• Audio review copy opportunities, including Guile, which is speeding through production.

• Review and promo copies for The Piano Tuner’s Song Kickstarter are also available.

So scroll on down for those!

Author News

The swallows have officially returned! For those of you who’ve been following my plight with the tiny feathered friends, who do stunning acrobatics right outside my window above my screen when I’m trying to write, distracting me completely, well, it’s started all over again.

Other than new growth in spring and leaf fall in autumn, we don’t have many strong seasonal markers here in Cornwall. The seasons can be summarised as…

• Winter—colder with westerly storms off the sea

• Autumn—damp with westerly storms off the sea

• Spring—can be warm with westerly storms off the sea

• Summer—a bit warmer still with westerly storms off the sea.

But here in my village, we do have the swallow return. Who knows where they go each year. Southern Europe? South Africa? Honestly, if I had the choice I’d be right on their feathery tails.

But one thing is for sure, as certain as the sun rises each day, they do return. And they are such a delight (and a distraction)!

Last time when I wrote about them, I got a number of lovely emails from you guys saying they were distracting me because they wanted an appearance in the book I was writing at the time (Folkloric Guile).

I thought about including them long and hard, and it went something like this:

• Evil swallows who dominate the world?

• Nice swallows who help everyone?

• Swallow magic?

• Show-off swallows who distract everyone? (Yep, you can see right where I’m coming from.)

I couldn’t quite picture them as world-destroying supernatural entities, so I was angling for the helpful kind, but as the book is plant themed, I just didn’t manage to work them in.

What they had to settle for was a brief cameo appearance, and actually they were heard not seen. They made the perfect excuse for when Camille forces Lucas out her bathroom window because of SPOILERS.

So they got their mention, albeit a super brief one. And I’m really glad they’re back again. The sun will continue to rise. All is right in the world.

Actually, it’s better than alright, because the hedgerows are blooming and the warm days are here!

And last night at 10pm, Venus was shining bright over Sennen Cove after a very warm day, the scent of wild mint and sea salt all about…

The Piano Tuner’s Song Kickstarter

(Including Promo and Review Copies)

For those who don’t know, Kickstarter is a platform where authors (and other creatives) run limited time campaigns for amazing projects that make available beautiful special edition books.

If you love stunning books with sprayed edges, foiling and all the extras, it’s the best place for it. There are also lots of other creative projects on there too.

You can visit The Piano Tuner’s Song prelaunch page here and find out more about the collector’s edition I’m preparing. Click the ‘notify me on launch’ button to follow and get updates.

I’m doing an ARCs (free advanced reader ebook copies) of the collector’s edition for anyone who’d like to review on Amazon, Goodreads or other places, and also do a bit of promo, whether that be via word of mouth or socials.

Find out more and sign up here.

For those who have already signed up, thank you very much! I can’t wait to get the book to you. It will be my main goal once the audio for Guile is complete (a couple of weeks hopefully).

Audio Review Copies of the Folkloric Series…

Including Folkloric Guile

Find out more and register interest for your Audible review voucher here.

(Estimated release date and when the vouchers will be sent: mid June)

If you’d like to listen and review any of the series, I have copies available on a first-come-first-served basis. (I only have a limited number of vouchers that Audible provides).

It’s not necessary to have listened to all the series on audio, you could dip in and out—read book one, listen to book two etc., but it’s a true series, so you’ll be missing out if you don’t read or listen in order.

With love, until next time!

Karenza

For those of you who haven’t read Folkloric yet, the series can be found here. And the prequel novella eBook Folkloric Fae is available as my gift to you on subscribing to my mailing list.

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Featured Kickstarter

I’m pretty new to the world of Kickstarter, but I’m loving that there’s so much creative freedom and the possibility for authors and artists to do their thing. As I come across some super campaigns, I’ll add them here.

Tales of Ferrês: Special Anniversary Collection by K.M Jenkins
(you can see why I like this one, can’t you? And look at the wolf on that cover!)

Find out more here.

Some Kickstarter Collections…

Find out more here

Find out more here

Books for You to Download…

Plenty of books for you here

(I’ve ended up doing a whole host of links, if you want to geek out or do a bit of armchair tourism related to the book!)

The Piano Tuner’s Song: Gothic Fantasy Romance Luxe Edition

A beguiling standalone where music becomes colour, slow-burn becomes ache, and the discord beneath the melody waits in the shadows.

follow the campaign here

A master piano tuner who sees music as colour.

A woman who’s spent her life forcing her colours away.

When they meet in the French mountains, the connection is instant, dangerous and impossible…

Because he’s been missing, presumed dead, for five years.

The Story

Violette Romèu fled Paris when her synaesthesia broke through every wall she built against it. Returning to her childhood mountian village, she means to live quietly… the way other people do.

Then she meets Rémy Rabasten, a master tuner for the Paris Opera. A man who sees colours too, who looks at her as if he knows her completely, and whose presence is impossible to ignore.

A man who vanished years ago.

Seduced by his world of sublime music, ancient sanctuaries and melodies composed to undo souls, Violette glimpses what Rémy is part of… and what lies in wait.

The diabolical force that rent creation when the first discordant note was struck wants him, and only the gift Violette has spent a lifetime burying stands in its way.

The Piano Tuner’s Song is inspired by French folklore, The Phantom of the Opera and ancient musical esoterica.

Spice level: low steam, max chemistry and tension.

Reading tone: similar to A Discovery of Witches.

It’s Close to My Heart Because…

This is my first published book, and it’s been an extraordinary journey to get it here.

The story began in the South of France, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, where I found myself returning again and again. The mountains there have a particular quality. There’s something magical about the wild slopes and the half-dreamed villages, the chateau fortresses high on peaks and the thermal waters gushing from the earth. The area has a strong musical tradition of troubadours and poetry. In fact, the very concept of the modern novel was born in there.

Then came the musical aspect, and with it, the colour. The book grew from a fascination of the beauty music holds, of how notes themselves carry hue, how some people see music literally as colour, and how the old esoteric traditions thought of the cosmos itself as music. The more I researched, the more I became fascinated by Pythagorean tuning, Robert Fludd’s diagrams, the mystical compositions of Erik Satie. The deeper I went, the more I wanted to write this story.

Violette and Rémy arrived almost by themselves and refused to be anyone else. I’ve spent a lot of time with them, and I’m proud of who they became.

This is a book that wouldn’t let me go. And now I have the opportunity, with you, to make it the way I always imagined.

The Covers, the Design and the Inspiration

With The Piano Tuner’s Song collector’s edition, I’ve strived to create a piece of art in the design and format of the book itself, inspired by the story.

The design is rooted in the esoteric revival of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, which found its visual voice in the bold, symbolic linework of Pamela Colman Smith, amongst others. It flowered in fin-de-siècle Paris through Art Nouveau, opera and theatre, and Satie’s mystical compositions. The revival also reached back into the older traditions of sacred ornament expressed here in the haloed icons and geometric patterns. It was a moment when music, art and ancient knowledge drew together as one. The Piano Tuner’s Song embodies that confluence, bringing it into a contemporary yet evocative setting.

The lineage of the revival leads back to the alchemical plates of Robert Fludd, the ancient philosophy of Pythagoras and Plato, and the idea that music is the substance of creation itself, all of which inspired the black and antique gold design.

The additional complementary modern illustration brings warmth and colour to the page, as colour in the story brings emotion and expression.

There are many lovely details to the design and format such as sprayed edges, foiling, a ribbon bookmark and plenty more. Find out more and support here.

What is Kickstarter, Anyway?

Kickstarter is a platform where creative projects come to life through community support. Instead of traditional sales, creators share their ideas and invite people to back them before they’re made. Supporters can pledge money to help bring a project into existence, often receiving rewards like exclusive editions, content and merch. It’s a way to be part of something from the beginning, backing new work and your favourite creators.

The ARC (Advanced Reader Copy)

Last week I put out feelers as to whether anyone would be interested in ARC reading the story. As it was my first book out, and I wasn’t used to publishing, I didn’t know what I was doing in that regard and it only went out to a few people.

Well, I got a great response, so it looks like I will be going ahead with sending out the ARC. When, is the question. It’s not going to be long, but I have to find a moment to fit it in somewhere after I’ve updated the existing format. So we’re looking like within the next month or two.

It’s likely you’ll receive the existing edition to ARC and review (as the special ed won’t be ready), and then once your review in, I’ll send you the eBook special edition as a thank you.

Please pop your name on this form if you are interested.

For those of you who don’t know, ARC means ‘Advance Reader Copy’, which involves reading a free copy and reviewing, ideally on Amazon and/or Goodreads. Not so much ‘advanced’ in this instance, but it’s the same principle.

sign up to ARC read

With love, until next time!

If you would like to subscribe to my newsletter and/or support my work, you can do so here…

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This collection starts on 1st May…

If you’re wondering why this email is coming from Substack, and you didn’t see the message about it, I moved recently for more visibility and features, but it’s still the same old me!

Happy May Day, Beltane, Spring—Whatever You Celebrate!

As a spring celebration, Folkloric is free until Monday. Get your copy here. Happy reading!

Folkloric Guile Audio

Audio production is starting in early May, so fingers crossed it should be winging its way to you by the end of May/beginning of June. I’ll have audio ARCs going out for the other books in the series very soon, and then for Guile once it’s released. Watch this space.

The Piano Tuner’s Song Possible ARC and Kickstarter

I sent a newsletter about the Cornish folklore Kickstarter I’m working on in the background as I began that first, but I’m letting you know about things in totally the wrong order. My first Kickstarter, which I’m focussing on at the moment, is a super special edition of The Piano Tuner’s Song.

The pre-launch is almost ready, and I have some great artwork for it. I’m loving the concept and working on the design myself. I’ll let you know when it goes live, but while beavering away on the project, it occurred to me that this book never really got its chance in terms of promotion. It was my first published book and I didn’t know what I was doing, plus it’s hard to advertise a standalone.

It’s one reason why I’m doing the Kickstarter, to give it a chance. It’s a super story and I want to get it out there. And it made me think, should I do a round of ARCs for this book?

It went out to a few people when it was first launched but that was all (I’m eternally grateful to those first ARC readers who took a chance on me—you know who you are, and you are amazing!) So if you think you might like to ARC read it, please pop your name on this form. If I get a bit of interest, I’ll go ahead.

For those of you who don’t know, ARC means ‘Advance Reader Copy’, which involves reading a free copy and reviewing, ideally on Amazon and/or Goodreads. Not so much ‘advanced’ in this instance, but it’s the same principle.

Below is the original cover. The blurb and everything on the Amazon listing needs updating, though I have some new details here (part of what I’m working on for the Kickstarter)…

The Piano Tuner’s Song: A Gothic Romantasy

sign up to ARC read

Where this book differs from Folkloric…

It’s probably obvious from the blurb, but there’s a fair bit of romance, not much humour, totally no small prehistoric Men (sorry!). But there is a compelling plot, unique and sumptuous world building, as well as it being based on folklore—oh, and it’s set in the same region of France as well as Paris. There might even have been a little inspiration from The Phantom of the Opera too. In terms of tone, it reads like A Discovery of Witches.

On other matters

Have you had the lovely spring weather? (or autumn if you’re down under.) I’ve been making the most of it by working at the beach when I can. Here in the UK in recent years, our summers are coming earlier. Often I miss out, thinking, hey, it’s not actual summer. And then the summer is cooler. I’m determined to catch the sun this year.

With love, until next time!

If you would like to subscribe to my newsletter and/or support my work, you can do so here…

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Two amazing novellas for you to download

from Georgiana Kent…

Before the mask, destinies are tested, and dragons rule the skies.

Re’Niah is lethal, efficient, and unstoppable—but when her latest mission plunges her into Korath’s web of manipulation, even her deadly skills may not be enough.

Trust is a weapon, and betrayal is closer than she thinks.

Across the border, Prince Taevion is trapped behind palace walls, desperate to prove himself and earn his father’s respect. When a daring switch with a commoner grants him the freedom to enter Nathair Caisteal, the legendary dragon-rider academy, Taevion steps into a world of deadly trials, whispered secrets, and dangerous ambition.

Dragons soar, secrets stir in shadowed corridors, and the fire of ambition burns hotter than ever.

Of Masks & Iron: A Prequel is a fast-paced romantasy novella filled with high-stakes adventure, political intrigue, assassin romance, royal deception, forbidden loyalties, and powerful dragons.

Soul gatherers, quondams, Chinese demons, celestial beings... Sounds like your average night for KeyMaster Michael Nicholas and his Faerie Ashayla.

Despite battling his own demons, when his friend, Anatole, is in trouble, Michael doesn’t hesitate to help. But he gets more than he bargained for when he’s thrown in the middle of a case of Truth or Dare gone wrong. Horribly wrong. The kind of wrong when a Chinese huapi demon rampages through London on a killing spree. Thank goodness the nine-tailed Kumiho, Jade Fox, can help. But can she be trusted?

Shadowhunters meets The Guild Codex. Welcome to Inner Demons, a prequel to Georgiana Kent’s Soul Dominion series.

Some amazing Kickstarters live right now…

On the 4th May…

New Release…

This collection starts on 1st May…

You’re welcome to visit my publication The Cave Under the Mountain on Substack desktop or app. It would be amazing to meet you in the chat—and lovely to meet those of you who’ve already found me there.

What to expect with the change?

Articles on myth and folklore, fiction (the Lucas Letters are coming) and also author news. This is the author news bit, which will be going out about once a month between releases. If you want to subscribe to only a certain type of content, say the fiction and not the folklore, this is possible via Substack.

Happy Easter!

So it’s just a brief one today as you got full news yesterday. But wishing you a wonderful Easter. The lanes around my village, Sennen, are full of primroses, bright against the Cornish granite, so sending you a posy for your Easter weekend.

A sort of cover reveal

And to celebrate my move, here’s the official cover reveal of Folkloric Devilry. Okay, okay, yes, it’s already on Amazon for pre-orders—I had to get it up for the launch of Folkloric Guile, and because that was all so hectic, I didn’t have a chance to do a proper reveal. So here it is. Late, yes, but better late than never! Have to admit, I’m loving the glowing bottle.

Pre-order here

My publication The Cave Under the Mountain is free for all. But if you do want to support my work, you are most welcome, and it is truly appreciated.

support my work...

Welcome to The Cave Under the Mountain…

A space for myth and folklore to breathe and for ancient depth to reflect in the everyday.

Here you’ll find articles on myth and folklore, reflections on books and story, author news and artwork. Everything is rooted in the belief that life is mythic, folkloric and beautiful, and that the old stories still live within us.

It’s also a place for friendship and connection through The Cave chat community.

Come gather around the fire as we share conversation, musings and laughter.

Let me introduce myself…

I’m a writer of folklore-inspired contemporary and urban fantasy where myth is alive and the old tales speak. I endeavour to honour story not only in words but in the artistry of the edition itself. I love making beautiful books.

Living at the far end of West Cornwall with my family, I’m the servant to a hustle of cats (known as The Three Guardians) and can be found at my writing desk overlooking the fields toward Penberth Cove.

From a young age, I was intrigued by the abundant local folklore, which gave lustre to the villages, moors and shoreline about me. A stormy cliff became the infamous birthplace of King Arthur, a hidden dell the haunt of piskies, a remote woodland the entry to the fairy realm itself. Likely, this is the reason I’m drawn to contemporary and urban fantasy. For me, it’s an exploration of enchantment in the ordinary, the threshold between mystery and the commonplace.

You can find out more about me here and about my books here.

Through my work, I attempt to echo the deep patterns of life and that sense of something larger than ourselves, whether it be in articles, novels, artwork or special editions.

I dearly hope you will join me on this exploration.

Subscribe

The Cave is free for all…

I’m not a fan of paywalls or having to fork out for yet another subscription, so The Cave Under the Mountain is free. But if you do want to support my work, you are most welcome, and it is truly appreciated.

Support my work