Fantasy novels and a Christmas story: The books of Jason Haskins

 

The phrase "Once upon a time" begins many stories, and will begin this one, too.

Once upon a time, the Journey of Now blog housed all my creative output, writing updates, and general life musings. In the last five years or so, much of the information regarding my writing has been done over on the Jason Haskins website. There is where monthly updates are given and information on novels, plays, theater work, and more resides.

Figuring it almost being Halloween and all, now would be a perfect time to cross the streams and provide information on the four books I've written in the last nine years.

Magic of Crieo book 2: The Dragon Slayer

Release date: December 23, 2022

Availability: Hardcover, paperback, download

The second and final book of the two part Magic of Crieo series, The Dragon Slayer picks up the action immediately after the events taking place in The Blue Gem.

Sullen and defeated, the company that had set out on the expedition to destroy the Blue Gem was scattered. One master Druid was lost, and the other possibly the same at the base of The Dam of Bones, Rukh and the survivors were desperate to find safety. Needed, too, were answers regarding the two talismans.

Across the lands, allies in Crieo, Thurston, and Silist were under attack, with the armies of Alar threatening to disrupt peace. The evil Druid and his cohorts were in dogged pursuit of the Blue Gem and even greater magic in Crieo, willing to stop at nothing to obtain their goals.

Fighting powerful allies, elements of a harsh winter, and the strangeness of unknown lands, the survivors must band together to finish what Stelart started. They must figure out the true magic of the Dragon Slayer and the Blue Gem or risk evil gaining a stranglehold over the world never seen before.

Of Snow Forts and Santa

Release date: November 21, 2019

Availability: Paperback, download

This Christmas novel is the story closest to my heart. Of Snow Forts and Santa is intended for young adults, perfect for readers ages ten and older, but is one enjoyed by audiences of all ages.


One week before Christmas, 11-year-old Lee is in full countdown mode. Snow has started to fall, the decorations are ready to be put up, and she's even prepping for her part in the school's Christmas program. Even as her three siblings attempt to distract her from truly enjoying the Christmas season, Lee maintains a happy disposition as the big day approaches, dreaming of the purple ten-speed bike that tops her Christmas list. Alongside her best friend Stacy, Lee aims to make this the best Christmas yet.

Lee's goals for a perfect last week before Christmas slowly start to fall apart, whether it's dealing with her family, the return of her former best friend, challenging the queen of the fifth grade, or attempting to identify with the pain of Stacy and her family, who have recently suffered a loss.

With Christmas Day fast approaching, Lee's faith and holiday spirit are put to the test. Can she remain on her best behavior? Is there a way to help Stacy? Will there be enough snow to build the grandest snow fort ever created? In her attempt to do all of this and more, with her faith in the season and mankind waning, Lee must re-discover her joy or risk watching another December pass her by.

Magic of Crieo book 1: The Blue Gem

Release date: March 16, 2018

Availability: Paperback, download

In The Blue Gem (book one in the Magic of Crieo series), action picks up 30 years after the events of The Dragon Princess. Old characters mix with new as a group of heroes set out on a new journey to save the lands.

A time of peace across the lands. A Council of Races – led by Druid Stelart and King Rion of Thurston – has helped return a sense of normalcy to the nations. Safe trade routes have been restored and Stelart, along with Belark and Nikkon, has begun the initial stages of training new Druids.

An unexpected attack on a Druid leads Stelart back to one piece of unfinished business surrounding the War of the Lands: the destroying of the Blue Gem, the magical gem imprisoning the Demons.

Along with a young Elvin Druid, Rion’s son, and a collection of others, Stelart leads an expedition to the City in the Clouds to retrieve the hidden Blue Gem before it falls into the hands of an unknown force eager to wipe out the Druids once and for all.

The Dragon Princess

Release date: July 15, 2014

Availability: Paperback, download

It's hard to believe we are coming up on the ten-year anniversary of this book's release in the summer of 2024. The origin of The Dragon Princess dates back to my youth, where the early makings of this story and accompanying fantasy world begin. 

To that end, I am still not done with this story. I am currently working on revisions and edits, and will have a second edition of sorts published in July 2024.

Centuries have passed since the Druids helped the Council of Races to broker peace amongst the lands. Fractures had occurred over time, but it was not until the rise of Druid Kayman that this peace finally broke.

Kayman and his cohorts rose to power and annihilated all but a few of the White Magic Druids, disbanding the Council in the process.  Kayman joined forces with Queen Leron and her minions, the Demons, and the creatures that held the key to all the future power of the lands: the Dragons.

Stopping the Black Magic Druids and their allies rested on an old prophecy derived from ancient times that tells of a child who is born of Dragon's blood. Led by Druid Lemen, finding ways to enlist the help of Prince Rion, his sister Riyana, and a young Druid called Stelart, Lemen moves to meet the Druid Kayman head on.

Untested in battle and in life, it will be up to this trio of young adults to end the evil that looms and once again bring peace and safety to all the lands.

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