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From Lights Out: “Saving humans is not your job, soldier.” #SciFi #MFRWhooks #FreeBook

Lights Out: Bringer of Chaos, futuristic military sci-fi #SciFi #MilSF #SpaceOpera

In this scene, Tornahdo is reeling from the death of two of his compadres in the Ghost Corps. Although they were no friends of his, he had tried to protect them. The following takes place early in the morning, not more than 24 hours after Tornahdo had been disciplined for sacrificing his life to protect humans. If the military can bring you back to life, how is that not a good thing? Saving humans is not his job, as he is constantly reminded. He's to kill immortals, and that's all he's to do.

But what are they fighting for if not to protect humanity?

Excerpt from Lights Out

Standing at attention in the general's office at oh-three-hundred, Tornahdo maintained his silence. The smell of burning flesh clung to his clothing. Wails of the dying rang in his ears. He kept his gaze fixed on the star map opposite while the general paced.

"Master Sergeant." A civilian coat covered her. Her pink pajama bottoms and fuzzy slippers didn't paint as intimidating an image as her medal-covered uniform, but her voice still held command. "Can you not stay out of trouble for one full day?"

He knew better than to answer.

"You intervened for a human." She stopped pacing and turned to him. "Again."

"Yes, ma'am."

"And it wasn't your single death you caused this time. It was the death of two ghosts."

Not technically. Morally, maybe, but he'd tried to spare them. "Yes, ma'am."

"Irreversible death. Ultras don't come back from fire. Ghosts with Ultra blood don't either. They died because of you."

"Ma'am, they died because Ravenstongue is a certifiable crackpot who never deserved the uniform, let alone a weapon." The words hadn't left his mouth before he knew he'd overstepped. Why couldn't he keep his mouth shut like he'd been told his entire life?

The look of disdain on the general's face said far more than words. She resumed pacing, but then stopped again, not facing him. "That may be true, Master Sergeant." Her voice had gone quiet, all but gentle. "But that's not your call. Ravenstongue is being dealt with."

"Thank you, ma'am."

"Don't thank me." Her gaze snapped to his. "You are not innocent. The bartender told us his side. According to him, you were trying to save him."

Same stuff. Different day. He took a deep breath. "Yes, ma'am."

"Do I hear annoyance in your tone, Master Sergeant?"

"Not my intention, ma'am."

"Didn't we have this discussion about humans?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Are you not tired of having it?"

Oh, for so many reasons. "Yes, ma'am."

She paced again. "The fire damage to the bar will be compensated out of Ravenstongue's salary." The general paused, slapped her hands behind her back and smiled. "And yours." She stared at him as if daring him to argue.

What would he spend it on? Why did they pay him? He could go nowhere and do nothing.

"Master Sergeant, if there were more than fifty ghosts, you'd be history."

Fifty? That was all they had?

How could fifty humans hope to defeat an army of nearly one million warriors who could never die?

Bringer of Chaos

Bringer of Chaos Bundle 1 - Science Fiction and Space Opera #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

Series page: https://kayelleallen.com/chaos-series/

#SciFi #SpaceOpera

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Lights Out: Bringer of Chaos, futuristic military sci-fi #SciFi #MilSF #SpaceOpera

Origin of Pietas: Bringer of Chaos - #SciFi #SpaceOpera

Forged in Fire: Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOpera

 

Watch Your Six – Bringer of Chaos series 3 #SciFi #SpaceMarine #PietasFans

Behind the Scenes: Bringer of Chaos series

Bringer of Chaos Bundle 1 – Sci-Fi & Space Opera #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

 

FREE for immortals.
Lights Out, the first story in the Bringer of Chaos series,
plus an illustrated look at the art and weapon designs commissioned for the series.

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Welcome to Book Hooks!

Marketing for Romance Writers Book HooksBook Hooks is a weekly cooperative blog hop hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog.
It's a chance each week for you to discover current works in progress or previously published books by possibly new-to-you authors.
Thank you for stopping by.

Links below lead to other sites also taking part. You can "hop" from mine to theirs with one click.

Feel free to say hello or leave a note in the comments.

Download a printable book list or a list of trigger warnings for all books. Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

Immortal Reviews Rock & Rule - Join the Review Team


~ Copyright ©2025 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

My characters may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Pietas images from Nik Nitsvetov Pietas cosplays.


The Last Vhalgenn – the Story Behind the Story #Fantasy #SciFi #MFRWhooks

The Last Vhalgenn - the Story Behind the Story #Fantasy #SciFi

A few years ago, I heard about an upcoming anthology that wanted female characters as the lead. They had to be complex, suffer misfortune, and yet prevail. I brushed off The Last Vhalgenn, updated the story, had it edited, and submitted it. The story was accepted and put in print. The anthology was nominated for the EPPIE in Fantasy, and was a runner up, as well as being nominated for a Triptree Award.

I have since added another story to the Colonies of Man series with Trailing Kaiwulf, and I'm working on a sequel, Return of the Vhalgenn.

This series is one of seven set in my Ever Expanding Empire.

The concept behind the series is archaeology. A group of xeno-anthropologists and archaeologists are collaborating to find evidence behind the uses of the so-called "Gates of Life" found on alien worlds. All are identical in basic structure, but no "working" versions have been discovered. That changes in Trailing Kaiwulf, and will go a big step further in Return of the Vhalgenn.

Colonies of Man

Colonies of Man #SciFi #Fantasy

Series: https://kayelleallen.com/scifi-space-opera-fantasy/

#SciFi #Fantasy #Romance

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The Last Vhalgenn by Kayelle Allen #SciFi #Fantasy

Trailing Kaiwulf by Kayelle Allen #SciFi #Fantasy #Romance


Welcome to Book Hooks!

Marketing for Romance Writers Book HooksBook Hooks is a weekly cooperative blog hop hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog.
It's a chance each week for you to discover current works in progress or previously published books by possibly new-to-you authors.
Thank you for stopping by.

Links below lead to other sites also taking part. You can "hop" from mine to theirs with one click.

Feel free to say hello or leave a note in the comments.

Download a printable book list or a list of trigger warnings for all books. Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

Immortal Reviews Rock & Rule - Join the Review Team


~ Copyright ©2025 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

My characters may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Pietas images from Nik Nitsvetov Pietas cosplays.


“Feast your eyes, vultures.” Pietas levels a challenge #SciFi #PietasFans #MFRWhooks

bnr

Origin of Pietas: Bringer of Chaos - #SciFi #SpaceOpera

His people permit Pietas no choice. He must attend insipid peace talks on Enderium Six and what's worse, be polite. To humans.

In this scene, Pietas has been betrayed and trapped, and now they're coercing him to enter a lifepod.

Feast your eyes, vultures

The leaders of his people gathered in sleep around Pietas, sealed inside their curved, steel stasis tubes.

He folded his arms. "Feast your eyes, vultures." He lifted his chin. "You think to imprison me? You think to bring me down like a hunted animal?" He indicated the other life-pods. "I will not cower before you. I will not bow. I will not kneel. I will not serve. I will never submit. Humans were made to be ruled, not by my people, but by me."

The silhouettes above him contrasted with the bright light behind them. One by one, they slipped away, until one remained.

"Fighting us accomplishes nothing." The disembodied voice echoed in the chamber. "Enter the pod, Pietas, or we'll siphon the air. You'll die."

"I'll revive. I've died countless times. I do not fear death. Death fears me."

"So be it. Since you're so set on dying, have it your way. I told you if you didn't cooperate, I would detonate the bombs within the hostages you took aboard your ship. See for yourself."

On the opposite wall, an image of his ship sparkled into life, and a bloom of light filled the screen. A mass of debris shot in all directions.

"Your crew has ceased to exist."

"That image is a farce. You would not dare to destroy the council's flagship, and you will not destroy the council. You are cowards. You lock us away in a barren room and threaten our people. This is why humans do not deserve freedom. You are worthless, miserable liars."

"Believe me, your crew is quite dead. The universe is a safer place for it."

"Untrue. It will never be safe for humans. Especially for you."

Bringer of Chaos

Bringer of Chaos Bundle 1 - Science Fiction and Space Opera #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

Series page: https://kayelleallen.com/chaos-series/

#SciFi #SpaceOpera

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Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

Pick up the first story in the Bringer of Chaos series, Lights Out, plus an illustrated look at the series free by signing up for my newsletter
https://kayelleallen.com/immortality

Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans


Welcome to Book Hooks!

Marketing for Romance Writers Book HooksBook Hooks is a weekly cooperative blog hop hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog.
It's a chance each week for you to discover current works in progress or previously published books by possibly new-to-you authors.
Thank you for stopping by.

Links below lead to other sites also taking part. You can "hop" from mine to theirs with one click.

Feel free to say hello or leave a note in the comments.

Download a printable book list or a list of trigger warnings for all books. Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

Immortal Reviews Rock & Rule - Join the Review Team


~ Copyright ©2025 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

My characters may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Pietas images from Nik Nitsvetov Pietas cosplays.


“You inflexible, intractable narcissist.” ~signed Love, Dad #PietasFans #SciFi #MFRWhooks

bnr

Origin of Pietas: Bringer of Chaos - #SciFi #SpaceOpera

In this scene from Bringer of Chaos, Pietas is returning from a meeting where he refused to accept the ten hostages offered by a group of humans. He insisted on thirty instead. His parents, both former leaders and still on the council, follow.

You Inflexible, Intractable Narcissist

His parents trailed him back toward private quarters. "Pietas," his mother called. "Wait!"

For her, he stopped, and turned around.

Small compared to most Ultras, and delicate of face, Helia ap Lorectic was as tough as any soldier. Like him and his father, she possessed an eidetic memory, and a fine scientific mind. If anyone was the hope of their people, it was she.

"Pietas, you know this is wrong. We agreed to those terms before we arrived."

"It is not wrong, Mother, and the terms were made by the previous council head, not by me." He opened the door to his quarters, and turned back to Helia. "They'll agree to my terms or they'll die."

Mahikos stepped in front of his wife. "You will destroy these talks, you inflexible, intractable narcissist!"

"Why, Father. I'm impressed you know words that big. Thank you."

The man lurched toward him.

"Stop it!" Helia positioned herself between the two. "Pietas, please. It took—"

"No, Mother. I never negotiate with humans from a position of fear."

Mahikos jabbed a finger toward him. "You never negotiate at all."

"Your precious humans have five minutes." He shut the door in the man's face.

His father's shout of anger followed, and then his mother's calmer tones, soothing. The thud of a fist rattled the door before Mahikos gave way to whatever Helia was saying to him.

"Just like old times." The message board lit up. Furious texts and outraged faces filled the screen. "It seems I made every council member angry at the same time. How efficient of me."

The device on his wrist let Pietas portal anywhere on the ship, or to the side of whichever member he wanted. He could use it to communicate. He kept his on private mode, always. No one entered his presence or spoke to him unless he wished it.

His empathic senses, however, he left open. Politicians lied as a matter of policy. Emotions did not.

"Better the enemy you know, than the enemy you do not."

He stroked a fingertip over the bracelet's smooth black surface, and then gave it one tap. "Security! Keep the guns hot."

Bringer of Chaos

Bringer of Chaos Bundle 1 - Science Fiction and Space Opera #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

Series page: https://kayelleallen.com/chaos-series/

#SciFi #SpaceOpera

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Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

Pick up the first story in the Bringer of Chaos series, Lights Out, plus an illustrated look at the series free by signing up for my newsletter
https://kayelleallen.com/immortality

Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans


Welcome to Book Hooks!

Marketing for Romance Writers Book HooksBook Hooks is a weekly cooperative blog hop hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog.
It's a chance each week for you to discover current works in progress or previously published books by possibly new-to-you authors.
Thank you for stopping by.

Links below lead to other sites also taking part. You can "hop" from mine to theirs with one click.

Feel free to say hello or leave a note in the comments.

Download a printable book list or a list of trigger warnings for all books. Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

Immortal Reviews Rock & Rule - Join the Review Team


~ Copyright ©2025 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

My characters may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Pietas images from Nik Nitsvetov Pietas cosplays.


What’s up with the mask? #SciFi #PietasFans #MFRWhooks

Origin of Pietas: Bringer of Chaos - #SciFi #SpaceOpera

The Bringer of Chaos hero wears a black mask painted on his face. It covers his eyes, up to and over the eyebrows. Why?

What's with the mask?

When I started writing about Pietas, the hero of the Bringer of Chaos series, I had no idea he wore a mask. The mask had never been part of my plan. But one day I was searching for a picture of an angel for a graphic design project, and came across a fascinating image of a fallen angel and a horned demon. Since the angel was male and had long blond hair, I was immediately intrigued. Often, angels are portrayed as sweet females who look heavenward with a devoted expression. They seem about as dangerous as milk. However, in Bible stories, one of the first things angels say when they appear is "Fear not." Why would they say that unless they inspired some kind of fear themselves? And the only named angels have male names. So, yes, I was fascinated to see a male angel. I clicked on the picture to get a better look.

Lo, and behold (sorry, I couldn't resist that) the person looking out from the image seemed to be staring straight into my soul. I zoomed in to get a better view, and in that instant I knew I was looking at Pietas, despite the mask. He seemed to be saying "What took you so long? I've been waiting for you." Look at this face! Arrogance personified. Those teal blue eyes pierce. He's a dead ringer for Pietas.

Origin of Pietas: Bringer of Chaos - #SciFi #SpaceOpera

The photo shoot was a series of images between the one-winged angel and a horned female demon. The angel was being subjected to various bad things by the female, yet portrayed as sensual, rather than defeated. He was enjoying the attempted subjugation, but he wasn't submitting. How like Pietas.

Origin of Pietas: Bringer of Chaos - #SciFi #SpaceOperaThe problem was, why would Pietas wear a mask? At that point, I decided it didn't matter. I liked the image. I bought it and put it aside for inspiration. However, I kept going back and looking at the picture, and thinking "What's with the mask?"

Pietas is the Gamemaster of Peril, a real-time role-playing game my immortals use as a means of both passing the time and also as a means of manipulating human society. In their various roles within Peril, the immortals introduce certain aspects into society and culture to direct mankind. Why? Peril, in itself, is a mask. It hides the real reason the immortals are among humans. Are they there to subjugate the human race, and turn it to their own collective will? Pietas, as the leader, directs every aspect of it. A little scary, isn't it? Doesn't it ring true in today's society, where we hear about conspiracy theories and stories of the illuminati, and secret, powerful groups directing mankind?

When I realized the mask had something to do with the role Pietas held in Peril, I went back and bought more images. The model's name is Nik Nitsvetov, and he's Russian. Nik has since done 3 private cosplays as Pietas.

I'm writing books about Pietas. The first takes place in the distant past of my universe and is an origin tale about my immortals. His love story is very sketchy right now. I think I know who Pietas falls in love with, and in the current universe, that person is not a fan of his at all. In fact, that person is trying to undermine his authority and recruit his people away from him. Not a good way to start a relationship. Again, how like Pietas. He never does things the easy way.

In what I'm writing now, he has no idea who this person is or if they even exist.

Below is an excerpt in which he applies the mask. This is the first time he does it in the Bringer of Chaos books. The second time, it's with an entirely different flair and for different reasons. Both scenes pack emotional wallops.

Mask Ritual

Early on the first morning of the peace talks, Pietas entered his round bathing room. Starlight filtered through the portal overhead. Sleek silver walls reflected the cool light.

He remained at the door, content to savor its calming glow. Its beauty did not dispel the worry niggling at his mind. Not given to trusting premonitions and omens, he grounded himself with meditation. Once he centered himself and calmed his spirit, Pietas took a deep, purifying breath, and with slow deliberation, exhaled.

"Time to begin. Lights."

The room brightened.

Origin of Pietas: Bringer of Chaos - #SciFi #SpaceOperaHis platinum hair streaming down his bare chest, he lifted his hands, palms up as if praying.

On the planet Kaffir, warriors used this ritual to summon spirits. He used it to affirm his own superior strength and prowess.

Before a copper fire pit, he plucked one blond hair, and fed it to the fire. It singed and melted.

"As fire has victory over life, so I have victory over my enemies."

He passed a hand through the flame, and hissed at the searing heat, relishing the pain. He cupped his hand over the flame's source, and held it until the fire went out. The burns on his palm cooled, and the skin healed. Of all the elements, fire alone had power to linger on an Ultra's skin. He welcomed it as a symbol of victory.

"I am powerful, as fire is powerful."

Pietas thrust both hands forward, clutched his fists, and yanked them back.

"I own the wind. I prevail over the breath of my enemies."

In the bathing area, he took six steps down into a waist-deep pool.

"Water submits to my presence the way enemies submit to my will."

He cupped water in his hands, lifted it, and let it pour down his arms.

"The blood of my enemies trickles into the pool of time, is absorbed, and forgotten."

He pushed wet fingers through his hair, and released it.

"My mind is clear. I do not waver."

He submersed, and rose, head thrown back, face lifted to the sparkle of stars above.

"My body submits to my will. No pain defeats me. No fear touches me."

He swept his hands down his chest to his loins, and the tops of his thighs.

"My will is absolute."

A scratching sound alerted him to the presence of his silver-skinned android servant. The creature entered, and Pietas fixed him with a hard glare. "Why did you interrupt me?"

"Your guest is here, my lord, in the living area." He offered Pietas a towel.

"Leave it." He waved the android away.

After exiting the pool, Pietas brushed off the water and wrung out his hair. He pulled out a tray holding half a dozen clasps. He chose a silver dragon studded with six turquoise stones, twisted his wet hair, and fastened it up, out of the way.

He dried his face, gathered a brush, and picked up a pot of black face paint. Leaning in close to a freestanding mirror, he outlined a bandit's mask from beneath his eyes to over his dark eyebrows, and filled it with black.

He'd worn the mask in battle ever since defeating the First Division, a human special-ops group formed to fight Ultras. It came about because Pietas had slain an enemy, and blood splashed across his eyes. Thinking the blood belonged to Pietas, the Ultra troops had rallied to him and slaughtered the humans. The blood dried almost black.

Stories of how their "bandit king" had conquered the First Division filled the night. The name stuck. To his troops, he was First Conqueror, War Leader of the Ultras.

Pietas turned his head side to side, surveying the effect.

His body would reject foreign matter on his skin. The Ultra metabolism protected from every perceived attack, even harmless face paint. He closed his eyes and sprayed sealant over the mask to delay its disappearance by a few hours.

Satisfied with his looks, Pietas pulled on a pair of loose white lounging pants. With a deep, cleansing breath, he opened the door. Damp, shirtless, barefoot, he padded into the adjacent room.

Bringer of Chaos

Bringer of Chaos Bundle 1 - Science Fiction and Space Opera #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

Series page: https://kayelleallen.com/chaos-series/

#SciFi #SpaceOpera

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Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

Pick up the first story in the Bringer of Chaos series, Lights Out, plus an illustrated look at the series free by signing up for my newsletter
https://kayelleallen.com/immortality

Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans


Welcome to Book Hooks!

Marketing for Romance Writers Book HooksBook Hooks is a weekly cooperative blog hop hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog.
It's a chance each week for you to discover current works in progress or previously published books by possibly new-to-you authors.
Thank you for stopping by.

Links below lead to other sites also taking part. You can "hop" from mine to theirs with one click.

Feel free to say hello or leave a note in the comments.

Download a printable book list or a list of trigger warnings for all books. Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

Immortal Reviews Rock & Rule - Join the Review Team


~ Copyright ©2025 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

My characters may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Pietas images from Nik Nitsvetov Pietas cosplays.


Even if he never beat another drum, he could die with his ears straight up #SciFi #Romance #Rockstar #MFRWhooks

If he never beat another drum, he could die with his ears straight up #SciFi #Romance #Rockstar #MFRWhooks

In this scene, Izzorah is recalling a concert where he entertained as the drummer for the rock group Kumwhatmay.

Surrender Love

Izzorah cranked up the hot water and turned his back, head tilted down so it soothed the tension in his neck and shoulders. He lathered Kin shampoo into his pelt, a thick band of long fur covering the upper part of his chest above his nipples, up to the collarbone. Humans likened it to a lion's mane. He always hid his pelt beneath shirts, unwilling to bare his alien nature to fans. It was one thing for them to know he was Kin. Another to flaunt it.

He lifted his face to the water, rinsed everything and turned around again. While the fall of heated water soothed his back, his mind wandered to the past. At their last concert, he'd been tired. He was always tired, but that night had been extra hard. His chest had been hurting him again and it hurt to breathe. He'd psyched himself up by remembering a vid.

He had never seen the audience, but one time, Kory had found a vid of Kumwhatmay on Imperinet and downloaded it to Izzorah's player. It showed Izzorah's drum solo halfway through the show. About ten Praetorian guards had sat on the front two rows, all decked out in the black military uniforms of the Empress, clapping in unison.

To Izzorah's music. The beat of his drums. His drums.

Talk about knocking yours ears off. That cut them off at the base and threw them on the floor. He, Izzorah Ceeow, had played for Praetorian and hadn't even known it.

So the night of the last concert on Kelthia when he was too weary to stick out a claw, he pretended the whole audience was nothing but Praetorian. He'd played better than ever.

The audience had hooted and cheered and screamed. After his solo ended, the others tried to join him on cue, but the audience went crazy. Izzorah fumbled a drumroll, unsure what was happening. When he realized what they were chanting, it shocked him into flat-eared silence.

Humans repeated Izzy! Izzy! Izzy! which was pure out-and-out stellar, but his people, the Kin fans out there, had set up the sustained howl of a speerus kinthu—a spirit of pride. A call to the spirit of the people to come witness. Come judge. It was done so bad things didn't happen without being seen, or to celebrate a wedding, or a birth. Except on that night, you could hear the pride as well as smell it. Chills chased over him even now, prickling his pelt as if he were there.

The crowd was calling for his people to come and witness his song.

If he never beat another drum, he could die with his ears straight up.

Antonello Brothers: Immortal

Antonello Brothers: Immortal - Because Romance Lives Forever

Series page: https://kayelleallen.com/antonello-brothers-immortal/
Each book includes a free bonus story

#SciFi #LGBTQ #MMRomance

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Surrender Love: Antonello Brothers: Immortal #SciFi #MMromance

Forever Love: Antonello Brothers Immortal #SciFi #MMromance #WriteLGBTQ

Antonello Brothers: Immortal series by Kayelle Allen #SciFi #MMRomance

A cuddly cinnamon roll hero who purrs, and an alpha male who has met his emotional match, this #MMRomance #SciFi


Welcome to Book Hooks!

Marketing for Romance Writers Book HooksBook Hooks is a weekly cooperative blog hop hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog.
It's a chance each week for you to discover current works in progress or previously published books by possibly new-to-you authors.
Thank you for stopping by.

Links below lead to other sites also taking part. You can "hop" from mine to theirs with one click.

Feel free to say hello or leave a note in the comments.

Download a printable book list or a list of trigger warnings for all books. Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

Immortal Reviews Rock & Rule - Join the Review Team


~ Copyright ©2025 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

My characters may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Pietas images from Nik Nitsvetov Pietas cosplays.


How to Support Authors without spending money #Books #BookNerd #MFRWhooks

How to Support Authors #Books #BookNerd

One of the best ways to support authors is to buy their books. But what if you're short on cash and long on the need to read? Here are 10 easy ways you can support your favorite author.

  1. Take a selfie of yourself with their book and share it online.
  2. Visit their website.
  3. Request their book from the library.
  4. Send an "I'm a fan" email.
  5. Call or visit a local bookstore and request their book.
  6. Review their book.
  7. Nominate them for awards.
  8. Add their book to your BookBub or Goodreads "want to read" lists.
  9. Subscribe to their newsletter.
  10. When you finish a book, if you can part with it, share it in a "free trade library". Some coffeeshops have "Take a book, Leave a book" shelves.

If you can buy their books, see if they offer them direct to you. This might save you money and the author will keep a higher commission. Win-win!

I'm always looking for ways to support other authors. Let me hear your ways in the comments.

This event features authors who sell direct. Most are offering discounts. For example, if you buy from me, you save 50%. Use promocode kayelle50.

How to Support Authors #Books #BookNerd


 

Buy books directly from the author #Romance #SciFiRomance #Fantasy #DarkFantasy #PNR #BookNerd #Books SciFi #ScienceFiction #SciFiBooks


Welcome to Book Hooks!

Marketing for Romance Writers Book HooksBook Hooks is a weekly cooperative blog hop hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog.
It's a chance each week for you to discover current works in progress or previously published books by possibly new-to-you authors.
Thank you for stopping by.

Links below lead to other sites also taking part. You can "hop" from mine to theirs with one click.

Feel free to say hello or leave a note in the comments.

Download a printable book list or a list of trigger warnings for all books. Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

Immortal Reviews Rock & Rule - Join the Review Team


~ Copyright ©2025 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

My characters may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Pietas images from Nik Nitsvetov Pietas cosplays.


“I know what I want. You.” Izzorah claims Luc #SciFi #MMRomance #GayBookstagram

Surrender Love: Antonello Brothers: Immortal #SciFi #MMRomance

In this scene, Luc and Izzorah have finished dinner, and retired to a living area nearby.

 

Luc had lived thousands of years. He was a master in the art of Sempervian Compulsion. He could seduce Izzorah and make him think it was all his idea. Izzorah already had a few drinks in him. He wouldn't even resist.

But what was the point of that? Luc wanted a relationship, not a romp. He wanted Izzorah to yield because he wanted to. No... he wanted Izzorah to be more than a partner. A true equal.

What Luc wanted, Luc got. In business, in war, in life, no one stood in the way. Not once Luc decided to pursue a thing.

But this was his precious Izzorah.

So now, Luc must wait, when what he wanted was to reach out... and take what so rightfully should belong to him.

Izzorah folded his hands before him, head down. Waiting, perhaps, for Luc to make the next move.

Luc took a step toward him, but placed himself beside Izzorah, facing the opposite direction. "You're a wonderful dinner companion."

"Thank you. I hope I didn't bore you with all that talk about home."

"Not at all. I find it...alien, but fascinating."

Izzorah said nothing.

Luc waited. A full minute passed with neither speaking.

Oh, screw this indecision! He should take the Kin to bed and be done with it. Luc knew he was going to. Why should he wait for the inevitable? No point in fighting the obvious. Izzorah wanted him. Luc wanted Izzorah. He should take him. Now.

But Luc's sensible side barred the way. He had promised. The Kin needed to know Luc respected him. Yes, Izzorah had committed himself, but it was still his move.

Luc must do the honorable thing. He shifted his weight, spreading his legs. It did nothing to ease the discomfort his arousal caused. Inner heat rivaled his craven desire for the wet friction of Kin fangs and rough tongue. Luc craved Izzorah's guileless eyes and smile, his artless desire to please. The innocence that personified him.

This young Kin could smell emotion. He had to know Luc burned. Why was he waiting? Or perhaps that was why. Had Luc frightened him with the intensity of his need? Perhaps Izzorah guessed what Luc wanted to do to him, take from him, and would run screaming in the other direction.

Instead, Izzorah took a step back and then set one foot between Luc's, looked up. "You told me when I was ready, to come to you." The emerald cat's eyes had gone wide. His smile faltered. "I'm ready. I know what I want. You."

Antonello Brothers: Immortal

Antonello Brothers: Immortal - Because Romance Lives Forever

Series page: https://kayelleallen.com/antonello-brothers-immortal/
Each book includes a free bonus story

#SciFi #LGBTQ #MMRomance

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Surrender Love: Antonello Brothers: Immortal #SciFi #MMRomance

Forever Love: Antonello Brothers Immortal #SciFi #MMromance #LitRPG

Free bonus story — link inside Surrender Love — no signup required

Free bonus story — link inside Forever Love — no signup required

Complete Antonello Brothers: Immortal Series #MMRomance #SciFi

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~ Copyright ©2025 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

My characters may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Pietas images from Nik Nitsvetov Pietas cosplays.


100-Word Flash Fiction Bits from Peace to Flashionation #FlashFiction #MFRWhooks #AmEditing

Good flash fiction takes time, skill, and patient editing. But it teaches you to write.

For several months, I was part of an author's group that practiced weekly writing skills. Some of our best work was created in "flash sessions" where we limited ourselves to 100 words. No more, no less. Good flash fiction takes time, skill, and patient editing. But it teaches you to write. I saved mine, and thought you might like a peek.

Peace

Jon took a breather. The other guy wasn't firing. Jon imagined him doing what he was doing. Sitting back, Jon listened for more gunfire. More sounds of war. What if neither of them fired again? What if they sat here, neither of them moving, and didn't fight? Was that what peace was all about? Not shooting at one another? Wasn't peace more than not having to fight for the right to exist, to simply be? Wasn't that what Jon was out here to do? Provide his people freedom from tyranny? Shooting began again. He scrambled to his knees and fired.

Waiting

Just a little more... don't stop. Don't stop! Need this so bad. Need this. Please don't stop. A little bit more. Come on. Come on. That's it. Let it go. So close. Almost there. Hungry for it. So hungry for it.
He blew out the breath he'd been holding and took another one, hands shaking.
Been waiting for this. Been wanting it, so, so damn bad. He licked his lips. I should've started so much earlier, taken more time, gotten all of it ready. Oh! Yes. Yes... Here it comes!
The last little bit of ketchup landed on his fries.

Helping

He spread his thighs wider and slid down a little. "There. Can you get it in now?"
"No. Not yet." He hooched over to the right, grunting a bit as he pushed harder. "Hold still."
"Hurry up, baby."
"I'm trying!" He shifted his shoulders, angled one foot against the ground for better leverage. "It's almost in the hole. Just a little..."
"Do it harder! I can't keep this up."
"Hold on, baby. Hold on." He wiped sweat from his brow. The heat rose. Fingertips slick with lubricant, he rubbed the opening. With a click, the car's axle slid into place.

Red

So much for avoiding embarrassing myself. She's wearing red. Again.
I needed her to wear one more red dress to haunt my memories. This one was sleeveless, baring perfectly formed arms, strong and feminine. Strapless too, revealing skin the color of mahogany cream.
A man doesn't stand a chance with her in that dress. Long, slinky, shiny, scarlet. Oh, God. It looks-- wet. Perfect. Slick and smooth.
Her mouth is the same red, her lips plump, like she's just been kissed. Like she ran her tongue across them. Like she wants me. Is she wet anywhere else?
Damn, damn, damn.

Senses

He rubbed his eyes, trying to focus in the dimness. Dawn's grey light filtered through curtains billowing at the open window. A soft shriek of autumn wind whistled outside, and a gust of wind tossed the curtains apart, letting in a chill that pebbled his skin. Tossing back the silken sheets, he padded across the cold wooden floor and reached up to shut the window.
The sound of the wind silenced, leaving an utter calm. "Ahh." Shivering, he hurried back to bed.
"You cold?" His lover reached out one powerful arm and dragged him closer, up against his radiant heat.

Replacing Her

"If you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with." The words to the old Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young song kept running through this head as he walked up the sidewalk. Friends assured him he'd get over her loss by starting over. But though his feet carried him forward, his heart wanted to run back.
Nothing could substitute for her. She'd been his first. Had taught him so much. Sure, she'd had her flaws, but they'd been together so many years... How could ever just buy another motorcycle now that his baby had been totaled?

Taste

"Almost like blueberry." He licked. "With a little licorice."
"Is not! Stop that." His lover tried to sit up, but was pushed back against the bed.
"Lie still. It's my turn." Licking again, he trailed his tongue all the way up along the entire length. The tip was different. A nice, interesting mixture of the blueberry and licorice. He circled his tongue all the way around it, lapping the tip. Why didn't I ever try this before? It's really good. I could get used to this.
"You've had enough." He managed to sit up this time. "Give me the popsicle."

Revenge

"Guys! Check out this gun. It shoots around corners." Jase waited for the hysterical laughter to die down so he could continue. "Look, I'm not faking this. It really works."
Guffaws filled the barracks. His sergeant slapped him on the back. "Rookie, you got taken."
"Okay. Stand in front of it then." Jase flipped out the supports for the gun, set it down and turned its nose 90 degrees to the left, then sighted along the special scope.
Snickering, elbowing each other, whispering, his bullies clustered in front of the weapon.
Jase pulled the trigger. When it worked, nobody laughed.

One-sided Conversation

(imagine you can only hear one side of a conversation)

"Hey, Mom. It's me. I tried that recipe you sent me. It sucked."
"No, not the roast. Those cookies."
"No. Not Aunt Matilda's. The cookies with mashed potatoes."
"Yes you did so give me a cookie recipe with mashed potatoes in it! You said to use leftovers."
"Oh, now you remember. Well, it sucked. I threw mine out."
"Cause nobody'd eat 'em!"
"I didn't do anything wrong, Mom. Why do you jump to conclusions about my cooking?"
"Substituted one thing. I didn't have mashed potatoes. Not everybody's got cooked taters laying around."
"Three cans of Pringles."
"What's so damn funny?"

Jailhouse Singer

Stones were belting out another tune as I pulled in and parked. I sat there, motor running, singing along, mumbling parts I didn't know. Jailhouse singer, that's me. Behind a few bars and can't find the key, but I love to sing.
A car door across and down opened, and out popped the prettiest thing I'd ever saw. Big brown eyes, sweet mouth, not a day over twenty. Heart raced like a bucking stallion at the thought of that tight ass inside tighter jeans. That lusty gaze of his met mine. He smiled. Just like that, I fell in love.

Flashionation, the Art of Clarityness and Succinctation

This flash was an exercise with a group of author friends, and was done as a joke on one of the other regulars. He was the only one who didn't know we were going to make up crazy words and use them as often as possible. Here's the explanation, which did not go toward the word count.
"Today we're talking about clarityness and succinctation. This is what flashion is all about. The ability to shortspress yourself. Tell us in 100 words or less what could have taken multinormously more words to do. The topic is speed. Anything to do with being fast, quick, or a blend of the two -- fuick. Use 100 words or less."  Here's mine.

Flashification

The conceptation of flash sites is to further accenticate good grammarage. Using too many words is called overwriting, or as some call it, desimplification. Doublespeak, the government version of desimplification, is also known as govspeak, govbabble, and politalk. Plague-avoid this. It's deadlious.
Flashion is the heightest form of trusimplification, or the art of unmystifying meaning. Like the hero called Flash himself, be the quickifest version possible. Use your smoothliest expressifications. Hammer home meaningnails.
Trash frillinormous adverbs and unconnect from ginormous nounwords. Present the smoothliest cream of meaning possible -- a banana smoothie of wordage. Blendification of understanding is the goal.

Overwritten Hunk

(Like "Flashionation" for this flash we were supposed to over-write a description for a simple thing.)
The meatiness of it thrilled her from her tiny, itty bitty little feet to her abundantly flowing cascade of rich streaming hair. She flounced said locks, running a manicured hand through the generous quantity of golden curls that bounced around her shoulders. Her fingertips, painted white by the French manicure process, which was not truly paint but a type of pencil painstakingly etched underneath her long, oval shaped nails, tapped the edge of the meat delicately.
Too much pressure on such a tender hunk might cause everything to slip, spreading juices over the white tablecloth as she cut the steak.

I hope you enjoyed this! Feel free to leave a flash of your own.


Welcome to Book Hooks!

Marketing for Romance Writers Book HooksBook Hooks is a weekly cooperative blog hop hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog.
It's a chance each week for you to discover current works in progress or previously published books by possibly new-to-you authors.
Thank you for stopping by.

Links below lead to other sites also taking part. You can "hop" from mine to theirs with one click.

Feel free to say hello or leave a note in the comments.

Download a printable book list or a list of trigger warnings for all books. Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

Immortal Reviews Rock & Rule - Join the Review Team


~ Copyright ©2025 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

My characters may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Pietas images from Nik Nitsvetov Pietas cosplays.


Call Pietas lord, but not “your majesty” #PietasFans #SciFi #MFRWhooks

Origin of Pietas: Bringer of Chaos - #SciFi #SpaceOpera

Nik Nitsvetov (Pietas performer)

Cosplayer and model Nik Nitsvetov performs as Pietas in cosplays. His photographer is Belyaeva Yuliya.

Pietas was introduced in the book For Her Only. Since then he's shown up in nearly every book I've written.

The immortal king is a physically beautiful male Ultra* who appears young, despite being over twelve thousand years old. He ages the way a mortal would. Ultras die, but return in youthful form.

He and his twin sister are the only naturally conceived and born Ultras.

Name and Reputation

The name Pietas comes from the word "pieta," meaning "representation." A famous statue by Michelangelo called "The Pieta" represents a dramatic event in Christendom. Another word for "pieta" is "creation." Pietas was considered (at his birth to two supposedly infertile immortals) to be the highest creation, the epitome of success. His mother, Helia hid her pregnancy from all but a close circle of others, fearful of what might happen if humans discovered she was fertile.

A female child delivered only minutes after Pietas was considered a delight, and a good omen. They named her Dessy from the root word decet (dess-say) meaning good or proper. We know her today as Empress Rheyn Destoiya, or the Conqueror. She detests being called Dessy, so Pietas sometimes calls her that to annoy her.

Other names for Pietas in human history are Marauder, Impaler, Hammer of God, Soul Ripper, Destroyer of Worlds, Slayer of Innocents, and Hound of Hell.

The name "Impaler" comes from him having thrown a javelin at a cowardly king who fled the battlefield, leaving his troops without a leader. After the man's followers cheered his death, a quick huddle of officers promised fealty to Pietas on condition he accept the army's full surrender without further violence.

Command

Upon taking command, Pietas oversaw provision of adequate food and shelter for the starving troops. He then privately interviewed random soldiers, asking which enlisted should be promoted, and which officers warranted demotion and why. Once he had a consensus, he followed through on their suggestions. He had his aide research any officer considered unfit and determine if their actions were from ignorance, or arrogance. All were assigned a mentor. Those who "shaped up" were retained. A small handful of ne're-do-wells were given a choice to mend their ways or prepare for death. This method of dealing with conquered populations won him loyalty, even among humans.

Yet there was a never-ending list of those who refused to surrender. For them, he showed no pity, earning himself a fearsome reputation. That notoriety resulted in mostly peaceful surrenders throughout the Colonies of Man.

Throne

Pietas decided long ago to not let anyone call him Your Majesty. In his words, "There's nothing majestic about me or what I do as leader. Everything I accomplish or plan comes from the people following me and for their benefit. It's all right to call me "lord" but not with a capital L. I prefer simply being called by my name, no matter who is speaking to me."

For royal court, he wears a simple silver circlet on his brow as a symbol of rank. He refused using a throne until a group of his soldiers carved one out of a tree and padded it with turquoise-colored leather. It bears no adornment or carving.

Dessy's Throne

Dessy possesses an ornate chair of state in the Tarthian Empire, where she is Empress. Carved from wood, it resembles a giant ruby dragon with sheltering wings, encrusted with rubies and garnets by the immortal artist Taral.

Unlike her brother, she prefers Your Majesty, but allows those close to her abbreviate it to "Majesty" when in her presence.

*Ultra - genetically-enhanced human whose metabolism heals so rapidly they are essentially immortal. Originally created as super-soldiers, they revolted and took command over human populations.

Credits: Pietas images courtesy of Nik Nitsvetov and photographer Belyaeva Yuliya

Bringer of Chaos

Bringer of Chaos Bundle 1 - Science Fiction and Space Opera #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

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Lights Out: Bringer of Chaos, futuristic military sci-fi #SciFi #MilSF #SpaceOpera

Origin of Pietas: Bringer of Chaos - #SciFi #SpaceOpera

Forged in Fire: Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOpera

 

Watch Your Six – Bringer of Chaos series 3 #SciFi #SpaceMarine #PietasFans

Behind the Scenes: Bringer of Chaos series

Bringer of Chaos Bundle 1 – Sci-Fi & Space Opera #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

 

FREE for immortals.
Lights Out, the first story in the Bringer of Chaos series,
plus an illustrated look at the art and weapon designs commissioned for the series.

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Welcome to Book Hooks!

Marketing for Romance Writers Book HooksBook Hooks is a weekly cooperative blog hop hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog.
It's a chance each week for you to discover current works in progress or previously published books by possibly new-to-you authors.
Thank you for stopping by.

Links below lead to other sites also taking part. You can "hop" from mine to theirs with one click.

Feel free to say hello or leave a note in the comments.

Download a printable book list or a list of trigger warnings for all books. Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

Immortal Reviews Rock & Rule - Join the Review Team


~ Copyright ©2025 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

My characters may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Pietas images from Nik Nitsvetov Pietas cosplays.