Buried Under Books: Special Feature for Today: The "The Jewel of Nirel" by Ann Snizek Blog Tour and GIVEAWAY!!!!

Book Title: The Jewel of Nirel

Author: Ann Snizek

Release Date: July 27, 2013

Genre: YA Fantasy, Sci-Fi

Length: Over 86,000 Words

Publisher: Snow Flower Enterprises

Presented by: As You Wish Tours

Tour Schedule: The Jewel of Nirel

For the people of Tunuftol, and other countries on the planet Nyssa, names found them starting at twelve months old… at the earliest. Along with the names came certain skills or powers. Depending on what you did with your powers determined what type of person you were, and sometimes affected future names. Therefore, names had great importance in Tunuftol, and Krissa had more than a few… nine to be exact. Her full name was Krissa Lysandra Rue Alverna Harley Mya Magryta Freya Wittek, which is quite a mouthful.

The dangers haven't ended for our friends yet. The weather is starting to warm and the war started last fall is under way. Journey with Krissa and the crew as they struggle to keep their world safe and find their place in it.

Khevin saw the boy and walked over to him. "You've done well, lad. What's your name?"

"Brydon, sir," he answered quickly.

"Do you know your way around the city very well, Brydon?" Khevin asked.

"Oh, yes! I've lived here my whole life, Master Ramsey," the boy told him. "I know were just about everything is."

"I bet you do," Khevin acknowledged. "I may need a guide later on. Can you come back here after lunch?"

"Yes, sir," he answered. "I'll be here."

"Alright then," Khevin ruffled the boy's hair again, and closed the door as the boy skipped off once more.

"He's a cute kid," Krissa said softly.

"He's more than that," Micah told her as he examined an apple from the fruit basket that had been sitting on the table. He selected one and bit into it.

Krissa thought about asking Micah about it, but she looked over at the two young men who had just entered. Gilroy didn't look thrilled, but Sealey beamed as he dropped onto the corner of one of the beds.

"What did you find out?" Khevin asked.

Gilroy's expression lightened some and Sealey's expression dropped to his serious face…straight faced with only his eyes dancing with energy. "It's not good, as you told us. Tua is already surrounded. Most people escaped in time, but there are still thousands within."

Khevin sighed and ran his fingers through is hair. Krissa could see that his eyes had darkened. "We will need to see Nadzia tomorrow," he looked at Sealey.

"Are you sure that is wise, Master Ramsey?" Gilroy asked. "She is not the most agreeable of creatures."

"True, but she has information that we need. You and Lonnie take the ladies around while we are gone. It will add credit to Lady Tiponya's story."

Gilroy nodded, but his expression darkened again. "Yes, Master Ramsey," he accepted.

"I would like to have a look around after lunch today also," Alcina spoke up.

"So would I," Khevin said. "Perhaps if we all go out together today, you could provide some tasks that would explain our separation tomorrow." Alcina nodded.

"I'm going to bring some of this fruit out to the stables," Micah announced.

"Horses don't like bananas," Nester grinned.

"I know, but hungry little boys do," he said.

"Khe…, Master Ramsey gave him a whole silver piece earlier. Wouldn't he get himself some food?" Nester asked, concerned.

"He did. Some boys just jumped him and took what food he had, and the rest of the money. So, I'm going to bring this to the stables and wait for him to return," Micah explained.

Nester jumped up visibly upset. "Who are the boys?" he asked.

"Other hungry street kids."

Nester's anger faded into confusion. He didn't understand what it was like to be poor, or hungry like the children of the street. "Well, how hungry could they be? It is still early for lunch yet."

I grew up in Vermont mostly and now live in Virginia with my family (those still at home). My husband and I have a blended family of seven kids. My childhood was spent moving around a lot. (non-military) About five years ago, we started home-schooling our youngest children. Now there are only two remaining in home-school. I have tried to nurture the love of books in our children and now our grandchildren -- always nurturing their imaginations. Recently, I have become active in our community with literacy, starting a local (and online) creative writing club and volunteer tutoring at the Adult Learning Center.

I struggle with Fibromyalgia and PTSD. So, have to be careful not to overdo things... I don't always listen to my own advice. I have a dry, sarcastic and corny sense of humor and always try to look at things optimistically. (again not always successful) However, I feel that if I don't give up -- for long -- then things will work out for the best eventually.