by

A tangled mess of a tale – The Sorcerer’s Garden.

Sorcerer's Garden 2At some point between serving my visiting parents popcorn and ice cream, chauffeuring them to the nearest casino, shooing our resident bat from their bedroom, potty-training the Overlord, and tracking down my hiding husband, The Sorcerer’s Garden went live.  I almost missed it!

So a bit of promotion is in order…In the life of an author, it’s an exciting day.

The Blurb:

Recently fired and residing with her sweetly overbearing mother, Madlyn needs a job—bad. In a moment of desperation, she accepts a part-time position reading at the bedside of adventurer and amateur writer Cody Lofton. A near-drowning accident left the young man in a vegetative state, and his chances of recovery wane with each passing day.

Cody’s older brother, Dustin, and eccentric grandmother aren’t prepared to give up on the youngest son of Portland, Oregon’s royalty.

Dustin’s a personable guy, bordering on naïve, and overwhelmed by familial corporate duties and cutthroat partners. Grandmother Lillian’s a meddler with an eye for the esoteric, dabbling in Dustin’s life and dealing out wisdom like a card shark. One innocent conversation at a time, she sucks Madlyn into the Lofton story, dubbing her the princess and bestowing on her the responsibility of both grandsons’ destinies.

And all Madlyn wanted was a simple reading job.

Uninspired by her self-imposed stack of literary selections, Madlyn opts for Cody’s work-in-progress. Fantasy isn’t her favorite, but with only four chapters completed, reading The Sorcerer’s Garden should be no sweat, right?

Little does she realize, the story will begin writing itself and, by the hand of destiny, become her own.

A collision of urban and medieval fantasy 

The Urban:

“You’ve started reading Cody’s book?” Lillian asked as she poured tea.

“Um…yes.” Madlyn glanced at the crystal ball. Either Tristan spied at the door, which she doubted, or the woman dabbled in the dark arts. “I thought he’d prefer it over my mother’s recommendation.”

“I’m not sure he minds either way.” Lillian shared a wistful smile. “Undeniably, the book is key to completing his story, but it’s your presence and voice that will preserve him as much as the content.”

Madlyn squirmed in her seat and sipped her coffee as the conversation wandered off into the ozone again. She understood Dustin’s caution and hope regarding Cody’s level of awareness, but this business about the book “completing his story” lay beyond her comprehension. For a woman who didn’t make mistakes, Lillian was three tines short of a fork.

“Well, fantasy isn’t really my thing.” Madlyn shrugged, hoping to move on. “But he only wrote a few chapters. I’m happy to read it to him.”

“What is your ‘thing,’ Madlyn?”

“Aside from reading material?” She met the old woman’s eyes. Why am I having this conversation? “I don’t know, Lillian. Maybe getting by, day by day, true love, a fabulous career, two angelic children, a self-cleaning house, a cat without fleas.”

“Ah,” Lillian chuckled, “fantasy after all.”

“Probably.” Madlyn sighed, the list depressing. “But I’ve learned that it’s a waste of time to wish for what isn’t real. I don’t believe in fairy tales. There aren’t any dragons or ogres. There isn’t a magical life waiting for me in your crystal ball. Terrible things happen to us, Lillian. Magic would be helpful, but it’s not any more real than Cody’s book.”

“How do you define what’s real?”

The question unanswerable, Madlyn said nothing. The temptation to scrub her face in her hands and groan was unbearable. She didn’t know. Science and matter? What she perceived with her senses? Could the experience of cool to her, be warm to another? What about feelings and intuition? Was the fear that her father abandoned her real because she felt it, even though, in fact, it may not be fact? Were her dreams and wishes real if she could name them or only when they came true? Was her mother a cracked nut and Lillian a fruitcake, simply because she believed they were?

“I have no idea,” she admitted, her brain numb. She sipped her coffee, reduced to the intelligence of a slug. “As far as I know, coffee is real. I’m not sure of much beyond that.”

“It’s all perception, Madlyn, yes? Layers and filters and veils shape the paradigms of our lives. Our beliefs create our reality; that’s where all possibility lies, where magic finds its spark.”

The Medieval:

A bat-webbed wing scraped over the boulders, hooks gouging the rough stone. A vast wave of fire engulfed the air. Cody curled into a ball behind the huge slab, buried his head in his arms, and held his breath, his body over the bow. When the inferno’s roar receded, he raised his head, caught a whiff of sizzled hair, and heard Dustin bellowing at the dragon, attempting to draw it away.

Every inch of his skin screamed as he scrambled to his feet, yanked the rope pull, and loaded his last bolt. With a laugh at the absurdity of his situation, he staggered out from between the boulders, slightly rear of the beast’s flank. No need to aim, he raised the bow and pulled the trigger. The bolt flew, dragging the second rope. Cody’s ankle tangled in the twisting coil. It flipped him from his feet to his back, his breath punched from his lungs.

The bolt’s barbed point nicked the dragon’s rear leg, skidded beneath the scale, and plunged into the tender belly up to its steel fletching. The beast roared, flung its horned head, and streamed fire toward the boulders where Cody would have stood if not for the tangled rope. His crossbow, pitched to the ground when he fell, flashed into blackened char.

There, the requisite promotion is done.

Click HERE for the fateful Amazon Link.

It’s lovely to be back. 

103 thoughts on “A tangled mess of a tale – The Sorcerer’s Garden.”

  1. reocochran says:
    August 31, 2015 at 12:49 am

    Congratulations to you! Hope all goes well with your release party!
    I read the busy schedule and loved your sense of humor. Your parents sound like a hoot! The overlord is going to be a great young man and he will make up for all of your efforts. Think of his being bonded to you due to potty training, patience and great big dollops of love. He may be full of confidence from all of this, too. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      August 31, 2015 at 3:42 am

      Thanks so much for the well-wishes on the book. 😀 The Overlord is adorable, and he and I are “best friends.” Of course, everyone is his best friend, but I know his grannie has a special place in his heart. I spoil him…it’s my job, after all!

      Liked by 2 people

  2. Letizia says:
    August 30, 2015 at 9:03 pm

    Congratulations and well done! Off to get my copy now 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

  3. judithbarrow1 says:
    August 27, 2015 at 12:00 am

    Reblogged this on Barrow Blogs: .

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Michelle Rene Goodhew says:
    August 25, 2015 at 8:01 pm

    Congratulations on your launch, heading to get my copy!!! 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

  5. macjam47 says:
    August 25, 2015 at 11:53 am

    Congratulations. This does sound wonderful; I’ll have to add it to my tumbling TBR.

    Liked by 2 people

  6. Erik says:
    August 25, 2015 at 4:46 am

    This really is a stand-out read. I’m popping my Amazon.com review here for the ease of anyone who would like it. And, once you have read The Sorcerer’s Garden, do consider taking a moment to leave a review on Amazon.com. Every review really does help. Here’s the quick link that section (just remember, you’ll need to sign into your account to leave a review):

    DIRECT LINK TO LEAVE A REVIEW

    By the way, before I drop the review here, Diana didn’t put me up to this (nor will she have had any idea I posted it until she reads it herself). I just really enjoyed the book!
    ______________
    A Surprisingly Original, Memorable and Beautifully-Written Story

    I’m a voracious reader – but I’m also a notoriously picky reader. It’s therefore always risky to try an unknown or new author, because you just never know at the outset quite what you’re going to get. What I got with THE SORCERER’S GARDEN, however, was a welcome surprise. D. Wallace Peach succeeds in a tricky sub-genre, tackling terrain that even well-known authors I otherwise enjoy have failed to navigate successfully. The surreal elements of the book, shifting between fantasy and reality, left me wonderfully woozy without ever being confused.

    In order to grab my attention and keep it, a book must have both a compelling plot and characters with whom I can genuinely empathize. THE SORCERER’S GARDEN delivers on both. In addition, not only was the plot compelling, it was also * original *. Having read and closely followed fantasy from a very young age, I’ve been through a wide range of plots, to say the least; yet D. Wallace Peach managed to construct a plot I’ve never encountered having been approached in quite this way. This alone would have earned my highest praise.

    The author manages a tricky balance as the “real world” slips and slides beneath our feet, catapulting us in and out of an alternate reality where strange creatures, disembodied evil forces and even paralyzing phobias must be faced, up close and personal.

    Not only is the plot layered, the characters are, as well. No squeaky clean heroes here. Everyone is marred. We care about them, because we see pieces of ourselves in them.

    As if this all weren’t enough, I was particularly impressed to glean some real wisdom and quote-worthy inspiration here.

    I picked up the book skeptical, but found myself won over quickly and drawn inexorably to the ending, which offers surprises of its own.

    Liked by 1 person

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      August 25, 2015 at 1:49 pm

      Wow, Erik. No, I didn’t expect that. Thanks again for reading and taking the time to put together a review, and then posting it here. This is what I mean by the great author community. 😀 😀 😀

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Heartafire says:
    August 25, 2015 at 12:30 am

    This is fabulous D. I too recite if you decide to have a spoken text.

    Liked by 2 people

  8. Silver Threading says:
    August 24, 2015 at 9:47 pm

    This sounds so very good! All my best to you! ❤

    Liked by 2 people

  9. wendyannedarling says:
    August 24, 2015 at 6:07 pm

    It sounds fabulous! Please bear me in mind if you want it narrated. I’d love to audition! 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      August 24, 2015 at 6:33 pm

      Thank you! I haven’t gotten to that point yet, but I know so many readers who listen to books while commuting. Long drives out here in Oregon. I’d do it myself, but I have the voice of a 10 yr old 😀

      Liked by 2 people

      • wendyannedarling says:
        August 25, 2015 at 1:56 am

        I had to narrate one character who’s 8 for my latest project. I have a pretty deep voice for a female so have no trouble doing male voices but the kid was tough. I have to admit to tweaking the pitch in my recording program just a touch. 😀

        Liked by 2 people

  10. Mary Smith says:
    August 24, 2015 at 5:41 pm

    Congratulations! It sounds intriguing.

    Liked by 2 people

  11. Sue Vincent says:
    August 24, 2015 at 5:31 pm

    Love the cover, and the premise … my son has tales to tell of the unfolding worlds he dreamed in coma.
    Congratulations, Diana… 😀 Fancy writing a guest post? If you get chance to breathe at some point, of course 😉

    Liked by 2 people

  12. Sue Vincent says:
    August 24, 2015 at 5:28 pm

    Reblogged this on Daily Echo and commented:
    A new book from Diana…

    Liked by 1 person

  13. BunKaryudo says:
    August 24, 2015 at 4:54 pm

    Very exciting day indeed! Good luck with the launch.

    Liked by 2 people

  14. Cat says:
    August 24, 2015 at 4:10 pm

    Congratulations, Diana, I wish you every success, it looks wonderful

    Liked by 2 people

  15. noelleg44 says:
    August 24, 2015 at 12:36 pm

    Congrats, Diana! This sounds wonderful and I WILL read it. Best of luck with sales!

    Liked by 2 people

  16. Annika Perry says:
    August 24, 2015 at 12:14 pm

    I love the premise of the book, Diana. Congratulations on the launch – had to smile that you almost missed it! Warmest wishes and best of luck to your latest creation.

    Liked by 2 people

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      August 24, 2015 at 2:05 pm

      Thanks, Annika. I knew it the launch was the 20th, but I was babysitting for a 2 yr old all day and didn’t have a chance to even think about it. This launch also feels much more relaxed to me than the last…just pure enjoyment. 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

  17. Nicholas C. Rossis says:
    August 24, 2015 at 9:27 am

    Having already read, I can’t recommend it highly enough. Congrats on the launch and welcome back 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

  18. babbitman says:
    August 24, 2015 at 8:58 am

    Currently half way through The Bone Wall (really enjoying it!) and this is next on my list to download onto my Kindle App on my phone!

    Liked by 2 people

  19. Suzanne Joshi says:
    August 24, 2015 at 7:20 am

    Sounds great, Diana. Welcome back. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

  20. Colin Noel-Johnson says:
    August 24, 2015 at 3:16 am

    Congratulations! Sounds like an interesting story.

    Liked by 2 people

  21. ~Michelle Cook says:
    August 24, 2015 at 12:18 am

    Congrats! Love the cover! 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

  22. A @ moylomenterprises says:
    August 23, 2015 at 11:40 pm

    Congratulations!

    Liked by 2 people

  23. vanbytheriver says:
    August 23, 2015 at 11:00 pm

    Welcome back from your break, Diana, so nice to see you and have you visit our blogs ! Congrats on the book, your blend of modern and medieval is really ambitious and fascinating all at once. Kudos. Look forward to it. 💕

    Liked by 2 people

  24. mother wintermoon says:
    August 23, 2015 at 10:25 pm

    Kudos and congrats!! I love the premise!! My Kindle is fired up and ready.

    Liked by 2 people

  25. jacobemet says:
    August 23, 2015 at 6:18 pm

    Cheers and congratulations! What an exciting accomplishment. I’ll be putting this on my list. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

  26. KL Wagoner says:
    August 23, 2015 at 5:21 pm

    Congratulations! I’ve added The Sorcerer’s Garden to my Kindle, and I’ll start reading it on the long drive back from WorldCon.

    Liked by 2 people

  27. The V-Pub says:
    August 23, 2015 at 4:50 pm

    Congratulations on your book! I’m a new follower and I’m happy to have found my way here.
    Best wishes,

    Rob

    Liked by 2 people

  28. Sacha Black says:
    August 23, 2015 at 4:16 pm

    Congrats have popped it on my TBR pile 😊😊 very exciting

    Liked by 2 people

  29. balroop2013 says:
    August 23, 2015 at 4:15 pm

    Hi Diana, Welcome! back with a bang…the excitement is peeping through your words. Many congratulations for the launch and I wish you all the success with your new book. Seems quite fascinating from the blurb.

    Liked by 2 people

  30. Mary J. McCoy-Dressel says:
    August 23, 2015 at 3:20 pm

    Congratulations! Exciting times without a doubt. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

  31. Ocean Bream says:
    August 23, 2015 at 3:19 pm

    Oh lovely! How exciting! Many many congratulations to you. I have a Kindle, and now it’s on Amazon I am looking forward to sinking my mental claws into it. Your extract is completely fascinating, I am mesmerised. 🙂 (also curious about your resident bat).

    Liked by 2 people

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      August 23, 2015 at 3:30 pm

      Thanks! Launching a book is fun as I no longer get anxious about it. I’m back to blogging today and loving it. Lots of catching up to do.

      The bat! We are a bat friendly family – not that we encourage them to share our pillows, which was my mother’s Sunday night adventure. I think the bat was more terrified than she was! We opened the windows and it took off like a…bat. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

  32. Carrie Rubin says:
    August 23, 2015 at 2:27 pm

    It’s like a book within a book. Sounds like a great premise. Best of luck with the launch and congratulations!!

    Liked by 2 people

  33. estyree says:
    August 23, 2015 at 2:21 pm

    I just went and got this on my Kindle Unlimited. The premise is something akin to old movies that I adore, but added twists and turns (I’m thinking, without having read more than your blurb here, that this might be a mix of ‘While you Were Sleeping,’ ‘Pagemaster’, and ‘Merlin’…) I’m excited to read this.

    Liked by 3 people

  34. The Story Reading Ape says:
    August 23, 2015 at 2:00 pm

    Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog and commented:
    Diana’s LATEST RELEASE FOLKS 😀

    Liked by 2 people

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