Showing posts with label Byzantium. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Byzantium. Show all posts

Monday, September 2, 2024

  

Coming October 1, 2024

The last novel of the nine I set in the science fiction fantasy universe of Azura, is ANGEL REVENGE, Book 3 of the Blue Phantom series, coming out this October. An unruly Valkyrie on a flying tiger, a strict angel in love with the rules, and evil knocking at the gate… what could go wrong?

BLUE PHANTOM SERIES 

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This universe I created a few years ago includes three series of three novels each: AZURA CHRONICLES set on an angel planet (with Angel Mine, Angel Fierce, and Angel Brave), BYZANTIUM set on a space station, with Black Dragon, Akira’s Choice, and Malaika’s Secret – and BLUE PHANTOM set on an angel ship roaming the universe, with Angel Ship, Angel Guardian, and Angel Revenge coming in October.

All the novels of the Azura universe can be read as a standalone, but they are all set in the same galactic world, with a few recurring characters. In them, you will find strong heroines and brave heroes, angels and demons, despicable villains, and sometimes the devil in person. They will have to fight not only evil, but their own demons, overcome their weaknesses, trust in others, make friends and enemies… and sometimes they find love in the least expected places.

AZURA CHRONICLES SERIES

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And always among the secondary characters, a telepathic cat. Sometimes, it’s a sweet purring furball like Marshmallow in Black Dragon, a predatory saber cat in the jungle, a wise lion protecting a temple, an engineered bulletproof beast with metal claws, or a magnificent flying tiger with a possessive streak, like in Angel Revenge.

The larger the universe, the more it tempts crazy leaders who want to control it. Many will make a pact with dark forces to rule. But the angels are watching. They traipse across the universe to fight the battles of the light against the encroachment of darkness, preserving the balance of good and evil.

BYZANTIUM SPACE STATION SERIES

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Sometimes they encounter unexpected technology, opponents from another universe, flocks of black furry demons, flying like a black cloud through space. They have leathery wings, white fangs, red eyes, short horns, long whipping tails, and grimacing faces, and their drool is a strong acid that can burn through metal.

But always, after trials and adventures, and sometimes ultimate sacrifices, good will triumph and the universe will keep running, as it’s supposed to do, with some evil, some good, and always an opportunity for the living to make their own choices.

You can read all the previous books before the last one comes out in October.

Happy reading. Hope you enjoy these series.

You can find more of my books below:

Vijaya Schartz, award-winning author
Strong Heroines, Brave Heroes, cats

Saturday, October 1, 2022

New release today! ANGEL SHIP, Book One of the new series, Blue Phantom, set in the Azura Universe

 

Universal link from your favorite online retailer HERE

There is a phantom ship that glows like a beacon in black space, appears and vanishes, and never registers on scanners. Rumors say it will save the righteous, the oppressed, and the downtrodden… and slay the unworthy without mercy. The space pirates fear it. Their victims pray for it... but its help comes at a price...

Desperate to save her people from the Marauders swarming her space freighter, Kefira prays for a miracle. Blake Volkov, legendary captain of the Blue Phantom hears her plea and deems her and her refugees worthy of his help. Grateful for the rescue, Kefira finds his price shocking.

Despite his glowing wings, handsome looks and impressive abilities, Blake admits he is no angel… although Kefira’s feline bodyguard strongly disagrees.

Meanwhile, an old enemy bent on revenge against Blake unleashed an unspeakable evil on the galaxy. Time to face past mistakes… time for innocent blood to flow. Nothing prepared Kefira for the upheaval ahead.

Can Blake find redemption? Can Kefira save her people? Can either of them ever trust again?

Cast of characters:

Kefira is a Sardar princess, the last descendent of a long line started by a goddess, to lead her people. Her name means “Young lioness” and she is loyal, fierce, and dedicated to take her people to the home of their ancestors, where they can live in peace and be safe. But travel is perilous. Since the collapse of the evil Galactic Trade Alliance, space pirates plunder, rape, kill, and trade slaves with impunity.

In this disorganized and lawless galaxy, Blake Volkov, captain of the Blue Phantom, is haunted by his past mistakes and doubts his self-worth. He vowed to redeem himself and erase the guilt of his shady past, by helping those worthy of rescue.

And, of course, there is a big cat named Karak, the heroine’s sturdy bodyguard. Their minds are linked, and his fangs and claws are deadly. He follows her in the boardroom and in battle. Karak’s devotion to his job and fierce protective instincts are only surpassed by his love for his human mom, who still calls him Kitten.

But in the shadows, a new evil power is rising to fill the void and take control of the galaxy. Matchitehew, Sorcerer Supreme of the Stygian Order, will stop at nothing to realize his ambitions, seeking revenge, ruling through fear, spilling rivers of blood, sacrificing the innocent…

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If you like science fiction, fantasy, action and danger, strong heroines, brave heroes, powerful villains, cats, robots, cyborgs, angels, and a touch of romance, you may want to also check out the other series in the Azura Universe: Azura Chronicles, set on an angel planet, and Byzantium, set on a space station.

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Happy Reading!


Vijaya Schartz, author
Strong Heroines, Brave Heroes, cats


Saturday, August 15, 2020

MALAIKA'S SECRET COVER REVEAL!

Woohoo! My September release, MALAIKA'S SECRET, has a cover, with a lion on it. Yes, the lion is a character in the book.


Special Agent Tyler Conrad works security undercover on the Byzantium Space Station and adheres to a strict moral code. When strange beings with wings are murdered, and a dangerous lion wanders the station's indoor streets, Tyler's investigation leads him to a mysterious woman, who could make him break all his rules, and get them both killed.

Forbidden to love, the beautiful Malaika, guardian of the glowing crystal in the temple of the Formless One, is an illegal mind-reader who hides perilous secrets. She has seen the great evil coming to Byzantium but must hide her extraordinary abilities or perish with her people.

When Admiral Mort Lowell, a hybrid Tenebran nicknamed the Vampire, makes a surprise visit to Byzantium, Tyler knows something wicked is afoot…

The story is the last in the series and stands alone, but Tyler, the hero, appeared as a secondary character in the previous book. Here are the two previous novels in the series:

 
For amazon links, click on covers in the right column.
Happy Reading.

Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Cover reveal - BLACK DRAGON - Byzantium Book 1

My cat character in my June 7 release made such a impression on my publisher, that they decided to have Marshmallow on the cover. Here he is, the spoiled telepathic cat, in all his cuteness, at the helm of a spaceship. Well, he's not really piloting, just enjoying the view... like all cats do.

Preorder it on amazon or Smashwords


As for the story, it goes like this:

A gambler is cheating in a den of the Byzantium space station, and Lieutenant Zara Frankel intends to catch him in the act. She always gets her man, but this one could prove more than she can handle.

Captain Czerno Drake, code name Black Dragon, has come under cover to break his innocent uncle from the most secure penitentiary in the galaxy, on the Byzantium space station. He will stop at nothing to succeed, even enrolling the help of Zara, the lovely straight arrow GTA enforcer. When Zara realizes that she’s been duped by a shrewd but seductive rebel, her reaction surprises everyone, most of all herself. 

"I love this one by Vijaya Schartz. As always, her action-packed, well-plotted out prose kept me glued to the pages of Black Dragon from start to finish." TwoLips Reviews 5-kisses and a RECOMMENDED READ 

"I like the balance of humor and danger in this story, and the action kept me glued to the pages... I enjoyed watching as suspicion turned to admiration, and admiration became the first flickers of love between Czerno and Zara... Pick up a copy of Black Dragon, by Vijaya Schartz, and enter a world of adventure, romance, and a spoiled cat named Marshmallow." 4½ stars sensual, Long And Short Reviews 

"Vijaya Schartz is known for her strong female characters and Zara is no exception... gives the reader lots of action and a sweet love story." Single Titles Review 4½ stars 

So, if you like sci-fi, romance, and cats, this is the book for you. You can pre-order the ebook now from amazon and Smashwords. The paperback is coming live early. 


Happy Reading.


Vijaya Schartz, author
Strong heroines, brave heroes, romance with a kick

http://www.vijayaschartz.com
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Tuesday, February 5, 2019

A future society of mind readers?


Interesting world, one where people do not need to talk to communicate, but can simply access each other’s mind. In the Azura Chronicles, my angel planet harbors beings able to read minds… among other psychic powers. In my new series, Byzantium, starting this June, these angels and other mind readers interact on a space station.

But would mind reading be such a rarity in the future? With the help of a little electronic implant, could we access other peoples’ minds like we access a phone or a computer by asking Alexa? Of course, it would start with such implants for government spies and rich magnates. But if it spread to the population at large, what would be the social repercussions of such technology? No more lies? No more crimes? No more privacy?

Would we behave the same way if our mind were an open book? Would thoughts be monitored by the authorities to deter crime and terrorism? Would people get arrested for criminal intent without actually committing the crime, like in the Minority Report movie? Would more people commit suicide to avoid public shame?

Of course, the bad guys would find a way to circumvent the technology. Some governments might want to do the same. All governments keep secrets. Can we handle full transparency?


The same way pioneers went west to escape war, misery, and strict political and religious rules, I believe people would try to escape such invasive technology to return to a simpler way of life. And there are plenty of opportunities in space. Wild planets needing settling, living off the land, etc.

As a writer, I find all these issues fascinating, and I see many potential stories there. I believe writing the possible future takes a dose of philosophy... and some responsibility. I like to think my picture of the future sheds light on potential future problems, and brings some hope for those who will follow in our footsteps.


Read my latest Azura Chronicle novel, ANGEL FIERCE, Book Two, a February 2019 release from BWL Publishing:
amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NCXHZJX 

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/921518 

All Maksou wanted was to rescue his trapped friends and get rich in the process. But this forbidden blue planet crawls with lethal life forms… including Urielle, a gorgeous angel of frightening power, who saves his life but shuns his irresistible charm.

Urielle, Legion Commander of the Avenging Angels, is sworn to protect Azura at all costs. She has no use for a maverick intruder who ignores the rules and endangers the planet by his very presence… no matter how handsome and charming. Especially when the Galactic Trade Alliance (GTA) wages a secret war to get their greedy hands on the priceless crystal at Azura’s core.

When immortal angels turn up dead, Urielle springs into action… and Maksou is in her line of sight.


HAPPY READING!


Vijaya Schartz, author
 Romance with a Kick
 http://www.vijayaschartz.com
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