Inside the Insanity: *Book Tour & Giveaway* The Deliverers-GUEST POST

Tales of adventure, friendship, self-confidence and teamwork for all ages.

Sharky and the Jewel

The Deliverers Book 1

by Gregory S. Slomba

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy Adventure

WINNER of the Golden Wizard Children's Book Award 2024!
NOMINATED for The Book of the Year Award 2024 in the Ages 8+ Category.

A world is in trouble, who can save it?

Certainly not Eric Scott, a 12 year old boy coming to grips with his own personal tragedy. But that’s exactly what Stig, an owl from another world, asks him to do. Together, they are sent to deliver Calendria, a small fishing village, from Sharky, an immortal pirate captain that has enslaved them. But defeating Sharky and his band of bloodthirsty pirates will be no easy task.

When they arrive, Eric and Stig meet Kate Endria, who is convinced that they are the Deliverers—heroes of an ancient prophecy who are destined to defeat Sharky and his crew. Eric devises a plan that he hopes will work. Eric’s confidence rises when they rescue Hallo Tosis, an outcast dwarf who gives them the key to a powerful weapon. But it’s only after things start to go horribly wrong that Eric and Stig discover the true object of their mission.

THE GOLDEN WIZARD BOOK PRIZE REVIEW 2024:

This book is truly a masterpiece, showcasing the author's incredible talent on every single page. Slomba’s writing style...blurs the boundaries between fiction and reality, immersing readers completely in the story.

The protagonist, Eric, is exceptionally well-crafted. As the plot unfolds, we witness his remarkable journey of self-discovery, gradually uncovering his inner strength and determination. This evolution of the character adds depth and relatability to the narrative, allowing readers to form a personal connection...and reminding us of our own untapped potential.

What else sets this astounding literary piece apart is its ability to resonate with a wide range of readers. It surpasses age boundaries, entrancing not only younger readers but also adults who will find themselves completely absorbed in its pages. The allure of this book is undeniable, and personally, I found it to be an absolute delight to read. I am eagerly looking forward to the next installment in the series, excited to continue the journey.

- Louise Jane, CEO The Golden Wizard Book Prize

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Order of the Crystal Lion

The Deliverers Book 2

"The Deliverers: Order of the Crystal Lion proved to be even better than the first book in the series (which I loved) and left me wanting the next book right away! The action was non-stop and the creative elements made the story come alive. The story was full of surprises and is an adventure you don't want to miss!"~Stephanie Robinson, co-author of The Secret DMS Files of Fairday Morrow

"The writing in this book is so descriptive...Every page is a fabulous adventure filled with action. Just when you think the conflict is over and you can finally breathe a sigh of relief - wham! - a new unexpected twist appears."~Karen Pokras Toz, author of the award-winning Nate Rocks series.

Who will fight--for the Order, for freedom? For centuries, the Vynistri have been splicing lion DNA to the genes of their servants, the Chazum, using a device called the Machine. Now an army of Chazum and sympathetic Vynistri are waging a bloody civil war to overthrow the Vynistri's evil ruler, Chancellor Trelango. In their latest Assignment, the Deliverers--Eric Scott, Stig the owl, Kate Endria and Hallo Tosis the dwarf--are charged with putting an end to the fighting and restoring balance to the world. Aided by a secret society called the Order of the Crystal Lion, Eric and the rest of the Deliverers must overcome tragedy and loss to fight for freedom and equality. Spurring them on is the Order's belief that the long awaited Crystal Lion has arrived to deliver the world. Is it true, or will Trelango destroy them all?

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The Golden Dragon of Ang

The Deliverers Book 3

“From the mouth thou shalt hear
The wisdom of far off lands.
The way to truth is clear
Head, then heart, then hands.
Lastly, tail will point the way
To the world’s end.
Then gold shall have its say
And foretell the doom of men.”

With his dying breath, so spoke the last Dragon’s Voice. Now, with no successor to impart the wisdom of the mythical Golden Dragon of Ang and children between the ages of 12 and 15 mysteriously disappearing, the Dragon Islands have been turned upside down. It is up to the Deliverers—Eric Scott, Stig the owl, Kate Endria and Hallo Tosis the dwarf—to unravel the clues they hope will lead to the missing children and the new Dragon’s Voice. Meanwhile, the Fang, leader of the renegade Denchi Assassins, has harnessed the unearthly powers of the sparkling mist and is attempting to tip the balance of power in the Islands, and perhaps shred the very fabric of the universe itself. Will the new Dragon’s Voice be revealed, or has the Golden Dragon of Ang abandoned the Islands to the Fang and the sparkling mist?

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Sparkling Mist of Time

The Deliverers Book 4

You can’t change the past—can you?

That’s what Eric Scott always thought. But that was back before he learned about the Hallway of Worlds and the sparkling mist. Now, after three Assignments to save other worlds, he’s not so sure. When the Gatekeeper tells him someone might be using the mist—matter from failed worlds—to change the past on Eric’s world, possibility becomes probability.

In their fourth and final Assignment, the Deliverers—Eric Scott, Stig the owl, Kate Endria, and Hallo Tosis the dwarf—face a challenge like no other. They must prevent the worlds they have helped on their previous Assignments from being wiped out. They are sent back in time to the American Revolution to stop an unknown foe from using the sparkling mist to change history. Worlds, the Hallway and the universe as we know it, hang in the balance. Will the Deliverers be able to contain the sparkling mist once and for all, or will everything they have achieved so far be annihilated?

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Gregory S. Slomba is an instructional designer, former editor, and the author of the award-winning Deliverers Series. He studied English at the University of Dayton, then worked as a banker for 20 years. He also spent four years as an editor and writer for a national trade magazine, giving him an opportunity to sharpen his writing and editing skills. Along the way, he was able to visit some fun places such as Bermuda, Spain, China, and over 60% of the U.S. states. He currently designs, writes, and delivers training courses for bankers.

Reading fantasy and science fiction has always sparked his imagination. Inspiring the imaginations of young readers through his writing is what drives him.

Greg lives in Connecticut with his wife, Stephanie and his two grown children, a golden retriever, and four cats.

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GUEST POST

Deliverers Character Interview: Hallo Tosis

Our Deliverers chearacter interview series continues with the last of the Deliverers, Hallo Tosis the dwarf. Let's get right to it.

Greg: Welcome, Hallo, to The Deliverers Publishing Headquarters. It’s great to have you here.

Hallo: Thank’ee, thank’ee it’s great t’ be here, too. But, from what the others said, I thought it’d be more fancy-like, don’t ya know.

Greg: Umm, how do you mean?

Hallo: Oh, well, er, they said this were a magnificent showpiece an’ all. But t’ tell ya the truth, an’ I really don’t know how t’ tell ya this an’ all, but this here’s a real dump, don’t ya know. ‘T ain’t so much to it. They said the corridors went on f’ever an’ that there was fancy furniture an’ paintin’s an’ such, but I ain’t seen none o’ them things.

Greg: Hallo, it’s a joke.

Hallo: A which?

Greg: A joke. A running gag. We’ve been doing it throughout the interview series. Didn’t the others tell you?

Hallo: Wha’? Oh, er, um, sorry ‘bout that. Come t’ think on it, now that ya mention it, they did say somethin’ ‘bout gaggin’. It come t’ mind ‘cause I felt like gaggin’ when I come in, don’t ya know. Sorry I spoilt the joke, sonny.

Greg: Oh, don’t worry about it, Hallo. Let’s just get on with the interview, shall we?

Hallo: You go it, mister. Let’s get this show on the road, don’t ya know.

Greg: Alrighty, then. Why don’t you tell us a little bit about yourself, Hallo?

Hallo: Well, let’s see. You’re prob’ly wonderin’ ‘bout m’ name. Hallo Tosis ain’t such a hot name. It were given t’ me by m’ pappy, Jeremiah Tosis. He has a cuttin’ sense o’ humor, an’ he thought it funny t’ give me such a stinky name.

I was borned in the Dwarf Kingdom. I come from a long line of smithys. Some o’ m’ ancestors was silversmithys, some were goldsmithys. Some were sculptors, artisans, an’ some was tunnelers, don’t ya know. M’ pappy is the Royal Goldsmithy, the official goldsmithy t’ the king, a right important position.

On the other hand, I don’t have none o’ them skills. I’m the only one o’ m’ folk without the Gift, as we call it. M’ pappy were right fed up w’ me. In fact, he had me banished. So, I took t’ wanderin’ in the mountains, not bein’ able t’ go home an’ afraid t’ be found out by the Big Folk.

Then, I met Eric, Stig ‘n’ Kate, an’ m’ life took a turn for the better, don’t ya know.

Greg: What’s the Dwarf Kingdom like?

Hallo: It’s a place o’ unsurpassed beauty, don’t ya know. It’s located under the Iron Mountains, not too far from Calendria. There are many villages in the Kingdom, an’ everyone lives in comfort, like. I sure missed livin’ there.

The art were stupendous. There are carvin’s and reliefs cut inta the walls. Gold an’ jewel inlaid statues line the streets. The villages bustle with activity in the marketplaces an’ forges. I’m proud that I’m from the Kingdom.

Greg: What are your thoughts about the rest of the Deliverers?

Hallo: I can’t say enough about ‘em. Without them, I don’t rightly know where I’d be. Eric’s been through a lot, an’ he’s a good lad. He had a big load on his shoulders, an’ I’m glad I could help him out a little, don’t ya know.

Now Stig, he’s a crusty ol’ birdie, but he means well. I just wish he’d loosen up a wee bit, don’t ya know. He’s the one what’s done this all before, so he helped keep us all focused on the task at hand.

Kate, she’s a grand lass. I’m glad t’ have her an’ her folk for neighbors. Her pappy, the Lord Mayor is all right, too. Kate helped keep us all together, kept us from gettin’ on each other’s nerves.

I think we all work well t’gether, don’t ya know, an’ I’m hopin’ we’ll get t’ work t’gether in the future.

Greg: What do you like to do in your spare time?

Hallo: Well, I have a new job now, an’ that keeps me pretty busy, don’t ya know. When I’m off duty, I still try m’ hand at metal workin’. I still ain’t improved none. I also like t’ go down t’ Calendria t’ see Kate an’ her pappy. I also chew the fat with Cordon, the village blacksmithy, talkin’ shop. Me an’ the apothecary, Mrs. Bubblebeak, I mean Madame Bottleneck, have also become thick as thieves. I go over for a chat now an’ again.

Part o’ me, though, is waitin’ t’ go on another Assignment. I think one day, I’ll be called t’ go on one. I’m interested t’ meet the Gatekeeper. When that happens, I’ll be ready t’ go on another great adventure.

Greg: Why do you think that dwarves love treasure so much?

Hallo: Well now, it’s so beautiful. It’s the greatest feeling t’ take gold an’ jewels an’ make them inta somethin’ even more breathtakin’ than what ya started with. Treasurer’s why we dig. It’s our whole purpose—t’ find it an’ mold it.

Greg: Speaking of treasure, what can you tell us about the Jewel?

Hallo: Beggin’ your pardon, there ain’t much I can say ‘bout it. It’s our oldest legend an’ our deepest secret. Suffice it t’ say that the Jewel o’ Paradise is a jewel beyond price, an’ it lies on the other side o’ the Iron Mountains. But it’s guarded by fierce beasts. None what’s gone after the Jewel has ever got back alive. You kin learn all ya need t’ know ‘bout it in the book, don’t ya know.

Greg: How has the release of this book changed your life?

Hallo: Well, it’s exposed a lot o’ the secrets o’ the Kingdom. That’s been right strange ‘cause we’re private folk who don’t take t’ makin’ our comin’s an’ goin’s public. I almost got in trouble with the king all over agin over the whole mess. But, since it worked out okay for everyone in the end, the king figured there weren’t no harm in it. So, now I’m a lot famouser, an’ folk’re recognizin’ me more. Usually when they do, they got good things t’ say about the job I done. So it’s been right gratifyin’, don’t ya know.

Greg: Well thank you, Hallo for taking a few minutes to speak with us. Will you have any trouble finding your way out?

Hallo: Are ya daft? The door’s right over there. It ain’t like this place is a palace or anythin’. Oh, er. Uh, yeah, right. I mean, I think I’ll be all right. Us dwarves have a great sense o’ direction. It’ll take a lot more than a few windin’ twistin’ passages for me t’ get lost, although I might have trouble crossin’ the moat, don’t ya know.

Hey, how’s that?

Greg: Oh, that’s just great. Thanks a lot, Hallo.

Hallo: How’d ya like the part about the moat? I thought that one up all on m’own. Right good touch if I do say so m’self!