Epic Fantasy Adventures, Books, Lore, and More!

I'm indie fantasy author, Melinda Kucsera, and in today's episode, I'm reading Curse Breaker Enchanted, the first book in my epic fantasy series. What's in this episode? Short intro I read chapter 13 from Curse Breaker Enchanted. I talk a little about what we just heard. I read chapter 14 from Curse Breaker Enchanted. I talk a little about what we just heard. I hope you enjoyed it! I tried something different with the microphone this week that I hoped would make the final audio easier to edit, but that didn't work like I'd hoped. It took four hours to edit this. Read along with me! Get a copy of Curse Breaker Enchanted in print or ebook or the AI-narrated audiobook here. Sign up for my newsletter here. Support this project on Patreon. Thank you for listening.

Hi, I’m indie fantasy author, Melinda Kucsera, and today I’m speaking with Chelsea McKenna, author of the epic fantasy series The Vorelian Saga, beginning with Book 1: The Blood of the Lion.  What’s it about?  The Blood of the Lion follows three characters whose destinies intertwine as chaos and war spread through the world of Vorelea. Syra holds a dangerous relic hunted by unknown forces. King Morei descends into a curse that could undo his kingdom. And Cyrus, the first Dragon Rider in centuries, is drawn into a prophecy he wants no part of. No one can escape their fate in this sweeping epic fantasy. What’s in this episode:   Chelsea will share how she developed The Vorelian Saga over 9 books into an epic fantasy series filled with political intrigue, ancient magic and dragons.  We’ll follow the three main characters Syra, Morei and Cyrus as their storylines converge, discussing how Chelsea created such compelling characters and complex worlds. With dark magic, dangerous relics and gods that can’t be trusted, this series has resonated with readers. We’ll explore the themes of destiny, the human quest for power and the moral ambiguity of war.  The Blood of the Lion has already won four book awards. We’ll discuss Chelsea’s journey to become an award-winning published author and her advice for aspiring writers.    Find out what’s next for The Vorelian Saga. With 8 more books planned, Chelsea will tease what’s in store for readers without spoiling major twists!  Where to find Chelsea:   Website: https://thevoreliansaga.com/ Instagram: @thevoreliansaga and @cdmckenna  Buy The Blood of the Lion: https://www.amazon.com/Blood-Lion-C-D-McKenna/dp/B09RHQK28K/ About your host, Melinda Kucsera: I am Melinda Kucsera, an indie fantasy author who wrote and published 20+ books since 2016 across 5 series. I write epic fantasy adventures about families and magical creatures who’re just trying to survive in a world that hates and fears magic but is steeped in it. My books are full of magic and mayhem, but somehow, even the darkest adventure always ends well. ⁠Join me⁠ every week for a new story. Why am I here? I want to give you more fun adventures, more often, and create a community of fantasy readers to share ideas with, new stories, artwork, and have fun. So I’m taking the plunge and posting chapters of my upcoming books, bonus content, podcasts, videos, audiobooks, boxed sets, deleted scenes, alternate endings and beginnings, Patron-only stories, and more.   Become a patron now to read those stories. About the interview: I entered my book, ⁠Curse Breaker Enchanted⁠, in the Self-Published Fantasy Blog Off 9 (SPFBO 9) this year and thought it might be cool to interview my fellow entrants. Only 300 books can enter the contest. 10 will advance to the semi-finals, and one will be crowned the winner of SPFBO 9 for 2023. I hope you're cheering for Curse Breaker Enchanted! You can grab a copy for free right now to celebrate. Where to find your host, Melinda Kucsera: Website: ⁠https://melindakucsera.com/⁠  ⁠Start the Curse Breaker Series⁠ now. Sign up for my newsletter: ⁠https://www.mkucsera.com/welcomecharacters⁠ Support fun fantasy adventures on Patreon. Get thanked. Read the latest novels before anyone else.

Hi, I’m indie fantasy author, Melinda Kucsera, and today Jack Adkins joins me to discuss his fantasy adventure novel, The Blood of a Dragon, and we go way off the rails and talk about all our favorite fantasy books in this no-holds barred discussion!  What’s it about?  Anuka Sandbar, a daring half-goblin con artist, sets sail to find his missing father. Anuka and his friends are enslaved by pirates but offered a chance at freedom if they investigate a dangerous mystery that could lead to war between gods and dragons. What’s in this episode: Jack Adkins will transport us into a world of goblins, dragons and perilous quests. We’ll follow Anuka on his search for freedom and his father, discovering magic and mayhem along the way. We’ll discuss how 34 years of playing Dungeons and Dragons inspired this story, Jack’s background in theater and stand-up comedy, and what readers can expect from this tale of unlikely heroes.  Anuka would rather fight than work for dragons, but with his father missing and enslavement the alternative, he embarks on an investigation that could change the fate of gods and monsters alike. Where to get the book:  Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Blood-Dragon-Dragons-Dorwine-Book-ebook/dp/B09C11JVSY Where to find our guest: Website: https://authorjackadkins.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/coltimar  Facebook: https://facebook.com/authorjackadkins  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorjackadkins/ Amazon Author Profile: https://www.amazon.com/author/jackadkins/ Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21038782.Jack_Adkins Newsletter sign-up: https://authorjackadkins.com/  About your host, Melinda Kucsera: I am Melinda Kucsera, an indie fantasy author who wrote and published 20+ books since 2016 across 5 series. I write epic fantasy adventures about families and magical creatures who’re just trying to survive in a world that hates and fears magic but is steeped in it. My books are full of magic and mayhem, but somehow, even the darkest adventure always ends well. ⁠Join me⁠ every week for a new story. What series do I write? The Curse Breaker series chronicles the adventures of a reluctant mage (Sarn), his son, and the magical creatures they befriend as they fight to save their underground city from monsters, ancient evils, and a variety of magical threats. The His Angelic Keeper series follows a ghost girl who just wants to save her still-living family, not stop a demon invasion or the literal apocalypse, but she’ll do that too if she must. (This is a humorous series that stars Sarn’s twin sister from the Curse Breaker series). The Robin of Larkspur series follows Robin, a woman who just wants to save her daughter from the mythical creatures that kidnapped her baby. Sarn tries to help her. The Divergent Heroes series is supposed to star two knights who are partially disabled but a younger version of Sarn keeps stealing the scenes. The Curse Breaker’s Companion series which includes side quests, wacky what ifs, and stories from my newsletter of Sarn and his family in our world because they won’t stay inside the epic fantasy books they star in. They’d rather visit me through a portal conveniently located in their cave. Why am I here? I want to give you more fun adventures, more often, and create a community of fantasy readers to share ideas with, new stories, artwork, and have fun. So I’m taking the plunge and posting chapters of my upcoming books, bonus content, podcasts, videos, audiobooks, boxed sets, deleted scenes, alternate endings and beginnings, Patron-only stories, and more.   Become a patron now to read those stories. Where to find your host, Melinda Kucsera: Website: ⁠https://melindakucsera.com/⁠  ⁠Start the Curse Breaker Series⁠ now. Sign up for my newsletter: ⁠https://www.mkucsera.com/welcomecharacters⁠ ⁠Support fun fantasy adventures on Patreon. Get thanked. Read the latest novels before anyone else.

Hi, I’m indie fantasy author, Melinda Kucsera, and today Mike Mollman joins me to discuss his fantasy novel Becoming a Druid.  What’s it about? Grahme has always wanted to become a druid, but during his initiation quest, he angers a despotic mage. With the druids turned against him, Grahme must make immense sacrifices to fulfill his dream. What’s in this episode:   Mike Mollman will transport us into a world of magic and nature. We’ll explore Grahme’s journey to become a druid and the sacrifices he must make to achieve his lifelong dream. We’ll discover what inspired this fantasy novel, how Mike developed the world and magic system, and what readers can expect from the story.  We’ll discuss the despotic mage who turns the druids against Grahme, forcing him to fight for survival and make impossible choices to reclaim his destiny. Through loss and betrayal, Grahme finds the strength within to never stop fighting for what he believes in. Where to get the book:  Amazon: https://a.co/d/5vM5dj8 Where to find our guest: Website: http://AuthorMikeMollman.com Twitter: @Mike_Mollman Facebook: http://facebook.com/MMollman/ Email: MIKE.MOLLMAN@GMAIL.COM  About your host, Melinda Kucsera: I am Melinda Kucsera, an indie fantasy author who wrote and published 20+ books since 2016 across 5 series. I write epic fantasy adventures about families and magical creatures who’re just trying to survive in a world that hates and fears magic but is steeped in it. My books are full of magic and mayhem, but somehow, even the darkest adventure always ends well. ⁠Join me⁠ every week for a new story: What series do I write? The Curse Breaker series chronicles the adventures of a reluctant mage (Sarn), his son, and the magical creatures they befriend as they fight to save their underground city from monsters, ancient evils, and a variety of magical threats. The His Angelic Keeper series follows a ghost girl who just wants to save her still-living family, not stop a demon invasion or the literal apocalypse, but she’ll do that too if she must. (This is a humorous series that stars Sarn’s twin sister from the Curse Breaker series). The Robin of Larkspur series follows Robin, a woman who just wants to save her daughter from the mythical creatures that kidnapped her baby. Sarn tries to help her. The Divergent Heroes series is supposed to star two knights who are partially disabled but a younger version of Sarn keeps stealing the scenes. The Curse Breaker’s Companion series which includes side quests, wacky what ifs, and stories from my newsletter of Sarn and his family in our world because they won’t stay inside the epic fantasy books they star in. They’d rather visit me through a portal conveniently located in their cave. Why am I here? I want to give you more fun adventures, more often, and create a community of fantasy readers to share ideas with, new stories, artwork, and have fun. So I’m taking the plunge and posting chapters of my upcoming books, bonus content, podcasts, videos, audiobooks, boxed sets, deleted scenes, alternate endings and beginnings, Patron-only stories, and more.   Become a patron now to read those stories. About the interview: I entered my book, ⁠Curse Breaker Enchanted⁠, in the Self-Published Fantasy Blog Off 9 (SPFBO 9) this year and thought it might be cool to interview my fellow entrants. Only 300 books can enter the contest. 10 will advance to the semi-finals, and one will be crowned the winner of SPFBO 9 for 2023. I hope you're cheering for Curse Breaker Enchanted! You can grab a copy for free right now to celebrate. Where to find your host, Melinda Kucsera: Website: ⁠https://melindakucsera.com/⁠  ⁠Start the Curse Breaker Series⁠ now. Sign up for my newsletter: ⁠https://www.mkucsera.com/welcomecharacters⁠ ⁠Support fun fantasy adventures on Patreon. Get thanked. Read the latest novels before anyone else.

Hi, I’m indie fantasy author, Melinda Kucsera, and today Anna McCluskey joins me to discuss her contemporary fantasy series The Warrior Mage Librarians.  What’s it about?  Between strange cryptids, forgotten artifacts, and dangerous magics, a Warrior Mage Librarian's work is never done.   Trevor and Sister Margaret might seem like an odd pairing. He's a mild-mannered historian with a wry sense of humor and she curses like a sailor and carries an arsenal of weapons everywhere she goes. But they're fast becoming one of the Vatican's best teams of Warrior Mage Librarians -- mages who travel between remote secret libraries, defending them from accidentally-summoned demons, mages with ill intent, and other threats.   Then cryptids suddenly reveal their existence to the human mage world and everything changes.  Sister Margaret and Trevor are sent as emissaries to the annual summit of the Cryptid Collective, where they find that not all cryptids want mages around. And some of them want to wipe humanity from the earth altogether.  Their years-long quest to protect the world as they know it from this cryptid conspiracy will take them from Antarctica to the sulfuric hot springs of Ethiopia. From an island filled with venom-spitting snakes to the depths of the ocean.   Will Trevor and Sister Margaret be able to root out the enemies of humanity? Or will the world be plunged into a war like nothing it's ever seen before? What’s in this episode:   Anna McCluskey will transport us into a secret world of magic and cryptids hidden within our own. We’ll explore an unusual magic system and found family as characters guard knowledge and fight evil.  We’ll discover what inspired this 4-book contemporary fantasy series, how Anna developed the world and magic system, and what readers can expect from this kickstarter launching series. We’ll discuss the series’ ace/aro male lead and badass warrior nun female lead, found family, and the secret societies protecting the world from darkness. Where to get the series:  Until 6/28/2023: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/annamccluskey/warrior-mage-librarians After 6/28/2023: Anna McCluskey -- Urban Fantasy Author Where to find our guest:   Website: http://annamccluskey.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/annamccluskeyauthor  Instagram: @authorannamccluskey   Newsletter: http://annamccluskey.com About your host, Melinda Kucsera: I am Melinda Kucsera, an indie fantasy author who wrote and published 20+ books since 2016 across 5 series. I write epic fantasy adventures about families and magical creatures who’re just trying to survive in a world that hates and fears magic but is steeped in it. My books are full of magic and mayhem, but somehow, even the darkest adventure always ends well. ⁠Join me⁠ every week for a new story: ⁠https://www.mkucsera.com/welcomecharacters⁠ Why am I here? I want to give you more fun adventures, more often, and create a community of fantasy readers to share ideas with, new stories, artwork, and have fun. So I’m taking the plunge and posting chapters of my upcoming books, bonus content, podcasts, videos, audiobooks, boxed sets, deleted scenes, alternate endings and beginnings, Patron-only stories, and more.   Become a patron now to read those stories: https://www.patreon.com/melindakucsera Where to find your host, Melinda Kucsera: Website: ⁠https://melindakucsera.com/⁠ Start the Curse Breaker Series⁠ now: https://melindakucsera.com/the-curse-breaker-saga/ Sign up for my newsletter: ⁠https://www.mkucsera.com/welcomecharacters⁠ ⁠Support fun fantasy adventures on Patreon: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/melindakucsera. Get thanked. Read the latest novels before anyone else.

Hi, I’m indie fantasy author, Melinda Kucsera, and today W.D. Kilpack III joins me to discuss the first book in his series New Blood, Crown Prince.  What’s it about? Natharr is Guardian of Maarihk. He and others before him have protected mankind since the Olde Gods walked. With Sight, Natharr Sees what will be and, as his father did before him, planned for decades to save newborn Crown Prince Vikari and help him reclaim the throne from the tyrannical Brandt of the Green. What’s in this episode:   W.D. Kilpack III will transport us to the ancient land of Maarihk, following Natharr as he guards fate. We’ll explore his duty protecting mankind from threat, be it of their own making or, far worse, the machinations of the Demons of Chaos. We’ll discover the Olde Gods, the Firstborn, the Daemon of Sight, and what inspired this epic fantasy exploring tyranny and humanity’s eternal fight for freedom. We’ll discuss Natharr’s Sight and lifetime of planning to shape fate and ensure the Crown Prince can someday return to the throne, reclaiming the seat of power for the rightful descendants of the first Firstborn. Through duty and prophecy, Natharr never stops fighting for freedom. Where to get the book:  Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T7YXCL3 Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/crown-prince-w-d-kilpack-iii/1132440738?ean=9781074784522 Where to find our guest:   Website: http://www.kilpack.net Twitter: @wdkilpackiii Newsletter: https://kilpack.net/membership.html    About your host, Melinda Kucsera: I am Melinda Kucsera, an indie fantasy author who wrote and published 20+ books since 2016 across 5 series. I write epic fantasy adventures about families and magical creatures who’re just trying to survive in a world that hates and fears magic but is steeped in it. My books are full of magic and mayhem, but somehow, even the darkest adventure always ends well. ⁠Join me⁠ every week for a new story: ⁠https://www.mkucsera.com/welcomecharacters⁠    Why am I here?   I want to give you more fun adventures, more often, and create a community of fantasy readers to share ideas with, new stories, artwork, and have fun. So I’m taking the plunge and posting chapters of my upcoming books, bonus content, podcasts, videos, audiobooks, boxed sets, deleted scenes, alternate endings and beginnings, Patron-only stories, and more.   Become a patron now to read those stories.   About the interview:   I entered my book, ⁠Curse Breaker Enchanted⁠, in the Self-Published Fantasy Blog Off 9 (SPFBO 9) this year and thought it might be cool to interview my fellow entrants. Only 300 books can enter the contest. 10 will advance to the semi-finals, and one will be crowned the winner of SPFBO 9 for 2023. I hope you're cheering for Curse Breaker Enchanted! You can grab a copy for free right now to celebrate: https://melindakucsera.com/the-more-epic-version   Where to find your host, Melinda Kucsera:   Website: ⁠https://melindakucsera.com/⁠ Start the Curse Breaker Series⁠ now: https://melindakucsera.com/the-curse-breaker-saga/ Sign up for my newsletter: ⁠https://www.mkucsera.com/welcomecharacters⁠ ⁠Support fun fantasy adventures on Patreon: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/melindakucsera. Get thanked. Read the latest novels before anyone else.

Hi, I’m indie fantasy author, Melinda Kucsera, and in this episode Hannah Steenbock is joining me to talk about her book South Breaks, the first in a series following magic users fighting against tyranny.  What’s it about?  A lost love. A broken destiny. A new chance. South has given everything to the Holy Empire until a rockfall gives her a second chance at the life stolen from her. Torn between family and love, South struggles to find purpose until the Priests abduct her niece. Rescuing the girl means returning where discovery means death.  What’s in this episode:   Hannah Steenbock will transport us into a world of magic, destiny, and the fight for justice. We’ll explore South’s journey from servitude to defending her family against the tyrannical Priests.  We’ll discover what inspired this epic fantasy series, how Hannah developed the magic system and world, and what’s in store for the series.  We’ll discuss South’s fight to forge her own destiny and protect her newfound family, torn between grief and love. Through it all, she never gives up her need for justice and purpose. Where to get the book:  https://books2read.com/SouthWindsofDestiny  Where to find our guest:   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannah.steenbock.7/ Mastodon: @Firlefanz@writing.exchange  Website: http://hannah-steenbock.de/  Newsletter: https://www.hannah-steenbock.de/ember-alert-newsletter/ About your host, Melinda Kucsera: Melinda Kucsera writes fantastic short stories, novels, and books when not being kidnapped by dragons or chased by armies of fictional creatures. (We do, on occasion, rescue her.) She leaves the running of her newsletter to a cast of lovable characters who hog her inbox. Enough about her, it’s us you’re really interested in, her cast of characters.  ⁠Join us⁠ every week for a new story. About the interview: I entered my book, ⁠Curse Breaker Enchanted⁠, in the Self-Published Fantasy Blog Off 9 (SPFBO 9) this year and thought it might be cool to interview my fellow entrants. Only 300 books can enter the contest. 10 will advance to the semi-finals, and one will be crowned the winner of SPFBO 9 for 2023. I hope you're cheering for Curse Breaker Enchanted! You can grab a copy for free right now to celebrate. If you want to get even more involved, join my community on Patreon and start reading book 10, Shards For His Gift, right now. I'm writing what I hope are the final chapters and posting them this weekend. Where to find your host, Melinda Kucsera:  Website: ⁠https://melindakucsera.com/⁠  ⁠Start the Curse Breaker Series⁠ now. Sign up for my newsletter: ⁠https://www.mkucsera.com/welcomecharacters⁠ ⁠Support this show on Patreon⁠. Get thanked and read my latest novels before anyone else.

Hi, I’m indie fantasy author, Melinda Kucsera, and in this episode Toni Binns is joining me to talk about her book, Choice of the Traveler, a story of found family, slow burn romance, and unknown magic. What’s it about? Betha’s world is shattered when demons invade. Powers emerge that she never knew she had, and hopes fall to her to stop the invasion. With her crush Carter protecting her, can Betha unlock her magic in time to save everyone she loves? What’s in this episode: Toni Binns will transport us into a world of demons, magic, and romance. We’ll explore how Betha discovers her powers and her destiny that she can’t escape. We’ll find out what inspired this story of found family and unlocking one’s magic in the face of danger. What can readers expect from Toni Binns’ writing? We’ll discuss Betha’s journey from student life to being a key player in stopping demonic invasion, with her friends and Carter supporting her along the way. Where to get the book: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Toni-Binns/author/B09LQHLWQ7 Where to find our guest: Toni Binns’ Website: http://www.tonibinns.com TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@tonibinnswrites Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonibinnsauthor/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067969639555 Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tonibinnsauthor/ Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21987566.Toni_Binns BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/toni-binns Newsletter: https://www.tonibinns.com/newsletter About your host, Melinda Kucsera: Melinda Kucsera writes fantastic short stories, novels, and books when not being kidnapped by dragons or chased by armies of fictional creatures. (We do, on occasion, rescue her.) She leaves the running of her newsletter to a cast of lovable characters who hog her inbox. Enough about her, it’s us you’re really interested in, her cast of characters. ⁠Join us⁠ every week for a new story. About the interview: I entered my book, ⁠Curse Breaker Enchanted⁠, in the Self-Published Fantasy Blog Off 9 (SPFBO 9) this year and thought it might be cool to interview my fellow entrants. Only 300 books can enter the contest. 10 will advance to the semi-finals, and one will be crowned the winner of SPFBO 9 for 2023. I hope you're cheering for Curse Breaker Enchanted! You can grab a copy for free right now to celebrate. If you want to get even more involved, join my community on Patreon and start reading book 10, Shards For His Gift, right now. I'm writing what I hope are the final chapters and posting them this weekend. Where to find your host, Melinda Kucsera: Website: ⁠https://melindakucsera.com/⁠ ⁠Start the Curse Breaker Series⁠ now. Sign up for my newsletter: ⁠https://www.mkucsera.com/welcomecharacters⁠ ⁠Support this show on Patreon⁠. Get thanked and read my latest novels before anyone else.

Hi, I’m indie fantasy author, Melinda Kucsera, and in this episode Brendan Noble is joining me to talk about his YA epic fantasy book, A Dagger in the Winds, the first volume in his Frostmarked Chronicles series inspired by Slavic mythology.   What’s it about?  A warrior shrouded in darkness. A witch sworn to revenge. A winter unbounded. Wacław is cursed with a power he doesn’t understand. Otylia is a witch who hates the winter goddess—and her once best friend Wacław. But visions show them fighting side by side. Facing magic and monsters, they must confront the cult of winter to stop the goddess’s plot. What’s in this episode:  Brendan Noble will transport us into a world of endless winter and Slavic mythology When he reads an excerpt from A Dagger in the Winds. We’ll explore Wacław’s awakened darkness and Otylia’s quest for vengeance against the goddess who ruined her life. We’ll discover what inspired this YA epic fantasy series, what the magic system is, and what’s in store for books 2 and 3.    We’ll discuss Wacław and Otylia’s journey to overcome their broken past, uncover the truth of Wacław’s curse, and defeat the winter cult threatening the world.  Where to get the book:  http://www.books2read.com/ADaggerInTheWinds  Where to find our guest:   Brendan Noble’s Website: http://www.brendan-noble.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/BrendanNobleAuthor/  Twitter: http://Twitter.com/brendan_noble/ Instagram: http://Instagram.com/brendan_noble_author/ Newsletter signup: http://www.brendan-noble.com/newsletter About your host, Melinda Kucsera: I've written 20+ write epic fantasy books about the characters that live in my head and invade my apartment through a portal that somehow connects their world with mine.  ⁠Join me every week for a new story. About the interview: I entered my book, ⁠Curse Breaker Enchanted⁠, in the Self-Published Fantasy Blog Off 9 (SPFBO 9) this year and thought it might be cool to interview my fellow entrants. Only 300 books can enter the contest. 10 will advance to the semi-finals, and one will be crowned the winner of SPFBO 9 for 2023. I hope you're cheering for Curse Breaker Enchanted! You can grab a copy for free right now to celebrate. If you want to support fantasy books and help me product more of them, join my community on Patreon and start reading book 10, Shards For His Gift, right now. I'm writing what I hope are the final chapters and posting them this weekend. Where to find your host, Melinda Kucsera:  Website: ⁠https://melindakucsera.com/⁠  ⁠Start the Curse Breaker Series⁠ now. Sign up for my newsletter: ⁠https://www.mkucsera.com/welcomecharacters⁠ ⁠Support this show on Patreon⁠. Get thanked and read my latest novels before anyone else.

Hi, I’m indie fantasy author, Melinda Kucsera, and in this episode JE Pittman is joining me to talk about her book, Felix Chance: Volume One.   What’s it about?  Born on a day that shouldn’t exist, Felix Chance roams untold worlds unlocking his secret past and seeking lost love. What’s real and what’s not? Only Felix knows as implausible things happen by chance.  Felix Chance: Volume One collects the first 3 arcs following Felix's adventures originally published on Kindle Vella. This character-driven fantasy features an unreliable narrator and improbable tales in the style of The Twilight Zone and Doctor Who. What’s in this episode:  JE Pittman takes us into Felix Chance’s world of stolen days and things gone awry with an excerpt of one of his adventures. We’ll explore how and why the implausible happens around Felix.  We’ll also find out what inspired this serialized fantasy storytelling approach and what readers can expect from future volumes of Felix’s adventures. We’ll discuss Felix’s journey to unlock his secret past and seek the love he left behind and discover more questions than answers along the way.  Join us for a fantastic romp where mysteries hound Felix, and luck is his only skill.  Where to find our guest:  JE Pittman’s Website: http://www.halfacrepond.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/jepittmanwrites  Instagram: http://instagram.com/j.e.pittman Newsletter: http://www.halfacrepond.com/newsletter About your host, Melinda Kucsera: I've written 20+ write epic fantasy books about the characters that live in my head and invade my apartment through a portal that somehow connects their world with mine.  ⁠Join me every week for a new story. About the interview: I entered my book, ⁠Curse Breaker Enchanted⁠, in the Self-Published Fantasy Blog Off 9 (SPFBO 9) this year and thought it might be cool to interview my fellow entrants. Only 300 books can enter the contest. 10 will advance to the semi-finals, and one will be crowned the winner of SPFBO 9 for 2023. I hope you're cheering for Curse Breaker Enchanted! You can grab a copy for free right now to celebrate. If you want to support fantasy books and help me product more of them, join my community on Patreon and start reading book 10, Shards For His Gift, right now. I'm writing what I hope are the final chapters and posting them this weekend. Where to find your host, Melinda Kucsera:  Website: ⁠https://melindakucsera.com/⁠  ⁠Start the Curse Breaker Series⁠ now. Sign up for my newsletter: ⁠https://www.mkucsera.com/welcomecharacters⁠ ⁠Support this show on Patreon⁠. Get thanked and read my latest novels before anyone else.

Hi, I’m indie fantasy author, Melinda Kucsera, and in this episode Todd Fahnestock is joining me to talk about his book Khyven the Unkillable: Legacy of Shadows set in the world of Eldros Legacy. What’s it about? After 49 victories, gladiator Khyven the Unkillable needs one more win for freedom. But the king sends him to infiltrate a rebel leader known as the “Queen in Exile.” To earn his knighthood, Khyven must gain her trust...and betray her. Caught between the queen and king, Khyven struggles as respect for one grows and the ruthlessness of the other is revealed. Legacy of Shadows, set in the world of Eldros Legacy series created by multiple authors, is an action-packed fantasy adventure. What’s in this episode: Todd Fahnestock takes us into a world of gladiators, magic and political intrigue with an excerpt from Khyven the Unkillable: Legacy of Shadows, and we’ll talk about as many aspects of that as we have time to dig into. We’ll also find out what to expect from other books in this multi-author series and maybe hear some spoiler-free highlights. We’ll talk about Khyven's journey from celebrity fighter to a reluctant spy torn between honor, duty and redemption and discover the magic of noktum, the bloody spectacle of the Night Ring, and secrets of rebellion against a tyrant king. Join us in a place where champions seek purpose beyond the roar of the crowd, and shadows hide truths that could shake or save a kingdom. Here, forbidden magic abounds, and freedom comes with a cost too high for heroes and kings alike to pay. Where to get the book: Get Khyven the Unkillable: Legacy of Shadows at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BRGMTM5Z/ Where to find our guest: Todd’s Website/Sign up for his newsletter: https://toddfahnestock.com/ Eldros Legacy’s Website: https://www.eldroslegacy.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/todd.fahnestock Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/todd_fahnestock/ About your host, Melinda Kucsera: I've written 20+ write epic fantasy books about the characters that live in my head and invade my apartment through a portal that somehow connects their world with mine.  ⁠Join me every week for a new story. About the interview: I entered my book, ⁠Curse Breaker Enchanted⁠, in the Self-Published Fantasy Blog Off 9 (SPFBO 9) this year and thought it might be cool to interview my fellow entrants. Only 300 books can enter the contest. 10 will advance to the semi-finals, and one will be crowned the winner of SPFBO 9 for 2023. I hope you're cheering for Curse Breaker Enchanted! You can grab a copy for free right now to celebrate. If you want to support fantasy books and help me product more of them, join my community on Patreon and start reading book 10, Shards For His Gift, right now. I'm writing what I hope are the final chapters and posting them this weekend. Where to find your host, Melinda Kucsera:  Website: ⁠https://melindakucsera.com/⁠  ⁠Start the Curse Breaker Series⁠ now. Sign up for my newsletter: ⁠https://www.mkucsera.com/welcomecharacters⁠ ⁠Support this show on Patreon⁠. Get thanked and read my latest novels before anyone else.

Hi, I’m indie fantasy author, Melinda Kucsera, and in this episode, MT Ximny joins me to talk about her book BETA, the first in The Apex Cycle series. What’s it about? Samantha Havardson seems ordinary until her family moves to the manmade island, New Delos, an epicenter for super-powered Apex. Despite lacking abilities, Samantha finds herself swept into a world of secret identities and teams where anyone could be an Apex. Plagued by missing students and a mysterious Spartan warrior, Samantha searches for answers, uncovering secrets that drag her deeper into the Apex world. BETA is an imaginative YA superhero adventure featuring an underdog heroine without powers in a city filled with them. What’s in this episode: MT Ximny reads from BETA and takes us to a futuristic world of synthetic islands, super-powers and hidden threats. We discuss the heroines struggle to find her place in a society split between the ordinary and extraordinary. Follow Samantha’s quest for truth in a world where ability and identity are fluid, and allies or enemies could be anyone with a secret to keep or share. Discover how far she’ll go to rescue a friend and protect a city that never wanted her but now can’t let her go. MT Ximny shows us a world where humanity's reach exceeds its grasp, and an unlikely hero emerges in a place obsessed with power but blind to its costs. Here secrets shape destinies, trust is a luxury, and identity comes with masks that won’t stay on. Get BETA at  https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735657107 Where to find our guest: Website: www.mtzimny.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtzimny/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mtzimny Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20714836.M_T_Zimny?ref=nav_profile_l Twitter: https://twitter.com/t_zimny Sign up for Memory Tree Zimny’s newsletter: www.mtzimny.com About your host, Melinda Kucsera: I've written 20+ write epic fantasy books about the characters that live in my head and invade my apartment through a portal that somehow connects their world with mine.  ⁠Join me every week for a new story. About the interview: I entered my book, ⁠Curse Breaker Enchanted⁠, in the Self-Published Fantasy Blog Off 9 (SPFBO 9) this year and thought it might be cool to interview my fellow entrants. Only 300 books can enter the contest. 10 will advance to the semi-finals, and one will be crowned the winner of SPFBO 9 for 2023. I hope you're cheering for Curse Breaker Enchanted! You can grab a copy for free right now to celebrate. If you want to support fantasy books and help me product more of them, join my community on Patreon and start reading book 10, Shards For His Gift, right now. I'm writing what I hope are the final chapters and posting them this weekend. Where to find your host, Melinda Kucsera:  Website: ⁠https://melindakucsera.com/⁠  ⁠Start the Curse Breaker Series⁠ now. Sign up for my newsletter: ⁠https://www.mkucsera.com/welcomecharacters⁠ ⁠Support this show on Patreon⁠. Get thanked and read my latest novels before anyone else.

Hi, I’m indie fantasy author, Melinda Kucsera, and in this episode, R. Lindsay Carter is joining me to talk about the first book in her series, Unfamiliar Territory. What’s it about? Bounty hunter Cressida Curtain harbors a secret - she’s not entirely human. Her existence holds an ancient evil at bay, a legacy passed down for generations. But she has a business to run hunting bad guys, and preventing the apocalypse won’t stop her. Unfamiliar Territory is the first in a 4-book series of imaginative, action-packed fantasy adventures. What's in this episode: R. Lindsay Carter reads from Unfamiliar Territory, transporting us to a world of supernatural bounty hunters, fantastical creatures and looming evil. We discuss the fantasy elements and secret legacy that shape Cressida’s story. We journey into the world where the fate of humanity rests on the shoulders of an unlikely heroine who just wants to do her job.  We’ll talk about how Cressida navigates hunting criminals, hiding her true nature, and thwarting an ancient threat - all in a day’s work for a bounty hunter who’s not quite human. Get Unfamiliar Territory now at: https://books2read.com/unfamiliarterritory  Where to find our guest: Website: www.rlindsaycarter.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rlindsaycarter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_rlindsaycarter/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@author_rlindsaycarter Sign up for her newsletter: https://www.rlindsaycarter.com/newsletter/ About your host, Melinda Kucsera: Melinda Kucsera writes fantastic short stories, novels, and books when not being kidnapped by dragons or chased by armies of fictional creatures. (We do, on occasion, rescue her.) She leaves the running of her newsletter to a cast of lovable characters who hog her inbox. Enough about her, it’s us you’re really interested in, her cast of characters. ⁠Join us⁠ every week for a new story. About the interview: I entered my book, ⁠Curse Breaker Enchanted⁠, in the Self-Published Fantasy Blog Off 9 (SPFBO 9) this year and thought it might be cool to interview my fellow entrants. Only 300 books can enter the contest. 10 will advance to the semi-finals, and one will be crowned the winner of SPFBO 9 for 2023. I hope you're cheering for Curse Breaker Enchanted! You can grab a copy for free right now to celebrate. If you want to get even more involved, join my community on Patreon and start reading book 10, Shards For His Gift, right now. I'm writing what I hope are the final chapters and posting them this weekend. Where to find your host, Melinda Kucsera:  Website: ⁠https://melindakucsera.com/⁠  ⁠Start the Curse Breaker Series⁠ now. Sign up for my newsletter: ⁠https://www.mkucsera.com/welcomecharacters⁠ ⁠Support this show on Patreon⁠. Get thanked and read my latest novels before anyone else.

(Listener discretion is advised for brief sequences of fantasy violence in a war setting and descriptions of wounds.) Hi, I’m indie fantasy author, Melinda Kucsera, and in this episode, Daniel Maidman is joining me to explore the intricately crafted world of Zanzibar. What’s in this episode: We journey into the vivid Bronze Age-inspired setting when Daniel Maidman reads from The Exile of Zanzibar. Those who continue with the book will journey to Florence, a richly textured city-state with its own history, fables, myths, and religions. They will discover the ghost tower ai Ctesiphôn, hidden in the heart of Florence - a locus of myth and power. Today we will discuss how Daniel built and shaped this immersive world. You will meet the time-tossed Zanzibari, Claire, and her Florentine champion, pickpocket-turned-general Marcus Diophantus. You'll get to know their enemies: the machinating Constantine clan, and the High Priest Reburrus, in this fantasy adventure driven by political intrigue, betrayal and the struggle for control in a city caught between war and peace. Today we will discuss how Daniel built and shaped this immersive world. We will explore the challenges of adapting elements from the ancient world while inventing original mythologies and magic systems for a fantasy setting. Welcome to The Exile of Zanzibar, a world of superstition and faith, warriors and wanderers, where an unimaginably powerful relic watches over a brutal power struggle. Claire and Marcus must navigate treachery and battle to help her return home, but peace may be more than either can achieve. Get The Exile of Zanzibar at: Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BWDPLGG4 Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-exile-of-zanzibar-daniel-maidman/1143115263?ean=2940186759614 Where to find our guest: Instagram: www.Instagram.com/danielmaidman_author Twitter: www.twitter.com/Daniel_Maidman About your host, Melinda Kucsera: Melinda Kucsera writes fantastic short stories, novels, and books when not being kidnapped by dragons or chased by armies of fictional creatures. (We do, on occasion, rescue her.) She leaves the running of her newsletter to a cast of lovable characters who hog her inbox. Enough about her, it’s us you’re really interested in, her cast of characters. ⁠Join us⁠ every week for a new story: ⁠https://www.mkucsera.com/welcomecharacters⁠ About the interview: I entered my book, ⁠Curse Breaker Enchanted⁠, in the Self-Published Fantasy Blog Off 9 (SPFBO 9) this year and thought it might be cool to interview my fellow entrants. Only 300 books can enter the contest. 10 will advance to the semi-finals, and one will be crowned the winner of SPFBO 9 for 2023. I hope you're cheering for Curse Breaker Enchanted! You can grab a copy for free right now to celebrate. If you want to get even more involved, join my community on Patreon and start reading book 10, Shards For His Gift, right now. I'm writing what I hope are the final chapters and posting them this weekend. Where to find your host, Melinda Kucsera: Website: ⁠https://melindakucsera.com/⁠ ⁠Start the Curse Breaker Series⁠ now: https://melindakucsera.com/the-curse-breaker-saga/ Sign up for my newsletter: ⁠https://www.mkucsera.com/welcomecharacters⁠ ⁠Support this show on Patreon: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/melindakucsera. Get thanked and read my latest novels before anyone else.

***Listener discretion is advised due to the graphic violence in the excerpt and a child in a scary situation. The child isn't harmed.*** Hi, I’m indie fantasy author, Melinda Kucsera, and in this episode, Simon Graeme is joining me to talk about his book, Dark Lament. What’s it about? Vas, a healer who channels divine light, turns to forbidden necromancy to resurrect his dead uncle, unleashing horrors that demand lives in return. When darkness seeks him out, Vas must choose between watching his new family perish or embracing darkness itself to save them. Inspired by the Crusades, Dark Lament is a gritty, macabre dark fantasy and the first in The Black Crusade series. What's in this episode: Simon Graeme reads from Dark Lament, immersing listeners in a haunting world of light and shadow. We then dive into the sinister and unsettling lore infusing his fantasy world with horror and the difficulties of using religious and historical themes as a backdrop for dark tales questioning faith, morality, and the human condition. This episode descends into the grim, unforgiving world Simon Graeme created where a healer’s quest for absolution awakens ancient evils that demand a steep price. Follow Vas's transformation from a man of light into a vessel of darkness as he struggles against sinister forces threatening all he holds dear. Get Dark Lament: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L879PL4 Where to find our guests: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/the.simongraeme Twitter: https://twitter.com/theSimonGraeme Sign up for his newsletter: https://www.simongraeme.com/ About your host, Melinda Kucsera: Melinda Kucsera writes fantastic short stories, novels, and books when not being kidnapped by dragons or chased by armies of fictional creatures. (We do, on occasion, rescue her.) She leaves the running of her newsletter to a cast of lovable characters who hog her inbox. Enough about her, it’s us you’re really interested in, her cast of characters. Join us⁠ every week for a new story. About the interview: I entered my book, ⁠Curse Breaker Enchanted⁠, in the Self-Published Fantasy Blog Off 9 (SPFBO 9) this year and thought it might be cool to interview my fellow entrants. Only 300 books can enter the contest. 10 will advance to the semi-finals, and one will be crowned the winner of SPFBO 9 for 2023. I hope you're cheering for Curse Breaker Enchanted! You can grab a copy for free right now to celebrate. If you want to get even more involved, join my community on Patreon and start reading book 10, Shards For His Gift, right now. I'm writing what I hope are the final chapters and posting them this weekend. Where to find your host, Melinda Kucsera: Web site: ⁠https://melindakucsera.com/⁠ ⁠Start the Curse Breaker Series⁠ now. Sign up for my newsletter: ⁠https://www.mkucsera.com/welcomecharacters⁠ ⁠Support this show on Patreon⁠. Get thanked and read my latest novels before anyone else.

Hi, I’m indie fantasy author, Melinda Kucsera, and in this episode, the author duo Olga and Mark, who write under the pen name, Olena Nikitin, are joining me to talk about their book, Autumn Chaos.   What’s it about?   Exiled for offending the king, Lady Inanuan must navigate intrigue and monsters while solving a mystery that could devastate the kingdom. After saving the life of Captain Marcach, forbidden magic creates an intense rivalry between warriors and awakens Ina’s ancient powers and desires. Inspired by Slavic mythology and fantasy, Autumn Chaos is an immersive romantic dark fantasy.   What's in this episode:   Olga and Mark read from Autumn Chaos and take us into the magical world of Cornovii filled with passion, cruelty and impossible choices. We then discuss the three principal characters, the lore in their fantasy world, their unique magic system, and Slavic mythology. This episode takes you into the mythical kingdom Olga and Mark created where an unwilling heroine finds her fierce heart yielding to the men she despised as she risks everything to save her kingdom. Follow Ina’s quest for redemption as she discovers forbidden magic, unleashes ancient evils, and unravels a plot that could spell Cornovii’s doom.      Get Autumn Chaos at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B1Z1P47P   Where to find our guests: Website: www.olenanikitin.uk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Olena.Nikitin.author Instagram: https://instagram.com/olenanikitinauthor Twitter: @olena_nikitin Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@olenanikitinauthor Sign up for their newsletter: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/126534/76567309713409971/share About your host, Melinda Kucsera: Melinda Kucsera writes fantastic short stories, novels, and books when not being kidnapped by dragons or chased by armies of fictional creatures. (We do, on occasion, rescue her.) She leaves the running of her newsletter to a cast of lovable characters who hog her inbox. Enough about her, it’s us you’re really interested in, her cast of characters.  ⁠Join us⁠ every week for a new story. About the interview: I entered my book, ⁠Curse Breaker Enchanted⁠, in the Self-Published Fantasy Blog Off 9 (SPFBO 9) this year and thought it might be cool to interview my fellow entrants. Only 300 books can enter the contest. 10 will advance to the semi-finals, and one will be crowned the winner of SPFBO 9 for 2023. I hope you're cheering for Curse Breaker Enchanted! You can grab a copy for free right now to celebrate. If you want to get even more involved, join my community on Patreon and start reading book 10, Shards For His Gift, right now. I'm writing what I hope are the final chapters and posting them this weekend. Where to find your host, Melinda Kucsera: Website: ⁠https://melindakucsera.com Start the Curse Breaker Series⁠ now. Sign up for my newsletter: ⁠https://www.mkucsera.com/welcomecharacters ⁠ ⁠Support this show on Patreon⁠. Get thanked and read my latest novels before anyone else.

Hi, I’m indie fantasy author, Melinda Kucsera, and in this episode, Mathilda Zeller is joining me to talk about her debut novel, The Revenge of Bridget Cleary.   What’s it about? Exiled from the fairy realm, Brigid Cleary finds herself torn between vengeance, love, and loyalty as she navigates Victorian England. With midsummer fast approaching, Brigid only has until the solstice to steal back her fairy gold and gather her father’s blood to re-enter the fairy mound she once called home. Inspired by Irish folklore, the Pre-Raphaelite art movement, and the true story of Bridget Cleary's murder, The Revenge of Bridget Cleary is a “haunting, compelling, and thoughtful” quest as Brigid struggles to regain her place among the fairies.   What's in this episode: Mathilda reads a chapter from The Revenge of Bridget Cleary, transporting us to a magically twisted 19th-century world. We then discuss the dark fantasy elements, mythologies, and historical details that shaped Mathilda’s imaginative tale of fairies lurking below the surface of Victorian society including the pre-Raphaelite artists. We then dive into her second book, The Bee King, its anthropomorphic bees, and their horrifying quest for a new queen. Where to get the books: Get The Revenge of Bridget Cleary at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B853LC2V Get The Bee King at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C2SMM5TT   Where to find our guest:  Twitter: @MathildaZeller Website: https://mathildazeller.wordpress.com/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/mathildazeller Newsletter signup: https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/5849/sites/53092917229651311/3YKvOO About your host, Melinda Kucsera: Melinda Kucsera writes fantastic short stories, novels, and books when not being kidnapped by dragons or chased by armies of fictional creatures. (We do, on occasion, rescue her.) She leaves the running of her newsletter to a cast of lovable characters who hog her inbox. Enough about her, it’s us you’re really interested in, her cast of characters.  Join us every week for a new story. About the interview: I entered my book, Curse Breaker Enchanted, in the Self-Published Fantasy Blog Off 9 (SPFBO 9) this year and thought it might be cool to interview my fellow entrants. Only 300 books can enter the contest. 10 will advance to the semi-finals, and one will be crowned the winner of SPFBO 9 for 2023. I hope you're cheering for Curse Breaker Enchanted! You can grab a copy for free right now to celebrate. If you want to get even more involved, join my community on Patreon and start reading book 10, Shards For His Gift, right now. I'm writing what I hope are the final chapters and posting them this weekend.   Where to find your host, Melinda Kucsera:  Website: https://melindakucsera.com/  Start the Curse Breaker Series now. Sign up for my newsletter: https://www.mkucsera.com/welcomecharacters Support this show on Patreon. Get thanked and read my latest novels before anyone else.

I'm Melinda Kucsera, your epic fantasy author, and today, we're diving into some of the lore that lies beneath the Curse Breaker series, the His Angelic Keeper series and the Robin of Larkspur series.    What's in this episode?    What happened to the magic?  Why is history personified?  Who are the 3 goddesses of time?  What is history's relationship with them?  What does the personification of history look like?  Why talk about the lore now?  news about Rogue Ranger, my next release   Catch up on all the episodes from season one. Get the audiobook now. (It includes all 19 chapters of par1 of Curse Breaker Enchanted and the accompanying commentary plus this the Deep Lore episode. Get an audiobook of the first part of Curse Breaker Enchanted with no commentary now. Check out my books to see this lore in action!    The Robin of Larkspur series   The His Angelic Keeper series  The Curse Breaker Series   Sign up for my newsletter here. Read this year's holiday issue  Support this project on Patreon. I hope you enjoy! Thank you for listening.

Life took a dark turn after I pressed publish this week on the third boxed set in the Curse Breaker series. Here's what happened in order plus an updated on my WIP.   I talked a little about this in my newsletter on Thursday, but this is the full story. Read along with me! Get a copy of Curse Breaker Enchanted in print or ebook or the AI-narrated audiobook: https://melindakucsera.com/the-more-epic-version/ Listen to me read the first chapter: https://youtu.be/IG-uOg2IBxo Get Curse Breaker Books 1-3: https://melindakucsera.com/curse-breaker-books-1-3/ Get Curse Breaker Books 4-6: https://melindakucsera.com/curse-breaker-books-4-6/ Get Curse Breaker Books 7-9: https://melindakucsera.com/curse-breaker-books-7-9/ Sign up for my newsletter: http://www.mkucsera.com/welcomecharacters Support this project on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/melindakucsera I hope you enjoy! Thank you for listening.

I'm your indie fantasy author, Melinda Kucsera, and in today's episode, I'm narrating Curse Breaker Enchanted, the first book in my epic fantasy series and continuing my quest to produce a human-narrated audiobook.    What's in this episode?  A really short intro  I read chapter 16 from Curse Breaker Enchanted.  I talk a little about what we just heard.   I hope you enjoy it.   Read along with me!   Get a copy of Curse Breaker Enchanted in print or ebook or the AI-narrated audiobook: https://melindakucsera.com/the-more-epic-version/ Listen to me read the first chapter: https://youtu.be/IG-uOg2IBxo Get Curse Breaker Books 1-3: https://melindakucsera.com/curse-breaker-books-1-3/ Get Curse Breaker Books 4-6: https://melindakucsera.com/curse-breaker-books-4-6/ Get Curse Breaker Books 7-9: https://melindakucsera.com/curse-breaker-books-7-9/ Sign up for my newsletter: http://www.mkucsera.com/welcomecharacters Support this project on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/melindakucsera I hope you enjoy!  Thank you for listening.   About the Audio Production:   I don't know why the first minute sounds different than the next 10 minutes or why the last 7 minutes sounds different from the rest. I didn't change anything when I was recording. I just turned off the refrigerator when it randomly turned on about 2/3 of the way through this recording. I will need to rerecord this one for the final audiobook version. I did the best I could to make everything sound the same, but I'm not sure I succeeded.