Janet Begay is a Stormwalker, capable of wielding the raw elemental power of nature, a power that threatens to overwhelm her. Only her lover, Mick, is able to calm the storm within her–even as their passion reaches unimaginable heights of ecstasy.
Janet and Mick have come to the desert town of Magellan to investigate the mysterious disappearance of the police chief’s daughter. The barren land around it is full of vortexes, the gatewars that connect the human world with the mystical realm of Beneath, and after encountering skinwalkers and receiving hints from a shape-shifting coyote and a smmart-ass magic mirror, Janet fears that her own powerful, scary-as-hell mother is involved.
She’s also uncertain about Mick. He can wield fire and never get burned, and Janet can’t seem to touch him with her storm powers. But Janet must trust him, since she and Mick find themselves venturing where no human can survive alone — and only together can they overcome the greatest danger they’ve ever faced.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
I’m thrilled this week to launch another new series, STORMWALKER, which is a paranormal romance/urban fantasy series that follows the adventures of Janet Begay, a Stormwalker.
(If you didn’t already know this, I also write as Jennifer Ashley. I’ve launched two new series under that name in the last 12 months: PRIDE MATES and the MACKENZIE series–Book 2 of that one, LADY ISABELLA’S SCANDALOUS MARRIAGE is out in July.)
What is a Stormwalker? In my world, she’s a woman who can harness the power of storms to create powerful magic. In Janet’s own words:
“I’m a Stormwalker, which is my father’s people’s way of saying I can harness the power of storms for my own use. On a calm day, I can’t work much more than simple spells, but put a storm near me, and I can make the wind, lightning, and rain dance to my bidding. I’m good at it. Deadly.”
Janet, a Navajo, lives near Navajo country, where there are plenty of storms—turbulent rain and thunderstorms in the summer, crazy blizzards in the winter. Janet comes to Magellan, a small town in this high desert, to hunt for the missing daughter of the police chief.
Janet’s good at finding clues to crimes (supernatural and otherwise), because she can sense lingering auras of people, places, and events. But she soon finds more than she bargains for, when the vortexes east of town start calling to her.
Another thing she didn’t bargain for was the return of Mick, her on-again, off-again boyfriend who never quite tells her who he is or what he’s up to. When she’s caught in the wildness of the storm magic, he’s able to drain off the excess energy—I’ll leave it to your imagination to guess how (wink).
A little more about the setting and the kinds of critters you’ll find there:
Magellan: A town in which the paranormal is normal.
Changers: Shape shifters descended from shamans who twined with animal spirits and learned to take their shapes. (The good shape shifters.)
Skinwalkers: Evil beings who can take the shape of animals or humans they’ve killed. (The bad shape shifters.)
Unbelievers: Those who live in and around Magellan and still don’t believe in the paranormal.
Vortexes: Swirls of mystical energy that collect in certain places in the desert. Some are gateways to Beneath.
Beneath: The previous shell world from which mankind and certain gods emerged. Those gods who got trapped below are pretty pissed off.
Nightwalkers: Bloodsuckers who can act civilized, but don’t always like to.
Dragons: Born of this earth in volcanoes, storms, and deep oceans, their number dwindled after the emergence of mankind. They consider themselves the guardians of the earth.
A few of the characters you’ll meet:
Janet Begay: Raised on the Navajo Nation, Janet can draw the power of storms to feed her formidable latent magic. Storm power makes her crazy, and only Mick can ease her down.
Mick: A biker who rescued Janet from the clutches of her own power. She fell in love with him, but she has no idea who he really is or where he comes from. She knows only that Mick wields powerful fire magic and can draw off her storm powers with his sensual touch.
Nash Jones: The Sheriff of Hopi County. He’s an Unbeliever, not fond of people who claim they use magic. He’s ex-Army special forces, a stickler for rules and regs, and might possess the most potent magic of all.
Maya Medina: A beautiful electrician with many secrets.
Fremont Hansen: A plumber who calls himself a minor mage. He has secrets too.
Coyote: A shape-shifting trickster god with an eye for the ladies. Despite his jovial exterior, Janet knows he’s dangerous.
The Mirror: A very powerful magical talisman comfortable with his sexual orientation.
More about the series plus a link to an excerpt is here: http://www.allysonjames.com/stormwalker.html
The Covers: I struck lucky with the covers for this series. The artist and designer got it exactly right, and the model is soooo beautiful! I am thrilled. Check out the cover for Firewalker (which is out in November). Wow.
When Mick goes missing, it’s up to Janet to find him and figure out how to keep him safe from persecution by his own people. She’ll need a little help from her friends, old and new: Nash and Coyote; Cassandra, a wicked Wicca; and a few strange beings who are stirring things up in Magellan.
Book Two of the Stormwalker series.
All right, now for the question of the day:
It seems to me there’s two kinds of paranormal romance: 1) action/adventure and dire danger among the romance, and 2) stories where the focus is much more on the romance with any action/adventure/danger in the background (these tend to be lighter). Which do you prefer? Or do you have a preference at all? (And if you disagree about the two kinds of paranormals, what types do you see out there?)
Comment on this (or just say hi) to win a copy of EITHER something from my backlist OR an ARC of Lady Isabella’s Scandalous Marriage (historical romance by Jennifer Ashley forthcoming in July).
Six years ago, eighteen-year-old Lady Isabella Scranton scandalized all of London by eloping the night of her come-out ball with the notorious rake, Lord Mac Mackenzie. After three turbulent years of marriage, she scandalized London once again–this time by leaving him.
Now the reformed Mac has returned, and he wants one thing: Isabella back in his life, his house, his bed. He’ll do anything he has to, play any game, as long as he gets her back. Isabella resists, but when she agrees to pose for erotic paintings he’s been working on, she realizes her body has never stopped craving her husband’s very skilled touch. Mac is determined to show Isabella that he’s a changed man, but three years without her has only increased his hunger for her.
When an ingenious forger with designs on Mac’s paintings, and Isabella herself, comes dangerously near, Mac sets himself up as Isabella’s protector and vows to never leave her side, whether his independent and proud lady likes it or not.
I have a list of all books in my backlist here: http://www.allysonjames.com/seriesorder.html
Thanks so much for hosting me at Novel Thoughts, and I hope you enjoy STORMWALKER!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Many thanks to Allyson for being our guest today! For more information on her and the books she has coming out in the next few months, visit her Jennifer Ashley website and her Allyson James website. Do not forget to leave a comment to be in the running to win a book by her! Good Luck!
Hello!
The series sounds facinating – what an interesting world you have created!
I love the blurb on the book – but I will admit I am a cover hussy – I love those covers..
Enter me please..
Thanks for the offer…
E.H>
I don’t read many paranormals, I stick to contemps & historicals mainly but I prefer dire danger and action moreso than the lighter fare, when I do.
You’ve probably heard this ad nauseam, but I really loved Ian. I liked his plain speak and rawness. I know it was driven by his condition but you drew an admirable character. I can hardly wait for Isabella’s book!
Thanks about Ian! I hope you like Isabella’s story. She and Mac have lots of issues. 🙂
Hi, oh I didn’t know that you were the author of Stormwalker 😀
I have wanted to try your books ever since I saw the blurb for Lord Ian (gotta buy that one first though.)
Both the historical and this new one sounds good
Great post. I love the definitions given. Thank you for sharing.
On your question–I read/enjoy both. I have somewhat of a preference for paranormals with action. Your new series sounds great. And I’m really looking forward to Lady Isabella. Ian’s book was among my favorites for 2009.
I prefer ones that are more action based although I do love the others, kind of depends on my mood
I enjoy both action/adventure & romance… Love the sound of your series… definitely want to learn more about your characters… beautiful covers! 😀
I love the sound of your series, and I think you pretty much summed up the two different types of paranormals out there.
I like both, sometimes I am in the mood for one over the other, but romance has to be the key factor in both for sure.
All the best for your release!
Hi Allyson! I have been eagerly awaiting the release of Stormwalker and can’t wait to get it into my greedy little hands. Congrats on the absolutely gorgeous cover for Firewalker!
would enjoy reading her work…thanks for the chance 🙂
Thanks everyone for dropping by! I am so thrilled about the release of this series. And thanks to RRAH for hosting me.
The covers *are* gorgeous. The cover fairy was good to me this year. 🙂
Ooops! I forgot who I was today! I should have posted as Allyson James.
People ask me whether I forget which name I’m supposed to be, and I always say no, but it looks like I’M WRONG!
Today, I am Allyson James. Ok, I think I got it now.
So Allyson James says: Thanks for being here!
(Jennifer Ashley is my real name, so that’s the one I default to…)
LOVE all your books, covers are great! Please enter me and thank you!
Nancy
Wow-this new series sounds fabulous! Love the Native American themes especially! To answer the question, I prefer the first choice; action/adventure and dire danger among the romance.
What a versatile writer you are Jenn, you can do, paranormal, urban fantasy, historical, and probably more I left out! What a “renaissance” author you are-you can do it all! Sounds like any book of yours would be a good choice to pick up.
Hi Allyson – Congrats on what looks (and sounds) to be a great new series! My copy is in the mail to me as we speak(I’m the one who asked the Kindle question on your FB page). I’ve also ordered some of your other “Gardner” books. Keep on writing !!!!
Anne
Thanks Anne! Cool that you’re trying Gardner books. 🙂
The covers are simply gorgeous, and the elements for this new series looks like something I’d enjoy. After the concernt 22/23, I will have to pick it up.
I love your dragon series as Allyson James and the Immortal series under your Ashley name
Firewalker sounds like the beginning of a great series!
OHHh I have this one listed to buy!!!! It sounds so good. But then I like your other series too!
Great post!
hugs,
WendyK
Oh one question,how in the world do you keep from having characters/traits/scenes from one series ending up in another?
Wendy: Answer to your question is–I have no idea! If I think about it too much, I won’t be able to do it. LOL
Great responses, y’all. I’ve been thinking whether I like the action/adventure or the more romante w/action in the background books, and it totally depends on my mood. Sometimes I love books with lots of plot (e.g., Patty Briggs); and then I love historical romances where it’s all character (e.g., Eloisa James).
When writing, I get my action/acventure fix with Janet and the Dragon books; and get my romance-y fix with the historicals. Pride Mates kind of splits the difference.
I love the powers of a Stormwalker! Sounds very interesting
I love Jennifer’s books so please enter me! It sounds like a great read!
I like any kind of PA, as long as there IS romance! I like danger/suspence/adventure, but I LOVE romance!
I’m so looking forward to reading Isabella’s Scandalous Marriage! I absolutely adore the first in the series!
It was interesting to read about your characters and terms! I’ll have to check out some of your Allyson James books!
Woops! Meant PR!! LOL!
I picked up my copy of Stormwalker today. Can’t wait to read it!
Looking forward for the next Shifter book.
Someone above mentioned the Immortal series. I may have to check them out.
I love the Stormwalker series covers. They sound like great reads.
You have become an autobuy for me Jennifer whichever name or series you are working on. Looking forward to this new one and am anxiously counting the days to Lady Isabella.
Thanks so much, Amy!
You are a new for me author. and I’ve been wanting to read your books ! enter me in please 🙂
Oooooh, Lady Isabella’s Scandalous Marriage is coming out already? I’m so looking forward to it since I adored Lord Ian! As to your question about paranormals….I like to have quite a bit of romance in my book as well as a lot of butt kicking to bring the couple together. The latest JR Ward–which I’m reading as we speak–gives a perfect balance.
Yep, Lady Isabella in July. I’m loving Mac. Cameron even more (I’m working on his book now.)
I’ve read a lot of your other books and this one is on my tbr pile. Looking forward to reading it. I’ve enjoyed all your other paranormal books, no matter which name you published them under. As a bookseller it helps to sell books if I can tell my customers that they are already familiar with an author, just under a different name. Love the covers.
Thanks Lynette. I always try to get the word out that I write as both; thanks for telling your customers!
Hi Jennifer/Allyson,
I like adventure as long as there is romance and a happy ending. But I can’t seem to write it, so I do the romance with some adventure, you know, like a sword fight or inhaling an entire barn fire 🙂
Ok, inhaling an entire bonfire sounds intriguing, LOL.
Thanks for the great post. Congrats on the new release. Love the cover for Firewalker.
I wanted to buy Stormwalker today but our WalMart didn’t have it. GRRRR!!!!!! Next nearest place to buy books is 90 minute drive. Well, maybe this weekend I can justify a trip.
The book *just* released yesterday, so it might take sellers a few days to get it on the shelves. That often happens! 🙂
Addenda: My dh saw it in the Walmart a couple miles from our house, so it looks like it’s getting out there slowly. He said there was only one copy left!
I’m embarrassed to admit that I haven’t read your writing yet, Allyson/Jennifer! I keep hearing good things, and I do have several on the TBR–must get reading!! Congrats on your latest, and wishing you many more!
I’ve heard great things about Stormwalker. It’s definitely on my wishlist.
Interesting post. I find it quite amazing that you can write for two such different genres
I’m so excited about this new series! I’m a huge fan of Allyson James / Jennifer Ashley fan – so loved Pride Mates. One of my all time favorite series is the Dragon series – would love to see another addition to this series – hint, hint, hint… Congrats on the release!
There are plenty of Dragons in the Stormwalker series! (which is why I named book two “Firewalker”) 🙂
Oh, Me, TOO!! I LOVE those Dragons ~~ fell in love w/ the whole world!
Hi Allyson/Jennifer. Your new series sounds great. I love your writing.
Thanks for all the fantastic responses, everyone! I hope you enjoy Stormwalker!
Hi! Your books look fascinating. In answer to your question about paranormal romances, I vote for 1) action/adventure and dire danger among the romance. Thanks for the chance!
Great description of paranormals, and I enjoy reading both tyles. Your new series looks amazing, I really enjoyed the excerpts, and can’t wait to start learning more about the Stormwalkers.
I have long been a fan of stories involving elementals. Just something exciting about someone with the skill to harness one of the elements. Definitely have to read Stormwalker. Sound like my kind of a read.
Hi your books sound great wil be looking for them
I like them both, Allyson, gives me a change of pace mixing it all up. I’ve always like mystery thrillers, so the romances more focused on the plot works for me, especially in paranormals. Historicals, I tend to want more of the romance, even slower-paced, character-driven stories.
Pam: I’m pretty much the same. 🙂 Love character-driven historicals! But like the action/adventure paranormals too.
Oh, Stormwalker sounds SO good!! I recently discovered your Dragons ~~ LOVED them, and am SO glad to see this new series!!
Lots of Dragons in the Stormwalker series too.
Again, loving the responses. I’m out of town, but lurking remotely. 😉
Your Stormwalker series sounds like it is going to be a fascinating doozey and frankly I can’t wait to dive in.
Allyson James is a new author for me and her books sound like something I’ll be interested in reading. I look forward in reading her works.
I go for 2) stories where the focus is much more on the romance with any action/adventure/danger in the background (these tend to be lighter). But I do like to read 1) action/adventure and dire danger among the romance, every once and a while. Danger makes for a intense romance and when you’re facing life or death the passion is more intense.
Lovely post – thanks for visiting with us Allyson! :X I’m a little late to the party, but I’m so glad I caught this post because I was browsing a few of your books 😀 Perfect timing!
This new series sounds really interesting. I’m a fan on your “Dragon” series.
Hi Allyson!
I don’t like books with adventure just in the background because it never fulfills my expections…
wish you all the best,
Ina
Beautiful covers for Stormwalker and Firewalker – your heroines look like take charge, strong women.
Thanks, you all for the great comments, and congrats to the winner!! I’ll be back to celebrated the release of LADY ISABELLA’S SCANDALOUS MARRIAGE! this summer. 🙂
Take care, and thanks again!