Updates
September 8, 2020
Stop by Love Bytes this week to check out my recent blog post including an interview, excerpt, and giveaway for my m/m fantasy novel The Magician's Apprentice. This is a great chance to learn a little about what makes me tick as a writer, as well as get a chance to grab a free copy of the book. This is the prequel novel in the Dragon Mage Chronicles series: bit.ly/DragonMageChronicles
Find the interview and giveaway here:
September 7, 2020
Wardrake is up for book of the week on Love Bytes! I'd love it if you would stop by and give me a vote:
As a reminder, Wardrake is now available at these links:
Buy Link (Kindle ebook): getBook.at/DMC4_Kindle
Buy Link (Smashwords ebook): https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1037588
Buy Link (paperback): getBook.at/DMC4_pb
You can find out more about the Dragon Mage Chronicles m/m fantasy series here: bit.ly/DragonMageChronicles
September 6, 2020
I just got notification that the paperback version of Wardrake is now live! You can find it on Amazon here:
Buy Link (paperback): getBook.at/DMC4_pb
The ebook version of the book can be found at these links:
Buy Link (Kindle ebook): getBook.at/DMC4_Kindle
Buy Link (Smashwords ebook): https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1037588
Wardrake (Dragon Mage Chronicles Book IV)
by J.A. Jaken
Novel (91,000 words)
Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, M/M Romance
Andrei and Jander return home to the city of Vallerin with the grimmest possible news and tell their king to do what he can to prepare his people for war. Kirin is heading toward the capital with a legion behind him, and he is determined to take revenge both on Andrei and on the apprentice he believes supplanted him in his former master's heart. This time, with the might of an entire dragon army at his command, he very well might succeed.
If you're not familiar with the Dragon Mage Chronicles m/m fantasy series, you can find more info about it here: bit.ly/DragonMageChronicles
September 5, 2020
Wardrake has received its first review on the Love Bytes book review blog: 4.5 stars, which is fantastic!!! Here is the link where you can read it:
https://lovebytesreviews.com/2020/09/04/release-day-review-wardrake-by-j-a-jaken/
Also, I've updated the Dragon Mage Chronicles series webpage to include links to a preview for each of the books. You can check it out here if you're interested: bit.ly/DragonMageChronicles
I've been getting a lot of messages from readers letting me know that they're reading this newest book and are really enjoying the series, which I appreciate more than I can possibly say. I've been starving for feedback on the stories I write, and having that connection with the people who are reading them just makes me light up like Christmas inside. ^_^ I'm so happy that this book appears to be starting out strong and that people are enjoying it.
I feel both happy and sad to have Wardrake finally published. I love this series so very much, and it's a bit of a shock to realize that it's over at last. I absolutely adore Jander and Andrei and Gabrielle and Boaen and Tanith and Alluin... and even Kirin, in his own way. All of these characters have become incredibly dear to me over the years I've been working on writing this series. Publishing this final book feels a little bit like saying goodbye, like sending a child who's all grown up now out into the world to fend for himself. It's a feeling of tremendous accomplishment, but at the same time it's bittersweet.
But what a journey it has been! I'm so grateful for all of you who've given me encouragement throughout all of this, who bought the books and sent me comments to let me know that you've been sucked into this world as much as I have. That's what I strive to do as a writer, to create worlds and characters that will connect with people. By that measurement, it feels as though this series has been a resounding success. ♥♥♥
September 4, 2020
It's release day!!! *blows party horns and throws confetti*
Wardrake, the final book in the Dragon Mage Chronicles m/m fantasy series, is now available. This feels like such an incredible accomplishment to me, and I am so excited to be able to share the conclusion of Jander and Andrei's story with you at last.
You can find the book here:
Buy Link (Kindle ebook): getBook.at/DMC4_Kindle
Buy Link (Smashwords ebook): https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1037588
The paperback version is in its final stages of production and will be available very soon. I'll post an announcement just as soon as I'm notified that it's available.
For those of you who might not be familiar with the Dragon Mage Chronicles series, it tells the story of Jander Teregnan, a young man with a rare gift of magic that sets him and the renowned Andrei Teresh, the man who has become both his master in the magic and his lover, on a desperate quest to defend their kingdom, their home, and each other. You can find out more about the series by clicking here:
Wardrake (Dragon Mage Chronicles Book IV)
by J.A. Jaken
Novel (91,000 words)
Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, M/M Romance
Andrei and Jander return home to the city of Vallerin with the grimmest possible news and tell their king to do what he can to prepare his people for war. Kirin is heading toward the capital with a legion behind him, and he is determined to take revenge both on Andrei and on the apprentice he believes supplanted him in his former master's heart. This time, with the might of an entire dragon army at his command, he very well might succeed.
August 30, 2020
The Love Bytes blog recently ran a promo post for my upcoming release, Wardrake (Book IV in the Dragon Mage Chronicles series). Check it out here:
Wardrake is all set for release on September 4, 2020. It is currently available for preorder at these links:
Buy Link (Kindle ebook): getBook.at/DMC4_Kindle
Buy Link (Smashwords ebook): https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1037588
The Dragon Mage Chronicles m/m fantasy series tells the story of Jander Teregnan, a young man with a rare gift of magic that sets him and the renowned Andrei Teresh, the man who has become both his master in the magic and his lover, on a desperate quest to defend their kingdom, their home, and each other. Find out more about the series by clicking here:
August 26, 2020
Check out the preorder guest post for Wardrake on the Making It Happen book review blog:
https://moonangel23.blogspot.com/2020/08/pre-order-excerpt-wardrake-by-ja-jaken.html
You'll find an exceprt from the book there along with some snazzy new promo graphics that I am very proud to have created. Thank you so much to Carra for helping to spread the word about this series!
As a reminder, Wardrake is the final book in my Dragon Mage Chronicles m/m fantasy series, and is now available for preorder. You can reserve your copy of the ebook on the following websites:
Buy Link (Kindle ebook): getBook.at/DMC4_Kindle
Buy Link (Smashwords ebook): https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1037588
The print version will be coming out just a bit later.
August 16, 2020
I am super excited to announce the new Dragon Mage Chronicles Art Gallery! On these pages you'll find a collection of illustrations that have been created for this series over the years since it was first written.
Just a warning that if you haven't had a chance to read the Dragon Mage Chronicles m/m fantasy series yet, some of these illustrations do contain spoilers for scenes in the books. To find out more about the series, you can click here: bit.ly/DragonMageChronicles
Click here to enter the gallery:
http://jajaken.com/DMCartgallery.html
August 15, 2020
I now have a series collection page on Amazon for the Dragon Mage Chronicles!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B085DL9NYD
There is already a page for the series on Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/byseries/48235
It really feels like everything is wrapping up and coming together. I am super happy with how this series has turned out. It's been a lot of hard work, but it is so very worth it to see the finished product at last. ♥♥♥
August 13, 2020
I've sent out an ARC copy of Wardrake to the first reviewer on my list and received confirmation that the posts are being scheduled. It feels like it's really starting to happen now! This last book in the series has been a long time in coming, and I am getting more and more excited about releasing it. :D
Just a reminder that the book is available for preorder. Here are the links where you can find it:
Buy Link (Kindle ebook): getBook.at/DMC4_Kindle
Buy Link (Smashwords ebook): https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1037588
For more info about the Dragon Mage Chronicles series, click here: bit.ly/DragonMageChronicles
Lastly, I thought I'd share the new promo gif I have for the series. It's my first attempt at making a gif like this. I think it turned out really well!
August 11, 2020
Wardrake, Book IV in the Dragon Mage Chronicles m/m fantasy series, is now available for preorder! The buy links on Amazon and Smashwords are now live, although the cover image isn't showing up on the Amazon page yet for some reason. According to their FAQ, it could take a few days for it to start appearing on the page. I've never come across this issue before, but hopefully it will work itself out soon.
The book will be released on September 4, 2020. Here are the links where you can preorder:
Buy Link (Kindle ebook): getBook.at/DMC4_Kindle
Buy Link (Smashwords ebook): https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1037588
The paperback version of the book will be coming soon.
I am really excited about how well this book turned out, but at the same time I'm feeling a bit anxious because it's the final book in the series and I'm really hoping all of you will love it as much as I do. I've sincerely enjoyed sharing Jander and Andrei's journey with all of you, and reading all of your comments and reactions to their story. Gabrielle seems to be a particular favorite, which makes me happy because I love her so much. :)
If you haven't had a chance to read this series yet, I recommend that you begin with the prequel novel, The Magician's Apprentice, before beginning the Chronicles series. The Magician's Apprentice is a m/m fantasy novel that begins the story of Jander Teregnan, a young man gifted in manipulating the strange energy his people know as magic. On the road far from home, he arrives in the capital city of Vallerin with the hope of finding a master who will be able to help him understand the arcane forces he can sense and interact with, but not reliably control. Once there, with the help of his loyal companion Gabrielle, he embarks on a journey that leads him into adventure, intrigue, danger, and romance as he becomes caught up in an adventure that will determine not only his fate, but the fate of his entire kingdom.
Wardrake (Dragon Mage Chronicles Book IV)
by J.A. Jaken
Novel (91,000 words)
Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, M/M Romance
Andrei and Jander return home to the city of Vallerin with the grimmest possible news and tell their king to do what he can to prepare his people for war. Kirin is heading toward the capital with a legion behind him, and he is determined to take revenge both on Andrei and on the apprentice he believes supplanted him in his former master's heart. This time, with the might of an entire dragon army at his command, he very well might succeed.
August 4, 2020
I just finished making the Kindle version of the ebook for Wardrake. The Smashwords ebook is coming along nicely as well. That one is a little more time consuming because of their formatting restrictions, but it's getting there. I am so happy with how this book is turning out! Seeing this story in print at last is a little surreal. I'm really super proud of it.
I should have a preorder link available soon. I'll post it just as soon as I have it!
July 17, 2020
It's done. I just finished the read-through of my final draft for Wardrake. I'm not sure exactly how I feel right now. A lot of triumph, a great deal of satisfaction at a job well done, but also sad, just a little bit. Because what a journey this has been. I still remember when it first started, literally half a lifetime ago.
I am incredibly happy with how this story has turned out. Seeing the words "The End" typed at the end of the page feels a little surreal, after five books in the series (including the prequel). Thank you so very sincerely to all of you who have been taking this journey with me. I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed sharing these characters and their world with you. I am looking forward so very much to getting this last book in the series out there for you to read and enjoy. :D
July 11, 2020
I just finished the final edits on Wardrake! Time for one final read-through to make sure I didn't miss anything before the publishing to ebook and paperback begins....
July 7, 2020
Congratulations to Sandra for winning an ebook copy of Stormdrake from the giveaway that was hosted at the Love Bytes Reviews blog. I'll be sending your book over to you right away. :)
June 14, 2020
Firedrake is up for Book of the Week over on the Love Bytes website! I'd love it if you would stop by to give it a vote:
>>> https://lovebytesreviews.com/2020/06/14/love-bytes-reviews-book-of-the-week-poll-june-6-12-2020/
The top two winners will be nominated for the Book of the Month contest at the end of the month. :)
June 13, 2020
I have a couple of things to announce today. First of all, the paperback version of Firedrake is now available in the Amazon store! Here is the link where you can find it:
Buy Link (paperback): getBook.at/DMC3_pb
And here are the links where you can find the ebook versions:
Buy Link (Kindle ebook): getBook.at/DMC3_Kindle
Buy Link (Smashwords ebook): https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1024053
Secondly, the book has received its first review: 5 stars on the Making It Happen book review blog! Click here to read it: https://moonangel23.blogspot.com/2020/06/new-release-review-firedrake-ja-jaken.html
If you're not familiar with the Dragon Mage Chronicles m/m fantasy series, you can find more info about it here: bit.ly/DragonMageChronicles
June 12, 2020
It's release day!!! *throws confetti*
Firedrake, Book III in the Dragon Mage Chronicles, is now live and available for purchase. Here are the links where you can find it:
Buy Link (Kindle ebook): getBook.at/DMC3_Kindle
Buy Link (Smashwords ebook): https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1024053
The paperback version of the novel is coming soon. I'll post a buy link just as soon as I have one for it.
This third book in the Dragon Mage Chronicles brings Jander and Andrei into Corascia's inner mountains, searching for the volcano where they believe Kirin is planning to conduct the dark magic rituals that will give him the power of a dragon mage. In this book you'll find harrowing battles and desperate pursuits, old foes and new allies, as well as a healthy dose of magic, adventure, and m/m romance.
I'm so happy to have this book out there at last. I really can't believe the series is almost complete. The final book, Wardrake, is in its final stages of editing right now and will be getting ready for publication very soon.
You can find more information about the Dragon Mage Chronicles m/m fantasy series here: bit.ly/DragonMageChronicles
Firedrake (Dragon Mage Chronicles Book III)
by J.A. Jaken
Novel (60,000 words)
Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, M/M Romance
It's a race against time as Andrei and Jander head deep into the volcanic warrens of their country's inner mountains to stop Kirin from completing the dark magic spell that will awaken the power of the dragons. There they find new allies in unlikely places, but also face betrayal in unanticipated forms. Can Jander overcome his fear of the power he still does not entirely understand in order to save himself and the master he has grown to love?
June 9, 2020
Eeeee!!! Only three days left till the release of Firedrake. I am so excited about this one. I think it might be my favorite of the series, for a few reasons that I won't discuss now because they would be very spoilery. ^_^
I have been hard at work putting the finishing touches on the paperback version of the novel. It is turning out so good!!! I love the darker colors I get to use to create the paperback cover to match the tones of the ebook cover I made for it.
I'm just feeling really proud of this entire series. It's been a lot of hard work, with a lot of tears and missed sleep and uncertain moments, but it has all been worth it to see these books in print at last. This entire book series project has been years in the making. I still get a thrill every time I pick up my paperback copy of The Magician's Apprentice and hold it in my hands, much less the books in the series that follows. It's a feeling of pride, just a little bit, that this is something I created. But mostly it's a feeling of overwhelming awe, like a part of me can't really believe that the little passing idea I had all of those years ago to write my first m/m fantasy story has turned into this. It's surreal, more than anything. These are characters and worlds that only existed in my head at one point, and now there they are! Right there on the printed page! And here all of you are to share this journey with me. I think that feeling more than anything is the one that keeps me writing the way I do.
As a reminder, you can still snag an ebook copy of Firedrake on preorder:
Buy Link (Kindle ebook): getBook.at/DMC3_Kindle
Buy Link (Smashwords ebook): https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1024053
It is all set for release this Friday, June 12th. The paperback version will come out just a little bit later, depending on how long KDP's review process takes.
If you're not familiar with the series, you can find more info about it here: https://jajakenfiction.com/dragon-mage-chronicles
June 5, 2020
Only one week left until Firedrake, Book III in the Dragon Mage Chronicles goes live! I'm so excited about it. :)
The book is currently available for preorder here:
Buy Link (Kindle ebook): getBook.at/DMC3_Kindle
Buy Link (Smashwords ebook): https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1024053
Click here for more info about the Dragon Mage Chronicles m/m fantasy series: https://jajakenfiction.com/dragon-mage-chronicles
June 1, 2020
A preorder announcement for Firedrake was posted today on the Making It Happen book review blog. Stop by to check it out and read an exclusive excerpt from the book!
https://moonangel23.blogspot.com/2020/06/pre-order-excerpt-firedrake-by-ja-jaken.html
As a reminder, Firedrake releases on June 12th! Here are the buy links:
Buy Link (Kindle ebook): getBook.at/DMC3_Kindle
Buy Link (Smashwords ebook): https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1024053
For more info on the Dragon Mage Chronicles series, click here: https://jajakenfiction.com/dragon-mage-chronicles
May 29, 2020
Only 14 days left until Firedrake goes live!!!
The newest book in the Dragon Mage Chronicles is now available for preorder. You can find it on Kindle and Smashwords:
Buy Link (Kindle ebook): getBook.at/DMC3_Kindle
Buy Link (Smashwords ebook): https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1024053
Firedrake will be released on Friday, June 12th. While it's only available in ebook format right now, a paperback version is on the way. I am so excited about this one!!! Lots of adventure, lots of action, and a growing mystery as Jander and Andrei start heading into the final book in the series. I'm really happy with how it turned out, and I can't wait to share it with all of you. :D
For more information about the Dragon Mage Chronicles m/m fantasy series, click here: bit.ly/DragonMageChronicles
May 28, 2020
Popping in real quick to share my new promo graphic for The Magician's Apprentice. I am so excited with how it turned out!!!
May 26, 2020
Firedrake, Book III in the Dragon Mage Chronicles, is now available for preorder! It will be released on June 12, 2020.
Buy Link (Kindle ebook): getBook.at/DMC3_Kindle
Buy Link (Smashwords ebook): https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1024053
Find more information about THE DRAGON MAGE CHRONICLES m/m fantasy series here: bit.ly/DragonMageChronicles
This third book in the Dragon Mage Chronicles brings Jander and Andrei into Corascia's inner mountains, searching for the volcano where they believe Kirin is planning to conduct the dark magic rituals that will give him the power of a dragon mage. In this book you'll find harrowing battles and desperate pursuits, old foes and new allies, as well as a healthy dose of magic, adventure, and m/m romance.
Firedrake (Dragon Mage Chronicles Book III)
by J.A. Jaken
Novel (60,000 words)
Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, M/M Romance
It's a race against time as Andrei and Jander head deep into the volcanic warrens of their country's inner mountains to stop Kirin from completing the dark magic spell that will awaken the power of the dragons. There they find new allies in unlikely places, but also face betrayal in unanticipated forms. Can Jander overcome his fear of the power he still does not entirely understand in order to save himself and the master he has grown to love?
May 25, 2020
Firedrake is officially done!!! *throws confetti* I'm looking at a release date of June 12th for it. I'll post the preorder links just as soon as I get them. The book will be available on Kindle and Smashwords to begin with, and as usual the paperback version will come a bit later.
Now onward to finish the edits on the final book in the series....
May 24, 2020
Sharing the new promo graphic I made this morning for the Sacred Guardian m/m fantasy series:
I also created a new profile picture and cover graphic for my Facebook page for this series:
https://www.facebook.com/sacredguardianseries/
I'm really excited with how they turned out. If you have a spare moment this morning, stop by to check out the page! :D
May 21, 2020
Just taking a minute to share the new promo graphic I made for the Dragon Mage Chronicles:
I'm really getting into this whole graphic design thing. Making my own book covers, designing my own promo pics.... It's really a lot of fun, and a great way to exercise some creativity while I'm waiting for edits on my new book to get finished. ^_^
In related news, Firedrake is almost ready to go! I can't believe how fast it's all going. Before I know it, I'll be neck-deep in Wardrake edits and then this whole wild and crazy adventure will be over. The thought of that makes me feel a little bit sad, kind of like a parent sending my child out into the world for the first time. It'll be all grown up at that point.
For those of you who have purchased the books, or sent me a note to let me know you're enjoying the stories, or even to offer me encouragement and wish me well, THANK YOU. I really do appreciate each and every one of you, and all of the encouragement that you've given me. I'm so excited to get this series finished and out there for all of you to read and enjoy. :)
May 17, 2020
My newest m/m fantasy novel Seadrake has been nominated for Book of the Week on the Love Bytes website:
>> https://lovebytesreviews.com/2020/05/17/love-bytes-reviews-book-of-the-week-poll-may-9-15-2020/
The poll will be open until this coming Friday. The top two books will roll over into the Book of the Month contest. It would be awesome if you could stop by and give me a vote! :)
May 8, 2020
It's release day!!!
Seadrake, Book II in the Dragon Mage Chronicles, is now available! You can pick up your copy here:
Buy Link (Kindle ebook): getBook.at/DMC2_Kindle
Buy Link (Smashwords ebook): https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1016789
The Dragon Mage Chronicles is a m/m fantasy series in which Jander Teregnan, a young man gifted with an unpredictable ability to use magic, sets out to find a master to train him and eventually ends up falling in love with Andrei Teresh, the master mage of the capital city of Vallerin. The two of them set out on numerous adventures together as they explore a sudden uprising of dragons within their kingdom, and try to unravel the mysteries surrounding Andrei's former apprentice, a disturbed and dangerous young man named Kirin. Along the way they make a number of close friends as well as bitter enemies, struggling to survive as they seek to pursue their relationship not only as lovers, but as master and apprentice.
You can find more info about the books in the series here: https://jajakenfiction.com/dragon-mage-chronicles
Praise for the Dragon Mage Chronicles:
|
"This is an amazing m/m romance. The author has sucked me into this world and now I sit here awaiting the next series." "The author continues to impress by poignant characters and generally creating scenes that are succinct absent excessive elaboration. Almost every page draws the reader into the story creating a pleasurable reading experience. Now, this is someone who knows their craft!!" "Absolutely amazing! I love magic and dragons and this was perfect. I'm buying the Dragon Mage Chronicles right now. Ecstatic to continue the journey...." "This author is, I believe, amongst the best in this genre and I have never been disappointed with any of his/her books. If you're into magic, mages, mm romance and dragons, this is the book for you. I thoroughly recommend it." "This book kept me at the edge of my seat, rooting for the good guys to persevere." "I loved this book. Romance and adventure abound from beginning to end. Highly recommended!" "I was completely pulled into this world the author created, and can't wait to follow Jander and Andrei on the rest of their adventures." |
Seadrake (Dragon Mage Chronicles Book II)
by J.A. Jaken
Novel (67,000 words)
Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, M/M Romance
After much deliberation, Andrei chooses to bring his inexperienced and highly unusual apprentice to the far-off island of Sutan-lei, where the eminent mage-scholar Master Luth is rumored to abide. It is Andrei's hope that Master Luth will have answers to the growing mystery he and Jander began to uncover in the city of Tempest as well as help his apprentice gain some degree of mastery over his unique—and highly unpredictable—prowess in the magic. But even as they struggle to piece together the puzzle in front of them, their enemy is close behind them every step of the way...and he is determined not to let the two of them get in his way.
Buy Link (Kindle ebook): getBook.at/DMC2_Kindle
Buy Link (Smashwords ebook): https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1016789
April 29, 2020
Today there was a lovely preorder announcement for Seadrake (Book II in The Dragon Mage Chronicles) posted to the Making It Happen book review blog. Stop by to check it out and read an exclusive excerpt from the book:
https://moonangel23.blogspot.com/2020/04/preorder-excerpt-seadrake-by-ja-jaken.html
As a reminder, Seadrake releases on May 8th! Here are the buy links:
Buy Link (Kindle ebook): getBook.at/DMC2_Kindle
Buy Link (Smashwords ebook): https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1016789
For more info on the Dragon Mage Chronicles series, click here: https://jajakenfiction.com/dragon-mage-chronicles
April 24, 2020
Only 14 days until launch!!! Here are the preorder links for Seadrake, Book II in The Dragon Mage Chronicles:
Buy Link (Kindle ebook): getBook.at/DMC2_Kindle
Buy Link (Smashwords ebook): https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1016789
I'm really excited about this book (about the entire series, actually). ^_^
The whole preorder process is going really well. ARC copies have been sent out to the reviewers and a few launch day promos have been lined up. Twitter and Facebook promos are all scheduled and ready to go. I'm actually feeling pretty organized about the whole thing this morning.
I'm working on preparing the paperback version of the book, which will be available through Amazon. So far it is looking absolutely gorgeous. I still get shivers when I look at my bookshelf and see so many of the books I've written displayed there. I don't believe this experience of creating new worlds and stories will ever grow old.
Lastly, I've created a new Dragon Mage Chronicles series page for the books on Smashwords (I won't be able to make one on Amazon until all of the books in the series have been published). The link is here if you want to check it out: https://www.smashwords.com/books/byseries/48235
Here is the new series promo graphic I made. Click on it if you'd like to find out more information about the series:
The Dragon Mage Chronicles
by J.A. Jaken
Are you ready to immerse yourself in a world of dragons and magic, romance and mystery, with epic battles, daunting villains, and heroic acts of bravery? Join Jander and Andrei as they embark on an adventure that will determine not only the fate of the kingdom they have sworn an oath to serve, but also their future together as master and apprentice--and as lovers. With the fate of the magic itself hanging in the balance, will the love they hold for one another be enough to see them through?
April 20, 2020
Drumroll please....
Seadrake, Book II in The Dragon Mage Chronicles, is now available for preorder! The official release date is May 8, 2020. Currently it is available in ebook format through both Kindle and Smashwords. A paperback version of the novel is in the works as well and should be available very soon.
Buy Link (Kindle ebook): getBook.at/DMC2_Kindle
Buy Link (Smashwords ebook): https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1016789
This book was definitely a labor of love to complete. I lost count of the number of rewrites I did on certain passages, but the hard work was totally worth it. I am so very happy with the end result! The ebook itself is gorgeous, and I think the story flows beautifully now from the beginning to the very end. I can't wait to hold the paperback version of it in my hands. ^_^
This second book in The Dragon Mage Chronicles gives Jander and Andrei a chance to delve deeper into the mysteries surrounding the troubles they encountered in the city of Tempest, and to learn more about the dragons' unanticipated reemergence into the world. There are harrowing escapes and cryptic encounters, monsters at sea and uncertain allies, as well as a healthy dose of magic, adventure, and m/m romance. I also took the opportunity to explore Kirin's character in more depth, and to shade in some parts of his past leading into the final two books in the series.
If you haven't read the prequel to the Chronicles series yet, you can find more information about it here: The Magician's Apprentice. The prequel is a m/m fantasy novel that begins the story of Jander Teregnan, a young man gifted in manipulating the strange energy his people know as magic. On the road far from home, he arrives in the capital city of Vallerin with the hope of finding a master who will be able to help him understand the arcane forces he can sense and interact with, but not reliably control. Once there, with the help of his loyal companion Gabrielle, he embarks on a journey that leads him into adventure, intrigue, danger, and romance as he becomes caught up in an adventure that will determine not only his fate, but the fate of his entire kingdom.
Seadrake (Dragon Mage Chronicles Book II)
by J.A. Jaken
Novel (67,000 words)
Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, M/M Romance
After much deliberation, Andrei chooses to bring his inexperienced and highly unusual apprentice to the far-off island of Sutan-lei, where the eminent mage-scholar Master Luth is rumored to abide. It is Andrei's hope that Master Luth will have answers to the growing mystery he and Jander began to uncover in the city of Tempest as well as help his apprentice gain some degree of mastery over his unique—and highly unpredictable—prowess in the magic. But even as they struggle to piece together the puzzle in front of them, their enemy is close behind them every step of the way...and he is determined not to let the two of them get in his way.
April 12, 2020
I did it! Seadrake is finally done. This was really a tricky one to get right, but I am feeling extremely happy about how it turned out. Now all that's left is to transform the story into a published ebook, and then after that into a print volume. This is the tedious part, but it's always worth it in the end. I cannot wait to hold the finished book in my hands. :)
This turned out to be an interesting story to write because it combines so many of my different loves: m/m romance, magic, fantasy adventure, and those delightfully shiver-inducing tales of monsters at sea. I really hope you'll enjoy the end result as much as I do.
I'll post an excerpt soon, along with the preorder link once it becomes available. It should all be happening very soon!
April 3, 2020
I've been working hard on the final edits for Seadrake, book II in the Dragon Mage Chronicles. This one has been really tricky to get right because it revolves a lot around Jander's growing understanding of his abilities and the evolution of the conflict with Kirin. I need to pack a lot of information into the story without making it seem dry or overwhelming, so it's essential to get the pacing just right. Lots of rewrites for this one as I go back and tweak it here and there. But I'm definitely getting close!
A new review for Stormdrake was just posted on the Making It Happen book review blog. 4.5 stars! https://moonangel23.blogspot.com/2020/04/book-review-stormdrake-by-ja-jaken.html
I hope you are all adjusting well to the current lockdowns in your areas (or variations thereof) and managing to stay happy and productive. One of my friends at work shared something he saw posted to his Facebook that made me smile: "Introverts, put down your books and call your extrovert friends to check on them. They are not doing okay." It's so true! :D My best friend from high school is my polar opposite and a complete extrovert, and we have been on the phone together almost constantly because she is going stir crazy with the recent stay at home order that was issued. I'm perfectly happy curling up with a book or playing games with my son inside the house, but some people are finding this situation a real trial. :(
Big hugs to all of you. Stay safe!
March 6, 2020
Stormdrake just received a lovely 4.5 star review on the Love Bytes book review blog: http://lovebytesreviews.com/2020/03/06/recent-release-review-stormdrake-by-j-a-jaken/
"ThIs book is a wonderful adventure in the style of light fantasy. The world building is great but doesn't get in the way of understanding the storyline. Jaken is skilled in creating villains that are truly evil."
March 2, 2020