I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the THE REFUGE by N. Ford Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

About The Book:

Author: N. Ford

Pub. Date: May 20, 2022

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 278

Find it: Goodreads, https://books2read.com/THE-REFUGE 

In a world that has ever only known war, generations still swing their swords on whispers of conflict from centuries past.

In Physis, the law of the land is 'every territory for itself.' Lineage is everything; racial identification is paramount; and territory loyalty is the code by which one lives or dies. But when a few individuals decide the given system isn't working, everything begins to change.

What will happen to the world when inherited authority is questioned; when standards of judgement are re-evaluated; and when independent thinkers redefine purpose for a new generation of leaders?

In The Refuge by N. Ford, readers travel from the snowy mountain estates of The Diamond Isles to the clay arenas of a warrior's life in Agon. They sail the Physis Sea, chasing mystery and meaning, and swim in the clear pool at the bottom of the Western Bay. Readers will meet love, loss, and sacrifice anew, while discovering what purpose can do when it's authentic and hard-won.

 EXCERPT
THE REFUGE, CHAPTER 9

This excerpt takes place when Matthew, a royal-born prince is fighting his duty to choose a wife and take over the family business.  He has questions about how his father has chosen to lead, and even more questions about the foundation on which his territory is built.  His internal conflicts about his inheritance are causing him to drag his feet when it comes to choosing a match and properly preparing to be King of the Diamond Isles.  

“Mother, I don’t know that I can do this. I—”

She cut him off with a curt shake of her head.

“Matthew.” Her voice was raised as loud as she ever allowed it—and it got his attention.

“Do not dishonor your family by continuing that thought. The exile was something that happened long before your father became king—you know that. You were born pure. You were born the son of a king. You will be king of the isles and the king of Triton.”

Matthew tried to interject but she spoke over him.

“You will accept your birthright as those before you have—just as your father did.”

“Matthew watched emotion collect at the bottom of her brilliant blue eyes, stunned to silence at her iron response.

“Son, you have no idea the sacrifice that has been made to protect your position. I will not allow you to lose it through something so dishonorable and small as self-pity.”

She was unmoving. And more emotional than he ever considered she would be. Matthew was concerned about disappointing her, but this reaction was one much beyond mere disappointment. This reaction looked more related to anger—or fear, maybe. He couldn’t place it. He couldn’t understand it. He didn’t know from what deep reservoir it rose.

Matthew felt his mother’s grip on his hand begin to loosen, not realizing how tightly she’d squeezed it during her discourse. He blinked in disbelief and tried to understand from where her reaction came. She seemed ready for his words—prepared almost. He wondered if she’d known his feelings already, maybe even for a long while. She was his mother, after all.

Even so, it surprised him to see her call vehemently for his silent and dutiful obedience to the subject. Matthew expected pushback, but he also expected compassion, empathy—some acknowledgement that his feelings would be considered.

But he received none of that.

He was only a breath away from questioning his mother on the details of her practiced response when a knock interrupted at the door. It was the housemaid.

“Beg your pardon, your grace. A young lady calls.”

About N. Ford:

N. Ford spends most free time in the open air, usually barefooted and with readily available mango.  An alumni of Taylor University and the University of Central Florida, N. Ford exists somewhere in between a midwesterner and beach bum, currently residing alongside the mountains of Tennessee.  With the steady company of a giant dog and something to write on, anywhere will do. Defined by faith, fueled by tribe, and driven by purpose, N. Ford writes for all; and simultaneously, for just One. Learn more at authornford.com.

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Giveaway Details:

5 winners will receive a finished copy of THE REFUGE, US Only.

Ends March 21st, midnight EST.