Helen B. Henderson's romantic fantasy, Hatchling’s Mate, takes the story of Anastasia and the dragon lord Branin Llewlyn to the next generation.
1. The inspiration for the eve of battle came from the song “Last Farewell” from Roger Whitaker. And for the aftermath was the ancient Spartan saying to, “"Come back with your shield - or on it."
2. No matter how much I plan and think I know the story, the characters always through a monkey wrench into the works. They take control and what I thought was going to happen doesn’t. One case in point in Hatchling’s Mate, there was only supposed to be one love interest. It turned into two. So I don’t have to declare a spoiler alert, I won’t say who ends up with who. But the couple I had originally started out writing was not the pair together at the end.
3. One of the difficult story arcs to write was the revelation of Glyn’s secret. The reader was told early on so as not to confuse them with a “tomato surprise”. However, more than just the reader had to discover what only a few selected dragshi knew. I knew eventually I would have to capture the anger and feelings of betrayal, but I kept putting it off. What also made it the writing difficult was keeping the Glyn/Glynnes, he/she straight depending on whose point of view the scene was in.
4. When I went back and reviewed the storyline, I discovered the amount of clues that had been set up in the story without conscious control by me the author. Don’t let anyone tell you characters never take control.
5. Wounded once or twice? It had been decided that the only way Glyn’s secret could be revealed was if she was wounded in battle. The storyline required Talann be kept in the dark until later in the story. The original storyboard had two different battles where Glyn was hurt. But she was too good a warrior for that and the second fight was shelved. Instead, even though he did not have a dragon soul twin and access to earth magic, Talann has a vision and braces his parents with his suspicion.
About Hatchling's Mate
Unlike his female counterpart, no dragons sang a welcome at Talann’s birth. Years later, there was still no sign of a dragon soul twin awakening. From their birth, it was expected that the only two children born to the dragon shifters Talann and the Lady Lexii Beylnea would marry. However, fate had other intentions. They could not stand to be together.
Haldric hated all shifters but one, the Lady Lexii. He has one tool to achieve his goals to destroy all dragshi and to have Lexii for his own. His uncle, known to his followers as the Parant, possessed the ability to turn men and women into his willing slaves. Or Haldric vowed, Lexii to his will. But the Parant was as apt to turn on friend as foe.
Pledged to protect Lexii until the dragon lord’s intended mate appears, Glyn must fight to keep hidden the secret no one could never learn and fears the price when the betrayal is revealed.
Desire and fate rule their destinies in this action-filled novel in the world of the dragshi.
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EXCERPT
Glyn looked up into the angry visage of the man she had marked earlier as a bully. “By law and custom, a woman is free to make her own choice.” Although she knew it would start a fight, she could not resist adding, “Though why one would choose you eludes me?”
Redness colored the skin beneath the man’s beard. “You must like boys. After all you ride a mare. No self-respecting man would ride a woman’s horse.”
The reality of the Buar’s heritage broadened Glyn’s smile. Despite her gender, the mare’s broad chest brought out a primitive reaction in most men. Most could not resist stroking the soft neck, even if they didn’t know Buar was a seidheirn.
“A good horse is a good horse, no matter whether mare or stallion,” Glyn said. A shrug and she added, “I’ll stand Buar against a stallion who’s muscled, but has no brain.”
“Mares, like girls, are good for one thing,” the bully said. His grin left little to the imagination nor did his hand gesture implying the act of a stallion mounting a mare.
Across the table, Kynan dropped a hand to the dagger in his boot. Talann gathered his feet beneath him. <This could be fun.>
For the second time that night, Talann’s uncensored thoughts reached Glyn.
I will have to speak to Lady Anastasia about what is happening. If a dragon twin is awakening and Talann is starting to go through his First Change, there are none of the usual signs. But in the meantime, a little exercise never hurt anyone. And Lexii did say to enjoy myself.
Standing, Glyn raked the bully from head to foot. Her lips twitched in a grin. “Since you don’t appreciate fine horseflesh, what do you ride? A dog?”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Although the author of several local histories, and numerous articles on the topics of American and military history, antiques and collectibles, Henderson’s first love is fiction. Her work in the museum and history fields enables a special insight into creating fantasy worlds. The descendent of a coal-miner's daughter and an aviation flight engineer, her writing reflects the contrasts of her heritage as well as that of her Gemini sign. Her stories cross genres from historical westerns to science fiction and fantasy. In the world of fantasy romance, she is the author of the Dragshi Chronicles and The Windmaster Novels. Her stand-alone novels include the dragon magic fantasy, Fire and Amulet, and the dark fantasy, Imprisoned in Stone. In her books, she invites readers to join her on travels through the stars, or among fantasy worlds of the imagination.
Author Online Sites:
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Bibliography
FIRE AND AMULET
Trelleir is a true dragon. Fire and flight are not his only abilities. He can use his magic to take on the shape of a human which is dangerous as dragons and humans don’t always coexist in a peaceful harmony.Trelleir’s family was murdered by slayers. Alone since he cracked his shell, he believed he was the last of his kind and longs for companionship. Even if it is only that of a human female. However, she is a slayer. Sworn to kill all dragons, including him.
REVIEWS: You can always depend on Helen Henderson for great fantasy reading. There is wit and humor, and good, badass heroines! A Brilliant Adventure …
IMPRISONED IN STONE
For the crime of healing without payment, the Brethren imprisoned Dylan’s soul in stone. Centuries later, he felt the touch of another’s mind and hope for escape from his eternal prison soars. However, his potential savor’s only knowledge of him comes from an eerie message on the wall and nightmarish dreams. And, she is unaware of her latent magic--the power needed to free him.
A spell kept secret for generations. A brotherhood thirsting for power. Demands that cannot be obeyed. A woman who stands to lose everything.
REVIEWS: a fascinating fantasy world with engaging characters. ... If you appreciate spells, wizards, blood sacrifices, and sword fights, this is the book for you!
HEARTH AND SAND
Twelve tales of those who served on the front lines and the stories of loved ones left behind who preserved the home front. Set universes apart and separated by decades in time, the stories in Hearth and Sand reflect a continuity of service from the past to the present and into the world of tomorrow.
Although the events are fictional, the voices captured within these pages came from historical notes, veterans’ own words, letters left by their ancestors, or contemporary events. Pen was put to paper while watching fighter planes land in the Philippine Islands and in the shaded woods of a stateside farm.
WINDMASTER
Revenge set Ellspeth, captain of Sea Falcon, on the path to her destiny, but prophecy controlled the journey. Despite his insolent attitude, she is attracted to the dark-haired dockworker she hires to help unload the vessel's cargo.
But the supposed dockhand is Lord Dal, the last member of the Council of Wizards, and her passenger. Bringing him back from near-death releases Ellspeth's latent powers and threatens her captaincy. For to have magic she must give up the ea. Dal and magic have another risk associated with them, a cult determined to rid the world of magic and all who wield it.
Trapped within the Oracle's Temple, Ellspeth must choose between her own survival, saving the future of magic... or love
REVIEWS: Windmaster is a romance-filled, action-packed fantasy described by readers as a fascinating story that will keep you up all night turning the pages.
WINDMASTER LEGACY
Trapped by the rogue mage, Bashim, Ellspeth is forced to rely on the powers of an untrained mage for survival. The only problem is—her sole hope for escape is Bashim's apprentice.
Dal must make an impossible decision whether to rescue his mate, save his mother, or thwart a rogue mage's plans. As archmage, he might be able to survive killing the future of magic, but as a man could he live with the knowledge he caused the death of a loved one.
REVIEWS: The magic of the fantasies Henderson weaves will stay with you forever. Don't miss this beautifully written, powerfully evocative sequel.
WINDMASTER LEGEND
Fate conspired to keep Iol and Pelra apart. He loves the sea and wants his own ship. She hates the deep blue and has worked too hard to allow her dreams to be sidetracked by the lure of magic.
Despite a beautiful woman on his arm every night, Leod wanted the one he couldn’t have—Pelra. His kin on the ruling council provided him the power to fulfill his desires, or to ruin those who refused him.
A forbidden love. An impossible quest. Threats to life and career. If love survives, there is one more challenge—the accusation of witchcraft.
REVIEWS: a great read … I was fascinated by so much of the book.
WINDMASTER GOLEM
Kiansel, sister to the current Oracle of Givneh, is expected to one day assume the mantle and lead the temple’s followers. Her emerging powers force an impossible decision. To answer the siren call of magic requires she turn her back on her family, her heritage and the teachings of the oracle.
Banishment to a remote village fueled Relliq’s desire for revenge. The discovery of a mythical city and an army of clay soldiers provided the means to control all mages--including the one he wanted most—Kiansel.
Brodie, weaponsmith for the School of Mages couldn’t refuse the archmage’s request to act as escort for a healing team fighting a curse upon the land. But how can a man without any magic of his own fight a curse or protect a friend from an invisible stalker?
REVIEWS: A fantastic world of mages, danger, romance, and survival … gripping to the end
DRAGON DESTINY
Branin is the last dragon shifter born in over three hundred years. As a dragshi, he can take the form of his dragon soul twin, Llewlyn and knows the freedom of flight, but not happiness. Both are the last of their kind and have waited millennia for their mates.
When a faint thought impinged on Branin's mind, hope for an ending to eons of loneliness soared. Plagued by doubts because no signs of a dragon shifter's birth have been seen, Branin searches the world for the mysterious girl he only knows by the name--Anastasia.
REVIEWS: Wow, Just Wow! … The scenes are truly stunningly written… Dragon Destiny is one of the best dragon shifter stories I have ever read.
HATCHLINGS CURSE
Lord Branin Llewlyn has to find a cure for the childlessness of his kind. For the dragshi, the freedom of flight that comes from having a dragon soul twin and able to take on dragon form comes with a price. Cryptic references to mating flights add hope, but dark references about the deaths of suitors threatens not only his life, but the dreams of all dragon shifters. To win the competition means the loss of all he treasures.
Losing is not an option.
REVIEWS: This is a very unique story with a truly exceptional plot. Any fantasy lover would enjoy this epic tale!
HATCHLING’S MATE
For Lexii and Talann, not even being the only children born to dragon shifters can prevent their souls from clashing. A complication Talann can't afford. He needs a dragon form. A cult means to possess Lexii and destroy all shifters including Talann's parents. But no dragons sang a welcome at Talann's birth. The magic to take on dragon form was not to be his.
And caught in the middle Lexii’s bodyguard risks not only her life, but her one chance at love in the name of duty.
REVIEWS: An enjoyable fantasy read, especially for fans of dragons. The characters are complex and entertaining.
HATCHLING’S VENGEANCE
Vengeance has two paths. The cult leader, the Parant, means to have his. No matter how long it takes or how many innocents die, he will kill all dragon shifters. For the last two unattached dragon shifters, their only weapons to save their kind are their swords—and love. Sometimes not even dragon fire and talons are enough to overcome the mind control weildedby the one called—the Parant.
For those who the Parant commands, will vengeance yield to love and provide a path to redemption? Or will retribution decree the punishment for past acts be death?
REVIEWS: an entertaining tale with plenty of dragon fun!
FIRST CHANGE
Within each of the Dragshi Chronicles, the ceoltiers, the keepers of the past and teachers of the present, recount some legend. First Change features the full story behind the legends only given brief reference in the previous volumes.
As with all such tales, some contain larger than life deeds. Others are the simple story of a man or woman doing what must be done, regardless of the cost. But a lesson to be learned. When you shift into dragon form, sometimes Fate controls the flight
Five legends of duty and honor, love and loss, happiness and despair from the world of the dragshi.
NON-FICTION
AROUND MATAWAN AND ABERDEEN
Pictorial History of Matawan Borough and Aberdeen Township in Monmouth County, New Jersey. 180 photographs many historic and previously unpublished. The images are used to illustrate the changes of Matawan and Aberdeen, New Jersey, from a colonial settlement to a 1920s resort, and as an industrial area to the suburban bedroom community of today.
OF TOWN AND FIELD
Of Town & Field covers the history of the Monmouth County, New Jersey towns of Matawan Borough and Aberdeen Township from pre-history times and the first settlers through to the new millennium. The book concludes with how the residents pulled together after their losses of 9-11-2001.
From the Back Street to Main Street … And Beyond
From the Back Street to Main Street… And Beyond chronicles the Society of Methodists of Middletown Point from its early beginnings with circuit rider preachers to the current congregation of the 21st century as the Matawan United Methodist Church in Aberdeen.
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