The Shadowed Path
The Jonmarc Vahanian Adventures Vol 1
by Gail Z. Martin
Genre: Epic Fantasy
NOTHING AHEAD BUT VENGEANCE - NOTHING BEHIND BUT BLOOD
Soldier. Fight slave. Smuggler. Warrior. Brigand Lord. You may have encountered Jonmarc Vahanian in the Chronicles of the Necromancer but you don’t really know him until you walk in his footsteps. This is the start of his epic journey.
A blacksmith’s son in a small fishing village before raiders killed his amily, Jonmarc was wounded and left for dead in the attack. He tried to rebuild his life, but when a dangerous bargain with a shadowy stranger went wrong, he found himself on the run.
Gail Z. Martin returns to the world of her internationally best-selling books with these thrilling ales of adventure and high fantasy, collected together here for the very first time.
OVER HALF A MILLION CHRONICLES OF THE NECROMANCER BOOKS SOLD
“Attractive characters and an imaginative setting combine in an excellent, fast-moving quest novel.”
- David Drake on THE SUMMONER.
Goodreads * Amazon
Soldier. Fight slave. Smuggler. Warrior. Brigand Lord. You may have encountered Jonmarc Vahanian in the Chronicles of the Necromancer but you don’t really know him until you walk in his footsteps. This is the start of his epic journey.
A blacksmith’s son in a small fishing village before raiders killed his amily, Jonmarc was wounded and left for dead in the attack. He tried to rebuild his life, but when a dangerous bargain with a shadowy stranger went wrong, he found himself on the run.
Gail Z. Martin returns to the world of her internationally best-selling books with these thrilling ales of adventure and high fantasy, collected together here for the very first time.
OVER HALF A MILLION CHRONICLES OF THE NECROMANCER BOOKS SOLD
“Attractive characters and an imaginative setting combine in an excellent, fast-moving quest novel.”
- David Drake on THE SUMMONER.
Goodreads * Amazon
Consciousness returned slowly, and Jonmarc struggled for breath. He opened his eyes and saw only darkness. Something heavy was on his chest, while whatever was beneath him was cold and oddly shaped. Pain flooded back with awareness, as if hot coals had been pressed to his side. Whatever lay atop him stank of sweat and shit and cheap liquor.
Gradually, memory sparked. Sweet Chenne, I’m lying in a heap of dead men! Panic tingled through him, warring with the pain. He gathered his remaining strength to try to hurl the body of the raider off of him when he heard voices nearby. It took all his will to force himself to lie still, breathing shallowly, listening.
“Is that everything?” The voice was whiskey-roughened and deep.
“Nearly. Loadin’ it all onto the ship now, Cap’n.” This voice was reedy and nasal. “Couple of the men wondered if we could bring a few of the wenches with us, shame to waste fresh meat,” he said with a lecherous chuckle that turned Jonmarc’s stomach.
“Poke ’em and choke ’em,” Whiskey Voice replied in a bored tone. “Bad luck to have women on a ship, ’specially women who’ve seen you kill their men.” His voice dropped conspiratorially. “They’re like as not to slice off your nuts and branch when you’re not lookin’.”
“Aye.” The reedy-voiced speaker sounded disappointed. “This shithole of a town waren’t good for much, if you ask me. Provisions are slim, women are ugly, not a man in the place worth the bother to slave, and hardly no gold nor silver.”
“Patience,” Whiskey Voice replied. “Think of it as practice. We’ll take Ebbetshire next, when we need more provisions and a night on the town,” he said with a chuckle. “Then Eiderford when I’m sure the new crew know their places.” He paused. “Best we be gone before anyone comes to see about those flames.”
Jonmarc felt a jolt as they threw another body on the pile. He heard boot steps recede, and let out a shuddering breath. It hurt to move; it ached to breathe. One leg had gone to sleep under the weight of the dead raider. His side was sticky and warm, seeping blood. He passed in and out of consciousness, then awoke once more to silence.
I don’t care if there’s anyone left to see. I’ve got to heave this big oaf off me before I suffocate, Jonmarc thought, taking strength from his foul mood. He shoved with all his might, rolling the body of the burly raider to the side and scraping the man’s entrails off of himself. Jonmarc took a steadying breath, and struggled to his knees, looking around. He found his sword and picked it up, watching the shadows warily.
The main street was dark and silent. The shops had burned down to charred posts, and the flames that flickered inside the ruined buildings cast a dim glow across the carnage. Bodies lay everywhere. Some were dead raiders, but most were villagers.
Gradually, memory sparked. Sweet Chenne, I’m lying in a heap of dead men! Panic tingled through him, warring with the pain. He gathered his remaining strength to try to hurl the body of the raider off of him when he heard voices nearby. It took all his will to force himself to lie still, breathing shallowly, listening.
“Is that everything?” The voice was whiskey-roughened and deep.
“Nearly. Loadin’ it all onto the ship now, Cap’n.” This voice was reedy and nasal. “Couple of the men wondered if we could bring a few of the wenches with us, shame to waste fresh meat,” he said with a lecherous chuckle that turned Jonmarc’s stomach.
“Poke ’em and choke ’em,” Whiskey Voice replied in a bored tone. “Bad luck to have women on a ship, ’specially women who’ve seen you kill their men.” His voice dropped conspiratorially. “They’re like as not to slice off your nuts and branch when you’re not lookin’.”
“Aye.” The reedy-voiced speaker sounded disappointed. “This shithole of a town waren’t good for much, if you ask me. Provisions are slim, women are ugly, not a man in the place worth the bother to slave, and hardly no gold nor silver.”
“Patience,” Whiskey Voice replied. “Think of it as practice. We’ll take Ebbetshire next, when we need more provisions and a night on the town,” he said with a chuckle. “Then Eiderford when I’m sure the new crew know their places.” He paused. “Best we be gone before anyone comes to see about those flames.”
Jonmarc felt a jolt as they threw another body on the pile. He heard boot steps recede, and let out a shuddering breath. It hurt to move; it ached to breathe. One leg had gone to sleep under the weight of the dead raider. His side was sticky and warm, seeping blood. He passed in and out of consciousness, then awoke once more to silence.
I don’t care if there’s anyone left to see. I’ve got to heave this big oaf off me before I suffocate, Jonmarc thought, taking strength from his foul mood. He shoved with all his might, rolling the body of the burly raider to the side and scraping the man’s entrails off of himself. Jonmarc took a steadying breath, and struggled to his knees, looking around. He found his sword and picked it up, watching the shadows warily.
The main street was dark and silent. The shops had burned down to charred posts, and the flames that flickered inside the ruined buildings cast a dim glow across the carnage. Bodies lay everywhere. Some were dead raiders, but most were villagers.
The Dark Road
The Jonmarc Vahanian Adventures Vol 2
“May you lose all you love to the flame and the sword—and the Dark Lady take your soul!”
Jonmarc Vahanian fled from the raiders and monsters that killed his family, but when danger dogs his steps once again, he leaves the traveling caravan that gave him shelter to become a mercenary in nearby Principality. His fighting skills help him rise through the ranks, and draw the attention of a Nargi general—and the general’s undead mage. An old, unsettled score turns deadly, trapping Jonmarc in dangerous intrigue. He can save himself—and betray everything he holds dear—or die a hero as the raider’s curse holds true.
This collection is the second set of short stories and novellas that reveal another phase of Jonmarc’s growth from a blacksmith’s son to becoming one of the greatest warriors in the history of the Winter Kingdoms.
Soldier. Fight slave. Smuggler. Warrior. Brigand Lord. You may have encountered Jonmarc Vahanian in the Chronicles of the Necromancer but you don’t really know him until you walk in his footsteps.
Gail Z. Martin returns to the world of her internationally best-selling books with these thrilling tales of adventure and high fantasy, collected together here for the very first time.
OVER HALF A MILLION CHRONICLES OF THE NECROMANCER BOOKS SOLD
Goodreads * Amazon
Jonmarc Vahanian fled from the raiders and monsters that killed his family, but when danger dogs his steps once again, he leaves the traveling caravan that gave him shelter to become a mercenary in nearby Principality. His fighting skills help him rise through the ranks, and draw the attention of a Nargi general—and the general’s undead mage. An old, unsettled score turns deadly, trapping Jonmarc in dangerous intrigue. He can save himself—and betray everything he holds dear—or die a hero as the raider’s curse holds true.
This collection is the second set of short stories and novellas that reveal another phase of Jonmarc’s growth from a blacksmith’s son to becoming one of the greatest warriors in the history of the Winter Kingdoms.
Soldier. Fight slave. Smuggler. Warrior. Brigand Lord. You may have encountered Jonmarc Vahanian in the Chronicles of the Necromancer but you don’t really know him until you walk in his footsteps.
Gail Z. Martin returns to the world of her internationally best-selling books with these thrilling tales of adventure and high fantasy, collected together here for the very first time.
OVER HALF A MILLION CHRONICLES OF THE NECROMANCER BOOKS SOLD
Goodreads * Amazon
Gail Z. Martin discovered her passion for science fiction, fantasy and ghost stories in elementary school. The first story she wrote at age five was about a vampire. Her favorite TV show as a preschooler was Dark Shadows. At age 14, she decided to become a writer. She enjoys attending science fiction/fantasy conventions, Renaissance fairs and living history sites.
The Martins have three children, a Maltese, and a Golden Retriever.
Website * Newsletter* Facebook * Pinterest * Twitter * Goodreads * Amazon
The Martins have three children, a Maltese, and a Golden Retriever.
Website * Newsletter* Facebook * Pinterest * Twitter * Goodreads * Amazon
The Story Behind the Story
By Gail Z. Martin
Jonmarc Vahanian first appeared in my novel The Summoner, the first book in my Chronicles of the Necromancer. When we meet him, he’s already a war-weary mercenary, a smuggler, and renown for his swordsmanship. But he’s also wary, cagy about his history, obviously scarred physically and emotionally by his past and his guilt. In that series, we only get hints and clues about Jonmarc’s story, and the events and tragedies that made him the hero he becomes.
Readers loved Jonmarc, and wanted to know more about him—especially the backstory that I teased them with in the original series. Jonmarc wasn’t the main character in that series, although he plays an extremely important role. So there wasn’t room to tell his whole tale. I decided Jonmarc deserved his own books. The Shadowed Path and The Dark Road are the first two books in Jonmarc’s series.
It’s not necessary to read the Chronicles of the Necromancer books to enjoy the Shadowed Path and The Dark Road. Jonmarc’s books happen before that series begins. If you have read the Chronicles books, you’ll probably recognize the hints I dropped, and the full story behind those hints will give you a better understanding of one of my favorite characters!
Soldier. Fight slave. Smuggler. Warrior. Brigand Lord. You may have encountered Jonmarc Vahanian in the Chronicles of the Necromancer but you don’t really know him until you walk in his footsteps
By Gail Z. Martin
Jonmarc Vahanian first appeared in my novel The Summoner, the first book in my Chronicles of the Necromancer. When we meet him, he’s already a war-weary mercenary, a smuggler, and renown for his swordsmanship. But he’s also wary, cagy about his history, obviously scarred physically and emotionally by his past and his guilt. In that series, we only get hints and clues about Jonmarc’s story, and the events and tragedies that made him the hero he becomes.
Readers loved Jonmarc, and wanted to know more about him—especially the backstory that I teased them with in the original series. Jonmarc wasn’t the main character in that series, although he plays an extremely important role. So there wasn’t room to tell his whole tale. I decided Jonmarc deserved his own books. The Shadowed Path and The Dark Road are the first two books in Jonmarc’s series.
It’s not necessary to read the Chronicles of the Necromancer books to enjoy the Shadowed Path and The Dark Road. Jonmarc’s books happen before that series begins. If you have read the Chronicles books, you’ll probably recognize the hints I dropped, and the full story behind those hints will give you a better understanding of one of my favorite characters!
Soldier. Fight slave. Smuggler. Warrior. Brigand Lord. You may have encountered Jonmarc Vahanian in the Chronicles of the Necromancer but you don’t really know him until you walk in his footsteps
Follow the tour HERE for exclusive excerpts, guest posts and a giveaway!
June 28
kickoff at Silver Dagger Book Tours
What Is That Book About – GUEST POST
June 29
A WONDERFUL WORLD OF WORDS
Readeropolis – GUEST POST
June 30
Books a Plenty Book Reviews
Reign of Fantasy
July 1
nanasbookreviews
The Sexy Nerd 'Revue'
July 2
The Magic Of Wor(l)ds – GUEST POST
Bedazzled By Books
July 3
Java John Z's
3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too!
July 4
Book-Lover
A Pinch of Bookdust
July 5
Literary Gold
Book Corner News and Reviews
July 6
2 chicks and a book
Books all things paranormal and romance
July 7
Valerie Ullmer | Romance Author
The Book Dragon
July 8
Authors From Everywhere
books are love
July 9
Always Love Me Some Books Blog – GUEST POST
Reviews and Promos by Nyx– GUEST POST
July 10
Tome Tender
Books, Authors, Blogs
July 11
Breanna Hayse Romance
Craving Lovely Books
July 12
Luv Saving Money
Midnight Book Reader
July 13
Drako's Den
The Bookshelf Fairy
July 14
Inside the Insanity – GUEST POST
Triquetra Reviews
July 15
Educated Book Freak
Paranormal Palace of Pleasures
July 16
Dragon's Den
Girl with Pen
July 17
Maiden of the Pages– GUEST POST
Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read
July 18
eBook Addicts
raeblake.com
July 19
4covert2overt ☼ A Place In The Spotlight ☼
Paranormal Romance Trance
July 20
Speculative Fiction Spot
Twisted Book Ramblings
July 21
❧Defining Ways❧
Word Processor, Romance, Cats, Kids and Creed
July 22
Jazzy Book Reviews – GUEST POST
Sapphyria's Book Reviews
July 23
Drops of Ink – GUEST POST
ⒾⓃⓉⓇⓄⓈⓅⒺⒸⓉⒾⓋⒺ ⓅⓇⒺⓈⓈ– GUEST POST
July 24
Lisa Book Blog
Scrupulous Dreams
July 25
Stormy Nights Reviewing & Bloggin'
Sylv.net
July 26
Better Read Than Undead
Stacking My Book Shelves!
July 27
T's Stuff
Yearwood La Novela
July 28
Teatime and Books
June 28
kickoff at Silver Dagger Book Tours
What Is That Book About – GUEST POST
June 29
A WONDERFUL WORLD OF WORDS
Readeropolis – GUEST POST
June 30
Books a Plenty Book Reviews
Reign of Fantasy
July 1
nanasbookreviews
The Sexy Nerd 'Revue'
July 2
The Magic Of Wor(l)ds – GUEST POST
Bedazzled By Books
July 3
Java John Z's
3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too!
July 4
Book-Lover
A Pinch of Bookdust
July 5
Literary Gold
Book Corner News and Reviews
July 6
2 chicks and a book
Books all things paranormal and romance
July 7
Valerie Ullmer | Romance Author
The Book Dragon
July 8
Authors From Everywhere
books are love
July 9
Always Love Me Some Books Blog – GUEST POST
Reviews and Promos by Nyx– GUEST POST
July 10
Tome Tender
Books, Authors, Blogs
July 11
Breanna Hayse Romance
Craving Lovely Books
July 12
Luv Saving Money
Midnight Book Reader
July 13
Drako's Den
The Bookshelf Fairy
July 14
Inside the Insanity – GUEST POST
Triquetra Reviews
July 15
Educated Book Freak
Paranormal Palace of Pleasures
July 16
Dragon's Den
Girl with Pen
July 17
Maiden of the Pages– GUEST POST
Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read
July 18
eBook Addicts
raeblake.com
July 19
4covert2overt ☼ A Place In The Spotlight ☼
Paranormal Romance Trance
July 20
Speculative Fiction Spot
Twisted Book Ramblings
July 21
❧Defining Ways❧
Word Processor, Romance, Cats, Kids and Creed
July 22
Jazzy Book Reviews – GUEST POST
Sapphyria's Book Reviews
July 23
Drops of Ink – GUEST POST
ⒾⓃⓉⓇⓄⓈⓅⒺⒸⓉⒾⓋⒺ ⓅⓇⒺⓈⓈ– GUEST POST
July 24
Lisa Book Blog
Scrupulous Dreams
July 25
Stormy Nights Reviewing & Bloggin'
Sylv.net
July 26
Better Read Than Undead
Stacking My Book Shelves!
July 27
T's Stuff
Yearwood La Novela
July 28
Teatime and Books
