The Dark Beast

The Dark Beast

by Dave Maruszewski

 

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GENRE:   Children's/ Chapter Books/ Middle Grade

 

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BLURB:

 

Recently knighted squires Raven, Romda, and Ravai are tasked to help a nearby priest. However, this simple errand turns into much more.  They cross paths with the Dark Beast.  After that brief encounter, they soon realize the Beast’s plans to destroy an entire town.  They journey to this town, meeting residents who tell large tales about the Beast.  How much of stories are true?  The three will find out.  The Dark Beast is coming.

 

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EXCERPT

 

“Wow, that was crazy,” Ravai practically shouts. 

 

“Crazy, but true,” says the driver. “But you all look like you could fall asleep.”

 

“Why do you say that?” says Ravai.

 

“Well, for one, your friend keeps falling asleep,” he says, and the driver’s friends snicker. “And your female friend hasn’t said a word since we teamed up. Maybe you should rest. We can stop here.”

 

Ravai doesn’t feel that tired, but he sees the look in Romda’s eyes that it might be a good idea. He acknowledges the stranger’s words, and they stop. It is in the middle of nowhere, trees and small fields all around.

 

Raven crawls to the nearest log and tries to lie on it. Romda isn’t so easily satisfied. She instead starts to pitch tent and gets out her small bedroll. Her movements are so slow it looks like she won’t be done for an hour. 

 

Ravai continues to talk to the driver. “Turning people into beavers? That’s not possible. You are pulling my leg. How can that be true?”

 

“It is, I swear,” the driver says.

 

“How would you know?” Ravai challenges the driver.

 

“Because my grandfather gave him the rune and spell to do so…and now I serve the master,” the man says coldly.

A Word With the Author

1.Did you always want to be an author?

 

I wanted to always tell stories in one format or another.  However, I didn’t think that being an author was in the plans.  I think that my dislike of English class derailed my desire to be an author.  So, I tried in other avenues.  It wasn’t until late in life that I decided that I wanted to dip my hand into professional fiction writing.  

2.Tell us about the publication of your first book.

 

I may not be quite answering the question the way you were expecting, but this is my first (real) book.  It has been an eye-opener.  I think I wrote more and spent more time getting the book out the door than actually writing the actual book.  Oddly enough, if I had more time, I think at I would really enjoy it.  

 

There is a lot that goes into publishing such as getting reviews, blog tours, websites, Facebook pages, society joining, copyrights, advertising, metadata, local recruiting, press releases and more!  I actually like the diversity because I get to do a lot of things.  I’m naturally a jack-of-all-trades/master-of-none.  So, I get to stretch different parts of my brain doing everything. 

 

However, I think my writing has gone down to a drip during the process.  I’m starting to miss writing, and to be honest, I feel a little guilty.  I have a series to flesh out!  

3.Besides yourself, who is your favorite author in the genre you write in?

 

My son and I shared some good times with R.L. Stine and the Goosebumps series.  I’m very thankful to him for that.  I certainly enjoyed Raymond Feist when I first started getting into fantasy.  I’ve been involved with video games as well as playing them.  So, I got turned on to Andrzej Sapkowski.  Plus, I have to give some praise to my fellow pole as well 

 

In some ways, it is hard to pick.  Since I write for middle grade/youth and create epic fantasy style stories, it’s difficult to have my favorites fit both regimes.

4.What's the best part of being an author? The worst?

 

I think allowing your mind to go anywhere you want to go is the best.  You get to create these worlds.  Then, you just let yourself play and get immersed into your own imagination.  There is so much freedom there.

 

As for the worst, I was going to say write bio’s and such.  That can be a little dry but I think the true worst thing is the unrest of sitting down and beginning to write.  I can write profusely if I let myself, but I have a hard time starting.  Those times before sitting down can tend to be anxiety-riddled.  That’s just my type of personality.  The fear of the task is usually greater than the task itself.

5.What are you working on now?

 

Since the Dark Beast is the first in a series, I will be continuing to explore the three R’s. I have quite a number of books loosely constructed.  The next two stories are completed but need some editing.  I’ll look more at the three’s life as well as show a little more of the kingdom’s history and its effect on their present day.

 

I’d like to keep this going for a while.  I have a couple of other plots that go beyond this series, but they aren’t developed sufficiently.  I’m afraid if I work on my other pursuits, I will start to neglect these books.  I definitely don’t want to do that, but I would love to expand eventually.

 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Dave Maruszewski is blessed with a great family.  He was originally inspired to write stories by his wife and son, when they encouraged him to put his bedtime stories on paper.  

His stories are created from an accumulation of experiences from careers/backgrounds as a physicist, engineer, teacher, artist, video game designer and software developer.  He strives to develop stories with sound moral values that will be enlightening as well as entertaining to youths and adults.

In between writing stories and running his own company, Digital Tumult (DigitalTumult.com), Dave enjoys video games, watching internet videos and hanging out with his family.

 

Book: www.ravenromdaandravai.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dave-Maruszewski-Books-100693982454237/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21946064.Dave_Maruszewski

NetGalley: https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/publisher/84200

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Beast-Raven-Romda-Ravai-ebook/dp/B09JSX3ZGG/

The book is on sale for $0.99 during the tour.

 

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION 

Dave Maruszewski will be awarding a $20 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway