J. M. Ney-Grimm

If only Mama were well. If only Papa were . . . not like this. Clary needs a miracle, but wonders rarely step forth to solve life's problems. While her mama lies wearily abed and her papa spends the day . . . elsewhere, Clary struggles to look after her younger sister and their baby brother. And longs for more than making do. If only. Then, one spring morning, Clary and Elspeth visit the old bramble-grown quarry to pick wild cabbage leaves. Hidden within the rock's cleft, Clary's miracle awaits. But this miracle sports razor-sharp talons, world-shaking power, ravenous hunger, and a troll-witch to guard its sleep. When it cracks the egg, will Clary survive? Something wondrous this way comes PRAISE FOR PERILOUS CHANCE "It's a tale of mistakes and redemption, and the power to do the right thing now, even if you can't change the past... The sense of mystery] creates a wonderful release of tension...and a very satisfying ending...expertly written, and subtle enough that I found myself pleasantly surprised at the resolution of the plot. Ney-Grimm] has an ethereal sort of quality to her writing which is extremely effective...it's almost mystical...absolutely unique, and absolutely engaging." -James J. Parsons, Speaking to the Eyes EXCERPT FROM PERILOUS CHANCE She was eleven, and she was hurt. Her leg lay under her, knee throbbing. Her arm ached, the broken bone within sickening in its pain. But worst of all, worst of all, a vast shadow loomed above her, dark wings spanning distances too great for the grotto enclosing them, razor-sharp talons sparking with the spitting blue fire of a strange power. "No, please, no," she whispered. How had it come to this? Her day had started so ordinarily, getting breakfast for herself and her sister, because Mama could not. She cast her thoughts desperately back to the morning. I'm there. Not here. I'm there. ABOUT THE AUTHOR J. M. Ney-Grimm lives with her husband and children in Virginia, just east of the Blue Ridge Mountains. She's learning about permaculture gardening and debunking popular myths about food. The rest of the time she reads Robin McKinley, Diana Wynne Jones, and Lois McMaster Bujold, plays boardgames like Settlers of Catan, rears her twins, and writes stories set in her troll-infested North-lands.

Mischievous Mercurio guards the planet Mercury-his sacred charge-with quirky devotion. He loves the oddball chunk of rock, with its illusion of retrograde motion and its out-of-sync orbit and spin. Almost as much as he loves playing pranks. But when Earth's guardian Gaia bids Mercurio to organize a circus act for Sol's birthday celebration, the joke's on him. While Mercurio wangles his way around the captious refusals of his would-be stilt-walkers and clowns-"No, no, and no "-the somber guardian of Pluto plots a darker scheme. With the subtle delight, clever misdirection, and teasing wordplay that Mercurio himself enjoys, J. M. Ney-Grimm tells a tale of steeply rising stakes in a clockwork solar system ruled by the gods of ancient Rome. PRAISE FOR J. M. NEY-GRIMM "It's no secret...that I have favourite writers. J. M. Ney-Grimm is one of them, and with good reason-her writing style is unique, and engrossing." -James J. Parsons, Speaking to the Eyes "... Ney-Grimm paints a vivid, lush picture worthy of the Peter Jackson treatment." -D. J. Gelner "...the world depicted is magical, but the people are very real." -M. A. Dunn "Her work compares favorably with Robin McKinley and Patricia McKillip ... I'm really pleased to have discovered her " -Mira EXCERPT FROM DEVOURING LIGHT Draco loomed large, reptilian, and uncooperative in the center of his refuge. His tails cracked, emphasizing his displeasure. "Would she let me devour her, younger cousin?" he asked, a sly note edging his harsh tones. Mercurio slipped on a spill of star dust, swallowed complaint, and sprang upward. Might as well spread his sandal wings. He maneuvered away from Draco's twitching tails toward the dragon's face. Draco yawned. A miasma of burning cold belched from his gullet. Ah Not directly in front then. Right. Draco snickered, and Mercurio shuddered. A blast furnace opening its maw, that's what it sounded like, despite its chill. "I don't need your blandishments to coax Juno. I've blandishments of my own," Draco remarked. Too true. But surely Mercurio possessed something Draco wanted. "Name your price " he blurted. Uh, oh. That was a mistake. Cronos only knew what the dragon might come up with. And once he settled on something, he wouldn't take anything else. ABOUT THE AUTHOR J. M. Ney-Grimm lives with her husband and children in Virginia, just east of the Blue Ridge Mountains. She's learning about permaculture gardening and debunking popular myths about food. The rest of the time she reads Robin McKinley, Diana Wynne Jones, and Lois McMaster Bujold, plays boardgames like Settlers of Catan, rears her twins, and writes stories set in her troll-infested North-lands. Look for her novels and novellas at your favorite bookstore-online or on Main Street.

North-lands spellcasters who reach too boldly for power transform into trolls-grotesque villains wielding a potent magic and destined for madness. Spanning the North-lands history, from ancient times to the pastoral present, A Knot of Trolls features seven such evildoers. Seven trolls and the ordinary youths called by chance or by destiny to take a stand. "The Troll's Belt" stars motherless Brys Arnsson, challenged as much by his own deceit as by his troll foe. "Crossing the Naiad" presents shepherd girl Kimmer with a dangerous tragedy from the distant past. "Skies of Navarys" follows two friends with a vehement difference, their contested decision to decide the fate of thousands. In "Resonant Bronze" Paitra and his brother struggle to claim appropriate guilt-neither too much nor too little-and thereby defeat a troll warlord. "Rainbow's Lodestone" offers the spirit of the rainbow a chance to learn that the smallest places birth freedom. "Star-drake" stalks a pitiless troll-herald to defeat-or is it victory?-utterly unforeseen. And in "Perilous Chance" young Clary needs a miracle. But her miracle-when it comes-sports razor-sharp talons, world-shaking power, and a troll-witch to guard its sleep. Seven tales of magic balance death and destruction against destiny and hope. PRAISE FOR J. M. NEY-GRIMM "It's no secret...that I have favourite writers. J. M. Ney-Grimm is one of them, and with good reason - her writing style is unique, and engrossing." -James J. Parsons, Speaking to the Eyes "... Ney-Grimm paints a vivid, lush picture worthy of the Peter Jackson treatment." -D. J. Gelner, Amazon "...the world depicted is magical, but the people are very real." -M. A. Dunn, Smashwords "Her work compares favorably with Robin McKinley and Patricia McKillip... I'm really pleased to have discovered her " -Mira, Amazon EXCERPT FROM A KNOT OF TROLLS She was eleven, and she was hurt. Her leg lay under her, knee throbbing. Her arm ached, the broken bone within sickening in its pain. But worst of all, worst of all, a vast shadow loomed above her, dark wings spanning distances too great for the grotto enclosing them, razor-sharp talons sparking with the spitting blue fire of a strange power. "No, please, no," she whispered. How had it come to this? Her day had started so ordinarily, getting breakfast for herself and her sister, because Mama could not. She cast her thoughts desperately back to the morning. I'm there. Not here. I'm there. ABOUT THE AUTHOR J. M. Ney-Grimm lives with her husband and children in Virginia, just east of the Blue Ridge Mountains. She's learning about permaculture gardening and debunking popular myths about food. The rest of the time she reads Robin McKinley, Diana Wynne Jones, and Lois McMaster Bujold, plays boardgames like Settlers of Catan, rears her twins, and writes stories set in her troll-infested North-lands.

Livli struggles with a secret she keeps from everyone, even her closest friends, and she must solve the problem at its heart before she's discovered. She's certain the answer lies in a fragment of folklore and magic half-remembered from her childhood. Almost certain. She wouldn't need forgotten magic if only the men and women of her secluded mountain culture dwelt together. But the women-and Livli-inhabit their sister-lodge atop its lofty bluff, while the men live apart in their brother-lodge several valleys away. Unless she can force a change, Livli stands to lose everything . . . including the most precious thing in her life: her son. A story of secrets, shibboleths, and deep-forged strength told with all the insight and engaging intimacy that J. M. Ney-Grimm brings to epic fantasy. KAUNIS CLAN SAGA The Hammarleeding people dwell in the high mountain valleys of J. M. Ney-Grimm's North-lands. They wield a tribal magic born of dance and song and the flow of sacred waters. Ritual and tradition hold a special place in Hammarleeding culture. Their rites are beautiful and uplifting, but they underpin a way of life that features many thou-shalt-nots. In each story of the Kaunis Clan Saga, one woman-or one man-challenges the shibboleths that threaten her-or his-particular bright dream. Sarvet's Wanderyar (1) Crossing the Naiad (2) Livli's Gift (3) Winter Glory (4) Each installment presents a unique protagonist from a fresh generation of the family. The stories stand alone and need not be read in order. PRAISE FOR LIVLI'S GIFT "...fascinating and insightful..." -P. Saternye "I started reading and couldn't put it down. I love the world and the characters..." -Diane Riggins EXCERPT FROM LIVLI'S GIFT Mmm. It was so peaceful in the library. The memory of her departure from home intruded on Livli's quietude. There was an unpeaceful scene: Thoivra shrieking and shaking her finger at a horrified brother. Poor skinny Issat had no idea he wasn't welcome in the foyer of Kaunis-lodge. He figured he was walking with Livli for the first leg of his journey to Tukeva. And she was going out the front door. Why shouldn't he? Thoivra told him why. This is the lodge, not the healing spa. Get out Livli shook her head. "Ugh I don't want to think about Thoivra right now," she told herself. "I want to enjoy not being in the same place she is. Enjoy my break from the bustle of the spa. Enjoy Siajotti's tranquility." Although her earliest memory of Siajotti-lodge was the reverse of serene. ABOUT THE AUTHOR J. M. Ney-Grimm lives with her husband and children in Virginia, just east of the Blue Ridge Mountains. She's learning about permaculture gardening and debunking popular myths about food. The rest of the time she reads Robin McKinley, Diana Wynne Jones, and Lois McMaster Bujold, plays boardgames like Settlers of Catan, rears her twins, and writes stories set in her troll-infested North-lands. Look for her novels and novellas at your favorite bookstore-online or on Main Street.

Young deceit sprouts timeless trouble. Motherless Brys Arnsson digs himself into trouble. Bad trouble. Tricked by a troll in J. M. Ney-Grimm's richly imagined North-lands, Brys must dig himself and his best friend back out of danger. But that requires courage . . . and self-honesty. Traits Brys lacks at depth. A twist on a classic, The Troll's Belt builds from humor-threaded conflict to white-knuckle suspense. PRAISE FOR THE TROLL'S BELT "I loved this story It is lively, perky and interesting. While the author notes it is "a re-casting of Hansel & Gretel with a Norse twist," I found the storyline to be much more creative and original. I am looking forward to reading more from J. M. Ney-Grimm " -W. Walsh, Amazon review "The writing style is fantastic. It's somehow youthful (as it's through the eyes of a twelve year old) and mature at the same time. Normally, it would be a challenge to discuss...responsibility, loyalty and forgiveness with such a young "voice," but Ney-Grimm does so easily. The result is a thought provoking tale... Heartily recommended, and it's made me look forward to reading more of her work " -James J. Parsons, GoodReads review EXCERPT FROM THE TROLL'S BELT Brys slammed the door behind him and stomped across his room in fury. It wasn't fair. It just wasn't fair. Did Jol have to sweep the floors each afternoon when school let out? No. Did Jol have to wash the curing cheese wheels in his motter's dairy? No. Did Jol have to help put up vats of kraut when too many cabbages were ready in the garden? Of course not. It wasn't fair, it wasn't fair, it wasn't fair He banged open the shutters of his bed nook, threw himself down on the mattress, and punched his pillows a few times. And now he wouldn't get to go to the solstice bonfire either, shun it ABOUT THE AUTHOR J. M. Ney-Grimm lives with her husband and children in Virginia, just east of the Blue Ridge Mountains. She's learning about permaculture gardening and debunking popular myths about food. The rest of the time she reads Robin McKinley, Diana Wynne Jones, and Lois McMaster Bujold, plays boardgames like Settlers of Catan, rears her twins, and writes stories set in her troll-infested North-lands.

Two friends. Two opinions. One dilemma. On fabled Navarys-the Atlantis of the North-lands-Liliyah studies energea as all thirteen-year-olds do, devoting her mornings to mastering the music that controls her magic. Afternoons, she hobnobs with the artisan crafters and shopkeepers who built the island city-state into the trade capital of the world. Her friend Mago faces struggles unsuspected by carefree Liliyah. His father, a renowned inventor, succumbs to irrational flashes of rage. His mother holds a lethal secret close. When the king's geomancer announces that a tidal wave threatens Navarys, every citizen on the island springs to action. Amidst the uproar, the aeromancer Palujon steals Mago's father's latest invention: unique lodestones with the potential to revolutionize life as the Navareans know it. Mago vows to make good his father's loss. But Liliyah questions Palujon's motives. Why would a man of his stature break the law? Is he truly a dastard? Two friends. Two answers. Life and death hang on their choices. PRAISE FOR J. M. NEY-GRIMM "...a coming-of-age story with elements of Steampunk make it a great tale for fantasy enthusiasts of all ages." -D. J. Gelner, Amazon review of Troll-magic "I loved this story It is lively, perky and interesting." -W. Walsh, Amazon review of The Troll's Belt "J. M. Ney-Grimm is a master of epic fantasy], and I've been a fan of her work since the first paragraph I read..." -James J. Parsons, Speaking to the Eyes review of Sarvet's Wanderyar "Her work compares favorably with Robin McKinley and Patricia McKillip ... I'm really pleased to have discovered her " -Mira, Amazon review of Troll-magic EXCERPT FROM SKIES OF NAVARYS The tale is usually told with the great Palujon Clisto as rogue and thief, and the legendary Zandro Mytris as hero and savior. But one mother of ancient Navarys knows the truth. She was there on the fabulous airship Subindo, the only one of the fleet to ride untouched through the storm. * * * Liliyah clutched the back of the divan where she knelt, bounced once, and pressed her face to the slanted window pane of the airship. The glass felt cool against her nose tip. "Look Look " she exclaimed. "It's Eirene Going to the park." "How can you tell?" Mago's shoulder nudged hers as he peered downward. "We're way too high to tell who's who." "She always goes now. Besides, I just know. It is her." Why did Mago have to doubt everything? He'd been nicer when they were younger. Now it was always "are you sure?" and "why do you think that?" and never just taking her say so. Liliyah gritted her teeth. ABOUT THE AUTHOR J. M. Ney-Grimm lives with her husband and children in Virginia, just east of the Blue Ridge Mountains. She's learning about permaculture gardening and debunking popular myths about food. The rest of the time she reads Robin McKinley, Diana Wynne Jones, and Lois McMaster Bujold, plays boardgames like Settlers of Catan, rears her twins, and writes stories set in her troll-infested North-lands.

Running away leads right back home-or does it? Sarvet walks with a grinding limp, and her mountain hamlet keeps girls close to home. Even worse, her mother emphasizes all the things Sarvet can't do. When Sarvet's good friend Nial returns from his wanderyar-a year of traveling the lowlands and turning strangers into friends-she decides that she too will take a wanderyar, even though girls can't and don't. But as Sarvet works on Nial to help get her away, everything goes wrong, not least of which is that her mother was right about one thing: Sarvet's limp makes steep, rock-strewn trails hard and dangerous. When catastrophe overtakes her, Sarvet must learn that neither running away nor waiting on others will deliver the free and vibrant life she longs for. Only by finding and embracing her inner strength can she create happiness-and survive winter's deadly night on the high tundra. Sarvet's Wanderyar recounts the riveting inward journey that accompanies outbound adventure. If you love compelling characters, revelations of deep truth, and spellbindingly unique fantasy worlds, then you'll enjoy J. M. Ney-Grimm's gripping and insightful tale. Buy Sarvet's Wanderyar to wrest strength from weakness today KAUNIS CLAN SAGAThe Hammarleeding people dwell in the high mountain valleys of J. M. Ney-Grimm's North-lands. They wield a tribal magic born of dance and song and the flow of sacred waters. Ritual and tradition hold a special place in Hammarleeding culture. Their rites are beautiful and uplifting, but they underpin a way of life that features many thou-shalt-nots. In each story of the Kaunis Clan Saga, one woman-or one man-challenges the shibboleths that threaten her-or his-particular bright dream. Sarvet's Wanderyar (1)Crossing the Naiad (2)Livli's Gift (3)Winter Glory (4)Each installment presents a unique protagonist from a fresh generation of the family. The stories stand alone and need not be read in order. PRAISE FOR SARVET'S WANDERYAR"...great introduction to the Hammarleeding's society that left me craving more. Sarvet is a wonderfully strong female character who you also meet again in Livli's Gift." -PCS"...it's an entrancing story with a character you care about, and desperately want to succeed... At first I saw Paiam as the clear antagonist, but I came to sympathize with her. This makes for a complex interaction between the two characters that rages almost completely in the subtext-very clever on Ney-Grimm's part, and very effective... On a side note, one of my favourite things about Ney-Grimm's work is her treatment of fantastical creatures...the pegasi seem ethereal...creatures of light and gauze that are somehow the most real things in the world." -James J. Parsons, Speaking to the Eyes"J. M. Ney-Grimm has woven a beautiful, multi-layered tapestry... All the characters, human and otherwise, in her world are well-rounded and believable." -Barbara Karp, Readers' FavoriteEXCERPT FROM SARVET'S WANDERYARTense and furious, Sarvet shook her mother's angry grip from her forearm. "I'll petition the lodge-meet for filial severance," she snapped, and then wished she'd swallowed the words, so hateful, too hateful to speak. And yet she'd spoken them. The breeze swirling on the mountain slope picked up, nudging the springy branches of the three great pines at Sarvet's back and purring among their needles. Their scent infused the moving air. Paiam's narrowed eyes widened an instant-in hurt?-flicked up to encompass the swaying tree tops behind her daughter, then went flat." You dare " she breathed.

What if Beauty faces not only her angry Beast and his curse, but a curse threatening every mage alive? As a bespelled north-bear, Prince Kellor fights confused rage and wracking pain. Any curse possesses loopholes, but his requires his childhood friend to put her head in the noose for him. Elle lost track of Kellor long ago and now longs to play flute in the city. But her father insists she forget her musical ambition and marry a local lad. Interrupting the long-running argument, Kellor arrives on their rural doorstep in beast form. When Elle accompanies Kellor to his lonely, magical and musical palace, her quest to break his curse founders on a hidden proviso at the spell's heart and the linked urgencies of three strangers: a boy seeking to learn what really happened the day his mother was buried; a healer-turned-bureaucrat longing to cure the afflicted who die on his watch; and a voiceless ghost who haunts the palace halls and yearns to speak her truth. Confounded by mystery and beguiled by the marvels garnishing Kellor's home, the pair's grace period evaporates when Elle unwittingly triggers a trap inherent in the curse. The troll-witch who cast it sweeps in to carry Kellor-and the uncanny miracle he's devised-away to her frozen citadel. Both Kellor and Elle must seize destiny by the neck-and refuse to let go-until they make their dreams come true. Or else Kellor will marry the witch's daughter, while Elle loses him forever. Troll-magic is a lyrical Beauty and the Beast tale that pits down-to-earth friendship and stirring-the-oatmeal love against malice and distorted will. If you enjoy beguiling characters and intricately braided plots spangled with scintillas of thrilled wonder, you'll love J. M. Ney-Grimm's fresh take on an old fairy tale. Buy Troll-magic to change nightmare into wonder beyond dreaming today PRAISE FOR TROLL-MAGIC"... Troll-magic has a certain poetic style I've yet to come across elsewhere. Descriptions are...evocative, characters are natural and complex..." -James J. Parsons, GoodReads"This is the kind of book that you keep thinking about... All through the day you will find yourself hoping for just a few minutes to pick it up again. Loosely based on a familiar folk tale, the world depicted is magical, but the people are very real." -M. A. Dunn, Smashwords"Troll-magic was a fun read... This story mixes adventure, romance, life lessons and, of course, magic. J. M. Ney-Grimm has created a fascinating new world. Her detailed descriptions and colourful writing style bring the world of Silmaren and the Norse-lands right off the page and into life." -W. Walsh, Amazon"Her work compares favorably with Robin McKinley and Patricia McKillip... if you're looking for an intelligent, fun and interesting read, I highly recommend this book." -Mira, AmazonEXCERPT FROM TROLL-MAGICHe stood on all fours, his giant clawed paws pushing against the cold flagstones of the hillcot's terrace. He could manage short intervals of standing on his hind legs-for sniffing the wind or freeing his forward limbs for knocking on a door-but he would be intimidating enough as it was, without looming twelve feet tall. He heard a light step inside. There was a pause, and the door swung in. Elle stood on the threshold, looking him straight in the eye. Her own were as blue as he remembered... In short, she was the friend from his childhood...and yet not his old friend: taller, hints of curves. Why had he never noticed she was beautiful before? All his planned introductions slipped away.