We interrupt these stories to bring you news of another story. My first book is up on Amazon!
You can read the first part of the first draft here (remember to read from the bottom). But the whole book is now out in the world, with the most gorgeous cover, and was described by my editor as ‘escapist without being sappy’ which I think I want made into a badge.
Here’s the description:
A clawed prince. A deal with a djinni. A wounded soldier she must not fall for.
In the city of Carra, gateway to the Southern Desert, Lyra’s life is quiet and small. Trapped in the household of her selfish and ambitious but dim-witted, merchant brother, Khalik, she finds purpose in Carra’s healing sanctuary. But then Khalik makes a new friend…the clawed prince.
Lyra’s beauty is the draw, and as part of a bargain with her brother, Prince Altair presents her with a series of ever-more ornate and beautiful dresses. But even bargains have a price, and the cost will be Lyra herself.
Her already restricted life tightens to strangulation as she tries to evade the inevitable invitation to the Imperial Palace. Anyone who received Prince Altair’s summons was never seen again – whether or not they obeyed it.
Lyra must escape, and a deal with a golden djinni who has their own agenda gives her a chance to flee. And she finds herself in an unexpected refuge, surrounded by Imperial soldiers.
Disguised as a healing assistant, she finds herself tending an intriguing patient, a solider injured by the phoenixes and gryphons of the desert. As she fights to save his life, she begins to dread his eventual return to duty. Then Prince Altair’s shadow looms again, and Lyra must run further to keep her freedom, even if it comes at the cost of love.
Inspired by the classic Donkeyskin, a forgotten fairytale in the vein of Cinderella, Sackcloth and Sky is a captivating clean fantasy where magic and adventure tangle with unexpected romance in a land reminiscent of the Arabian Nights. If you love fairytale retellings with warmth, humour, strong heroines, intricate world-building, and slow-burn romance, you’ll be enchanted by this unique and richly textured story.
If you enjoy the snippets on this blog, you might enjoy the full novel, see what you think.
As always, thanks for reading, and I’ll be back to stories as usual on Wednesday!
Kat
The DNA of Stories 