: October 23, 2018
Publisher: Vesuvian Books
Paperback: 372 pages 

Description:

For thousands of years, The Scythian Society has lived on the fringe of civilization, strengthening their race while protecting humanity. The last warriors of man, they live by one credo. 

Strength through Equality. Power through Knowledge. 

Anya Thalestris is brightest Scythian of the 21st century. Strong, capable, ruthless, she is sure to earn a spot in The Trials, a time-honored mating ritual responsible for the evolution of her species. 

But when she’s abducted, it forever changes her life. Now dealing with memory loss, crippling anxiety, and violent outbursts, the Society intervenes and sends in the infamous counselor, Ajax Nickius, psychologist and one the most brutal warriors of their kind. When he discovers their sworn enemy has planted triggers in Nya’s mind that can cause excruciating pain and even death, Jax is at a loss on how to help her heal. 

It isn’t until Nya solidifies her spot in the Trials that Jax develops a plan. One that involves finding a way to eliminate her triggers while pursuing her as a mate. Unfortunately, Nya’s abduction taught her never to let someone get close, and she’s determined to find a male she can keep at bay—one that knows nothing of her past. 

As the battle with the Drahzda intensifies, a new enemy immerges, one from inside the Scythian consulate walls. While the war grows grim and tragedy looms overhead; Nya must face her worst fears if she is to survive.

 

Purchase Links:
Amazon | IndieBound | Barnes & Noble

The Scythian Trials is an exciting fantasy novel that will leave readers begging for more. The book is told from the third person, from Nya's perspective. I almost never enjoy the third person POV because it takes so much more effort to lose myself in the story, if I can at all. I never seem to feel really connected to the main character and overall have a less enjoyable experience than with the first person POV. Sadly, this was the case with this novel. These are only my personal opinion and don't reflect back on the author or the writing at all. I'm sure others will find this book fantastic and not have the issues I did. I mean, don't get me wrong - the story is great, the characters are rounded and complex, there's fantastic world building and the writing is wonderful. For me personally though, I just couldn't seem to get into it the way I usually do (or need to). Even though I couldn't really connect with Nya on a deep level, I still liked her as the main character and enjoyed watching her grow, change, and mature throughout the novel. Jax was a great secondary character and I really liked watching his relationship with Nya change and grow during the story. The plot was interesting and I liked how the author used Scythian words throughout the novel - it helped with the world building and integrating the new culture into the story. Although this wasn't a home run for me personally, I definitely encourage other readers who enjoy fantasy, science fiction, and romance. 

 

Elizabeth Isaacs is an author, teacher, and publishing professional who began her career as a national presenter for Resource Profiles, where she developed teacher seminars designed to foster creative brain stimulation. Moving into formal education, she helped at-risk students improve their writing skills as well as created and implemented a creative writing/blogging program that centered on teaching the 21st-century learner. Works stemming from this initiative were published online and seen in over 40 countries. 

 

Elizabeth receives invitations to speak nationwide at schools and book clubs. She co-founded the popular book blog, Chirenjenzie, which reaches thousands of readers throughout the world. The writer support and reader interest group promotes and interacts with followers on Goodreads, Facebook, and Twitter. Elizabeth has a Master’s degree from Austin Peay State University, where she studied classical opera. She graduated Magna Cum Laude and was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. 

 

Find out more about Elizabeth on her website, and connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

 

 

Tour schedule:

Monday, October 15th: Ms. Nose in a Book

Tuesday, October 16th: Hopelessly Devoted Bibliophile

Wednesday, October 17th: Instagram: @biblio_files

Thursday, October 18th: Dwell in Possibility

Friday, October 19th: A Dream Within a Dream

Monday, October 22nd: Write – Read – Life

Tuesday, October 23rd: Dreams, Etc.

Wednesday, October 24th: The Desert Bibliophile

Thursday, October 25th: Wining Wife

Monday, October 29th: Instagram: @bookishwinterwitch

Thursday, November 1st: Instagram: @bookwormmommyof3

Tuesday, November 6th: Instagram: @writersdream

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book Blitz + Giveaway: The Scythian Trials by Elizabeth Isaacs

 

The Scythian Trials
Author: Elizabeth Isaacs
Genre: Adult Science Fiction/Fantasy/Romance
Publication Date: October 16, 2018
Publisher: Vesuvian Books

Description:

Descendants of the Amazons, the Scythians work alongside prominent governments but answer to no one. Warriors living on the fringe of civilization, they live by one credo: Strength through Equality. Power through Knowledge.

Nya Thalestris is the brightest Scythian of her generation. Strong, capable, ruthless, she is sure to earn a spot in the Trials, a time-honored mating ritual responsible for the evolution of her species.

Abducted by their sworn enemy, the Drahzda, Nya is forever altered and spirals out of control. The Society sends in Jax Nickius. Infamous psychologist and one of the most brutal warriors of their kind, he discovers triggers planted in Nya’s mind. As Nya solidifies her spot in the Trials, Jax develops a plan to help her heal—while pursuing her as a mate. But, Nya’s attraction to Jax is at war with her instinct to never let anyone get too close.

During the Trials, Nya’s repressed memories surface, revealing a new enemy—one from inside the consulate walls—and a traitorous alliance on the horizon that could irrevocably change the course of history.

Since before the Bronze Age, the Society has managed to safeguard humanity from itself … until now.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

Nya knelt, her fingertips grazing the embedded paw print in the dark soil. Deep grooves on one side revealed the mountain lion had been favoring its right flank. The impressions were fresh, which meant they were closing ground.

Her prey had led her deep into the heart of the dense forest.

She slowly rose from her crouched position. The bright moon’s light broke through the thick clouds, casting a soft glow on the path ahead. The cat’s lopsided tracks wove between the trees, skirting dangerously close to the mountain’s ledge.

She glanced over her shoulder, watching Jax weave through the trees. He chose to stay a few hundred yards back. She had mixed feelings about the gesture. Tomorrow was her last challenge before graduating from the academy, and Jax was giving her the rare gift of space, which she appreciated. But he also insisted she lead, which made her leery.

In her culture, being treated as an equal was a dangerous thing.

Nya picked up the pace, following the path until it ended at the edge of a bluff. She stopped for a moment to watch the brooding mist that crept along the valley’s floor. From this vantage point, the streetlights looked like fireflies trapped under frosted glass.

The average human, or Allos as her people called them, knew little of her kind. They stayed on the forest’s fringe, consumed with the newest technology, choosing instead to take in the mountain’s beauty through windows and distant porches. Most Allos lacked the physical stamina to reach her compound, and those foolish enough to venture too close never came back.

Her stomach flipped as the hair on the back of her neck prickled. Even though Jax hadn’t made a sound, she knew he was behind her.

“Do you think the cat fell to his death?” His deep voice, always so calm, muttered in her ear.

She shivered. Jax officially was the academy’s weapons expert, but he also carried a Ph.D. in psychology and had been her counselor since her first year. He knew she hated people getting in her space. Until a few weeks ago he’d always respected the boundary. Now, he seemed to go out of his way to cross it.

Her brow lowered. “What do you think?”

“You’re the tracker. You tell me.”

The tension eased as she stepped closer to the ridge, putting some distance between them. She looked at the steep angle leading to the small town below. “I don’t think it’s down there.”

“And why not, Vtachi?”

Nya scowled, hating the nickname only he used. He’d given it to her the first time she snuck out of the compound. It meant ‘little bird’ in her native language, Dacian, and it made her feel small and weak. “Stop calling me that. I have more in common with that mountain lion than I do a helpless vtachi.”

Jax’s perceptive eyes held her gaze. He sighed. “Sadly, that may be true. But it’s become my priority to help you change that. Now, how do you know the cat has not fallen to his death? Answer the question, please.”

The stubborn part of her wanted to stay silent, but knowing Jax, he’d keep her there all night discussing the finer points of tracking. Or worse, he’d delve into the significance of her having more in common with a wounded predator than an animal gifted with flight.

Elizabeth is an author, teacher, and publishing professional who began her career as a national presenter for Resource Profiles, where she developed teacher seminars designed to foster creative brain stimulation. Moving into formal education, she helped at-risk students improve their writing skills as well as created and implemented a creative writing/blogging program that centered on teaching the 21st-century learner. Works stemming from this initiative were published online and seen in over 40 countries.

Elizabeth receives invitations to speak nationwide at schools and book clubs. She co-founded the popular book site, Chirenjenzie, which reaches thousands of people throughout the world. The writer support and reader interest group promotes and interacts with followers on Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and various other blog sites. Elizabeth has a Master's degree from Austin Peay State University, where she studied classical opera. She graduated Magna Cum Laude and was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society.

"The Light of Asteria" received Honorable Mention at the New York Book Festival. Her newest work, "The Scythian Trials" will be released in 2017 by Vesuvian Media.

For more information, please visit www.elizabethisaacs.com

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