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Epic Fantasy Adventures, Books, Lore & More!

Epic Fantasy Adventures, Books, Lore & More!

By Melinda Kucsera

I am Melinda Kucsera, an indie fantasy author, and I narrate chapters from my adventure books, talk about fantasy books with fantasy authors and try my best not to get derailed by the shenanigans of characters who are supposed to be fictional, but they don't stay within the pages of my books. I tell all their secrets and what trouble they get into in between books, and I try to get other fantasy authors to give away spoilers about their books.
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Fantasy, Lore, & More: Lamp of Light

Epic Fantasy Adventures, Books, Lore & More!Sep 24, 2023

00:00
01:21:31
Fantasy, Lore, & More: Lamp of Light

Fantasy, Lore, & More: Lamp of Light

Hi, I’m indie fantasy author, Melinda Kucsera, and in this episode Alex H Singh is joining me to talk about his book, Lamp of Light.

What’s it about?

  • Lamp of Light is a fantasy adventure that follows Queen Esther Anna as she races to prove her innocence in her husband's murder. With a horrifying wendigo named Damian on her trail, she must find the magical Lamp of Light on a remote island before time runs out.

  • Lamp of Light is an action-packed, character-driven fantasy.

  • Set in the Fallen Kingdoms created by Alex H Singh, Lamp of Light is an exciting fantasy adventure.

What’s in this episode:

  • Alex H Singh will transport us to the Fallen Kingdoms, where a queen races to find a magical artifact and defeat evil. We'll explore the magic, creatures, and politics of this fantasy world.

  • We'll find out what to expect from the Fallen Kingdoms series and maybe get some spoiler-free highlights of what adventures are to come.

  • We'll discuss Queen Esther Anna's thrilling journey to prove her innocence while being hunted by sinister forces.

  • Join us in a realm where the falsely accused must race against time to reveal the truth and defeat evil.

Where to get the book:

Where to find our guest:

About your host, Melinda Kucsera:

I am Melinda Kucsera, an indie fantasy author who wrote and published 20+ books since 2016 across 5 series. I write epic fantasy adventures about families and magical creatures who’re just trying to survive in a world that hates and fears magic but is steeped in it.

My books are full of magic and mayhem, but somehow, even the darkest adventure always ends well. ⁠Join me⁠ every week for a new story.

What series do I write?

  • The Curse Breaker series chronicles the adventures of a reluctant mage (Sarn), his son, and the magical creatures they befriend as they fight to save their underground city from monsters, ancient evils, and a variety of magical threats.

  • The His Angelic Keeper series follows a ghost girl who just wants to save her still-living family, not stop a demon invasion or the literal apocalypse, but she’ll do that too if she must. (This is a humorous series that stars Sarn’s twin sister from the Curse Breaker series).

  • The Robin of Larkspur series follows Robin, a woman who just wants to save her daughter from the mythical creatures that kidnapped her baby. Sarn tries to help her.

  • The Divergent Heroes series is supposed to star two knights who are partially disabled but a younger version of Sarn keeps stealing the scenes.

  • The Curse Breaker’s Companion series which includes side quests, wacky what ifs, and stories from my newsletter of Sarn and his family in our world because they won’t stay inside the epic fantasy books they star in. They’d rather visit me through a portal conveniently located in their cave.

Why am I here?

Where to find your host, Melinda Kucsera:

About Curse Breaker Enchanted

Help me give away 3650 copies of Curse Breaker Enchanted by Feb. 22, 2024, one for every day since we lost our first fan 10 years ago.

About Kickstarter

  • Don’t forget to go to my campaign for the Curse Breaker Series and click the Notify me on launch button, so you know when goes live on Kickstarter.
Sep 24, 202301:21:31
Fantasy, Lore, & More: Rogue Gods & Feral Characters

Fantasy, Lore, & More: Rogue Gods & Feral Characters

Hi, I’m indie fantasy author, Melinda Kucsera, and I’m back with another episode of Fantasy, Lore, & More, and this time, I’m interviewing myself! Find out why in today’s episode.

What’s in this episode?

About your host, Melinda Kucsera:

I am Melinda Kucsera, an indie fantasy author who wrote and published 20+ books since 2016 across 5 series. I write epic fantasy adventures about families and magical creatures who’re just trying to survive in a world that hates and fears magic but is steeped in it.

My books are full of magic and mayhem, but somehow, even the darkest adventure always ends well. ⁠Join me⁠ every week for a new story.

What series do I write?

  • The Curse Breaker series chronicles the adventures of a reluctant mage (Sarn), his son, and the magical creatures they befriend as they fight to save their underground city from monsters, ancient evils, and a variety of magical threats.

  • The His Angelic Keeper series follows a ghost girl who just wants to save her still-living family, not stop a demon invasion or the literal apocalypse, but she’ll do that too if she must. (This is a humorous series that stars Sarn’s twin sister from the Curse Breaker series).

  • The Robin of Larkspur series follows Robin, a woman who just wants to save her daughter from the mythical creatures that kidnapped her baby. Sarn tries to help her.

  • The Divergent Heroes series is supposed to star two knights who are partially disabled but a younger version of Sarn keeps stealing the scenes.

  • The Curse Breaker’s Companion series which includes side quests, wacky what ifs, and stories from my newsletter of Sarn and his family in our world because they won’t stay inside the epic fantasy books they star in. They’d rather visit me through a portal conveniently located in their cave.

Why am I here?

  • I want to give you more fun adventures, more often, and create a community of fantasy readers to share ideas with, new stories, artwork, and have fun. So I’m taking the plunge and posting chapters of my upcoming books, bonus content, podcasts, videos, audiobooks, boxed sets, deleted scenes, alternate endings and beginnings, Patron-only stories, and more.  

  • Become a patron now to read those stories.

Where to find your host, Melinda Kucsera:

About Curse Breaker Enchanted

Help me give away 3650 copies of Curse Breaker Enchanted by Feb. 22, 2024, one for every day since we lost our first fan 10 years ago.

About Kickstarter

Don’t forget to go to my campaign and click the Notify me on launch button, so you know when goes live on Kickstarter.

Notify me on launch

Sep 23, 202331:32
Fantasy, Lore, & More: Courageous Women & Warring Gods

Fantasy, Lore, & More: Courageous Women & Warring Gods

Hi, I’m indie fantasy author, Melinda Kucsera, and in this episode Charlotte Langtree is joining me to talk about her book, Fractured: Tales of Flame and Fury.

What’s it about?

  • Fractured: Tales of Flame and Fury is a fantasy short story collection that explores darkness across mystical worlds. It features tales of powerful magic, courageous women, warring gods, and ancient dragons stirring.

  • Fractured: Tales of Flame and Fury is a character-driven fantasy collection.

  • Set in fractured magical realms created by Charlotte Langtree, Fractured is an action-packed fantasy short story collection.

What’s in this episode:

  • Charlotte Langtree will transport us to fractured worlds where darkness reigns, magic is potent, and brave women rise up, with excerpts from Fractured. We'll explore mystical realms, warring gods, and ancient myths.

  • We'll find out what connects these tales of flame and fury and maybe get some spoiler-free story highlights.

  • We'll discuss the women who resist, rage, and bring light to the darkness throughout each mystical story.

  • Join us in fractured worlds where hope seems lost, and discover who will resist the coming ruin.

Where to get the book:

Where to find our guest:

About your host, Melinda Kucsera:

I am Melinda Kucsera, an indie fantasy author who wrote and published 20+ books since 2016 across 5 series. I write epic fantasy adventures about families and magical creatures who’re just trying to survive in a world that hates and fears magic but is steeped in it.

My books are full of magic and mayhem, but somehow, even the darkest adventure always ends well. ⁠Join me⁠ every week for a new story.

What series do I write?

Why am I here?

  • I want to give you more fun adventures, more often, and create a community of fantasy readers to share ideas with, new stories, artwork, and have fun. So I’m taking the plunge and posting chapters of my upcoming books, bonus content, podcasts, videos, audiobooks, boxed sets, deleted scenes, alternate endings and beginnings, Patron-only stories, and more.  

  • Become a patron now to read those stories.

Where to find your host, Melinda Kucsera:

About Curse Breaker Enchanted

Help me give away 3650 copies of Curse Breaker Enchanted by Feb. 22, 2024, one for every day since we lost our first fan 10 years ago.

About Kickstarter

Don’t forget to go to my campaign and click the Notify me on launch button, so you know when goes live on Kickstarter.

Sep 16, 202301:13:34
Fantasy, Lore, & More: Darkstrider

Fantasy, Lore, & More: Darkstrider

Hi, I’m indie fantasy author, Melinda Kucsera, and in this episode Aaron Hodges is joining me to talk about his epic fantasy novel, Darkstrider

What’s it about?   

  • Mikael Heaton wakes in a strange new world where his very existence is outlawed. With his memories lost, he must forge alliances and uncover secrets of magic and technology to survive hostile forces and reclaim his destiny.

  • Darkstrider blends fantasy, science fiction, and progression in an imaginative new world.

What’s in this episode:  

  • Aaron will read us an excerpt from Darkstrider and introduce us to Mikael and the dangerous world he’s awakened within. 

  • We’ll explore Aaron’s worldbuilding and how he crafted a story fusing magic and tech. 

  • Get tips from a New York Times bestselling author on writing fantasy fiction.  

  • Find out what else Aaron has in store for readers.  

Where to get the book:

Where to find our guest:  

About your host, Melinda Kucsera:

I am Melinda Kucsera, an indie fantasy author who wrote and published 20+ books since 2016 across 5 series. I write epic fantasy adventures about families and magical creatures who’re just trying to survive in a world that hates and fears magic but is steeped in it.

My books are full of magic and mayhem, but somehow, even the darkest adventure always ends well. ⁠Join me⁠ every week for a new story.

What series do I write?

  • The Curse Breaker series chronicles the adventures of a reluctant mage (Sarn), his son, and the magical creatures they befriend as they fight to save their underground city from monsters, ancient evils, and a variety of magical threats.

  • The His Angelic Keeper series follows a ghost girl who just wants to save her still-living family, not stop a demon invasion or the literal apocalypse, but she’ll do that too if she must. (This is a humorous series that stars Sarn’s twin sister from the Curse Breaker series).

  • The Robin of Larkspur series follows Robin, a woman who just wants to save her daughter from the mythical creatures that kidnapped her baby. Sarn tries to help her.

  • The Divergent Heroes series is supposed to star two knights who are partially disabled but a younger version of Sarn keeps stealing the scenes.

  • The Curse Breaker’s Companion series which includes side quests, wacky what ifs, and stories from my newsletter of Sarn and his family in our world because they won’t stay inside the epic fantasy books they star in. They’d rather visit me through a portal conveniently located in their cave.

Why am I here?

  • I want to give you more fun adventures, more often, and create a community of fantasy readers to share ideas with, new stories, artwork, and have fun. So I’m taking the plunge and posting chapters of my upcoming books, bonus content, podcasts, videos, audiobooks, boxed sets, deleted scenes, alternate endings and beginnings, Patron-only stories, and more.  

  • Become a patron now to read those stories.

Where to find your host, Melinda Kucsera:

About Curse Breaker Enchanted

Help me give away 3650 copies of Curse Breaker Enchanted by Feb. 22, 2024, one for every day since we lost our first fan 10 years ago.

About Kickstarter

Don’t forget to go to my campaign and click the Notify me on launch button, so you know when goes live on Kickstarter.

Sep 16, 202301:00:37
Fantasy, Lore, & More: Hopepunk & The Relic Thief

Fantasy, Lore, & More: Hopepunk & The Relic Thief

Hi, I’m indie fantasy author, Melinda Kucsera, and in this episode Jill Chard is joining me to talk about her book, The Relic Thief.

What’s it about?

  • The Relic Thief is a provocative story full of heists and adventures, intrigue and action - a real page-turner.

  • The Relic Thief is a character-driven fantasy adventure.

  • Set in the The Other Side of Darkness series created by Jill Chard, The Relic Thief is an action-packed, Hopepunk fantasy adventure.

What’s in this episode:

  • Jill Chard will take us into a world of dangerous relic heists and a plot to rekindle destructive magic with an excerpt from The Relic Thief, and we’ll explore aspects of that world, like the main character Nila's life as a thief.

  • We’ll find out what to expect from the The Other Side of Darkness series and maybe get some spoiler-free highlights of what’s to come.

  • We’ll discuss Nila's journey from thief to someone trying to change the course of destiny and discover worldbuilding details around relics and magic.

  • Join us in a place where danger turns deadly, and destiny drives the characters down dark paths, and they must change its course.

Where to get the book: https://www.amazon.com/Relic-Thief-Other-Side-Darkness-ebook/dp/B0BBJC5M83

Where to find our guest:

About your host, Melinda Kucsera:

I am Melinda Kucsera, an indie fantasy author who wrote and published 20+ books since 2016 across 5 series. I write epic fantasy adventures about families and magical creatures who’re just trying to survive in a world that hates and fears magic but is steeped in it.

My books are full of magic and mayhem, but somehow, even the darkest adventure always ends well. ⁠Join me⁠ every week for a new story.

What series do I write?

  • The Curse Breaker series chronicles the adventures of a reluctant mage (Sarn), his son, and the magical creatures they befriend as they fight to save their underground city from monsters, ancient evils, and a variety of magical threats.

  • The His Angelic Keeper series follows a ghost girl who just wants to save her still-living family, not stop a demon invasion or the literal apocalypse, but she’ll do that too if she must. (This is a humorous series that stars Sarn’s twin sister from the Curse Breaker series).

  • The Robin of Larkspur series follows Robin, a woman who just wants to save her daughter from the mythical creatures that kidnapped her baby. Sarn tries to help her.

  • The Divergent Heroes series is supposed to star two knights who are partially disabled but a younger version of Sarn keeps stealing the scenes.

  • The Curse Breaker’s Companion series which includes side quests, wacky what ifs, and stories from my newsletter of Sarn and his family in our world because they won’t stay inside the epic fantasy books they star in. They’d rather visit me through a portal conveniently located in their cave.

Why am I here?

  • I want to give you more fun adventures, more often, and create a community of fantasy readers to share ideas with, new stories, artwork, and have fun. So I’m taking the plunge and posting chapters of my upcoming books, bonus content, podcasts, videos, audiobooks, boxed sets, deleted scenes, alternate endings and beginnings, Patron-only stories, and more.  

  • Become a patron now to read those stories.

Where to find your host, Melinda Kucsera:

About Curse Breaker Enchanted

Help me give away 3650 copies of Curse Breaker Enchanted by Feb. 22, 2024, one for every day since we lost our first fan 10 years ago.

About Kickstarter

Don’t forget to go to my campaign and click the Notify me on launch button, so you know when goes live on Kickstarter.

Sep 09, 202301:58:17
Fantasy, Lore, & More: Dreaming Beauty & A Wild History of Fairy Tales

Fantasy, Lore, & More: Dreaming Beauty & A Wild History of Fairy Tales

Hi, I’m indie fantasy author, Melinda Kucsera, and in this episode C. Rae D'Arc is joining me to talk about her book, Dreaming Beauty: Dreaming Princesses #1.

What’s it about?

  • Princess Emerald falls into a deep sleep after pricking her finger on a poisoned spindle and dreams she is in modern-day England. There she meets Caden and Mica, two young lords looking for adventure. The longer Emer dreams, the more she wonders which world is real and how to wake up before the poison spreads.

  • Dreaming Beauty is a fairy tale retelling of Sleeping Beauty. Set in the Dreaming Princesses series created by C. Rae D'Arc, it's a YA fantasy romance.

What’s in this episode:

  • C. Rae D'Arc will take us into a world of princesses and modern-day England with an excerpt from Dreaming Beauty, and we’ll explore aspects of both worlds.

  • We’ll find out what to expect from the Dreaming Princesses series and maybe get some spoiler-free highlights.

  • We’ll discuss Emerald's journey from cursed princess to a girl exploring the wonders of modern England.

  • Join us in a place where fairy tales and reality blur, and true love is the only antidote.

Where to get the book:

Where to find C. Rae D'Arc:

About your host, Melinda Kucsera:

I am Melinda Kucsera, an indie fantasy author who wrote and published 20+ books since 2016 across 5 series. I write epic fantasy adventures about families and magical creatures who’re just trying to survive in a world that hates and fears magic but is steeped in it.

My books are full of magic and mayhem, but somehow, even the darkest adventure always ends well. ⁠Join me⁠ every week for a new story.

What series do I write?

  • The Curse Breaker series chronicles the adventures of a reluctant mage (Sarn), his son, and the magical creatures they befriend as they fight to save their underground city from monsters, ancient evils, and a variety of magical threats.

  • The His Angelic Keeper series follows a ghost girl who just wants to save her still-living family, not stop a demon invasion or the literal apocalypse, but she’ll do that too if she must. (This is a humorous series that stars Sarn’s twin sister from the Curse Breaker series).

  • The Robin of Larkspur series follows Robin, a woman who just wants to save her daughter from the mythical creatures that kidnapped her baby. Sarn tries to help her.

  • The Divergent Heroes series is supposed to star two knights who are partially disabled but a younger version of Sarn keeps stealing the scenes.

  • The Curse Breaker’s Companion series which includes side quests, wacky what ifs, and stories from my newsletter of Sarn and his family in our world because they won’t stay inside the epic fantasy books they star in. They’d rather visit me through a portal conveniently located in their cave.

Why am I here?

  • I want to give you more fun adventures, more often, and create a community of fantasy readers to share ideas with, new stories, artwork, and have fun. So I’m taking the plunge and posting chapters of my upcoming books, bonus content, podcasts, videos, audiobooks, boxed sets, deleted scenes, alternate endings and beginnings, Patron-only stories, and more.  

  • Become a patron now to read those stories.

Where to find your host, Melinda Kucsera:

About Curse Breaker Enchanted

Help me give away 3650 copies of Curse Breaker Enchanted by Feb. 22, 2024, one for every day since we lost our first fan 10 years ago.

About Kickstarter

Don’t forget to go to my campaign and click the Notify me on launch button, so you know when goes live on Kickstarter.

Sep 02, 202301:35:57
Fantasy, Lore, & More: Heretic

Fantasy, Lore, & More: Heretic

Hi, I’m indie fantasy author, Melinda Kucsera, and in this episode Chris Mayne is joining me to talk about his book, Heretic.*

What’s it about?

  • Arlex just became the most powerful person on the planet, and it is the worst thing to ever happen to him...

  • Heretic is the start of humanity's final tale, studied and chronicled in its purest form, by the most preeminent of our future pre-historians. The epic Helios Saga begins here in book one of the Helios Rising trilogy, the opening chapter in the tale of our coming cataclysm.

  • Set in the city of New Tartarus, Heretic is an apocalyptic fantasy adventure.

What’s in this episode:

  • Chris Mayne will take us into a world on the brink of apocalypse with an excerpt from Heretic, and we'll explore aspects of that world like Arlex's mysterious powers.

  • We’ll find out what to expect from the Helios Saga trilogy and maybe get some spoiler-free highlights of what’s to come.

  • We’ll discuss Arlex's journey from ordinary citizen to planet-destroying terrorist and discover details about the overlord's nephilim horde hunting him.

  • Join us in the city of New Tartarus, where one man's awakening may mean humanity's end.

Where to get the book:

Where to find Chris Mayne:

*Trigger warning: this episode contains a character description and references that may be upsetting for people of Asian descent. We spoke to the author after the show about it, and he will change it in the ebook. But the show has the original version. Listener discretion advised.

About your host, Melinda Kucsera:

I am Melinda Kucsera, an indie fantasy author who wrote and published 20+ books since 2016 across 5 series. I write epic fantasy adventures about families and magical creatures who’re just trying to survive in a world that hates and fears magic but is steeped in it.

My books are full of magic and mayhem, but somehow, even the darkest adventure always ends well. ⁠Join me⁠ every week for a new story.

What series do I write?

  • The Curse Breaker series chronicles the adventures of a reluctant mage (Sarn), his son, and the magical creatures they befriend as they fight to save their underground city from monsters, ancient evils, and a variety of magical threats.

  • The His Angelic Keeper series follows a ghost girl who just wants to save her still-living family, not stop a demon invasion or the literal apocalypse, but she’ll do that too if she must. (This is a humorous series that stars Sarn’s twin sister from the Curse Breaker series).

  • The Robin of Larkspur series follows Robin, a woman who just wants to save her daughter from the mythical creatures that kidnapped her baby. Sarn tries to help her.

  • The Divergent Heroes series is supposed to star two knights who are partially disabled but a younger version of Sarn keeps stealing the scenes.

  • The Curse Breaker’s Companion series which includes side quests, wacky what ifs, and stories from my newsletter of Sarn and his family in our world because they won’t stay inside the epic fantasy books they star in. They’d rather visit me through a portal conveniently located in their cave.

Where to find your host, Melinda Kucsera:

About Curse Breaker Enchanted

Help me give away 3650 copies of Curse Breaker Enchanted by Feb. 22, 2024, one for every day since we lost our first fan 10 years ago.

About Kickstarter

Don’t forget to go to my campaign and click the Notify me on launch button, so you know when goes live on Kickstarter.

Aug 27, 202301:37:13
Fantasy, Lore, & More: The Phoenix and the Sword

Fantasy, Lore, & More: The Phoenix and the Sword

Hi, I’m indie fantasy author, Melinda Kucsera, and in this episode J.C. Snow is joining me to talk about her book, The Phoenix and the Sword.

What’s it about?

  • Cursed with immortality and destroying fire, Aili Fallon will cross life and death to find the truth.

  • The Phoenix and the Sword is a queer epic fantasy novel set in a world of spiritual powers, past lives, and beings of myth and legend. Unexpected, multilayered, and beautiful, The Phoenix and the Sword begins a tale of love and adventure that crosses centuries and worlds.

What’s in this episode:

  • J.C. Snow will take us into a world of immortals, spiritual powers, and mythic beings with an excerpt from The Phoenix and the Sword, and we’ll explore aspects of that world like the curse binding Aili's power.

  • We’ll find out what to expect from the Crane Moon Cycle series and maybe get some spoiler-free highlights of what’s to come.

  • We’ll discuss Aili's journey from combat nurse to magical killer and immortal being, and discover details about the ancient game of immortals she becomes entangled in.

  • Join us in a world where love and adventure span centuries, and a demon's curse threatens to destroy or transform.

Where to get the book:

Where to find J.C. Snow:

About your host, Melinda Kucsera:

I am Melinda Kucsera, an indie fantasy author who wrote and published 20+ books since 2016 across 5 series. I write epic fantasy adventures about families and magical creatures who’re just trying to survive in a world that hates and fears magic but is steeped in it.

My books are full of magic and mayhem, but somehow, even the darkest adventure always ends well. ⁠Join me⁠ every week for a new story.

What series do I write?

  • The Curse Breaker series chronicles the adventures of a reluctant mage (Sarn), his son, and the magical creatures they befriend as they fight to save their underground city from monsters, ancient evils, and a variety of magical threats.

  • The His Angelic Keeper series follows a ghost girl who just wants to save her still-living family, not stop a demon invasion or the literal apocalypse, but she’ll do that too if she must. (This is a humorous series that stars Sarn’s twin sister from the Curse Breaker series).

  • The Robin of Larkspur series follows Robin, a woman who just wants to save her daughter from the mythical creatures that kidnapped her baby. Sarn tries to help her.

  • The Divergent Heroes series is supposed to star two knights who are partially disabled but a younger version of Sarn keeps stealing the scenes.

  • The Curse Breaker’s Companion series which includes side quests, wacky what ifs, and stories from my newsletter of Sarn and his family in our world because they won’t stay inside the epic fantasy books they star in. They’d rather visit me through a portal conveniently located in their cave.

Why am I here?

Where to find your host, Melinda Kucsera:

About Curse Breaker Enchanted

Help me give away 3650 copies of Curse Breaker Enchanted by Feb. 22, 2024, one for every day since we lost our first fan 10 years ago.

About Kickstarter

Don’t forget to go to my campaign and click the Notify me on launch button, so you know when goes live on Kickstarter.

Aug 26, 202301:12:08
Fantasy, Lore, & More: Rada

Fantasy, Lore, & More: Rada

Hi, I’m indie fantasy author, Melinda Kucsera, and in this episode Tracy Joyce is joining me to talk about her book, Rada.

What’s it about?

  • Welcome to the Zaragarian Empire.

  • Rada's newborn sister is disfigured and her father has decreed that her fate lies at the Seat of the Gods. Rada knows what that means - he wants her sister dead.

  • To save both her sister and her mother, Rada must find the Emperor and beseech him for help. Rada is six. The Emperor terrifies her, but there is no one else.

  • In a world of intricate politics, rivalries, dissent and revolt; where old gods lay in wait, the fate of two little girls will change the course of an empire.

  • Everything depends on a six-year-old with a slingshot

  • Rada is set approx 16 years before "Altaica" and forms part of a companion series.

What’s in this episode:

  • Tracy will take us into the dark fantasy world of the Zaragarian Empire with an excerpt from Rada, and we’ll explore aspects of that world like the intricate politics and the Seat of the Gods.

  • We’ll find out what to expect from the Altaica series and maybe get some spoiler-free highlights of what’s to come.

  • We’ll discuss Rada's journey from newborn sister to potential savior at only six years old and discover details about the rivalries, dissent, and old gods that await.

  • Join us in a world where the fate of an empire rests on the shoulders of a child with a slingshot.

Where to get the book:

Where to find Tracy Joyce:

About your host, Melinda Kucsera:

I am Melinda Kucsera, an indie fantasy author who wrote and published 20+ books since 2016 across 5 series. I write epic fantasy adventures about families and magical creatures who’re just trying to survive in a world that hates and fears magic but is steeped in it.

My books are full of magic and mayhem, but somehow, even the darkest adventure always ends well. ⁠Join me⁠ every week for a new story.

What series do I write?

Where to find your host, Melinda Kucsera:

About Curse Breaker Enchanted

Help me give away 3650 copies of Curse Breaker Enchanted by Feb. 22, 2024, one for every day since we lost our first fan 10 years ago.

About Kickstarter

Don’t forget to go to my campaign and click the Notify me on launch button, so you know when goes live on Kickstarter.

Aug 25, 202301:27:44
Fantasy, Lore, & More: A Breaking of Realms

Fantasy, Lore, & More: A Breaking of Realms

Hi, I’m indie fantasy author, Melinda Kucsera, and in this episode Jasmine Young is joining me to talk about her upcoming book, A Breaking of Realms.

What’s it about?

  • Build realms. Follow the rules. Never go rogue. The Realm-Building Enterprise is open to all. Under the laws of the Republic of Aranor Elondris, anyone may rise to glory and become the next legendary dragon rider. All it takes is hatching an egg—a legal one, that is.

  • Skálda Branwright dreams of leaving the Longcold and becoming the first Dragonlord to build an official realm. But that may prove difficult after she defies the Enterprise and rescues a wild hatchling. This is no ordinary dragon. It was best kept dead. The Enterprise is a human’s path to a glorious future—but it is ruthless to those who would defy the elves that made the rules.

  • She never meant to steal a dragon. She always meant to build a realm. She never wanted to break the continent. A Realm-Breaker is coming.

  • A Breaking of Realms is an action-heavy, character-driven epic fantasy. Set in the world created by Jasmine Young, A Breaking of Realms brings dragons, adventure, and high stakes to life.

What’s in this episode:

  • Jasmine will take us into a world of dragon riders and realm building with an excerpt from A Breaking of Realms, and we’ll explore aspects of that world like the Realm-Building Enterprise and the Republic of Aranor Elondris.

  • We’ll find out what to expect from the upcoming Four Kingdoms series and maybe get some spoiler-free highlights of what’s to come.

  • We’ll discuss Skálda's journey from Longcold orphan to potential Realm-Breaker and discover details about the intricate political structures, dragon lore, and elven magic.

  • Join us in a place where legendary dragon riders vie for power, and freedom comes with a price.

Where to get the book:

Where to find our guest:

About your host, Melinda Kucsera:

I am Melinda Kucsera, an indie fantasy author who wrote and published 20+ books since 2016 across 5 series. I write epic fantasy adventures about families and magical creatures who’re just trying to survive in a world that hates and fears magic but is steeped in it.

My books are full of magic and mayhem, but somehow, even the darkest adventure always ends well. ⁠Join me⁠ every week for a new story.

What series do I write?

Why am I here?

Where to find your host, Melinda Kucsera:

About Curse Breaker Enchanted

Help me give away 3650 copies of Curse Breaker Enchanted by Feb. 22, 2024, one for every day since we lost our first fan 10 years ago.

About Kickstarter

Don’t forget to go to my campaign and click the Notify me on launch button, so you know when goes live on Kickstarter.

Aug 20, 202301:23:08
Fantasy, Lore, & More: Embrace of the Shade

Fantasy, Lore, & More: Embrace of the Shade

Hi, I’m indie fantasy author, Melinda Kucsera, and in this episode Kayla Hansen joins me to talk about her book, Embrace of the Shade.

What’s it about?

  • Amarie’s legendary magic could incinerate her enemies, but it’s her sword she trusts. While running from the men who killed her family, she learns of an ancient text locked within the Great Library that might be the final key. During the daring theft, a stranger inserts himself into her scheme. Kin’s life, riddled with shadows and death, is as dark as his soul. He embraces his power, given by a wicked master, but when he meets Amarie... She shatters the walls he’s built, piercing his solitude with vibrant light. But if she learns he hunts the power cursing her family, he will lose her forever.

  • Embrace of the Shade is a character-driven dark fantasy adventure. Set in the magical world of Pantracia created by Amanda Muratoff and Kayla Hansen, Embrace of the Shade brings magic, intrigue, and romance to life.

What’s in this episode:

  • Kayla will take us into a world of magic and intrigue with an excerpt from Embrace of the Shade, and we’ll explore aspects of that world like the Great Library.

  • We’ll find out what to expect from The Berylian Key series and maybe get some spoiler-free highlights of what’s to come.

  • We’ll discuss Amarie and Kin's dangerous alliance and the beginnings of their forbidden romance, and discover details about the magic system, factions, and evil forces in this dark fantasy world.

  • Join us in a place where legendary magic wielders vie for power, and sinister evil lurks in the shadows.

Where to get the book:

Where to find Kayla Hansen:

About your host, Melinda Kucsera:

I am Melinda Kucsera, an indie fantasy author who wrote and published 20+ books since 2016 across 5 series. I write epic fantasy adventures about families and magical creatures who’re just trying to survive in a world that hates and fears magic but is steeped in it.

My books are full of magic and mayhem, but somehow, even the darkest adventure always ends well. ⁠Join me⁠ every week for a new story.

What series do I write?

  • The Curse Breaker series chronicles the adventures of a reluctant mage (Sarn), his son, and the magical creatures they befriend as they fight to save their underground city from monsters, ancient evils, and a variety of magical threats.

  • The His Angelic Keeper series follows a ghost girl who just wants to save her still-living family, not stop a demon invasion or the literal apocalypse, but she’ll do that too if she must.

  • The Robin of Larkspur series follows Robin, a woman who just wants to save her daughter from the mythical creatures that kidnapped her baby.

  • The Divergent Heroes series is supposed to star two knights who are partially disabled but a younger version of Sarn keeps stealing the scenes.

  • The Curse Breaker’s Companion series which includes side quests, wacky what ifs, and stories from my newsletter of Sarn and his family in our world.

Why am I here?

Where to find your host, Melinda Kucsera:

About Curse Breaker Enchanted

Help me give away 3650 copies of Curse Breaker Enchanted by Feb. 22, 2024, one for every day since we lost our first fan 10 years ago.

About Kickstarter

Don’t forget to go to my campaign and click the Notify me on launch button, so you know when goes live on Kickstarter.

Aug 19, 202301:54:46
Fantasy, Lore, & More: The Crystal Pawn

Fantasy, Lore, & More: The Crystal Pawn

Hi, I’m indie fantasy author, Melinda Kucsera, and in this episode Deb Jarvis is joining me to talk about her book, The Crystal Pawn.

What’s it about?

Deirdre Hawes has always dreamed of meeting her father, but the reality of who he is and where he is from exceeds her wildest imagination. The Crystal Pawn is a character-driven fantasy adventure. Set in a magical land created by Deb Jarvis, The Crystal Pawn brings shapeshifters, clans, and an impending war to life.

What’s in this episode:

  • Deb Jarvis will take us into a world of magical clans and shapeshifters with an excerpt from The Crystal Pawn, and we’ll explore aspects of that world like the impending religious war.

  • We’ll find out what to expect from this fantasy series and maybe get some spoiler-free highlights of what’s to come. 

  • We’ll discuss Deirdre's journey from meeting her father to becoming heir to a magical clan, and discover details about the clans, magic, and politics in this fantasy world.

  • Join us in a place where magical clans vie for power, and war looms on the horizon.

Where to get the book: https://linktr.ee/The_rael_coyote

Where to find our guest:

About your host, Melinda Kucsera:

I am Melinda Kucsera, an indie fantasy author who wrote and published 20+ books since 2016 across 5 series. I write epic fantasy adventures about families and magical creatures who’re just trying to survive in a world that hates and fears magic but is steeped in it.

My books are full of magic and mayhem, but somehow, even the darkest adventure always ends well. ⁠Join me⁠ every week for a new story.

What series do I write?

  • The Curse Breaker series chronicles the adventures of a reluctant mage (Sarn), his son, and the magical creatures they befriend as they fight to save their underground city from monsters, ancient evils, and a variety of magical threats.

  • The His Angelic Keeper series follows a ghost girl who just wants to save her still-living family, not stop a demon invasion or the literal apocalypse, but she’ll do that too if she must. (This is a humorous series that stars Sarn’s twin sister from the Curse Breaker series).

  • The Robin of Larkspur series follows Robin, a woman who just wants to save her daughter from the mythical creatures that kidnapped her baby. Sarn tries to help her.

  • The Divergent Heroes series is supposed to star two knights who are partially disabled but a younger version of Sarn keeps stealing the scenes.

  • The Curse Breaker’s Companion series which includes side quests, wacky what ifs, and stories from my newsletter of Sarn and his family in our world because they won’t stay inside the epic fantasy books they star in. They’d rather visit me through a portal conveniently located in their cave.

Why am I here?

  • I want to give you more fun adventures, more often, and create a community of fantasy readers to share ideas with, new stories, artwork, and have fun. So I’m taking the plunge and posting chapters of my upcoming books, bonus content, podcasts, videos, audiobooks, boxed sets, deleted scenes, alternate endings and beginnings, Patron-only stories, and more.  

  • Become a patron now to read those stories.

Where to find your host, Melinda Kucsera:

Aug 18, 202301:02:14
Fantasy, Lore, & More: Demons & Battleskirts Volume 1

Fantasy, Lore, & More: Demons & Battleskirts Volume 1

Hi, I’m indie fantasy author, Melinda Kucsera, and in this episode Belinda Crawford is joining me to talk about her book, Demons & Battleskirts Volume 1.

What’s it about?

  • Enter a dark new urban fantasy filled with reincarnated superheroines, inter-dimensional demons and immortal enemies.

  • Demons & Battleskirts Volume 1 is an action-packed urban fantasy. Set in Belinda Crawford's Battleskirts world, Demons & Battleskirts brings reincarnated warriors and demon hordes to life.

What’s in this episode:

  • Belinda Crawford will take us into a world of reincarnated superheroines and demon hordes with an excerpt from Demons & Battleskirts Volume 1. We'll explore aspects of that world, like the immortal enemies and inter-dimensional demons.

  • We'll find out what to expect from the Battleskirts series and maybe get some spoiler-free highlights of what's to come.

  • We'll discuss Byrne's journey from fragmented dreams to ancient warrior and discover details about the politics, factions, and lore of this urban fantasy world.

  • Join us in a place where reincarnated sisters battle demon hordes, and ancient enemies threaten the future.

Where to get the book: https://buy.bookfunnel.com/lxuhywpfzf

Where to find Belinda Crawford:

About your host, Melinda Kucsera:

I am Melinda Kucsera, an indie fantasy author who wrote and published 20+ books since 2016 across 5 series. I write epic fantasy adventures about families and magical creatures who’re just trying to survive in a world that hates and fears magic but is steeped in it.

My books are full of magic and mayhem, but somehow, even the darkest adventure always ends well. ⁠Join me⁠ every week for a new story.

What series do I write?

  • The Curse Breaker series chronicles the adventures of a reluctant mage (Sarn), his son, and the magical creatures they befriend as they fight to save their underground city from monsters, ancient evils, and a variety of magical threats.

  • The His Angelic Keeper series follows a ghost girl who just wants to save her still-living family, not stop a demon invasion or the literal apocalypse, but she’ll do that too if she must. (This is a humorous series that stars Sarn’s twin sister from the Curse Breaker series).

  • The Robin of Larkspur series follows Robin, a woman who just wants to save her daughter from the mythical creatures that kidnapped her baby. Sarn tries to help her.

  • The Divergent Heroes series is supposed to star two knights who are partially disabled but a younger version of Sarn keeps stealing the scenes.

  • The Curse Breaker’s Companion series which includes side quests, wacky what ifs, and stories from my newsletter of Sarn and his family in our world because they won’t stay inside the epic fantasy books they star in. They’d rather visit me through a portal conveniently located in their cave.

Why am I here?

  • I want to give you more fun adventures, more often, and create a community of fantasy readers to share ideas with, new stories, artwork, and have fun. So I’m taking the plunge and posting chapters of my upcoming books, bonus content, podcasts, videos, audiobooks, boxed sets, deleted scenes, alternate endings and beginnings, Patron-only stories, and more.  

  • Become a patron now to read those stories.

Where to find your host, Melinda Kucsera:

Aug 13, 202353:53
Fantasy, Lore, & More: Lady of Ravensmere

Fantasy, Lore, & More: Lady of Ravensmere

Hi, I’m indie fantasy author, Melinda Kucsera, and in this episode Mary McKenna is joining me to talk about her book, Lady of Ravensmere.

What’s it about?

  • Lady of Ravensmere is a coming-of-age fantasy that follows a young woman's journey to protect her people and her home.

  • Set in an immersive fantasy world, Lady of Ravensmere is an exciting and character-driven tale.

What’s in this episode:

  • Mary McKenna will take us into a world of  intrigue with an excerpt from Lady of Ravensmere. We'll explore aspects of the worldbuilding, like the politics and religion.

  • We'll discuss the main character's journey from sheltered daughter to ruling lady and get highlights of what's to come in the series.

  • We'll discover details about the immersive fantasy setting Mary created and the key themes of identity and belonging.

  • Join us in a place where long-held grudges and desires for power threaten a nation, and a young woman must find the strength to stand against it.

Where to get the book: https://books2read.com/b/ladyofravensmere

Where to find our guest:

About your host, Melinda Kucsera:

I am Melinda Kucsera, an indie fantasy author who wrote and published 20+ books since 2016 across 5 series. I write epic fantasy adventures about families and magical creatures who’re just trying to survive in a world that hates and fears magic but is steeped in it.

My books are full of magic and mayhem, but somehow, even the darkest adventure always ends well. ⁠Join me⁠ every week for a new story.

What series do I write?

  • The Curse Breaker series chronicles the adventures of a reluctant mage (Sarn), his son, and the magical creatures they befriend as they fight to save their underground city from monsters, ancient evils, and a variety of magical threats.

  • The His Angelic Keeper series follows a ghost girl who just wants to save her still-living family, not stop a demon invasion or the literal apocalypse, but she’ll do that too if she must. (This is a humorous series that stars Sarn’s twin sister from the Curse Breaker series).

  • The Robin of Larkspur series follows Robin, a woman who just wants to save her daughter from the mythical creatures that kidnapped her baby. Sarn tries to help her.

  • The Divergent Heroes series is supposed to star two knights who are partially disabled but a younger version of Sarn keeps stealing the scenes.

  • The Curse Breaker’s Companion series which includes side quests, wacky what ifs, and stories from my newsletter of Sarn and his family in our world because they won’t stay inside the epic fantasy books they star in. They’d rather visit me through a portal conveniently located in their cave.

Why am I here?

  • I want to give you more fun adventures, more often, and create a community of fantasy readers to share ideas with, new stories, artwork, and have fun. So I’m taking the plunge and posting chapters of my upcoming books, bonus content, podcasts, videos, audiobooks, boxed sets, deleted scenes, alternate endings and beginnings, Patron-only stories, and more.  

  • Become a patron now to read those stories.

Where to find your host, Melinda Kucsera:

Aug 12, 202301:26:12
Fantasy, Lore, & More: Heroes of Issalia

Fantasy, Lore, & More: Heroes of Issalia

Hi, I’m Melinda Kucsera, your indie fantasy author, and today Jeff Kohanek is joining me to discuss his epic fantasy bundle, Heroes of Issalia Super Box Set.

With over 2,500 pages of magical adventures across two interconnected fantasy series, this collection is perfect for readers who love expansive worlds and nonstop action.

What’s in this episode:

  • Jeff will read an excerpt from one of the books.

  • We’ll learn about building complex fantasy worlds across multiple series.

  • We’ll discuss writing heroic journeys and character growth over many books.

  • We’ll talk about Jeff’s approach to plotting lengthy series story arcs.

Where to get the book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CCLTGXVG

Where to find Jeff Kohanek:

About your host, Melinda Kucsera:

I am Melinda Kucsera, an indie fantasy author who wrote and published 20+ books since 2016 across 5 series. I write epic fantasy adventures about families and magical creatures who’re just trying to survive in a world that hates and fears magic but is steeped in it.

My books are full of magic and mayhem, but somehow, even the darkest adventure always ends well. ⁠Join me⁠ every week for a new story.

What series do I write?

  • The Curse Breaker series chronicles the adventures of a reluctant mage (Sarn), his son, and the magical creatures they befriend as they fight to save their underground city from monsters, ancient evils, and a variety of magical threats.

  • The His Angelic Keeper series follows a ghost girl who just wants to save her still-living family, not stop a demon invasion or the literal apocalypse, but she’ll do that too if she must. (This is a humorous series that stars Sarn’s twin sister from the Curse Breaker series).

  • The Robin of Larkspur series follows Robin, a woman who just wants to save her daughter from the mythical creatures that kidnapped her baby. Sarn tries to help her.

  • The Divergent Heroes series is supposed to star two knights who are partially disabled but a younger version of Sarn keeps stealing the scenes.

  • The Curse Breaker’s Companion series which includes side quests, wacky what ifs, and stories from my newsletter of Sarn and his family in our world because they won’t stay inside the epic fantasy books they star in. They’d rather visit me through a portal conveniently located in their cave.

Why am I here?

  • I want to give you more fun adventures, more often, and create a community of fantasy readers to share ideas with, new stories, artwork, and have fun. So I’m taking the plunge and posting chapters of my upcoming books, bonus content, podcasts, videos, audiobooks, boxed sets, deleted scenes, alternate endings and beginnings, Patron-only stories, and more.  

  • Become a patron now to read those stories.

Where to find your host, Melinda Kucsera:

Aug 11, 202350:08
Fantasy, Lore, & More: Summoning and Sacrifice

Fantasy, Lore, & More: Summoning and Sacrifice

Hi, I'm Melinda Kucsera, your indie fantasy author, and today, Nathan Hartle is joining me to talk about his epic fantasy book, Summoning and Sacrifice.

In this expansive fantasy tale, a hunted servant named Shada embarks on a dangerous quest to find her city's missing god and save her people from ruin. She'll journey to the ends of the universe alongside a motley crew of companions.

What's in this episode:

  • Nathan will read an excerpt from Summoning and Sacrifice.

  • We'll find out what to expect from the next book in the Liturgy of Worlds series, Hymns of the Wild, out July 31st.

  • We'll discuss key topics like worldbuilding, characters, high stakes, and epic fantasy themes.

  • Join us in the vast, ancient city of Ronia, where gods are missing and darkness looms.

Where to get the book: http://www.books2read.com/summoningandsacrifice

Where to find Nathan Hartle:

About your host, Melinda Kucsera:

I am Melinda Kucsera, an indie fantasy author who wrote and published 20+ books since 2016 across 5 series. I write epic fantasy adventures about families and magical creatures who’re just trying to survive in a world that hates and fears magic but is steeped in it.

My books are full of magic and mayhem, but somehow, even the darkest adventure always ends well. ⁠Join me⁠ every week for a new story.

What series do I write?

  • The Curse Breaker series chronicles the adventures of a reluctant mage (Sarn), his son, and the magical creatures they befriend as they fight to save their underground city from monsters, ancient evils, and a variety of magical threats.

  • The His Angelic Keeper series follows a ghost girl who just wants to save her still-living family, not stop a demon invasion or the literal apocalypse, but she’ll do that too if she must. (This is a humorous series that stars Sarn’s twin sister from the Curse Breaker series).

  • The Robin of Larkspur series follows Robin, a woman who just wants to save her daughter from the mythical creatures that kidnapped her baby. Sarn tries to help her.

  • The Divergent Heroes series is supposed to star two knights who are partially disabled but a younger version of Sarn keeps stealing the scenes.

  • The Curse Breaker’s Companion series which includes side quests, wacky what ifs, and stories from my newsletter of Sarn and his family in our world because they won’t stay inside the epic fantasy books they star in. They’d rather visit me through a portal conveniently located in their cave.

Why am I here?

  • I want to give you more fun adventures, more often, and create a community of fantasy readers to share ideas with, new stories, artwork, and have fun. So I’m taking the plunge and posting chapters of my upcoming books, bonus content, podcasts, videos, audiobooks, boxed sets, deleted scenes, alternate endings and beginnings, Patron-only stories, and more.  

  • Become a patron now to read those stories.

Where to find your host, Melinda Kucsera:

Aug 04, 202301:19:40
Fantasy, Lore & More with Heir of Svartån

Fantasy, Lore & More with Heir of Svartån

Hi, I’m indie fantasy author, Melinda Kucsera, and in this episode Laura Nelson is joining me to talk about her book, Heir of Svartån.

What’s it about?

Heir of Svartån is an action-packed YA Norse fantasy adventure. Heir of Svartån follows a 17-year-old girl who gets transported into a video game world and discovers she's the heir to a powerful ruler.

What’s in this episode:

  • Laura will take us into a world of Norse mythology, video games, and epic magical battles with an excerpt from Heir of Svartån, and we’ll explore aspects of that world, like the magic system and Norse inspirations.

  • We’ll find out what to expect from the Svartån series and maybe get some spoiler-free highlights of what’s to come.

  • We’ll discuss the main character's journey from abused teen to powerful heir and discover the intricate worldbuilding details.

  • Join us in a place where Norse legends come to life, and identity and destiny collide.

Where to get the book: Amazon, B&N, Kobo, Apple, etc.

Where to find our guest:

About your host, Melinda Kucsera:

I am Melinda Kucsera, an indie fantasy author who wrote and published 20+ books since 2016 across 5 series. I write epic fantasy adventures about families and magical creatures who’re just trying to survive in a world that hates and fears magic but is steeped in it.

My books are full of magic and mayhem, but somehow, even the darkest adventure always ends well. ⁠Join me⁠ every week for a new story.

What series do I write?

  • The Curse Breaker series chronicles the adventures of a reluctant mage (Sarn), his son, and the magical creatures they befriend as they fight to save their underground city from monsters, ancient evils, and a variety of magical threats.

  • The His Angelic Keeper series follows a ghost girl who just wants to save her still-living family, not stop a demon invasion or the literal apocalypse, but she’ll do that too if she must. (This is a humorous series that stars Sarn’s twin sister from the Curse Breaker series).

  • The Robin of Larkspur series follows Robin, a woman who just wants to save her daughter from the mythical creatures that kidnapped her baby. Sarn tries to help her.

  • The Divergent Heroes series is supposed to star two knights who are partially disabled but a younger version of Sarn keeps stealing the scenes.

  • The Curse Breaker’s Companion series which includes side quests, wacky what ifs, and stories from my newsletter of Sarn and his family in our world because they won’t stay inside the epic fantasy books they star in. They’d rather visit me through a portal conveniently located in their cave.

Why am I here?

  • I want to give you more fun adventures, more often, and create a community of fantasy readers to share ideas with, new stories, artwork, and have fun. So I’m taking the plunge and posting chapters of my upcoming books, bonus content, podcasts, videos, audiobooks, boxed sets, deleted scenes, alternate endings and beginnings, Patron-only stories, and more.  

  • Become a patron now to read those stories.

Where to find your host, Melinda Kucsera:

Jul 30, 202302:00:47
Fantasy, Lore & More with Bastards of Liberty

Fantasy, Lore & More with Bastards of Liberty

Hi, I'm indie fantasy author, Melinda Kucsera, and in this episode Matthew Zorich is joining me to discuss his book, Bastards of Liberty

What's it about?

  • In the heart of the Holy Imperium, a family's lives are shattered. The three Ashburn siblings journey through political forces and deep worldbuilding in an alternative America where orcs, elves, and dwarves fight for rights under a newly formed royal government. 

  • When the death of one sibling could spark revolution, will the Ashburns find justice, or will events spin out of their control? Immerse yourself in this gritty adventure full of twists and deep lore.

What's in this episode:

  • Matthew Zorich will transport us into the richly imagined world of Bastards of Liberty

  • We'll explore the siblings' intertwining stories and the tensions in this alternative America. 

  • We'll discuss the series' expansive worldbuilding and how fantasy can mirror real-world issues.

  • Join us for an immersive trip into the Holy Imperium's fight for rights and revolution. 

Where to get the book:

Where to find our guest: 

About your host, Melinda Kucsera:

I am Melinda Kucsera, an indie fantasy author who wrote and published 20+ books since 2016 across 5 series. I write epic fantasy adventures about families and magical creatures who’re just trying to survive in a world that hates and fears magic but is steeped in it.

My books are full of magic and mayhem, but somehow, even the darkest adventure always ends well. ⁠Join me⁠ every week for a new story.

What series do I write?

  • The Curse Breaker series chronicles the adventures of a reluctant mage (Sarn), his son, and the magical creatures they befriend as they fight to save their underground city from monsters, ancient evils, and a variety of magical threats.

  • The His Angelic Keeper series follows a ghost girl who just wants to save her still-living family, not stop a demon invasion or the literal apocalypse, but she’ll do that too if she must. (This is a humorous series that stars Sarn’s twin sister from the Curse Breaker series).

  • The Robin of Larkspur series follows Robin, a woman who just wants to save her daughter from the mythical creatures that kidnapped her baby. Sarn tries to help her.

  • The Divergent Heroes series is supposed to star two knights who are partially disabled but a younger version of Sarn keeps stealing the scenes.

  • The Curse Breaker’s Companion series which includes side quests, wacky what ifs, and stories from my newsletter of Sarn and his family in our world because they won’t stay inside the epic fantasy books they star in. They’d rather visit me through a portal conveniently located in their cave.

Why am I here?

  • I want to give you more fun adventures, more often, and create a community of fantasy readers to share ideas with, new stories, artwork, and have fun. So I’m taking the plunge and posting chapters of my upcoming books, bonus content, podcasts, videos, audiobooks, boxed sets, deleted scenes, alternate endings and beginnings, Patron-only stories, and more.  

  • Become a patron now to read those stories.

Where to find your host, Melinda Kucsera:

Jul 29, 202301:30:23
Fantasy, Lore, & More: In Sleep You Know

Fantasy, Lore, & More: In Sleep You Know

Hi, I'm indie fantasy author, Melinda Kucsera, and in this episode Christiane Knight is joining me to talk about her book, In Sleep You Know.

What’s it about?

  • Even the grittiest blue collar city has a spark of magic under the surface; but in Baltimore, graffiti holds secret messages and artists are the spellcasters. Abandoned buildings hide ancient beings, and at the local club, you might find yourself rubbing shoulders with menacing and otherworldly creatures. If you know how to look, of course.

  • In Sleep You Know is a contemporary urban fantasy set in a magical version of Baltimore.

What’s in this episode:

  • Christiane Knight will transport us into the hidden world of Baltimore's Fae with an excerpt from In Sleep You Know. We'll explore the city's gritty magic, graffiti spells, and dream visits.

  • We'll discuss Merrick's journey from ordinary guy to Fae ally and guardian of the veil between worlds.

  • We'll learn about the inspired blend of urban fantasy, faerie lore, and music scene subculture in the Stories of the Eleriannan series.

  • Join us for a tour through the fantastical side of Charm City, where fate and free will collide.

Where to get the book:

Where to find our guest:

About your host, Melinda Kucsera:

I am Melinda Kucsera, an indie fantasy author who wrote and published 20+ books since 2016 across 5 series. I write epic fantasy adventures about families and magical creatures who’re just trying to survive in a world that hates and fears magic but is steeped in it.

My books are full of magic and mayhem, but somehow, even the darkest adventure always ends well. ⁠Join me⁠ every week for a new story.

What series do I write?

  • The Curse Breaker series chronicles the adventures of a reluctant mage (Sarn), his son, and the magical creatures they befriend as they fight to save their underground city from monsters, ancient evils, and a variety of magical threats.

  • The His Angelic Keeper series follows a ghost girl who just wants to save her still-living family, not stop a demon invasion or the literal apocalypse, but she’ll do that too if she must. (This is a humorous series that stars Sarn’s twin sister from the Curse Breaker series).

  • The Robin of Larkspur series follows Robin, a woman who just wants to save her daughter from the mythical creatures that kidnapped her baby. Sarn tries to help her.

  • The Divergent Heroes series is supposed to star two knights who are partially disabled but a younger version of Sarn keeps stealing the scenes.

  • The Curse Breaker’s Companion series which includes side quests, wacky what ifs, and stories from my newsletter of Sarn and his family in our world because they won’t stay inside the epic fantasy books they star in. They’d rather visit me through a portal conveniently located in their cave.

Why am I here?

  • I want to give you more fun adventures, more often, and create a community of fantasy readers to share ideas with, new stories, artwork, and have fun. So I’m taking the plunge and posting chapters of my upcoming books, bonus content, podcasts, videos, audiobooks, boxed sets, deleted scenes, alternate endings and beginnings, Patron-only stories, and more.  

  • Become a patron now to read those stories.

Where to find your host, Melinda Kucsera:

Jul 23, 202301:17:15
Fantasy, Lore, & More: Many Savage Moons

Fantasy, Lore, & More: Many Savage Moons

Hi, I’m indie fantasy author, Melinda Kucsera, and in this episode Ben Spencer is joining me to talk about his contemporary fantasy novel, Many Savage Moons

What’s it about?  

  • Nathaniel falls for the enigmatic Winter York but their perfect day ends in violence. Winter reveals the attacker can write people into deadly dreams. How does she know? He based his book series on her and killed her friends. This unconventional love story blends fantasy and literary fiction.

  • Blending genres, Many Savage Moons is a compelling work of contemporary fantasy.

What’s in this episode:  

  • Ben will read us an excerpt from Many Savage Moons and introduce us to Nathaniel, Winter, and the dangerous fantastical world they navigate.

  • We’ll explore Ben’s genre-bending style and what inspired this tale fusing fantasy and literary fiction. 

  • Get tips from Ben on crafting compelling fiction that straddles genres.   

  • Find out what else Ben has in store for readers.  

Where to get the book:

Where to find our guest:  

About your host, Melinda Kucsera:

I am Melinda Kucsera, an indie fantasy author who wrote and published 20+ books since 2016 across 5 series. I write epic fantasy adventures about families and magical creatures who’re just trying to survive in a world that hates and fears magic but is steeped in it.

My books are full of magic and mayhem, but somehow, even the darkest adventure always ends well. ⁠Join me⁠ every week for a new story.

What series do I write?

  • The Curse Breaker series chronicles the adventures of a reluctant mage (Sarn), his son, and the magical creatures they befriend as they fight to save their underground city from monsters, ancient evils, and a variety of magical threats.

  • The His Angelic Keeper series follows a ghost girl who just wants to save her still-living family, not stop a demon invasion or the literal apocalypse, but she’ll do that too if she must. (This is a humorous series that stars Sarn’s twin sister from the Curse Breaker series).

  • The Robin of Larkspur series follows Robin, a woman who just wants to save her daughter from the mythical creatures that kidnapped her baby. Sarn tries to help her.

  • The Divergent Heroes series is supposed to star two knights who are partially disabled but a younger version of Sarn keeps stealing the scenes.

  • The Curse Breaker’s Companion series which includes side quests, wacky what ifs, and stories from my newsletter of Sarn and his family in our world because they won’t stay inside the epic fantasy books they star in. They’d rather visit me through a portal conveniently located in their cave.

Why am I here?

  • I want to give you more fun adventures, more often, and create a community of fantasy readers to share ideas with, new stories, artwork, and have fun. So I’m taking the plunge and posting chapters of my upcoming books, bonus content, podcasts, videos, audiobooks, boxed sets, deleted scenes, alternate endings and beginnings, Patron-only stories, and more.  

  • Become a patron now to read those stories.

Where to find your host, Melinda Kucsera:

Jul 22, 202301:12:50
Fantasy, Lore, & More: For Evergreens and Aspen Trees

Fantasy, Lore, & More: For Evergreens and Aspen Trees

Hi, I’m indie fantasy author, Melinda Kucsera, and in this episode A.L. Lorensen is joining me to talk about her fantasy novel, For Evergreens and Aspen Trees

What’s it about? 

  • After 20 years of war stole his family and home, Tristan clings to the fragments of his past and waits to pursue the truth. When an elven woman named Aspen infiltrates his fort, Tristan’s life shatters and he asks for her aid. Though enemies, they embark on a journey to overcome hatred and come together.

  • Blending fantasy, magic, and adventure, For Evergreens and Aspen Trees is a story of memory, monsters, and rebellion.

What’s in this episode:  

  • A.L. will read us an excerpt from For Evergreens and Aspen Trees and introduce us to Tristan, Aspen, and their conflicted world.

  • We’ll explore A.L.’s worldbuilding and inspiration crafting this tale of enemies joining forces. 

Where to get the book:

Where to find our guest:  

About your host, Melinda Kucsera:

I am Melinda Kucsera, an indie fantasy author who wrote and published 20+ books since 2016 across 5 series. I write epic fantasy adventures about families and magical creatures who’re just trying to survive in a world that hates and fears magic but is steeped in it.

My books are full of magic and mayhem, but somehow, even the darkest adventure always ends well. ⁠Join me⁠ every week for a new story.

What series do I write?

  • The Curse Breaker series chronicles the adventures of a reluctant mage (Sarn), his son, and the magical creatures they befriend as they fight to save their underground city from monsters, ancient evils, and a variety of magical threats.

  • The His Angelic Keeper series follows a ghost girl who just wants to save her still-living family, not stop a demon invasion or the literal apocalypse, but she’ll do that too if she must. (This is a humorous series that stars Sarn’s twin sister from the Curse Breaker series).

  • The Robin of Larkspur series follows Robin, a woman who just wants to save her daughter from the mythical creatures that kidnapped her baby. Sarn tries to help her.

  • The Divergent Heroes series is supposed to star two knights who are partially disabled but a younger version of Sarn keeps stealing the scenes.

  • The Curse Breaker’s Companion series which includes side quests, wacky what ifs, and stories from my newsletter of Sarn and his family in our world because they won’t stay inside the epic fantasy books they star in. They’d rather visit me through a portal conveniently located in their cave.

Why am I here?

I want to give you more fun adventures, more often, and create a community of fantasy readers to share ideas with, new stories, artwork, and have fun. So I’m taking the plunge and posting chapters of my upcoming books, bonus content, podcasts, videos, audiobooks, boxed sets, deleted scenes, alternate endings and beginnings, Patron-only stories, and more.  

Become a patron now to read those stories.

Where to find your host, Melinda Kucsera:

Jul 22, 202301:04:57
Fantasy, Lore, & More with The Tower's Alchemist

Fantasy, Lore, & More with The Tower's Alchemist

Hi, I’m indie fantasy author, Melinda Kucsera, and in this episode Alesha Escobar is joining me to talk about her book, The Tower's Alchemist.

What’s it about?

British intelligence wants her spying skills. A vampiric warlock wants to steal her powers. The Master Wizards who trained her want her dead... The Nazis have unleashed occult forces throughout Europe and the Allies are forced to recruit and employ wizards to counter their attacks.

What’s in this episode:

  • Alesha Escobar will take us into a world of magic, mystery and vampiric warlocks with an excerpt from The Tower's Alchemist, and we’ll explore aspects of that world, like the world of Gray Tower wizards and alchemists.

  • We’ll find out what to expect from the Gray Tower Trilogy series and maybe get some spoiler-free highlights of what’s to come.

  • We'll discuss Isabella George's journey from Gray Tower dropout to spy battling occult forces.

  • Join us in a place where magic meets history and one woman fights to define her own destiny.

  • Alesha will talk about her upcoming Kickstarter  campaign to fund the release of signed hardcover editions of the entire Gray Tower Trilogy. Backers will have the opportunity to receive gorgeous hardcover copies of each book, personally autographed by the author with a special note plus other goodies!

Where to get the book: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/aleshaescobar/the-gray-tower-trilogy-signed-hardcovers

Where to find our guest:

About your host, Melinda Kucsera:

I am Melinda Kucsera, an indie fantasy author who wrote and published 20+ books since 2016 across 5 series. I write epic fantasy adventures about families and magical creatures who’re just trying to survive in a world that hates and fears magic but is steeped in it.

My books are full of magic and mayhem, but somehow, even the darkest adventure always ends well. ⁠Join me⁠ every week for a new story.

What series do I write?

Why am I here?

I want to give you more fun adventures, more often, and create a community of fantasy readers to share ideas with, new stories, artwork, and have fun. So I’m taking the plunge and posting chapters of my upcoming books, bonus content, podcasts, videos, audiobooks, boxed sets, deleted scenes, alternate endings and beginnings, Patron-only stories, and more.  

Become a patron now to read those stories.

Where to find your host, Melinda Kucsera:

Jul 16, 202339:25
Fantasy, Lore, & More with The Garden Gnome

Fantasy, Lore, & More with The Garden Gnome

Hi, I’m indie fantasy author, Melinda Kucsera, and in this episode Jeff McIntyre is joining me to talk about his debut novel, The Garden Gnome. 

What’s it about?

  • Our world is defined by science, but history tells us the world was once a magical place. What if magic were to return? When a particle accelerator experiment leads to extraordinary consequences, unlikely people are drawn together in a confrontation that will change the world.

  • Set in our world on the verge of the return of magic, The Garden Gnome blends science and sorcery. 

What’s in this episode:

  • Jeff will read us an excerpt from The Garden Gnome and introduce us to the key characters, including a ten-year-old boy with an imaginary friend, scientists conducting dangerous experiments, secret society members trying to stop magic’s return, and an FBI agent caught in the middle. 

  • Discover what inspired Jeff to write a story bringing magic back to our technological world and the challenges of blending genres. 

  • Find out more about Jeff, an “old school nerd” and telecommunications engineer from Omaha, Nebraska, and how he created this debut novel. 

Where to get the book:

Amazon, Goodreads, and more. 

Where to find our guest: 

About your host, Melinda Kucsera:

I am Melinda Kucsera, an indie fantasy author who wrote and published 20+ books since 2016 across 5 series. I write epic fantasy adventures about families and magical creatures who’re just trying to survive in a world that hates and fears magic but is steeped in it.

My books are full of magic and mayhem, but somehow, even the darkest adventure always ends well. ⁠Join me⁠ every week for a new story.

What series do I write?

Why am I here?

I want to give you more fun adventures, more often, and create a community of fantasy readers to share ideas with, new stories, artwork, and have fun. So I’m taking the plunge and posting chapters of my upcoming books, bonus content, podcasts, videos, audiobooks, boxed sets, deleted scenes, alternate endings and beginnings, Patron-only stories, and more.  

Become a patron now to read those stories.

About the interview:

I entered my book, Curse Breaker Enchanted, in the Self-Published Fantasy Blog Off 9 (SPFBO 9) this year and thought it might be cool to interview my fellow entrants. Only 300 books can enter the contest. 10 will advance to the semi-finals, and one will be crowned the winner of SPFBO 9 for 2023. I hope you're cheering for Curse Breaker Enchanted! You can grab a copy for free right now to celebrate.

Where to find your host, Melinda Kucsera:

Jul 14, 202301:13:11
Fantasy, Lore, & More: Aether Bound

Fantasy, Lore, & More: Aether Bound

Hi, I’m indie fantasy author, Melinda Kucsera, and in this episode Megan Haskell is joining me to talk about the first book in her contemporary paranormal fantasy series, Aether Bound.

What’s it about? 

  • Lil is a bartender in Laguna Beach, California with a secret—she can see the demons on people’s shoulders. When a woman nearly drowns and Lil’s brother goes missing, Lil has to stop primordial ocean gods from claiming their due before it’s too late.   

  • Set in Laguna Beach, Aether Bound is a fast-paced paranormal fantasy adventure.

What’s in this episode:  

  • Megan will read us an excerpt from Aether Bound and introduce us to Lil, her magical abilities, and the mythological elements of this world.

  • We’ll find out what challenges Lil faces in rescuing her brother from demonic forces rising from the sea. 

  • Discover the inspiration behind Megan’s series that blends adventure, magic, and mayhem with the California coast.

  • Get the latest details on Megan’s Kickstarter campaign launching soon for book two, Aether Crossed

Where to get the book:

Where to find our guest: 

About your host, Melinda Kucsera:

I am Melinda Kucsera, an indie fantasy author who wrote and published 20+ books since 2016 across 5 series. I write epic fantasy adventures about families and magical creatures who’re just trying to survive in a world that hates and fears magic but is steeped in it.

My books are full of magic and mayhem, but somehow, even the darkest adventure always ends well. ⁠Join me⁠ every week for a new story.

What series do I write?

  • The Curse Breaker series chronicles the adventures of a reluctant mage (Sarn), his son, and the magical creatures they befriend as they fight to save their underground city from monsters, ancient evils, and a variety of magical threats.

  • The His Angelic Keeper series follows a ghost girl who just wants to save her still-living family, not stop a demon invasion or the literal apocalypse, but she’ll do that too if she must. (This is a humorous series that stars Sarn’s twin sister from the Curse Breaker series).

  • The Robin of Larkspur series follows Robin, a woman who just wants to save her daughter from the mythical creatures that kidnapped her baby. Sarn tries to help her.

  • The Divergent Heroes series is supposed to star two knights who are partially disabled but a younger version of Sarn keeps stealing the scenes.

  • The Curse Breaker’s Companion series which includes side quests, wacky what ifs, and stories from my newsletter of Sarn and his family in our world because they won’t stay inside the epic fantasy books they star in. They’d rather visit me through a portal conveniently located in their cave.

Why am I here?

I want to give you more fun adventures, more often, and create a community of fantasy readers to share ideas with, new stories, artwork, and have fun. So I’m taking the plunge and posting chapters of my upcoming books, bonus content, podcasts, videos, audiobooks, boxed sets, deleted scenes, alternate endings and beginnings, Patron-only stories, and more.  

Become a patron now to read those stories.


Where to find your host, Melinda Kucsera:

Jul 08, 202358:08
Fantasy, Lore, & More: Cathars & imPerfect Magic

Fantasy, Lore, & More: Cathars & imPerfect Magic

Hi, I’m indie fantasy author, Melinda Kucsera, and in this episode C.N. Rowan is joining me to talk about the first book in his dark urban fantasy series, imPerfect Magic

What’s it about?

  • After hundreds of years of dying, an eternally reincarnating Cathar priest in 12th century France pops back up in the nearest corpse in modern day. Now his territory is under threat, and if he can’t stop whoever’s behind it, all of reality might be in danger. 

  • Set in France, imPerfect Magic is a fast-paced, darkly comedic urban fantasy.

What’s in this episode:

  • C.N. will read us an excerpt from imPerfect Magic and introduce us to her immortal heretic characters.  

  • We’ll discover the real French history and mythology woven into this tale of strange creatures and obscure events.

  • C.N. will share details of what inspired him to blend Abrahamic religions, the Cathar Perfects, and fantastical elements in this series set in locations you can actually visit. 

  • Find out what challenges our perfectly imperfect main characters will face in saving their territory and all of existence. 

Where to get the book: Cnrowan.myshopify.com use code MELINDA at checkout to get 20% off the audiobook at checkout.

Where to find our guest:  

About your host, Melinda Kucsera:

I am Melinda Kucsera, an indie fantasy author who wrote and published 20+ books since 2016 across 5 series. I write epic fantasy adventures about families and magical creatures who’re just trying to survive in a world that hates and fears magic but is steeped in it.

My books are full of magic and mayhem, but somehow, even the darkest adventure always ends well. ⁠Join me⁠ every week for a new story.

What series do I write?

  • The Curse Breaker series chronicles the adventures of a reluctant mage (Sarn), his son, as they fight to save their underground city from monsters, ancient evils, and a variety of magical threats.

  • The His Angelic Keeper series follows a ghost girl who just wants to save her still-living family, not stop a demon invasion or the literal apocalypse.

  • The Robin of Larkspur series follows Robin, a woman who just wants to save her daughter from the mythical creatures that kidnapped her baby. Sarn tries to help her.

  • The Divergent Heroes series is supposed to star two knights who are partially disabled but a younger version of Sarn keeps stealing the scenes.

  • The Curse Breaker’s Companion series which includes side quests, wacky what ifs, and stories from my newsletter of Sarn and his family in our world because they won’t stay inside the epic fantasy books they star in.

Why am I here?

I want to give you more fun adventures, more often, and create a community of fantasy readers to share ideas with, new stories, artwork, and have fun. So I’m taking the plunge and posting chapters of my upcoming books, bonus content, podcasts, videos, audiobooks, boxed sets, deleted scenes, alternate endings and beginnings, Patron-only stories, and more.  

Become a patron now to read those stories.

About the interview:

I entered my book, Curse Breaker Enchanted, in the Self-Published Fantasy Blog Off 9 (SPFBO 9) this year and thought it might be cool to interview my fellow entrants. Only 300 books can enter the contest. 10 will advance to the semi-finals, and one will be crowned the winner of SPFBO 9 for 2023. I hope you're cheering for Curse Breaker Enchanted! You can grab a copy for free right now to celebrate.

Where to find your host, Melinda Kucsera:

Jul 08, 202301:15:41
Fantasy, Lore, & More: The Beauty of Dawn

Fantasy, Lore, & More: The Beauty of Dawn

Hi, I’m indie fantasy author, Melinda Kucsera, and in this episode Willow Seitz is joining me to talk about her debut novel, The Beauty of Dawn.

What’s it about?

  • The Beauty of Dawn is an epic fantasy adventure following a thief, knight, squire and prince on a journey to save their kingdom from eternal darkness.

  • Set in the world of Ealidor, The Beauty of Dawn is a fast-paced YA fantasy. 

What’s in this episode:

  • Willow will tell us about The Beauty of Dawn and take us into a world cursed to midnight where magic and monsters lurk.

  • We’ll find out what’s at stake for Nathaniel, the dishonored knight, runaway prince, and sheltered squire in this tale of friendship, love and redemption. 

  • Join us for non-stop action and adventure as Willow shares details of Ealidor’s complex history, magic system, and politics. 

  • Discover the secrets of Nathaniel’s mysterious connection to darkness and role in restoring light. 

Where to get the book:

 https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0C2L7D47D

Where to find our guest:  

About your host, Melinda Kucsera:

I am Melinda Kucsera, an indie fantasy author who wrote and published 20+ books since 2016 across 5 series. I write epic fantasy adventures about families and magical creatures who’re just trying to survive in a world that hates and fears magic but is steeped in it.

My books are full of magic and mayhem, but somehow, even the darkest adventure always ends well. ⁠Join me⁠ every week for a new story.

What series do I write?

  • The Curse Breaker series chronicles the adventures of a reluctant mage (Sarn), his son, and the magical creatures they befriend as they fight to save their underground city from monsters, ancient evils, and a variety of magical threats.

  • The His Angelic Keeper series follows a ghost girl who just wants to save her still-living family, not stop a demon invasion or the literal apocalypse, but she’ll do that too if she must. (This is a humorous series that stars Sarn’s twin sister from the Curse Breaker series).

  • The Robin of Larkspur series follows Robin, a woman who just wants to save her daughter from the mythical creatures that kidnapped her baby. Sarn tries to help her.

  • The Divergent Heroes series is supposed to star two knights who are partially disabled but a younger version of Sarn keeps stealing the scenes.

  • The Curse Breaker’s Companion series which includes side quests, wacky what ifs, and stories from my newsletter of Sarn and his family in our world because they won’t stay inside the epic fantasy books they star in. They’d rather visit me through a portal conveniently located in their cave.

Why am I here?

I want to give you more fun adventures, more often, and create a community of fantasy readers to share ideas with, new stories, artwork, and have fun. So I’m taking the plunge and posting chapters of my upcoming books, bonus content, podcasts, videos, audiobooks, boxed sets, deleted scenes, alternate endings and beginnings, Patron-only stories, and more.  

Become a patron now to read those stories.

About the interview:

I entered my book, Curse Breaker Enchanted, in the Self-Published Fantasy Blog Off 9 (SPFBO 9) this year and thought it might be cool to interview my fellow entrants. Only 300 books can enter the contest. 10 will advance to the semi-finals, and one will be crowned the winner of SPFBO 9 for 2023. I hope you're cheering for Curse Breaker Enchanted! You can grab a copy for free right now to celebrate.

Where to find your host, Melinda Kucsera:

Jul 08, 202356:33
Fantasy, Lore, and More: Seeds of War

Fantasy, Lore, and More: Seeds of War

Hi I’m indie fantasy author, Melinda Kucsera, and today I’m speaking with Joao F. Silva, author of the gritty epic fantasy series The Smokesmiths, beginning with Seeds of War

What’s it about?  
In a harsh world of smoke magic and monsters, the seeds of war are being planted. Gimlore is a war veteran turned crime boss protecting her family. Orberesis is a petty thief pretending to be God. Rednow is the world’s feared mercenary with one job left. Allies and enemies are made where smoke magic stirs.

What’s in this episode:  

  • Joao will share his journey to become an author, from first putting pen to paper as a teen to publishing his dark fantasy series. We’ll discuss his advice for aspiring writers. 

  • We’ll explore how Joao developed a grim world of smoke magic and developed complex characters with difficult choices. Joao will reveal details about Gimlore, Orberesis, Rednow and what drives them.

  • With three POVs and mature content, Seeds of War is a gritty read. We’ll discuss how Joao created compelling yet flawed characters in a harsh world.  

  • Themes of protecting what’s yours, surviving at all costs and the corrupting influence of power resonate. We’ll explore how these themes shape the characters’ motivations.

  • Find out what’s next for The Smokesmiths series. Joao will tease what’s to come without spoiling surprises! 

Where to find Joao:     

About your host, Melinda Kucsera:

I am Melinda Kucsera, an indie fantasy author who wrote and published 20+ books since 2016 across 5 series. I write epic fantasy adventures about families and magical creatures who’re just trying to survive in a world that hates and fears magic but is steeped in it.

My books are full of magic and mayhem, but somehow, even the darkest adventure always ends well. ⁠Join me⁠ every week for a new story.

What series do I write?

Why am I here?

I want to give you more fun adventures, more often, and create a community of fantasy readers to share ideas with, new stories, artwork, and have fun. So I’m taking the plunge and posting chapters of my upcoming books, bonus content, podcasts, videos, audiobooks, boxed sets, deleted scenes, alternate endings and beginnings, Patron-only stories, and more.  

Become a patron now to read those stories.

About the interview:

I entered my book, Curse Breaker Enchanted, in the Self-Published Fantasy Blog Off 9 (SPFBO 9) this year and thought it might be cool to interview my fellow entrants. Only 300 books can enter the contest. 10 will advance to the semi-finals, and one will be crowned the winner of SPFBO 9 for 2023. I hope you're cheering for Curse Breaker Enchanted! You can grab a copy for free right now to celebrate.

Where to find your host, Melinda Kucsera:

Jul 01, 202301:11:55
Fantasy, Lore, and More: The Return of Abaddon

Fantasy, Lore, and More: The Return of Abaddon

Hi, I’m indie fantasy author, Melinda Kucsera, and today, I’m speaking with Peter Mooren, winner of three Firebird Book Awards for his fantasy adventure, The Return of Abaddon

What’s it about?  
After surviving a tragic accident, Wilder finds himself transported to a strange new world. Hiraeth needs a hero to defeat the evil Abaddon, who returns after 2,000 years to conquer the land. Wilder embarks on a quest to find allies and fulfill a prophecy as Hiraeth’s only hope before Abaddon destroys him.

What’s in this episode:  

  • Peter will share his journey to become an award-winning author, from writing stories as a child to publishing his first novel. We’ll discuss his advice for aspiring writers based on his experiences. 

  • We’ll explore how Peter developed the world of Hiraeth, where phoenixes defeated an ancient evil and Wilder discovers his destiny. Peter will reveal details about Wilder’s mysterious arrival and the characters who aid his quest.  

  • Wilder is an unlikely hero struggling with grief and accepting his newfound purpose. We’ll discuss how Peter created a compelling protagonist on an epic adventure. 

  • Themes of loss, courage and sacrifice in the face of darkness resonate in The Return of Abaddon. We’ll explore how these themes drive Wilder’s journey of self-discovery. 

  • Find out what’s next for the Scars of Hiraeth series. Peter will tease what’s to come in future books without spoiling major surprises! 

Where to find Peter:     

About your host, Melinda Kucsera:

I am Melinda Kucsera, an indie fantasy author who wrote and published 20+ books since 2016 across 5 series. I write epic fantasy adventures about families and magical creatures who’re just trying to survive in a world that hates and fears magic but is steeped in it.

My books are full of magic and mayhem, but somehow, even the darkest adventure always ends well. ⁠Join me⁠ every week for a new story: ⁠https://www.mkucsera.com/welcomecharacters⁠

What series do I write?

Why am I here?

I want to give you more fun adventures, more often, and create a community of fantasy readers to share ideas with, new stories, artwork, and have fun. So I’m taking the plunge and posting chapters of my upcoming books, bonus content, podcasts, videos, audiobooks, boxed sets, deleted scenes, alternate endings and beginnings, Patron-only stories, and more.  

Become a patron now to read those stories.

About the interview:

I entered my book, Curse Breaker Enchanted, in the Self-Published Fantasy Blog Off 9 (SPFBO 9) this year and thought it might be cool to interview my fellow entrants. Only 300 books can enter the contest. 10 will advance to the semi-finals, and one will be crowned the winner of SPFBO 9 for 2023. I hope you're cheering for Curse Breaker Enchanted! You can grab a copy for free right now to celebrate.

Where to find your host, Melinda Kucsera:

Jul 01, 202301:10:06
Fantasy, Lore, and More: The Unchosen

Fantasy, Lore, and More: The Unchosen

I’m indie fantasy author, Melinda Kucsera, and today I’m speaking with Laura Huie, author of the fantasy series The Thedre Trilogy, beginning with debut novel, The Unchosen

What’s it about?  
The Unchosen follows Fia, one of the few chosen by the gods and gifted with powerful magic. But her magic causes headaches and she can’t portal home. Discovering her life is a lie, Fia tries to learn the truth of her past with Winston. The gods stay silent as humanity rises against them, starting with Fia. Reclaiming her magic could mean going home—but it could also seal her fate to die for a forgotten crime.

What’s in this episode:  

  • Laura will share her journey to become an author, from joining her mom at writing groups as a child to publishing her first novel. We’ll discuss her advice for aspiring writers based on her experiences. 

  • We’ll explore how Laura developed the world of The Thedre Trilogy, where gods bestow magic on a chosen few but have been silent too long. Laura will reveal twists about Fia’s mysterious past and destiny.  

  • With humanity threatening the gods and a crime she can’t remember, Fia is an complex character. We’ll discuss how Laura created a compelling protagonist struggling between reclaiming her power or her past. 

  • Themes of destiny, identity and humanity’s relationship with higher powers resonate in The Unchosen. We’ll explore how these themes drive Fia’s journey of self-discovery. 

  • Find out what’s next for the series. Laura will tease what’s to come in future books without spoiling major surprises!

Where to find Laura:     

About your host, Melinda Kucsera:

I am Melinda Kucsera, an indie fantasy author who wrote and published 20+ books since 2016 across 5 series. I write epic fantasy adventures about families and magical creatures who’re just trying to survive in a world that hates and fears magic but is steeped in it.

My books are full of magic and mayhem, but somehow, even the darkest adventure always ends well. ⁠Join me⁠ every week for a new story.

Why am I here?

I want to give you more fun adventures, more often, and create a community of fantasy readers to share ideas with, new stories, artwork, and have fun. So I’m taking the plunge and posting chapters of my upcoming books, bonus content, podcasts, videos, audiobooks, boxed sets, deleted scenes, alternate endings and beginnings, Patron-only stories, and more.  

Become a patron now to read those stories.

About the interview:

I entered my book, Curse Breaker Enchanted, in the Self-Published Fantasy Blog Off 9 (SPFBO 9) this year and thought it might be cool to interview my fellow entrants. Only 300 books can enter the contest. 10 will advance to the semi-finals, and one