James M. Vargo Books

Andro Rhine waited upon the docks that lined Logan’s lakefront. A cold autumn breeze picked up across the waters and blew in his face – his look was miserable. His father stepped out from a nearby goods store, but never looked up from the token he held in his hand. “Son, see here,” said Audin in an odd manner. “I’ve never beheld the likes of one of these.” “What is it?” “A Mervonel coin. Imagine that – all the way from Acrindian.” Andro glanced it over in his father’s waiting hand. Upon one side was a sea serpent in an ever-consuming circle; and upon the opposite side, a profile of a shorthaired man. At the bottom was scribed the words – Emp. Ràcnar . “Whose face is that? We have no emperor in Turra Arrither. Who would carry a coin like this to Logan?” he asked. “Gandol is a mixing place now – all kinds of folk coming in, especially with Fort Gregory underway.” Andro glowered all the more. “Don’t remind me. And now to make things worse – here comes the m...

Grey Lane Here's an update I began to doubt -- Book four, Outcast Alliance series is 100 pages and growing. Actually, I cheated, since this one already has the glossary attached, but 100 is 100.  Now for a name. I have to admit, by chapter six I should have a book title -- even a little something to hold me over until the right one comes along.  But nope. No title. So far I've bounced around between two different scenarios and sets of familiar characters.  Now which storyline comes out on top?  We shall see.  I'll figure it out soon enough -- just another moment of inspiration like the ones that have taken me this far.  And as for a snippet?  Too revealing at this point. (more disappointment) So go on with your lives -- one day book four will arrive  with a blare of trumpets (and a proper title) and your anticipation will be well rewarded.  I'm going to bed...

Southern post of Riccdare    Strange it seems that when I am writing a scene and a picture -- an actual photograph, this time -- displaying the same setting I'm thinking about appears.  There's even a dusting of snow, like I imagined.  Does this take away from the fantasy element in my mind?  Not in my eyes -- I believe the closer to real life, the better fantasy. Kinda like feeling the earth in your hands. Probably why I prefer this genre' to Sci-fi -- more to relate to. Time for a snippet of Book four (still untitled): Armond stood his ground – his look was grim – but outward appearances concealed strange pride. Few save lords and those honored laid foot upon the hallowed heights of the mountain, and if it weren’t for a nudge from Brenn at his side, he would have resembled the stoic peak itself. “What is it, shrimp? Can’t you see the wagon approaches?” Armond asked in a whisper. “I am cold,” muttered Brenn, a gale blowing hair i...

Just a little something from Book Three of the Outcast Alliance series. And yes, I am working on the so far untitled Book Four. "Then a strange emotion overcame Armond. He felt the blood of something near – something spiteful – and it drew closer. He sensed the demon somewhere in the outer darkness; perhaps they all did. Despite the sweat of his brow, his skin froze with cold. His knuckles turned white, tensing as he pressed the crossbow against his belly. He felt this anger before – in the chambers of Lichencombe. Then came a sound against the secret door. Armond decidedly stood his ground. Only paces away, he waited for what he did not know. The sound of nails upon the framework turned into a groan from the strain against the stonework of the hidden entrance. “Perhaps they wasted too much time blessing Lord-Set’s sword,” he muttered, “could use some extra spell-binding here…” Armond’s words were cut short, as what came as a knock turned into a blast....

Time to explore. A blogpost can be an intimidating thing.  I must have something pertinent to say -- or awe-inspiring, glorious, or just downright timeless.  Or if a book update, it better say something incredible like -- Book Four coming out tomorrow: NY Times already calls it the greatest achievement of the twenty-first century!  Yeah, not quite there yet. Another fear of the dreaded book blog:  it clearly means I've been writing.  Right?  Well, not exactly.  I suppose saying it's been on my mind lately won't help; or everything has its season; or the complexities of starting a new job endeavor has robbed me of my story-telling qualities.  So no more excuses.  But it has entered my mind more and more, and that's a good thing.  My short prelude is done, and part of the first chapter, but now I am getting ideals on the next step -- the next several steps.  I've known the beginning and end of each book in the series for a whil...

If you read advice of better writers you'll learn things like; writers write every day, writers keep specific schedules, writers are only writers if they earn long lists of achievements and degrees, and most emphatically, writers write to sell.  Darn. It's been many months since the release of the Prince of Furies , and it never sold.  I can't count family and friends, because they shouldn't be numbered among regular readers -- sorry folks.  I'm proud of this book, being third in the series, and consider it my best, but... Passage of the Acolyte , in it's two parts, sold a few copies over the years -- and several giveaways put it in the hundreds worldwide.  Yes, hundreds -- not earth-shattering.  I hoped some of these good folks would return, leave comments, tell me it was a wonderful read, it sucked, or don't bother me with this Fantasy stuff.  Silence. I'm catching on to the sign of the times.  Tweets, twitter, blurbs, fast this -- fast that...

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/prince-of-the-furies-james-vargo/1119881327?ean=2940149812486 Yeah, it's been a while, but Prince of the Furies is finally on NOOK...and for only $0.99.  More updates to follow. Another cover choice, but I went with the Celts.