Hi everyone. Today I am featuring sneak peeks and book details on the four books that make up Gregory S. Slomba's, "The Deliverers Series." Dive into this middle grade series today and make sure to purchase them to enjoy every page. Also read to the bottom to find out how you can win a signed paperback copy of book 1. Happy reading :).
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
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CHAPTER 12 -- BATTLE
Eric and his friends crouched behind an impromptu wall of wagons, stone and any other debris that could be found. Nan, her archers, and some other villagers were deployed along it and in the buildings nearest the harbor.
The roar of cannon erupted from across the bay. They watched as the first pirate ship entered the harbor. Sweat stood out on Eric’s forehead, and his heart hammered. What were they doing? What was he doing here? They didn’t stand a chance, it was obvious. Even if the catapults managed to do some damage, and if the archers were able to land some lucky arrows, they couldn’t take on a fleet of five ships and expect to win—not without the chain in the harbor or the net or some cannon.
“I blew it, Stig,” Eric muttered.
“What?” the owl asked.
“I messed up. It was stupid to think that I could come up with a plan to beat Sharky.”
Stig ruffled his feathers. “We’re not beaten yet.”
“No, but we will be soon, and it’s my fault.”
“You can’t blame yourself my boy. They knew what they were getting into,” Stig said.
“Stig’s right,” Kate broke in. “It’s not your fault. Besides, I think we’ve still got a chance.”
Eric shook his head and sighed. The ship was closer now. “Is that Sharky’s ship?” he asked.
The Lord Mayor nodded. “That’s the Deathwind. It’s flying his flag.” He pointed to a blood-red flag that fluttered from the main mast in the early morning light. The Lord Mayor frowned. “What I don’t understand is what he’s doing in the harbor alone. I can’t make out what’s happening at the entrance. Stig, could you fly up and see how things look from the air?”
“Certainly, be back in a jiffy,” Stig said, and took off, flying out over the bay.
Eric watched him go, and hoped he’d be okay.
“Where are Wainscott and Weatherbee?” the Lord Mayor asked.
“They an’ some fishermen got some casks of powder from ol’ Bubblebeak so’s they could set ’em adrift out in the harbor,” Hallo said.
“For the last time, Hallo, her name is Bottleneck,” Kate said.
The dwarf shrugged. “Whatever,” he said.
“Where’ll they be launching the boats from?” Eric asked.
“There’s a little grotto over there,” Kate said, pointing to where the wharf ended on their right. “It’s screened off from the rest of the bay by some rocks. There’s a small opening, but from the harbor it looks like a wall of stone. Captain Weatherbee keeps a sloop tied up there, and some of the fishermen dock their smaller craft and row-boats there.”
Just then, there was another round of cannon fire, and Stig re-turned with a flutter of wings. Eric felt a surge of relief when he saw his friend return unharmed.
“What do you have to report, Stig?” the Lord Mayor asked.
“Well, it could be worse,” the owl said. “It seems that the catapults did a significant amount of damage to one of the ships. It appears to be sinking. This has effectively cut off the lead ship from the others—at least until the foundering vessel sinks.
“The other three ships have picked up survivors and have begun to bombard the ridges. It doesn’t look good for our friends up there, I’m afraid. They are drawing heavy fire.”
Eric’s mind was racing. A wild hope rose within him. “Sharky’s cut off!”
“Aye, but only for a while, lad,” the Lord Mayor reminded him.
“Well, let’s take advantage of it while we’ve got the chance!” Cordon bellowed.
The Lord Mayor nodded. “Go tell Weatherbee and Wainscott to launch those boats into the bay.”
Cordon grinned and rose to race off.
“No need!” cut in Stig, and pointed a wing towards the harbor. Eric peered above the wall and saw three small boats drifting toward the pirate ship. He also saw that the ship was starting to turn.
“Hey, she’s coming about!”
They all watched as the ship’s bow began to swing to the right so that its guns could fire a broadside at the village. No one on board the Deathwind seemed to have noticed the small boats in the water. The ship’s bow was turning toward the floating bombs.
Eric held his breath. Would they get lucky? Suddenly, one of the boats exploded in a ball of orange and yellow flame.
BLURB:
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
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Chapter 3 -- Fly Away Birdie
They stepped through the door into darkness. Once he was through, Eric turned around just in time to see the door disappear.
“I don’t think I’ll ever get used t’ that,” Hallo said.
“Shhh!” Kate hissed, “Not so loud. Who knows where we are. We could be in the Vynistri king’s throne room.”
Eric felt a breeze on his cheek. “I think it must be night time,” he whispered, “It feels like we’re outside, too. Stig, you’ve got good night vision, what can you see?”
“It looks to me like we’re on top of a large tower of some sort. It’s round and there’s a railing all the way around. If you look over in that direction, you can see the lights of a city nearby.”
Everyone moved in the direction that Stig pointed until they came to the railing. Eric put his hand on it. It was smooth, black stone of some sort, and cold to the touch. He shivered and looked out on the lights of a large city spread out below them.
“I say,” Stig said, “The city is quite large. It’s walled in and there are three other towers spaced around it. There is a large gate beside one of the towers over there.” He pointed to their left.
“Hey,” Eric said, pointing, “I think I can see lights outside the city, too.”
“Hmmm, yes, campfires I should think,” Stig said, looking in the direction that Eric indicated. “Quite a lot of them. I do believe the city is under siege. The campfires seem to surround the city, now that you mention it.”
“The city’s a pretty fair size, don’t ya know,” Hallo said, squinting into the darkness, “An army that could surround it’d have t’ be pretty big, too.”
“That means the rebellion must be substantial,” Stig said.
“How d’ ya mean?” Hallo asked.
“Well, that army must belong to the rebels. I doubt the government would surround its own city.”
“It seems like the rebels have the Vynistri backed into a corner,” Kate said.
“Yeah, which means things must be getting close to the boiling point,” Eric said.
“Then, I guess we gotta stop jawin’ an’ get movin’,” Hallo said.
Just then, they heard something that sounded like the creaking of hinges, and the top of the tower was suddenly bathed in light.
At this point, several things happened at once. First, Eric turned, and was blinded by a bright light. A dark shape stepped out of the light, followed by several others.
“Stop right where you are!” a voice growled. The man had a shaggy head and beard, and Eric could see he held an ugly looking weapon in his clawed hands.
Then, Stig took to the air with a fluttering of wings. He flew out away from the tower. The guard raised his weapon and, before Eric could even think of stopping him, fired. A beam of sickly blue light shot from the gun. For one brief moment, Eric saw his friend frozen in the air, surrounded by the beam. Then, Stig fell from the sky toward the ground and was lost in the darkness.
“Nooooo!!!!” Eric yelled.
BLURB:
"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
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Chapter 12 — Kang
The guard returned to the Audience Hall followed by what Stig took to be a whole platoon. In their midst was a man. He was large, tall and stripped to the waist. His wrists were chained behind him and his ankles were manacled together, forcing him to shuffle rather than walk. On one of his heavily muscled arms, Stig saw a tattoo of a coiled snake, poised to strike. An ugly scar obliterated part of it, like someone had tried to gouge it out. He held his bald head up defiantly, a sneer etched into his steely countenance.
The escort halted in front of the governors sitting around the table, and bowed. Stig noticed that the prisoner did not.
“Thank you gentlemen, that is all. Leave him,” Changsha said.
The guards hesitated.
“Is something wrong?” Changsha asked.
“Oh honorable Governor,” one of them said. “Are you sure it is wise to leave the prisoner unattended?”
“It may or may not. That is in the future, and neither you nor I know what the future holds in store. Still I appreciate your concern, Captain. Please wait outside until I call for you.”
“I hear and obey, most noble Governor,” the captain said, bowing deeply as he and the other guards left.
The prisoner stood in front of the assembly, still managing, Stig thought, to look dangerous despite his chains.
“You should have listened to the captain,” the prisoner growled. “It is not wise to leave me unattended so.”
It happened so quickly that Stig did not have a chance to react. The prisoner’s hands were suddenly unshackled and he had leaped upon an unsuspecting Hallo, grasping him with a heavily muscled arm in a headlock.
“Hey, leggo!” Hallo gasped. “You’re chokin’ me, don’t ya know.”
“Excellent,” Changsha said, smiling. “I see that your captivity has not made you rusty, Kang.”
“It would take more than a year in your prison to even begin eroding my skills,” Kang rumbled. He kicked up with one leg, and the chain connecting his legs snapped.
“Very impressive, indeed, Kang,” Changsha said, nodding. “Now please release that poor fellow. He and his friend have been through one shock already today. I think that’s enough.”
To Stig’s surprise, Kang relaxed his hold on Hallo and smiled. The dwarf fell to the floor, gasping. Stig flew over to him.
“I say Hallo, are you all right?” the owl asked.
“Yeah, I’ll be okay. Ya got a pretty strong grip, don’t ya?” he asked Kang.
The big man turned in their direction. “You could say that.” He extended a large hand, picked Hallo up, and set him down on his feet. Then he turned back to the governors.
“All right, what is happening? It is not Midsummer yet, so it must be big to get all five of you together in one place.”
“Indeed, you speak truth,” Changsha said. “Such a crisis has not been seen in the Islands in all their history.”
“So, it is true, the Dragon’s Voice did not name a successor,” Kang stated.
“You know of this?” Panfir asked, sounding confused.
Kang smiled grimly. “Even in the hole in which you threw me, I get some news. There is much that I know.”
‘Then know this also,” Jensu hissed. “Children of age have been disappearing from the Islands, stolen by the Denchi.”
“Denchi? That is not possible. The Denchi would not lower themselves to stealing children.”
“And yet, it appears to be true,” Changsha said. “Two children, companions of our friends here, were taken only last night. The owl was drugged with this.” He held out the dart for Kang to see.
Kang grabbed the dart, and touched its tip with his tongue. “Mmmm, mungtai juice. Yes, you are right, only the Denchi use this. But it makes no sense. I know the Denchi. It is not their way.”
“Excuse me, my name is Stigadae Ghostwing, Stig for short, and this is Hallo Tosis the dwarf. Our friends, Eric and Kate, were kidnapped by these Denchi Assassins. Governor Changsha said that you would be able to help us recover them.”
“He did, did he?” Kang said, glancing at Stig. Then he turned back to the governors. “A talking bird? There are strange things at work here, I see.”
“Indeed, Kang, that is why we have called for you,” Changsha said.
“I am not to be called for like a dog!” Kang snarled. “I am Denchi!”
“You are a Denchi Assassin?” Stig asked.
“Now, don’t that beat all. I’ll be et for a tater, I will,” Hallo said. “How’d ya get caught?”
“I didn’t ‘get caught’. I came here of my own free will, looking for advice from the Dragon’s Voice.”
“And that’s when they caught ya?” Hallo asked.
“No,” Kang said patiently. “I told you that I was not caught. The Dragon’s Voice told me that the only way out of my predicament was to seek refuge in his deepest, darkest dungeon until the time came when I would be able to restore balance to my life. I fervently hope that time has arrived, for I am loathe to spend another year in that pit.”
“I believe it has,” Changsha said. “We have need of someone with inside knowledge of the Denchi and their ways to follow them, rescue Eric, Kate and perhaps the other children as well. I know of no one else with the necessary knowledge and skill.”
“That is a tall order.”
“Stig and Hallo shall accompany you. If you discover that the abductors have left Ang we shall give you a stout ship and crew with which to follow them,” Changsha replied.
“I prefer to work alone,” Kang said.
“We’re going to accompany you, whatever you say,” Stig said, firmly. “Our friends are in danger and we intend to find them with or without your help.”
“Yeah. What’s wrong with us comin’ with ya, anyway?” Hallo asked. “We’re pretty good in a fight. Ya took me by surprise a minute ago, but it’d be a different story next time, I can tell ya.”
Kang cracked a smile at that. “All right, little man. Next time we shall see. We shall all go together. It is the Dragon’s will.”
BLURB:
“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
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Chapter 25 -- Time Out
Eric turned and saw Caligo striding toward them, his scarlet uniform and sparkling blue skin shining in the sun.
“Jedediah Scott,” he hissed, “Prepare yourself, for today you die!” He drew his sword from its scabbard. Eric saw that it was blue and sparkled, like Caligo himself and also like the swords carried by the stone warriors on the Dragon Islands on their last Assignment.
“Get back, Eric,” the captain said. “This is something I must do.”
He pushed Eric to the side with one hand and drew his own sword with the other, raising it in a defensive posture.
To Caligo, he said, “Come, demonic specter, I do not fear you!”
“You should,” Caligo said, and started to run toward him.
Suddenly, a white blur swooped down. It was Stig, pecking viciously with his beak at his head and tearing at him with his talons. Then, Eric saw the short, squat figure of Hallo rush in, swinging a blacksmith’s hammer. At the same time, the Leatherman attacked, brandishing a wooden staff that glowed with a scarlet light.
Caligo seemed unfazed by the attack. With a wave of his free hand, he knocked Stig to the ground. He blocked Hallo’s blows effortlessly before picking him up with one arm and hurling the dwarf into Kate and Matty, who were running at him with a couple of poker irons from the tavern’s fireplace.
The Leatherman brought his staff down upon Caligo with great force. For a moment the blue man was encased in a scarlet nimbus. Hope rose up in Eric. However, it did not last long. Caligo swung his sparkling blue sword about him, shredding the scarlet cloud that surrounded him. This sent the staff flying through the air and the Leatherman with it. Both came down on Kate and Matty, who still lay dazed in the street.
“Now captain, time draws short. Let’s get this over and done with.”
Eric watched as Caligo leapt forward with a cry, bringing his sword down in what was meant to be a killing blow. However, Captain Scott blocked it expertly and went on the offensive, pushing Caligo backward with a furious assault.
“You have some skill with a blade I see,” Caligo sneered. “But you’ll never beat me. I can fight like this forever, for I never tire and you, my dear Captain, most assuredly shall!”
Caligo redoubled his efforts. Gradually, the captain gave ground.
All Eric and his friends could do was watch as the two combatants fought desperately while the main battle surged around them.
Captain Scott fought bravely. Several times it appeared Caligo had gained the upper hand only to be thwarted by the captain’s outstanding swordplay. Time and again the silver steel of the captain’s blade and the sparkling blue matter of Caligo’s sword met with a clang and a vibration that sounded to Eric like the hum of high voltage electric wires. Although no sign showed upon his blue face, it was easy to tell that Caligo was becoming increasingly frustrated. Eric guessed that his ancestor was more of a match in a duel than the blue man had anticipated.
The Ghost Brigade tried to distract Captain Scott by flying around him like flies swarming around a sweet treat. He did not appear to notice them, so focused was he upon his opponent. Eric was starting to think that the captain might just win when the unthinkable happened.
The two opponents had been circling as they fought, sometimes moving forward, then back. They had returned to the area where the horse had fallen, and the unfortunate beast was once again the reason for the captain’s downfall. He backed into one of the horse’s outstretched hooves, causing him to momentarily lose his balance, falling flat on his back.
Caligo did not hesitate. In an instant he was on Captain Scott, stabbing him in the side with his sparkling sword. To Eric it seemed like time had stopped. The captain fell back to the ground, clutching his side. Blood oozed from between his fingers. The sky clouded over suddenly, the wind picked up and lightning crashed. The battle ceased as both the British and colonials were overtaken by a paralyzing feeling of foreboding.
Caligo stepped forward, sword poised to deliver a final cut.
Eric did not let that happen. He grabbed a musket from a dead soldier and put himself between Caligo and the captain. The others rushed to the fallen militia leader, trying to help.
“Out of my way, boy,” Caligo snarled.
“No, I won’t let you destroy this world!” Eric yelled, raising the musket.
Caligo frowned. “Who are you?”
BLURB:
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
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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Thanks for sharing. Sounds really interesting.