The Mercenary Muse is proud to publish and promote new authors (with gratitude to Ingram Spark for providing accessible publishing services).
Feature Author
New from fantasy author S.D. Nielson...
Far in the north of the Dragon's Teeth mountain range, atop the tallest volcano, the last Great Tree of the Sun goddess died. Beneath Her body, the survivors of the king's war established Death's church. Those raised within the Temple of the Raven Moon live a life of bleak obedience under the rule of their theocratic parliament, The Murder.
On his eighteenth birthday, Nijil Icefeathers must prove his loyalty to Death. He must execute a fallen priest that seeks to violate sacred law by resurrecting the dead. To do so, Nijil must follow the priest deep to the heart of an ancient, dead kingdom - to the threshold of Hell itself.
But he can't do this alone. To survive the journey, Nijil will need to earn the alliance of a legendary monster - a chimera. Born to darkness, fueled by burning desire, the chimera will present Nijil with an even greater challenge. The young assassin will have to face the truth of his own monstrous existence.
As a warning to readers: this story deals with issues of trauma, suicidal ideation, psychosis, and surviving abuse.
Upcoming tales from Nielson's small, magical universe!
Wilem Fuller wasn't born on the airship The Cloudkicker and he's the only human on board. A natural musician amidst air pirates, the young man struggles to find purpose with his chosen family. When the Captain decides to conduct a revenge heist to steal a mysterious treasure, Wilem sees it as his chance to show his real value. His quest for belonging becomes complicated when some begin to suspect that he might not be human, either.
Coming in 2027
A wizard's education is ever a dance of danger and ambition. Now in her penultimate class, Penelope Pinseworth has a particularly perilous predicament! Her Professor of Portals and Portents at the Academy of the Seven Schools of Thaumaturgy has died! Even the esteemed master wizards of “the Tower” are mystified about the cause. It couldn't have happened at a worse time, either: entry exams! Upper classmen compete for prestigious positions with favored professors, so now the mystery of the professor's death is the determining test for entry. But as students are discovered murdered, will Penelope survive the politics of the wizard's way?
Coming in 2028
A collection of short stories about the life of Helena Morninglory, scion of the ancient Morninglory lineage of heroes, warriors and priests of the Goddess Sun, Dulcinea. Learn how Helena learned the ways of the Sungazers, imperial zealots to the Light, to Truth, and to Illumination. Mourn the fate of her brother Fergus and how Helena learns of the family's ancient curse. Will she give in to the despair of a promised eternity, or will her faith in her Goddess keep her strong against the forces of evil?
Coming in 2029
S.D. Nielson writes, paints, draws, socializes, walks, and shops in Seattle, WA, U.S.A.
It's dark, expensive, and far too far away from family. She loves it, anyway.