#SFFSat – Arcana Double Cross

On April 13, 2012 By jccasselsIn Mercenary Adventures of Blade Devon, SFFS24 Comments

It’s Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday time again! As you may recall, SFFS is a ring of authors who share some of their work each Saturday. Anyone is welcome. The idea is to feature a snippet of your work for others to enjoy.

This week’s snippet is a departure from SOVRAN’S PAWN. It’s a departure from THE BLACK WING CHRONICLES altogether. This week’s snippet comes to you from one of the lost novels of THE MERCENARY ADVENTURES OF BLADE DEVON. This snippet is from ARCANA DOUBLE CROSS. Blade and his merry band of mercenaries have undertaken the task of rescuing a damsel in distress from the Arcana Hotel and Casino, which is controlled by the Jannus Syndicate. In this scene, they’re starting to get into position.

***

“Get mobbed by women again?” Adin asked with a raised eyebrow. “Serves you right. You look like a pretty boy heart throb out of a holofeature.”

“I am a pretty boy heart throb out of a holofeature,” Blade replied with a wry grin. “What have you found out?”

Adin’s theatrically painted face was completely void of all natural expression. “She’s here. Somehow, I get the feeling that taking her out won’t be as easy as we had planned.”

“She wasn’t kidding about security,” Blade said, glancing around. “This is heavy even for the Jannus Syndicate. If we can’t be subtle let’s be memorable.”

***

Well, that’s the Saturday Snippet for this week! Please don’t forget to comment by clicking on either the blog title or the little quotation balloon in the upper right hand corner. Tell your friends. Stop back here next week for another!

If you want a little more of SOVRAN’S PAWN, BARRON’S LAST STAND, or to learn more about THE BLACK WING CHRONICLES, just click on the links.

#SFFSat – Arcana Double Cross 4/7/2012

On April 6, 2012April 2, 2012 By jccasselsIn Mercenary Adventures of Blade Devon, SFFS15 Comments

It’s Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday time again!

To keep with the theme I’m following on my blog, “Celebrating Big Damn Heroes,” this week’s snippet is another departure from the upcoming release, SOVRAN’S PAWN (April 20). This week’s snippet comes to you from one of the lost novels of THE MERCENARY ADVENTURES OF BLADE DEVON. Set approximately five years after SOVRAN’S PAWN, this snippet from ARCANA DOUBLE CROSS (Fall 2012), Blade’s contract negotiations with a new client were interrupted by a group of heavily armed men opening fire on them. While his associates cover their escape, Blade and the girl slip out the back.

***

They came out in the dim glow of the street lamp. Something scratched against the pavement to his left. Blade turned, shoving the girl behind him. His every sense screamed, warning him of danger, without conscious thought, he raised his weapon and fired. A humanoid form melted out of the inky shadows and collapsed in the orange pool of light. Beside him, landed his sidearm, still unfired. Blade stared at the apparition for only a second or two, then he turned and pulled Caitlin with him along the alley. Reaching the street, he slowed and pressed deeper into the shadows. His sharp gaze flicked up and down the street, peering into shadows.

While marching into a club in force and opening fire on the mark was typical of syndicate tactics, it also flushed the quarry out of a more defensible position into the open where they would be more exposed and vulnerable. Rather than racing out into the open street, Blade patiently held position in the shadows at the mouth of the alley scanning the buildings and surrounding rooftops for any signs of a sniper waiting to pick them off.

***

If you want a little more of SOVRAN’S PAWN, BARRON’S LAST STAND, or to learn more about THE BLACK WING CHRONICLES, just click on the links.

#SFFSat 3/31/2012 – Arcana Double Cross

On March 30, 2012March 28, 2012 By jccasselsIn Mercenary Adventures of Blade Devon, SFFS22 Comments

It’s Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday time again!

To keep with the theme I’m following on my blog, “Celebrating Big Damn Heroes,” this week’s snippet is a departure from the upcoming release, SOVRAN’S PAWN (April 20). This week’s snippet comes to you from one of the lost novels of THE MERCENARY ADVENTURES OF BLADE DEVON. Set approximately five years after SOVRAN’S PAWN, this snippet from ARCANA DOUBLE CROSS (Fall 2012), finds Blade and his band of merry mercenaries in a firefight in a multilevel promenade filled with restaurants and upscale shops.

***

Blade looked desperately around for the fastest way to the lower level where Nina and Adin were pinned down. He studied the banners with a speculative eye. With a mad flash of inspiration, he raced for the balcony railing, shouldering the rifle as he ran.

“Phinny! Cover me!”

With Phinny laying down a spray of covering fire, Blade slipped the knife from its sheath and swung his legs over the rail. Giving a mighty effort, he leaped for the nearest banner. Catching a handful of it, he slashed the ties with one quick swipe of the knife. As gravity took over, rending the banner free of its mooring, he slid the knife blade between his teeth and swung the rifle around.

Blade’s stomach lurched as the floor raced towards him.

***

If you want a little more of SOVRAN’S PAWN, BARRON’S LAST STAND, or to learn more about THE BLACK WING CHRONICLES, just click on the links.

In case you missed them, here are links to an interview with Blade Devon and the blog post kicking off the Celebration of Big Damn Heroes, complete with a heroes gallery slideshow. Can you spot the inspiration for Blade Devon in the gallery?

#SFFSat – 3/24/2012 – Sovran’s Pawn

On March 23, 2012 By jccasselsIn Black Wing Chronicles, SFFS24 Comments

This week, Bo has met up with her uncle and gone into the VIP lounge to find and contact Tennova.

***

“I haven’t seen the man I’m supposed to meet with, yet,” he said quietly, sliding his data reader across the table.

Glancing down, Bo studied the angular face of the man they were looking for. She quickly hid her relief – not her dark-haired champion.

“He’s young,” she commented.

“Yeah, he’s about your age, but don’t let that fool you. He’s some kind of boy genius. He’s got schematics for a phase weapon that he says can rip a hole in space.”

It took all of Bo’s self-control not to react to that information. Instead, she forced a smile and switched off the data reader.

“Tell me about him.”

***

If you want a little more of SOVRAN’S PAWN, BARRON’S LAST STAND, or to learn more about THE BLACK WING CHRONICLES, just click on the links.

New Title – New Cover

On March 14, 2012 By jccasselsIn Black Wing Chronicles1 Comment

As the countdown begins to publication for the first installment of The Black Wing Chronicles, all of the pieces click into place.

First the title change to Sovran’s Pawn and now I’m pleased to announce an exciting new cover from Tomomi Ink, who also has designed covers for the fabulous TM Hunter’s Aston West series as well as rising new author Patrick Stutzman’s Alone on the Edge.

I’ll be unveiling the new cover on Saturday. Prepare to be amazed! It’s much better than this one!

#SFFSat – 3/10/2012 – Sovran’s Pawn

On March 8, 2012 By jccasselsIn Black Wing Chronicles, SFFS28 Comments

This week’s snippet follows up with Bo and Blade. Waiting in the embarkation lounge to board a luxury starliner for a Five-Point tournament, Bo has learned that her dress is transparent. She’s not sure if Blade, the charming rascal who brought that fact to her attention is helping her, or just trying to pick her up.

***

Chuckling, he leaned closer to her, bracing his hand on the window beside her shoulder, shielding her from the rest of the embarkation lounge with his body.

“Thank you for your gallantry,” she said when she could speak again.

He grinned at her. “I’m not a gentleman under the best of circumstances,” he said. “Don’t confuse gallantry with audacity. I’m the only man here with the balls to turn the situation to my advantage.”

“Oh?”

He took the empty glass from her and set it on the window ledge. “It’s a hell of an opening line, don’t you think? I don’t see anyone else rushing to say, ‘Pardon me, miss, but did you know when you stand here like this I can see you naked?’ Do you? It’s a great conversation starter, impossible to ignore and even more impossible to forget. And I get points for being a gentleman when I’m anything but.”

***

If you want a little more of SOVRAN’S PAWN, BARRON’S LAST STAND, or to learn more about THE BLACK WING CHRONICLES, just click on the links.

For past snippets click here:

#SFFSat 2012/03/03 SOVRAN’S PAWN

#SFFSat 2012/02/25 THE TENNOVA JOB

#SFFSat 2012/02/18 THE TENNOVA JOB

#SFFSat 2012/02/11 THE TENNOVA JOB

#SFFSat 2012/02/04 THE TENNOVA JOB

#SFFSat 2012/01/28 THE TENNOVA JOB

#SFFSat 2012/01/21 THE TENNOVA JOB

#SFFSat 2012/01/14 BARRON’S LAST STAND

#SFFSat 2012/01/07 BARRON’S LAST STAND

#SFFSat 2011/12/17 BARRON’S LAST STAND

#SFFSat – 3/02/2012 – Sovran’s Pawn

On March 2, 2012March 2, 2012 By jccasselsIn Black Wing Chronicles, SFFS17 Comments

Thanks to everyone who took part in the poll to rename THE TENNOVA JOB. I am pleased to announce that SOVRAN’S PAWN was the winner by a landslide! This book is the first installment of THE BLACK WING CHRONICLES, the Space Opera series starring Bo Barron and Blade Devon.

This week’s snippet moves to a life-changing moment for Bo and Blade. Waiting in the embarkation lounge to board a luxury starliner for a Five-Point tournament, Bo, under cover as a Joy Babe, stands close to the window, taking in the view of the city skyline. Sensing that she is no longer alone, she looks up and sees a great big, sexy, hunk of man reflected in the window behind her, standing much too close for comfort.

***

Behind her sunshades, Bo rolled her eyes. Here it comes…the pickup line.

“I hope I’m not making you uncomfortable standing so close behind you,” he said.

“I’d prefer you step away.”

He held up his drink and took a sip, studying her reflection before answering. “Now I really doubt that,” he said mischievously as he lowered his glass.

Unable to resist his boyish charm, Bo lifted her chin, fighting back a small smile. “Why do you say that?”

“Because with the sun behind you like it is, your dress is virtually transparent.” He grinned, showing a pair of dimples. “Right now, I’m the only thing standing between this room and a peep show.” He shrugged. “If that’s your intention, I’ll be happy to go over there and ogle you like everyone else.”

***

If you want a little more of SOVRAN’S PAWN, BARRON’S LAST STAND, or to learn more about THE BLACK WING CHRONICLES, just click on the links.

For past snippets click here:

#SFFSat 2012/02/25 THE TENNOVA JOB

#SFFSat 2012/02/18 THE TENNOVA JOB

#SFFSat 2012/02/11 THE TENNOVA JOB

#SFFSat 2012/02/04 THE TENNOVA JOB

#SFFSat 2012/01/28 THE TENNOVA JOB

#SFFSat 2012/01/21 THE TENNOVA JOB

#SFFSat 2012/01/14 BARRON’S LAST STAND

#SFFSat 2012/01/07 BARRON’S LAST STAND

#SFFSat 2011/12/17 BARRON’S LAST STAND

#SFFSat – 2/25/2012 – The Tennova Job

On February 24, 2012February 24, 2012 By jccasselsIn Black Wing Chronicles, SFFS21 Comments

But first…

I have to change the title of THE TENNOVA JOB before its April publication date. I’m conducting a poll that lets YOU help me choose the title of The first installment of THE BLACK WING CHRONICLES, the Space Opera series starring Bo Barron and Blade Devon. So please, take a moment and vote for your favorite title, or comment to add something completely different. The poll is after the snippet so keep scrolling. I’ll post the results here next week along with the NEW and FINAL cover art!

In this snippet, Blade has just been given his assignment by his former Inner Circle handler: to infiltrate a Five-Point tournament (as Darien Roarke) and recover the schematics for a Phase Weapon which is being auctioned off. Blade, having left the IC without permission and also without any intention of returning, has told her thanks, but no thanks.

***

“I have my orders, Devon. If you refuse this assignment, they’re not going to keep looking the other way. You’re absent without leave and have been for some time. Barring your complete cooperation I’m to haul you in as a deserter.”

He grinned. “Think you can manage that by yourself? You’re good, Larianne, but you’re not that good.”

“Think about what it would do to your happy little job playing make believe if you went to a high-security prison like Krakato.”

Bracing his fists on his hips, he laughed, unperturbed by the threat. “Is that the best you’ve got? You know as well as I do that not even Krakato could hold me for long.”

She lifted her chin slightly. “I’m surprised you’re willing to go to Krakato at all,” she went on crisply, “knowing that your brother is in a very dangerous line of work. It would be terrible if he were to have an accident while you were a guest of the Commonwealth. You’ve already lost one brother to an accident, haven’t you?”

***

If you want a little more of THE TENNOVA JOB, BARRON’S LAST STAND, or to learn more about THE BLACK WING CHRONICLES, just click on the links.

For past snippets click here:

Help Me Name My Book!

On February 21, 2012 By jccasselsIn Black Wing Chronicles, UpdateLeave a comment

The fun thing about writing a book in a series is that you have to come up with working titles to keep them straight. Some of my past working titles have been “Livre de Moi” and “My Bookie, My Nightmare” as well as various versions being named “Old Imaginary World Order” and its companion “NEW Imaginary World Order.”

As in the case of THE TENNOVA JOB it was a working title designed to help keep it straight within the story arc of THE BLACK WING CHRONICLES series of books. With the deadline for publication looming ever closer, and Internet traffic and searches on the rise, there has been some confusion caused with the drug company Tennova. Apparently when references to my book under this title show up in a search engine, unsuspecting people arrive at my site expecting information on obtaining gainful employment with said company and instead are cruelly subjected to my fictional adventures. (Which is pretty funny if you ask me…)

So to avoid future confusion, since the drug company seems disinclined to change its name, the simpler course of action is to change the title of my book. This is where YOU come in. Over the course of the week, I will be collecting suggestions for alternative titles. On Saturday, along with Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday’s Snippet fest, I will be conducting a poll, letting YOU vote for your favorite title.

***

BO BARRON is the pawn in two Sovrans’ struggle for power. As the Chief of Barron Clan she commands the Black Wing, a strategic asset crucial to the balance of power in a Commonwealth in contention. That’s the reason she was falsely convicted of treason and sentenced to be executed. Instead of letting her meekly go to her death, Bo’s people risk all-out war by breaking her out and smuggling her into hiding. It’s what they do. They’re pirates at heart.

But if she can’t be killed, she can be manipulated. How? By kidnapping her father. If Bo wants him back she has to take on a false name and steal the schematics for a phase weapon being auctioned off to the Sub-socia at a Five Point tournament.

BLADE DEVON knows all about false names. He has more than his share. As Darien Roarke, he’s a pretty well-known Five Point player. If Blade is willing to use his alter ego to retrieve those schematics, the Inner Circle is willing to overlook the fact that he’s technically a deserter.

A botched assassination under the guise of a bar brawl leaves Bo blind and Blade wondering if there isn’t more to this job than he was led to believe. Never able to resist playing the hero, Blade tends her injuries and delves deeper into the intrigue only to find this mission isn’t about a weapon at all.

The catch is, no one and nothing are what they seem…

***

Vote as often as you like.

I’ll be unveiling the results the following Saturday at the Snippet Fest.

#SFFSat – 2/18/2012 – The Tennova Job

On February 17, 2012February 10, 2012 By jccasselsIn Black Wing Chronicles, SFFS14 Comments

The cover art and blurb for THE TENNOVA JOB have been finalized, but it still does not yet have a publication date. This book is the first installment of THE BLACK WING CHRONICLES, the Space Opera series starring Bo Barron and Blade Devon.

This scene is Blade’s introduction to the series. During the course of this scene we learn that he is a man with many aliases. He is a deserter and a burn out. Tonight, Blade has donned the persona of Darien Roarke, a gambler, in order to play in a Five Point Tourney in a night club in the Third Sector, and he has no idea that events have been set into motion that are going to change his life forever. Aware that he is being followed, he isn’t exactly surprised when one of the “predatory females” propositioning him turns out to be someone he knows well and isn’t happy to see.

***

He would have asked anyone else how they’d managed to find him and follow him without being seen, but he didn’t have to. She’d been his handler. Of all the Inner Circle Agents in the First Sector, she probably knew him better than anyone.

“So what do you plan to do with me?” he asked lightly. “Now that you’ve caught me.”

She lifted a delicate eyebrow. “You don’t think I came all this way for a Five Point game do you?”

With a casual ease he didn’t feel, he slid his arm around her waist and pulled her with him onto the dance floor. “I did come here for a Five Point game,” he said. “I don’t intend to go anywhere until I’ve won enough credits to cover my stake.”

***

If you want a little more of THE TENNOVA JOB, BARRON’S LAST STAND, or to learn more about THE BLACK WING CHRONICLES, just click on the links.

For past snippets click here: