In the Heart of the Mountains Series by Rosalyn Kelly

Everyone loves a festival in Vaasar. The town is peaceful and the townsfolk relish a good show. But shy Tamza is not enjoying herself. Her father, a celebrated bear tamer, is stepping down and the time has come for Tamza to take his place and perform on her own.Tamza is determined to make her father proud. Before she can reach the stage, the crowd’s cheers turn to screams as Vaasar is brutally invaded by a bloodthirsty force hellbent on destroying everyone and everything in its path... moreEveryone loves a festival in Vaasar. The town is peaceful and the townsfolk relish a good show. But shy Tamza is not enjoying herself. Her father, a celebrated bear tamer, is stepping down and the time has come for Tamza to take his place and perform on her own.Tamza is determined to make her father proud. Before she can reach the stage, the crowd’s cheers turn to screams as Vaasar is brutally invaded by a bloodthirsty force hellbent on destroying everyone and everything in its path.Only Tamza has the magic powerful enough to save her people and her beloved bears – but first she must find the courage to use it.Set 2,000 years before the epic fantasy novel Melokai, Book One of the In the Heart of the Mountains trilogy, prequel novella The Fall of Vaasar tells of the event that sparked a bitter, bloody feud between two countries – a deep wound which, thousands of years later, is still festering. less

A ruler betrayed by those closest to her. A young warrior with fearsome powers. A ruthless matriarchal land on the brink of destruction.Legendary warrior Ramya has successfully ruled as Melokai for longer than most. Prosperous, peaceful, and happy, her people love her. Or so she thinks.Ramya’s time is up. Bracing herself for the gruesome sentence imposed on all Melokais who have served their purpose, she hears instead a shocking prophecy... moreA ruler betrayed by those closest to her. A young warrior with fearsome powers. A ruthless matriarchal land on the brink of destruction.Legendary warrior Ramya has successfully ruled as Melokai for longer than most. Prosperous, peaceful, and happy, her people love her. Or so she thinks.Ramya’s time is up. Bracing herself for the gruesome sentence imposed on all Melokais who have served their purpose, she hears instead a shocking prophecy.Is the abrupt appearance of a mysterious, eastern cave creature the prophesied danger? Or is it something darker, more evil? And what of the wolves? Will the ferocious war with their kind oust her from power?Suddenly Ramya must fight threats from all sides to save her mountain realm. But while her back is turned, a conspiracy within her inner circle is festering. Ramya and her female warriors must crush an epic rebellion before it can destroy her and devastate her beloved nation.She thinks it’s the end, but it’s just the beginning...Melokai is a grimdark epic fantasy packed with unique creatures and beings, blood-soaked action and brutal battles. It’s a sweeping tale of dark intrigue and conspiracy, forbidden love and sex, powerful magic and hardened warriors. Gritty adult fantasy with intricate worldbuilding, a diverse cast of complex characters, and a richly detailed plot told from multiple narratives. less