Amelina, age 15 and wanting a functional home life. A best friend locked inside a mirror, a Crystal Cottage holding answer by invite only and something changing people into shadows of their former selves…
“The Curse of Time” is Marjorie’s debut YA novel. Book one in an upcoming series. Set in Cambridge with ties to local culture. Enigmatic friendships, and the power of crystals soon find their way into her Amelina’s world.
What happened to her father? Why is Esmé trapped inside her mirrors? How to find the Crystal Cottage? Who is Ryder? All questions that need answers.
Then there’s the curse that’s ruined her family.
Book one kicks off with a fast start, introducing us to key elements and characters and taking us into a supernatural world sitting behind the normality of Cambridge.
Author Bio
I am a debut author who has been blogging for three years at my lovely blog home Kyrosmagica: https://mjmallon.com. My interests include writing, photography, poetry, and alternative therapies. I write Fantasy YA, middle grade fiction and micro poetry – haiku and Tanka.
I love to read and have written over 100 reviews which can be found here
My alter ego is M.J. – Mary Jane from Spiderman. I love superheroes! I was born on the 17th of November in Lion City: Singapore, (a passionate Scorpio, with the Chinese Zodiac sign a lucky rabbit) second child and only daughter to my proud parents Paula and Ronald. I grew up in a mountainous court in the Peak District in Hong Kong with my elder brother Donald. My parents dragged me away from my exotic childhood and my much-loved dog Topsy to the frozen wastelands of Scotland. In bonnie Edinburgh I mastered Scottish country dancing, and a whole new Och Aye lingo.
As a teenager I travelled to many far-flung destinations to visit my abacus wielding wayfarer dad. It’s rumoured that I now live in the Venice of Cambridge, with my six-foot hunk of a Rock God husband, and my two enchanted daughters. After such an upbringing my author’s mind has taken total leave of its senses!
When I’m not writing, I eat exotic delicacies while belly dancing, or surf to the far reaches of the moon. To chill out, I practise Tai Chi. If the mood takes me I snorkel with mermaids, or sign up for idyllic holidays with the Chinese Unicorn, whose magnificent voice sings like a thousand wind chimes.
The Curse of Time – Book 1 – Bloodstone
Book Blurb
Fifteen-year-old Amelina Scott lives in Cambridge with her dysfunctional family, a mysterious black cat, and an unusual girl who’s imprisoned within the mirrors located in her house. When an unexpected message arrives inviting her to visit the Crystal Cottage, she sets off on a forbidden pathway where she encounters Ryder, a charismatic, but perplexing stranger.
With the help of a magical paint set, and some crystal wizard stones she discovers the truth about a shocking curse that has destroyed her family’s happiness.
Kindle Publication date: 27th August 2017
Genre: YA/Paranormal Fantasy
Pages: 237
ASIN: B074CDJPY9
Buy the e-book Curse of Time UK
Buy the e-book Curse of Time US
Paperback Release date – April 2018
Genre: YA/Paranormal Fantasy
Pages: 240
ISBN: 9781999822439
Buy the paperback Curse of Time UK
Buy the paperback Curse of Time US
Book Extract – supplied by the author.
Ryder, the mysterious stranger. Alluring to Amelina and her friends. Invoking jealousy, concern and danger. Personally, I don’t trust him. Not from my reading of the book so far. Sequels may change that, but at present too many questions, unknown motives and a wandering eye.
Come now and meet him…
It’s a certainty,
Guys like Ryder don’t appear,
Every single day,
Weep as you will, but it’s true,
‘Cause he’s lush and forbidden.
I stepped back and stifled my scream. The trembling of the earth continued beneath my feet. I glanced down in horror as I watched the crack grow, spreading tendrils of darkness in an eerie shadow.
I tore my eyes from the trembling ground and glanced at the two boys on the other side of the fissure. Shock and fear registered in their eyes as they met my stare. My heart pounded in my chest, sending a shot of adrenalin through me. I moved as far away from the shadowy cleft as possible, my feet moving with no direction from my mind.
The lads took refuge in glancing at their feet, moving backward from the advancing crack as if they’d thought the strange shadow would swallow them up. I found it odd, but they didn’t run. Instead, Will and Mitch hardly dared to breathe. They stepped slowly, stealing away from the edge. Before long I watched as they became two indistinct shapes far off in the distance.
I felt my body relax. The quivering stopped, and the ground felt solid beneath my feet again. I took a deep breath and managed a faint smile. ‘Thank you, Ryder.’ I could feel the heat of a pink tint colour my cheeks.
‘No problem, it’s my pleasure,’ he replied. He turned to face me, and with an elaborate bow his face lit up with a confident smile as his eyes met mine.
I grinned back and chuckled when I realised Ryder reminded me of a princely actor. I thanked my lucky stars he had crossed my path. I shuddered to think what might have happened if he hadn’t come by when he did. I felt unsettled by that pathway where the shadows seemed to come alive. Those boys were weird. I shook my head trying to get the image of their blank eyes staring at me out of my head.
A residue of uncertainty remained. Those shadows lingered in my mind, resurrecting buried memories from my thirteenth birthday: an imprint on glass, a charades card and a young man’s beguiling voice bewitching me. I shivered, feeling the coolness of the air. Glimpsing up at the sky I noticed that grey rain clouds were gathering.
I looked over my shoulder at Ryder, ‘I better get back. It’s going to rain.’
Ryder glanced up at the gathering gloom, ‘I think you’re right. If it’s not rain, it’s darkness that follows me. You never know what’s lurking in the shadows. With that in mind, let me walk you home.’
What a strange thing to say, I thought as we turned to walk down the path toward my home. Ryder’s words sounded creepy, and I couldn’t shake my uneasiness. Perhaps, I should have run away, but instead, I allowed myself to walk with him. I do not understand what possessed me to do so. It must have been the irregular hiccupping of my heart.
Stealing a glance at Ryder, I drew in a sharp breath. I had been so absorbed in the drama back at the river that I hadn’t noticed the subtleties flickering like wraiths across his face. I took the time now to note that he had blue-black hair that gleamed in the gloominess of the day. As the rain began to fall, I found myself drawn to his unusual eyes. His inky black eye contrasted with his green eye and had to be his most stunning, and unique, feature. He had long lashes now slicked with raindrops that gleamed in the failing light. Unable to look away, I stared into those captivating eyes as if they were two dark, mysterious pools pulling me into their depths. I imagined myself sinking into oblivion. I felt light-headed as if I’d lost my grip at the top of a high cliff, free-falling, tumbling over and over again, but instead of fighting against this frightening sensation I welcomed it.
A bit more about the author.
I always ask authors for three fun facts about themselves in addition to the usual information comprising the bulk of the post. Marje gave me fourteen! Out of them I have distilled just three.
- My motto is to do what you love! Stay true to your heart’s desires, remain young at heart, and inspire others to do so, even if the odds are stacked against you like black-hearted shadows.
- I have travelled to many foreign destinations, including: Papua New Guinea, Fiji, the Caribbean, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Rome, Venice, France, Germany, Spain, Belgium and Portugal. I would love the funds to travel some more!
- I wish I could be Wonder Woman or MJ from Spiderman.
My own view on these is that Marje has written and published a book. Might be Wonder Woman is already in the house?
Social Media link ups.
Marjorie can be found at the following social media sites. Follow her to keep up with updates and news on all things book related.
Author Website: https://mjmallon.com
Collaborative blog: https://sistersofthefey.wordpress.com
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon and @curseof_time
Facebook: Authors Bloggers Rainbow Support Club
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17064826.M_J_Mallon
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mjmallonauthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/
Tumblr: http://mjmallonauthor.tumblr.com/
This is post is part of the paperback launch blog tour. Up coming dates are below. All the bloggers involved are worth a visit, not just for this, but because they are all fantastic people and actively support new authors from all genres.
A wonderful spot light!
And of course all the very best to Marje xx
Too kind Samantha as always, but you have been proper busy today! Even an email too 😍
Congratulations to both of you on the book!!
Interesting piece 🙂
Many thanks! See… I can do none A to Z stuff too 😂😂
So much love for MJ and Gary! 😀 I’m thrilled to see how well it’s all going, and congrats! 🙂
Thanks Rachael. I’ve know Marje quite a while and it’s been wonderful doing her spotlight….which reminds me. A week tommorow and The Beauty Thief is up 😇
<3 <3 <3
Hi Marje and Gary,
I know Marje! That’s great you interviewed her Gary.
Marje: A debut author! Exciting! Gary interviewed me too when I was a new author. Off to share!
Janice
Hi Janice thank you for your help. Gary us such a wonderfully supportive friend. Thanks for all your help too Much appreciated Marje xx
Thanks Janice. I’m hoping to catch up once the A to Z is over. Right now it’s really demanding as I’ve ended up creating a new character that’s fast evolving into a huge storyline!!
Good for you! Exciting for you!
Thanks. Lot harder than I thought though lol
This looks fantastic! My sisters love this genre so I’ve sent them the link
Many thanks Amelia. I often find authors on here that are both fascinating people and write very well too. Marje will be happy for the referral too!
Wow, that’s grrat so glad you think your sisters will enjoy. Terrific. 🙂
Sounds exciting – I am off to Amazon now! Gary I love the idea of asking authors for fun facts..might steal that one for some of the blog tours I have coming up! Will share for you both!
Ohhh! Thank you Claire. 🙂
Lol. I think it adds a bit extra beyond the book. I ought to run some interviews too. Might kick that off shortly 😊
Another wonderful post on Marje and her book tour. I have shared this around a bit as well.
Thank you do much Esme, do kind of you. ❤
♥♥
Kind as ever Esmé. Throw yours up tomorrow and I’ll be it too 😊
You’re always a gentleman
In this fast paced world, kindness and being polite costs nothing and often brings a smile 😊
💯💯 a smile and kind word is free to give, and does way more for the recipient than one may know
The world needs more of that in my humble opinion x
😊😊😊😊
Oooh congratulations and good luck with the book launch! Thank you so much for sharing this Gary!! <3
Thank you!! So kind. 🙂
My pleasure Josy and thanks for supporting Marje too 😊
Congratulations, Marge! That is HUGE! It looks like a good one.
Marje!!!!
Thank you Susie. Yay!!!
The book and Marjorie Mallon sound quite enchanting! Thank you for sharing the blog tour info – going to hop around to some other posts. 🙂
Marje is indeed enchanting Kelsey. It’s been a pleasure working with her on the blog tour too. Thanks so much for your comment too 😊
Thank you for your lovely comment Kelsey. 🙂
I am looking forward to reading this book and loved the excerpt. 🙂
Ryder I’ve not yet warmed to at all! Well, his character! Something about him in the book that suggests sequels will have more to say on him!
Thanks for dropping by Judy 😊
Yes there will definitely be more revelations about Ryder in Book 2! I have some plans for him…
Lol, I figured this was more of an intriguing intro for him. Looking forward to it 😊
Yeah, I am going to have fun exploring more off his darker side! Xxx
Lol…that’s why I love horror. Cool antagonists and darker characters are awesome to explore and create as an author 😊
Thank you Judy. Glad you like the sound of The Curse of Time. 🙂
Yes, it is in my TBR list, Marje 🙂
The Curse of Time sounds right up my street! Marjorie is a fascinating lady!
Thanks Noelle, and yes she is a fascinating lady and very generous in how she helps others too.
What a lovely comment. Thank you so much Noelle. 🙂
No problem at all ☺️
Sounds like a wonderful and very intriguing life lived so far, oh the possibilities for the future. I like to swim with the mermaids too 🙂
Lol…you are the second to want to swim with mermaids! Definitely agree with the intriguing life too. Quite a remarkable lady in my humble opinion.
Thanks for popping over 😊
Ah thank you for your sweet comment and chatting about the mermaids! Love all things fantasy! Mermaids, dragons, unicorns, myths, legends, you name it!
Me too!!
How exciting! And the book sounds fascinating – I love this kind of time focussing fantasy!
I read it as part of the blog tour. YA so if that’s the reading genre you like then its well worth it!
I’m actually loving these blog tours too. Watching the excitement in authors and feeling it on their behalf!
Thank you, yes it’s the most exciting thing that has ever happened to me!
I would like to snorkel with the mermaids too! Very nice piece x
Thank you! Of course…as an author…you can snorkel with mermaids, ride dragons and do all manner of things 😂
Yes, the power of words! It’s such fun to be a fantasy author!
For sure!
Reblogged this on M J Mallon Author and commented:
Thank you so much to Gary for the wonderful spotlight as part of my #ABRSC blog tour to celebrate the release of my paperback. Yay!
I just saw it and commented too! So glad you liked it and if you come across other authors needing a shout out let me know 😊
Will do Gary most definitely. :)what
Thank you so much for the beautifully presented spotlight Gary. Love it! You’ve done me proud. Marje xxc
Thank you Marje. It’s always nerve wracking when they first go live. Trying to do an author justice given the amount of work that goes into creating a book….not to mention th3 mind games that play upon ones mind…. good, bad, why am I doing this again?
Have you shared this in the rainbow FB group or shall I?
Gary if you could share that would be awesome flying up to Edinburgh today so won’t be able to do so much social media as usual. Please share to #ABRSC. 🙂
Shared it to your Rainbow page already, missed doing the hashtag though as I saw that just now! We can bomb that though on the SundayBlogShare though if that’s OK!
Great spotlight!!!!! I’m looking forward to book two!
Thanks Ritu and same here!! Your spotlight will have a date by the end of this week too!
Whoop Whoop! And if I finish this dang WIP, there might be something else to slip in there!
I think we can definitely add it as a WIP tale of idea to manuscript. Follow up could then be part of a blog tour 😂
That would be cool… not sure how long I’ll be to get to that stage though lol!!!
Doesn’t matter for the story of how you managed to write it in the first place though. That’s flipoing worth putting out because many people think writing is easy! I could interview you on that lol
Lol!!!!!
Yeah! Thank you Ritu. As soon as my blog tour is over I will be concentrating on book 2!
Wonderful!!!!! 😀
What? You mean it’s not half done already Marje 😂😂😂