Welcome to my stop on the NBtM virtual book tour for The Raven and the Pig by Lou Kemp. This book tour was organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. On my stop, I have an excerpt from the book as well as a guest post from the author. There's also the tour wide giveaway for a chance to win a $25 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card, a mug and pen, or a digital copy of the book. Be sure to visit the other stops on the tour for more content. Enjoy!
--
Title: The Raven and the Pig
Author: Lou Kemp
Publisher: Celwyn Publications
Publication Date: November 12th 2021
Print Length: 349 pages
Genre: Magical Realism
~
As the music dies, the magician Celwyn is mortally wounded. His darker, immortal brother Pelaez brings him back, barely, with his magic. The party of protagonists travel on the Nautilus to the Cape Verde Islands and the healer of immortals. During the journey, Professor Kang and Bartholomew can not tell if Pelaez will keep his brother alive. Captain Nemo is ready to evict Pelaez forcibly, and keeping Celwyn alive is the only thing that restrains him.
After Celwyn is saved, the healer requests payment for his services. This sends the adventurers to the catacombs in Capuchin where their experience is one they will not forget. Before it is over, several of the protagonists question why it seems everyone from warlocks and vampires to witches, seem to be congregating in their world. Before it is over, some of them become surprising allies, and a few of their allies turn against them.
In part II, work on the new flying machine begins in earnest bringing attention from the Mafioso and a cherub-like warlock called Duncan. After a final battle with Duncan, the flying machine is destroyed and everyone at their compound is murdered by one of their own.
---
BOOK TRAILER:
Watch the book trailer by clicking here or by watching below.
---
EXCERPT:
Instead of trotting left down the hallway to the cabins, Kang detoured as quietly as possible into the study. As he feared, he found Pelaez standing over Celwyn; he was also sitting at the Captain’s dinner table. The man in front of him was the real one.
Pelaez had Celwyn’s arm in a vise-like grip, his voice too low to hear anything but the menace in it. Kang saw the pain on Celwyn’s face, and his wide-open eyes.
“Leave him alone!” Kang cried. “Get away from him!” the automat flew at Pelaez who laughed and backed up, literally into the air. Qing squawked from atop the library shelves.
Celwyn’s face relaxed, and he whispered, “Don’t…let him hurt Qing,” before closing his eyes.
Bartholomew arrived with the Captain close behind. Nemo’s face darkened when he saw the tableau.
“What is going on?” he barked as he stalked into the room.
A half-dozen of the crew thudded to a stop behind him.
Like a feather on an air draft, Pelaez drifted to the floor. “Nothing.”
Kang shouted, “He was twisting Jonas’ arm when I came in!”
Bartholomew lowered his head, and took a step toward Pelaez. Of a sudden a wall of flames surrounded him.
“Not on my ship ----” Captain Nemo gestured to his crew who drew their side arms.
The flames disappeared and Pelaez executed a short bow. “Please, this is a simple misunderstanding.” He leaned against the sofa, yawning.
“No, —it is not,” Kang ground out. Despite the threat of flames or worse, he came within inches of Pelaez, so close he could have smelled his breath. “I know what you want.” He tapped Pelaez’s chest. “In case you need an incentive to leave Jonas alone. You won’t get anything from us if you hurt him. And nothing anyhow: Bartholomew has made half of the flying machine so far, and keeps in it his memory ---- without a written copy. There is nothing to steal.” Kang pointed at his forehead. “I have the rest of it, and we will only give it to Captain Nemo.”
Bartholomew glared at Pelaez.
“I am not after your information.” Pelaez’s smile sent a cold hand up Kang’s back.
“Yes, you are!” Bartholomew’s outrage rattled the bottles on the bar.
“How can you abuse Nemo’s hospitality in this manner?” Kang stomped to the aquatic window and back, sparking with anger. He glanced at the guard Nemo had left in the room as he got to his feet and shook his head, seeming unaware of what had happened.
Nemo still clutched a dinner napkin in his hand. With a wave, he dismissed his crew and eyed Pelaez. In a voice full of menace and certainty, he said, “If you weren’t keeping Mr. Celwyn alive, you would be expendable, Sir.”
Pelaez opened his hands in supplication. “Again, this is a misunderstanding---”
Captain Nemo glared at him.
Bartholomew sighed. “It seems we’re all dependent upon each other.”
Pelaez had no limits on boldness, going from provocateur to questioning them.
“What do you receive from this besides the flying machine, Captain?” Pelaez asked, his voice casual, which raised another flag of suspicion in Kang.
“I am repaying a debt. And, I too, respect Mr. Celwyn.”
The automat suspected that if they saved Jonas, with Celwyn helping him, Nemo would have no problem dealing with his brother and his malicious magic. Until then, he had to wait. As they filed out of the room to return to the dining room, Pelaez asked Kang, as if it didn’t matter, “How did you know I wasn’t actually with you?”
The automat nearly laughed. Let him wonder.
He would remember to tell both Nemo and Bartholomew later what he’d surmised. Pelaez could disable the Nautilus just as easily as Celwyn, or he could do other things; he was playing with them, pretending to behave. There was something he wanted, and the Professor would bet it had just as much to do with Thales, as the flying machine.
---
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Early work was horror and suspense, later work morphed into a combination of magical realism, mystery and adventure painted with a horrific element as needed.
I’m one of those writers who doesn’t plan ahead, no outlines, no clue, and I sometimes write myself into a corner. Atmospheric music in the background helps. Black by Pearl Jam especially.
I'd love to hear from you and what you think of Celwyn, Bartholomew, and Professor Xiau Kang.
Milestones:
2009 The anthology story Sherlock’s Opera appeared in Seattle Noir, edited by Curt Colbert, Akashic Books. Available through Amazon or Barnes and Noble online. Booklist published a favorable review of my contribution to the anthology.
2010 My story, In Memory of the Sibylline, was accepted into the best-selling MWA anthology Crimes by Moonlight, edited by Charlaine Harris. The immortal magician Celwyn makes his first appearance in print.
2018 The story, The Violins Played before Junstan is published in the MWA anthology Odd Partners, edited by Anne Perry. The Celwyn series begins.
Present The full length prequel, The Violins Played before Junstan, to the Celwyn book series is published on Kindle. The companion book, Farm Hall is also published where Pelaez, another immortal magician and Celwyn's brother, makes his first appearance. The remaining books in the series: Music Shall Untune the Sky, The Raven and the Pig, The Pirate Danced and the Automat Died, will be available beginning in August 2021.
---
GUEST POST:
- If you were stuck in a fantasy world, which magical job/role would you like and why?
I would be Jonas Celwyn, the immortal magician. He has power, empathy, and attracts adventure and evil like a dog with fleas. The attraction is his magic also, it is unfettered, unpredictable, and always “artful” as he is fond of saying.
---
GIVEAWAY:
Lou Kemp will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card to one randomly drawn winner, a mug and pen with the book image to a second randomly drawn winner, and an eBook of The Raven and the Pig to a third randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter. Good luck!
(All the Ups and Downs is not responsible for this giveaway, its entries, or the prizes. Goddess Fish Promotions and the author assume all responsibility with this giveaway.)
Looks like an interesting book.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the contest.
Thanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteVery artistic cover...
ReplyDeleteGreat excerpt and cover.
ReplyDeletethis sounds like a wonderful book
ReplyDeleteWow this is such a unique read. I love the character names and look forward to going on this journey.
ReplyDeleteHow long was the writing process?
ReplyDeleteHi Deborah, it was probably a month after I finished Music Shall Untune the Sky, which was the previous book. At that point, another 4-6 months in editing and getting the cover commissioned.
DeleteI enjoyed the guest post, the video and the excerpt and The Raven and the Pig sounds like a fascinating read for me! Thanks for sharing it with me and have an awesome week!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great book
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an interesting book and I also like the cover.
ReplyDeleteabfantom at yahoo dot com
who thought of that wild title? ususally it's the cover that grabs me first, but that title puts a smile on my face and makes me curious
ReplyDeletesherry @ fundinmental
This one sounds interesting and one that I could so get in to reading.
ReplyDeleteheather
hgtempaddy
Sounds like a very interesting book.
ReplyDeleteI need to put this book on my reading list.
ReplyDeleteThe Book Sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteI love the unique cover.
ReplyDeleteThe cover of your book looks rather grim and foreboding.
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
I love how gritty this book sounds.
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of books do you read?
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great read that I would really enjoy.
ReplyDeleteThe book trailer makes me really want to read this.
ReplyDeleteThe excerpt is really good, and it draws you into wanting more.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the guest post, the video and the excerpt, The Raven and the Pig sounds likes a fascinating read! Thanks for sharing it with me and have an awesome day!
ReplyDeleteWhat do you do when you're stuck?
ReplyDeleteHow many books have you written?
ReplyDeleteHow do you handle writing slumps?
ReplyDeleteIs this a weekend that is snowy in the area where you live?
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
The books sounds great and nice contest!
ReplyDeleteSounds like an incredible read.
ReplyDeleteHave you ever visited Cape Verde, an island nation, in person?
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
How's the weather where you are?
ReplyDeleteDo you have a favorite outdoor sport that you like to watch?
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
Do you ever read your own books?
ReplyDeleteWhat's your drink of choice when you're writing?
ReplyDeleteDo you have any advice for new writers?
ReplyDeleteWhere do you go for inspiration?
ReplyDeleteWhat did you want to be when you grew up?
ReplyDeleteJust saying Hi.
ReplyDeleteDo you like the snow?
ReplyDeleteI like the cover.
ReplyDeleteHow long did it take you write the book?
ReplyDeleteHave you ever met a Karen?
ReplyDeleteHave you ever come across any of your books in bookstores?
ReplyDeleteMy question from yesterday doesn't seem to have posted - what's the furthest you've been from home?
ReplyDeleteWhat's your bedtime routine?
ReplyDeleteDo you listen to music when you write?
ReplyDeleteDid you have anyone who you considered to be your role model when you were growing up?
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
Do you smoke?
ReplyDeletejust saying hello.
ReplyDeleteWhat's your personal scary story?
ReplyDeleteDo you take time off from writing on the weekends?
ReplyDeleteWhen it is time for the Winter Olympics, do you like to watch the coverage of the different events?
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
What was your favourite subject in school?
ReplyDeleteThis looks interesting! I'm going to have to read the previous book!
ReplyDeleteWhat is your favorite song?
ReplyDeleteWho are your favourite authors?
ReplyDeleteDo you like to make your own Valentine's Day cards?
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
You sound a great writer!
ReplyDeleteI would so enjoy reading this book and I like the cover too.
ReplyDeleteI would so enjoy reading this book and I like the cover too.
ReplyDeleteWill you be watching the Super Bowl? I'll be reading a book.
ReplyDeleteHow has your year been so far?
ReplyDeleteIntriguing cover
ReplyDeleteDid you watch the Superbowl?
ReplyDeleteThis sounds very interesting. Best of luck with the publication.
ReplyDeleteDo you believe in miracles?
ReplyDeleteDo you believe in love at first sight?
ReplyDeleteHappy Valentine's Day!
ReplyDeleteDid you buy any discounted Valentine's Day items today?
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
What's something you're looking forward to?
ReplyDeleteWhat's your favorite genre of book?
ReplyDeleteHow have you been these days?
ReplyDeleteToday's best quote: “Find joy in snow,” he said. “because if you don’t find joy in snow, you’ll be less happy and still have the same amount of snow.”
ReplyDeleteWho's your favorite filmmaker?
ReplyDeleteWhat's your favorite book genre?
ReplyDeleteDo you like to travel?
ReplyDeleteHappy Sunday!
ReplyDeleteHave you ever met someone from the internet?
ReplyDeleteExcellent excerpt
ReplyDeleteWhat's your dream home?
ReplyDeleteAre you looking forward to Spring?
ReplyDeleteI hope you are somewhere warm. Current wind chill here is -10.
ReplyDeleteHappy Tuesday!
ReplyDeleteWhat was the best day of your life?
ReplyDeleteDo you write an outline before you start your book?
ReplyDeleteWhat is your local urban legend?
ReplyDeleteDo you travel often when working on a book?
ReplyDeletewho/what inspires your writing?
ReplyDeleteI think that it is interesting that the full length prequel, The Violins Played before Junstan, to the Celwyn book series is published on Kindle.
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
What's the best thing about being a writer?
ReplyDeleteHope you Saturday is going good.
ReplyDeleteWhat was the one thing you did to ensure you got published?
ReplyDeleteHappy Sunday!
ReplyDeleteWhat's your favorite cookie?
ReplyDeleteWhat's your favourite outfit?
ReplyDeleteHappy March!
ReplyDeleteDo you remember your past life?
ReplyDeleteWhat's the best thing about being a writer?
ReplyDeleteTell me about the craziest day that ever happened to you.
ReplyDeleteAre you having crazy weather? We are.
ReplyDeleteDo you like Spring?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the opportunity. Great excerpt
ReplyDeleteWhat's your favourite song?
ReplyDeleteDo you prefer regular books, ebooks, or audiobooks?
ReplyDeleteDo you ever take mental breaks?
ReplyDeleteHave you ever traveled abroad?
ReplyDeleteHappy Sunday!
ReplyDeleteWhat's the craziest thing that's ever happened to you?
ReplyDeleteWhat good deed are you doing this week?
ReplyDeleteYou seem like a wonderful writer.
ReplyDeleteDo you only write one book at a time?
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great read that I would really enjoy.
ReplyDeleteWhat was your favourite book as a kid?
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds very entertaining.
ReplyDeleteTell me about your favourite piece of art in your house.
ReplyDeleteWhat are your favorite hobbies to do when not writing?
ReplyDeleteDo you write more in good weather or in bad?
ReplyDeleteThank you for a chance to win!
ReplyDeleteHope your March is going well.
ReplyDeleteWhat rewards have you given yourself this week?
ReplyDeleteDo you write an outline before you start a book?
ReplyDeleteDo you read Stephen King? If so, which was your favourite?
ReplyDeleteWhat is your favorite drink?
ReplyDeleteHow do you deal with online trolls?
ReplyDeleteHow many books do you write or read in a month?
ReplyDeleteHow do you decide on a cover for your book?
ReplyDeleteWhat's your plans for the zombie apocalypse?
ReplyDeleteHope you write more books!
ReplyDeleteDoes daylight savings throw your writing off?
ReplyDeleteWhat do you do when you're feeling sad?
ReplyDeleteYou seem like a great writer!
ReplyDeleteDo you have Amazon Prime?
ReplyDeleteWow! As a mother and a teacher I cannot explain how crucial reading is to anyone trying to understand this world of ours and anytime, I get the opportunity to learn about new authors and new writing styles I am so EXCITED!! Thanks for such a generous giveaway! (Nicole Bowers, nicole 2 inspect at yahoo dot com)
ReplyDeleteHappy Thursday!
ReplyDeleteHappy St. Patrick's Day!
ReplyDeleteHow do you take your tea?
ReplyDeleteHappy Friday!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy finding new to me authors and exciting books! Thank you
ReplyDeleteWhat's your dream job?
ReplyDeleteHave a good Saturday!
ReplyDeleteDo you have another book coming out?
ReplyDeleteWhat's your favourite type of cookie?
ReplyDeleteHappy Sunday!
ReplyDeleteWhat's your dream vacation?
ReplyDeleteHow do you prepare to write a book?
ReplyDeleteHappy Spring!
ReplyDeleteHappy Tuesday!
ReplyDeleteAny advice for nausea?
ReplyDeleteGreat giveaway!
ReplyDeleteDo you remember to get up and stretch when you're writing?
ReplyDeleteDo you have a morning routine?
ReplyDeleteThe Raven and the Pig by author Lou Kemp has an interesting and highly detailed cover.
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
Great giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI need to add this to my reading list.
ReplyDeleteHappy Saturday!
ReplyDeleteDo you speak any other languages?
ReplyDeleteThe Raven and the Pig by author Lou Kemp has a very unique cover.
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
Happy Monday!
ReplyDeleteWhat author do you most admire?
ReplyDeleteWho are your favorite Authors
ReplyDeleteHappy Tuesday!
ReplyDeleteDo you have a family, or plan on starting one?
ReplyDeleteWhat inspired you to write this book?
ReplyDeleteHow often do you write?
ReplyDeleteHow do you unwind after a long hard day of work?
ReplyDeleteHappy Friday!
ReplyDeleteHappy Saturday!
ReplyDeleteDo you watch March Madness basketball?
ReplyDeleteExcellent job!
ReplyDeleteHappy Sunday!
ReplyDeleteWhat are your greatest influences?
ReplyDeleteWhat book has had the most influence on your life?
ReplyDeleteGreat book!
ReplyDeleteDo you write on vacations?
ReplyDeleteHope you have a nice weekend!
ReplyDeleteHow do you handle writer block?
ReplyDeleteHappy Sunday!
ReplyDeleteDo you change your writing routine with the change of seasons?
ReplyDeleteThe Raven and the Pig has a really interesting front cover design, I think!
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
Happy Tuesday!
ReplyDeleteHow do you decide on a title? Do you check to see if it is the same as another book?
ReplyDeleteWho are your favorite Authors?
ReplyDeleteHappy Tuesday!
ReplyDeleteGoodnight.
ReplyDeleteHappy Easter, Happy Spring!
ReplyDeleteHope your Easter will be safe and enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteHappy Easter to all!
ReplyDeleteWhere in the world would you most like to visit?
ReplyDeleteWho is your biggest inspiration?
ReplyDeleteThe cover and title are excellent!
ReplyDeleteDo you keep a thesaurus handy when you write?
ReplyDelete“The ability of writers to imagine what is not the self, to familiarize the strange and mystify the familiar, is the test of their power.” – Toni Morrison
ReplyDeleteHow did you come up with the story?
ReplyDeleteWhat weather do you like best?
ReplyDelete“Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.” – William Wordsworth
ReplyDeleteDo you remember to get up and stretch when you're writing?
ReplyDeleteDo you have ideas for a new book?
ReplyDelete“The writer is an explorer. Every step is an advance into a new land.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
ReplyDeleteAny other authors in the family, your family that would be.
ReplyDelete