Hi folks,
It
is with great pleasure that I’m announcing another one of our classmates in my
online novel-writing class has just had the novel he worked on in class
launched today! Here’s the synopsis and some early reviews:
An epic of Cuba meets the classic hero's journey in The Vexing Heirloom, an immersive adventure and fallen
idealist’s quest for redemption.
It
is the Cuban War of Independence, 1896. The medallion around the woman’s throat
is there for Hilaríon’s taking, but the soldier-turned-highwayman cannot bring
himself to commit murder. He chases the mysterious woman, Ypriána, into the
wilds. He’ll seize his plunder, then while away the rest of his life in some
far-flung corner of the globe. But when she tempts him with a better choice,
something inside of him leaps at the chance.
Ypriána
is a savior on a mission—or so she believes. Her people, the M’Brae, have long
lived in darkness, but an ancient promise of priceless treasure gives them a
glimmer of hope. Only through her can they overcome the Vexing Heirloom, the
deadly gauntlet preceding the treasure, yet she needs Hilaríon’s help. The
thief hears only one word: treasure.
As
armies clash all around them, Hilaríon and Ypriána marshal her people along the
perilous quest, which will bring them face-to-face with savage enemies,
mind-bending riddles, and treachery even within their own ranks. Seeing himself
through Ypriána’s eyes, Hilaríon staggers ever closer unto redemption, yet he
finds the mounting questions more trying still. Is finding treasure worth such
pain? Could the treasure be more than just a prize?
And
in their darkest hour, as the line between friend and foe vanishes, Hilaríon
must forsake what he most desires and find the hero within.
Praise for The
Vexing Heirloom
"What makes The
Vexing Heirloom such a
remarkable debut—and T.G. Monahan such a formidable writer—is the combination
of a rich Cuban history with elements of magic realism overlain, delivered with
page-turning and crackling tension. This is polished prose, a solid story, and
a unique voice. This is a writer to watch."
—Les Edgerton, author of Hooked,
Bomb! and sixteen other
titles
"With the spirit of poets, T.G. Monahan delivers Cuba—myth,
legend and history, in an epic journey of ever-unfolding mystery. With lucid
descriptions, heartfelt characters and a pace that draws you in like treasure
to the jungle, The
Vexing Heirloom screams Cuba
Libre!"
—Liam Sweeny, author of Welcome
Back, Jack!
"Monahan has crafted a gorgeous novel, artfully balancing
action and adventure with obsession and intrigue, and delivers it near
perfectly, through beautifully crafted prose."
—Maegan Beaumont, award-winning author of Blood
of Saints
"The
Vexing Heirloom is a lyrical,
mystical journey through a Cuba the world has never seen before, but definitely
should. Rich with mythology and magic, it’s an experience readers will not soon
forget."
—Leah Rhyne, author of Heartless
Join Todd on Thursday,
June 15, 2017 at 6:00 PM at The Book House in Stuyvesant Plaza, 1475 Western
Avenue, Albany, New York 12203 for a book signing!
Grab a copy--you'll enjoy the read immensely!
Blue skies,
Les
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