by Jacky Gray
Archer frowned at the now incomplete sentence. The council leader who sent him to this alien world did not expect a literary masterpiece. However he insisted every thought should be written down, no matter how trivial, saying it would help the council to understand the effects of living in this toxic environment. Picking up the pen, Archer tried again.
To get through this, what you need are a few people on your side. What you don’t need is to be in a strange place, where they use the same words, but in different ways, with different meanings. Who knew that calling something “bad” meant it was good? That if you liked someone they were “cool,” but if you really liked them, they became “hot.”
There was so much more to discover than just the language, but he’d had enough of writing. Flinging himself on the bed, Archer wished for the millionth time he had not been voted the top male student in his graduating class – then he would not have to endure this torment. His mission was to learn. So far, he had only discovered how to put up with unrelenting ridicule.
Hengist: People of the Horse
Get to know the characters at www.hengistarcher.co.uk
http://hengistpeoplehorse.blogspot.co.uk
Read a preview at:
https://www.amazon.com/JackyGray/e/B004E5ANH2
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Book 1: Archer (buy in UK)
Archer doesn’t belong. In case he has any doubts, Edlyn will go to any lengths to show that he never could.
As if the Beltane graduation competition isn’t tough enough, Archer needs a huge dose of honour and integrity to win through the extra challenges as Edlyn tries hard to sabotage his enemy’s chances. It’s not just about the jousting and sword fighting, there’s even a gleeful moment when Archer takes to the stage as Robin Hood. He attracts plenty of female admirers, but there’s only one girl he really wants to kiss.
When Edlyn crosses the wrong enchantress, he ends up in the ceremonial bonfire. Archer is faced with the ultimate dilemma – does he defy her and risk his life to save his nemesis, or simply walk away?
More things people say about Archer:
“With accurate detail on jousting, archery, and swordplay, this story sucks you in, tickles your fancy, and then spits you out wanting more.” HS
“Archer is such a great character, with all the strengths you could want and vulnerability that cuts straight to your heart. His friends (and nemesis) are so real I found myself feeling a part of the story.” AD
“I can hear the music in her writing, the tempo is very fast but it emits a steady rhythm. The flow is brilliant and the story is engaging.” BM
“These chronicles follow the lives of Archer and his friends as they compete at Beltane, in well-executed, exhilarating and fun-packed scenes” IU
“Archer brings a maturity to all he does that is well beyond his years. Archer has become one of my favorite fictional characters due to his level-headedness and thoughtful consideration of ethics.” VR
“Jacky has nailed the character of a medieval archer; the books are a thrilling blend of action and rich historical detail.” KH
“Archer takes a different twist than traditional knight’s tales. Ms. Gray brings to the reader a new world filled with authentic traditional language, giving a sense of travelling back in time.” VH
“Absolutely wonderful! I learned a few things about jousting and archery. Exciting and wondrous. Can't wait to read the next one!” MB
“Although targeting a teen boy audience, this story felt just right for me too. If you have a Hunger Games fan in the house, this book can--using a fun story--enhance their knowledge of the lost art of bowmaking!” LR
Book 2: Rory (buy in UK)
Archer’s reward for being the most worthy student in his graduating class is to lose his home and all his friends. The place he is sent to is a world away from home and he must get used to many different aspects of this new life, starting with daily torment from Peter and his henchmen.
The first day at the foster home is so bad he wants to leave but the first day at his new school is so bad he has to leave. At the new foster home, Rory and Tom are friendlier and things finally seem to be improving.
Not for long. He is back on guard with the arrival of two antagonistic sisters, but his normal defences are useless against an adversary like Mandy. Archer is dragged further into the shady world of Stiff and his gang of teenage shoplifters, but how can he hope to survive when the people he thought were his friends betray him?
More things people say about Rory:
“Archer faces a tough road in this story, and there are times when he seems unbearably alone. A great story for adults and younger readers.” JD
“Definitely worth the read. Halfway through the book, I actually had to close down my Kindle and walk away; I knew just what that vile Mandy was going to do. Blackmail is just wrong, wrong, wrong!”HS
“Loved this book! I would recommend this to anyone interested in gripping and exciting storytelling. Great characters. Well worth a read.”PY
“Woven into the words is a journey that we can all relate to and for me that is the magic of a good writer.”MW
“Archer again comes to face more challenges with life, this time with girls in his life and how they can be so influential to get what they want.”CF
“I wasn’t sure because some characters were so horrible, but I turned a page and was back on familiar territory. I couldn’t put it down.”MH
“Rory has plenty of laugh out loud moments as the author uses her keen observation to wriggle out laughs from the unlikeliest of sources.”MW
“Archer was out of his comfort zone with modern teens but he handled himself well and brought the best out in others around him.”DC
“Wonderful story telling! It only takes reading a few words for me to become completely captivated and absorbed into a different world.”MB
Book 3: Reagan (buy in UK)
Reagan didn’t think he was anything special, lots of boys could sense ley-lines and knew the healing properties of plants and trees. Whatever he did would never be good enough for his mother, not even when he won the Garlanding or scored 100% on his graduation tests.
With the help of his spirit guide Blaise and master trainer Kalen, he tries to determine the position of the next white horse. After an unsteady start they are aided in their quest by Reeve, daughter of the leading authority on white horses. Reagan needs all his mathematical skills to decode the complex patterns of ley lines and crop circles but it becomes a race against time as the dangerous accidents in the village lead to more serious casualties.
Can Archer help him to find the missing pieces of the puzzle or will Reagan's perilous gift destroy him as it destroyed so many other chosen children?
More things people say about Reagan:
“A fantasy-laden adventure, Reagan romps along with Gray always finding the right balance between medieval and contemporary settings. The plot is compelling, the characters superb and the writing excellent.”BV
“Reading these books is like watching a play. The characters just pop right off the page. I can hear their voices and see their faces as I read.”LL
“Reagan is a well-developed character with many facets to his personality. Ms. Gray does an excellent job presenting Reagan's internal psychological struggle between teenager and level-headed professional.”VR
“I'm an avid lover of history and the medieval time period is one of my favorites. I really enjoy Gray's attention to detail, as well as her excellent twist on a historical setting.”JF
“I recommend this book to young people who are learning about Celtic culture or indeed to those who love this world. Jacky offers so much material, in such an authentic way, a true delight.”SM
“Jacky continues to write with a refreshing honesty; creating a reality that isn’t unnecessarily padded up for the younger reader’s bene
fit.”MW
“Another pacey book - a great way to get lost for an evening or two. I found this book almost as hard to put down as when I first read Archer.”CF
“The book included many topics I’m interested in: crop circles, ley lines, white horses, etc, and I loved the way the story wove these together.” RM
Book 4: Slater (buy in UK)
Slater is the son of Mason, but he will never be a chip off the old block. Although his father is responsible for Aveburgh henge, Slater is more interested in learning about the ceremonies held amongst the stones
Torn from a solstice celebration into a real-life nightmare, Slater's talent for reading ley lines upsets dark forces. Ancient magic pulls him back in time to reveal his connection to primeval secrets. There, he is teased by formidable priestesses who teach him the power of earth energies. Slater’s ability to solve problems under pressure is his strongest weapon against terrifying shamen who want only one thing from him – his death.
Only Slater knows the prehistoric temples are not built correctly, but what will happen if he interferes in the past?
Things people say about Slater:
“I find the history of stone circles particularly fascinating, and Ms. Gray did a fantastic job of weaving intelligent research with vivid fantasy in a way that kept me reading (and guessing!) long into the night.”SF
"To me, the best part of the story is the joy and excitement which Gray writes it. You can tell it's a subject she is particularly interested in, and that love of the topic really makes the story shine."JD
“The plot is gripping and suspenseful, especially the evil shaman Tauroch. The character development deserves full marks as well.” KP
“I thoroughly enjoyed Slater. The different timelines that Slater is thrown into, and the challenges he meets, are really cool.”AD
“Although Slater is aimed at teens, the pace, content and maturity of the main character make it also a perfect choice for adults too.”PY
“Great characters and a plot that stretches across millennia, but what I loved most is the Stonehenge is truly the main character.” VR
“I think it would be great fun to be Slater for a couple days and travel back to witness some of the histories unfolding and ceremonies developing!” HS
"The Druids and Stonehenge is an era I'm drawn to. As a frequent visitor to Stonehenge and Avebury, I can visualise Slater's journey."SM
“Really good book, takes you right into the story. Intriguing plot and great characters, good for all ages.” LC
Book 5: Geraint (buy in UK)
Geraint’s life is Hell. He despises his father’s scavenging lifestyle and loathes the brutal training designed to make him worthy to become a Renegate leader. In the combat trial, he bests a bully who seeks revenge.
Light brightens Geraint’s darkness when he meets Siany, a Townie girl who teaches him how to read, write and believe in himself. This meeting of souls awakens strong powers in both of them, but the bully severs their connection, plunging him back to that dark place.
Prophetic dreams help Geraint to save Siany’s family from cut-throat bandits, who go on to besiege Oxford, a stepping stone to ruling the land. Geraint and Siany’s role in uniting their peoples against this evil is crucial, working alongside the legendary Archer. When the warrior’s nemesis joins the murderous band, death and destruction seem inevitable.
Things people say about Geraint:
“Gray has penned an original and rich story world that’s easy to fall in love with. Filled with complex characters, they don't come any better than Geraint whose intriguing personality becomes satisfyingly more intricate as the plot evolves.” BV
“It’s totally original is well written and above all has a whole lot of great characters. No problem here in awarding 5 stars” CS
“The characters feel so real you can't help but cheer for them. The overall world draws you in and the pace of the book makes it a fast read.” RW
“If you love wild pigs, affectionate dogs, old crones, invisible children, and an unusual love story involving a mystical, magical connection between the lovers, you'll love Geraint.” VR
“Geraint delves into the Renegate life, the balance of honor and survival, and truth as it is vs. truth as we color it.” HS
“The adventure contained both inner and outer battles, and the spiritual magic that I've grown to love in this series.” AD
“World building at its best. From the opening pages I was pulled in, and as the story unfolds, I went deeper into Geraint's troubled world.” B
"The books just get better. I find myself submerged in a rich fantasy world that feels increasingly familiar without losing any of its magic." D
“The description of the magic was beautiful and subtle while the characters are well-drawn and likable.” JW
WorldWiseWriters
This group of talented women is committed to engaging stories filled with charismatic characters and exciting adventures. First class writing, edited within an inch of its life, and fronted by breathtaking artwork. Looking for a good book to read? Check out:
Andrea Domanski: Crossfire, Greco, Rogue, Pandora, Chaos
Once a normal teenage girl, now an Amazon warrior. Add in a bunch of kick-ass preternaturals and one maniacal demi-god and what have you got? The worst birthday ever!
Website: http://www.andreadomanski.com/
Hannah Sullivan: Thunder: The Shadows are Stirring, Five Weeks
A rift between the layers of the world. A talking horse. Evil sliders. What’s a girl to do when she is the only one who can save it all?
Website: http://www.thunderstories.com/
Jacky Gray: Archer, Rory, Reagan, Slater, Geraint
Mmm. Shoot an apple off his friend’s head or lose his food, horse and clothes? Some decisions require little thought.
Website: http://www.hengistarcher.co.uk/index.php/archer.html
J.D. Faulkner: Mirrored Time
New jobs aren't supposed to be this hard. Crazy half-gods, time travelers and ex-gladiator thieves? Unemployment never looked so good. Website: http://www.timearchivistnovels.com/
Rowanna Green: Death Wishes, Triple Jeopardy,Hostage Series
When Jo Green dies, all Hell lets loose in Heaven; she must live ’til her bucket list is fulfilled. Who better to help than a rookie guardian angel? Think Coke Break guy with wings. Yummy!
Website: http://rockslikea.blogspot.com/
S.M. Freedman: The Faithful , Impact Winter
According to I Fidele, non-psychics are cockroaches. And the extermination is about to begin.
Website: http://www.smfreedman.com/
