When Tricia Mingerink asked me to participate in the blog tour for her new fantasy novel Dare, I was quite excited. Not only does it allow me the chance to find out more about a new series, but it provides me an excuse to break from my usual summer routine of being so absorbed in camp life and work that I neglect my poor laptop while the wailing ghosts of forgotten posts wander the grimy halls of this blog and my characters drift into an ever deeper and darker sleep … (Apologies, dear friends. I tend to wax poetical when I’ve been away from the keyboard for too longs …)
Dare is the story of an assassin. I’m always one for a good assassin tale, so that’s enough to pique my interest. But in case you need more convincing, read on to find out a bit more about the book and about one of the characters!
Dare, The Blades of Actar Book One
Courage could cost him everything.
Third Blade Leith Torren never questions his orders or his loyalty to King Respen until an arrow wound and a prairie blizzard drive him to the doorstep of the girls whose family he once destroyed. Their forbidden faith and ties to the Resistance could devastate their family a second time. Survival depends on obedience, but freedom beckons. How far does he dare go to resist the king and his Blades? No matter what Leith chooses, one thing is certain. Someone will die.
Do you have the book buying shivers yet?
If so, find Dare on Amazon. If not, read on (and then find the book on Amazon)!
Character Spotlight: Blizzard
Relation to the other characters: Leith Torren’s horse
Appearance: In the book, he is described as a dark gray horse speckled with white fur, but in correct, horse color terms, he’s a blue roan. He stands 14.5 hands high, which means he is about 4’ 10” tall at his shoulders. While it isn’t mentioned in Dare, he’s a mustang.
Author’s Note: I never intended for Leith’s horse to end up a major character. Since I love horses and have a horse of my own, I tend to always have a horse in my stories. I wanted to write this book without making a horse a major character. I wasn’t even going to name them. Then, Brandi took over those first couple of chapters and named Blizzard. Next thing I knew, Blizzard became a major bonding point between her and Leith.
Blizzard is partially based on my own horse, though Blizzard is much more hard-working and well-behaved. My horse is content to stay in his pasture and eat all day, with the occasional back rub thrown in. My family also owns four goats, which my horse considers his herd. One of our goats, Ginger, made a small cameo appearance in Dare. And, yes, my horse really does let her climb on his back while he’s sleeping like Blizzard does in Dare.
What I like about Blizzard is that he is a regular horse. He isn’t a talking horse nor does he have human or dog-like characteristics like Maximus in Tangled (though, I do love Maximus!). He is a very tough, loyal horse, and a lot of my inspiration for him came from the steady diet of Westerns I read and watched growing up. After all, who doesn’t love the Lone Ranger and Silver, Roy Rogers and Trigger, or Lance Kilkenny and Buck? Almost every Western hero has his horse. Since Acktar is a mix of American West meets medieval, it’s only fitting that my hero Leith has Blizzard.
Meet the Author
Tricia Mingerink is a twenty-something, book-loving, horse-riding country girl. She lives in Michigan with her family and their pack of pets. When she isn’t writing, she can be found pursing backwoods adventures across the country. You can connect with her on Facebook, Pinterest, Goodreads, and her blog.
Check out the rest of the blog tour posts here. And don’t miss out on the Dare Facebook Party! Tricia is also offering a special giveaway to celebrate the release of Dare. Enter below for a chance to win the grand prize which includes an autographed paperback of Dare, a necklace like the one Renna has in the book with a sterling silver cross pendant, a medieval dagger (not sharp) like the one Leith carries, and Dare-themed bookmarks! (Note: Due to the difficulties in shipping weapons across international borders, this giveaway is open to US residents only.)
Allison Ruvidich says
"What I like about Blizzard is that he is a regular horse."
Yes. YES!!
I am SO tired of magic rainbow horses in fantasy! Or horses that are more loyal and faithful and noble and intelligent than any quadruped can be expected to be. Or horses where the heroes can, somehow, inexplicably, sleep in the saddle. We need more horse-owners (like you, Gillian!) to write about true horses!
*rant over*
Gillian Bronte Adams says
Yes, the lack of realistic horses in fantasy (or just in stories in general) is one of my major pet peeves!
Emma Jayne says
This sounds like an awesome book! Adding it to my Amazon wishlist!
triciamingerink.com says
Thanks, Gillian, for making the time to join the blog tour and do this character spotlight!
Gillian Bronte Adams says
You're very welcome! I'm excited to get a chance for a sneak peek between the covers of Dare!
songbird says
The description of the book sounds interesting. Definitely would like to read it!
Rachel says
What a cool book. I love the information about the horse because, usually, a character spotlight is on a human character and I love horses. Can't wait to read this book.
Gillian Bronte Adams says
Yes, the more unique the character spotlight, the more intrigued I am!
Sarah says
Sounds like an awesome book! I'll have to check it out!
Elizabeth says
Wow! This sounds like an amazing story and giveaway!
Meroc Wolfslayer says
OOOH New Author and book to add to my list of books to read!! Thank you Gillian for informing us about these authors that you either meet or learn about.
Gillian Bronte Adams says
I love telling y'all about new authors that I discover! It's my pleasure. :)
Caryl Kane says
Thanks Gillian for spotlighting Blizzard. I love that Blizzard is a MUSTANG! Dare sounds like an awesome book.
Gillian Bronte Adams says
Yes, that's one of my favorite fun facts as well!
Olivia K. Fisher says
Oh, this story looks ever so interesting! I cannot wait to go and check it out! :)
myself says
This story sounds intriguing…I like the idea of American West meets medieval.
Gillian Bronte Adams says
Agreed. I'm not sure how you could get much cooler than that!
J.F. Dreamrider says
Dare sounds awesome! I hope to read it one day.
Thank you for letting us know about this new adventure Gillian
Annie Hawthorne says
I was sold as soon as I saw the word, "Assassin."
Gillian Bronte Adams says
Me too! I think I can safely say that's what did it for me.
Karrie Millheim says
How amazing this book sounds!! I cannot wait to read it!