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Sword of Lions Book Tour

Cover Blurb

A princess facing a difficult decision…

Crown Princess Janet has refused every suitor that has come to ask her hand, and not because of Malcolm of Bonaparte! He is a friend and nothing more! She is the future of Avanna, a woman who wields substantial power both through position and her own magic abilities. She must choose carefully.

A warrior determined to protect what matters…

Malcolm will do what he must to protect the woman who has always been his closest friend. Even if that means lying to her- about who he is and what he feels. And when her family falls under a dark curse, he is the only one she can trust to get her to the Forest Tower, home of the ancient wizard, Merlin.

Seven days to save the kingdom...

Dangers lie around every turn in the road and a former friend hunts them every step at the behest of a dark enemy. But the greatest danger lies ahead- a confrontation with an evil every bit as ancient and powerful as their salvation.

And beyond all that, Janet must contend with something she has spent years denying-her own heart.

Other Titles By the Author

T. Z. Krasner

Author Bio

Born in the Land of Lincoln and raised in the suburbs of Massachusetts, TZ has spent three quarters of his life in Metro Detroit. A three-time uncle with a degree in history and a background in screenwriting, he’s been writing since the age of eleven. It took a while for him to find his footing, and in fact the series he’s started isn’t one of the ones he spent years working on and refining. A fan of Japanese anime and Tokusatsu, he infuses his writing with the hallmarks of these genres- lots of fast-paced action, dramatic twists, and ordinary people doing the incredible.

The Book Tour

Day 1 - Favourite Quotes

“You say I am lost,” Cedric taunted, taking one step, then another with menacing slowness. “Yet you are the one who fights for a lost cause. My mistress will have what she wants, and this kingdom will fall.” (Medley Wolfgram)

Malcolm went back to watching the castle. He could see Janet’s window from where he sat, and seeing it now made him feel as if he were still watching over her. (Michelle Marshall)

He spun faster and faster, his circles tighter and tighter until he turned in place and his sword almost seemed a steel cocoon around him. But the speed with which he moved was even greater than that, for the sword flicked out and cut and sliced in the space of a breath, carving each [enemy] up in a hundred ways without the strike even being noticed. (Niall McKay)

"I am pledged to protect you,” he told her. “But I will not leave you alone to face your fate, not ever. We will find a way to stop the Dread Queen, and if a way exists to save your sisters, then we will find that as well. You have my word on it." (Sophie Jupillat Posey)

“A thousand and one times you have brought this notion to me, and a thousand and one times I have called it silly, yet still you go on and on about Malcolm of Bonaparte and these feelings you have decided I have for him with no evidence of your idiotic beliefs! None of you have any true concept of what you speak, so until you have achieved that, open your ears, and hold your tongues!” (Tim Marshall)

For twenty years, it had been one of the most curious aspects of life in the capital that a boy who had grown up living in the poorest section of the city would be a friend and playmate to the princesses. Even more curious was those same princesses had come to this section often over the years to see him. (Yvonne Marrs)

"Dead and dying? Do not measure my family by the witch that has warped your mind, Cedric" (Kirsty McKay)

Day 2 - Character Summaries

Cedric: For me, Cedric is the most enjoyable and engaging character. At first, the author paints a picture of a stereotypically handsome, friendly guard; a soldier with a concerning temper as evidenced by his fight with Rowena. He's first introduced as a friendly, if mysterious figure everyone seems to fawn over. An element of danger to his character brings life to the early pages; there’s a sense that something is not quite right, and in this suspicion, the story springs to life. While I could not directly connect to a traitorous character such as Cedric, his character arc is believable enough and his motivations are powerful. Cedric's betrayal opened up a whole new side to the story and ushered in a believable climax. He understood Janet's weakness was Malcolm and Malcolm's weakness was Janet, long before they realized this themselves. I loathed his betrayal, for Janet lost a true friend. Out of the entire cast of characters, however, Cedric stood out the most not simply because of his service to the Dread Queen, but for his entry. The author describes him as having "shoulders broad enough to carry the world", and this actually foreshadows his importance to the story. He does carry the story, his shoulders broad enough to carry the plot. (Medley Wolfgram)

Janet: Janet is someone who knows her own mind. She’s determined not to be pressured into marrying someone she has no interest in and to only take this step if it’s the right person and time. This seems very forward for the setting, and it was refreshing that her father supported her choice. She’s the oldest of six sisters and a powerful mage. I enjoyed the exploration of her relationship with Malcolm, someone who she has been close to since they were small children. I felt invested in the dynamics between them and engaged with what would happen next.(Michelle Marshall)

Janet: Janet is certainly my favourite character although not an easy decision to make. As the king’s eldest daughter and heir to the throne, Janet has good strength of character, and this is captured well in the book. Although a strong woman as lead character, Janet is not without her faults, but I like this as it makes the character believable: a flawed heroine. She has exceptional magical ability although doesn’t realise the full potential of this early in the story. She develops her magical skills throughout her journey until the climax where she unleashes all that she has learned. She clearly finds it difficult to trust people, although this is more to do with her own tenacity than poor judge of character. The challenges she faces throughout her adventure however, means she has to develop trust. The author portrays Janet as having a good judge of character, which helps her understand the intricate and sometimes conflicting personalities involved in her quest. It also helps her to develop the trust in them that she needs. Of course, there is a romantic element too and the author captures this equally well and particularly Janet’s inner conflict concerning her feelings towards her main protector, Malcolm. So overall a well rounded and believable protagonist who the reader will have no problem relating to. (Niall McKay)

Janet: My favourite character was Janet though Malcolm was a close second. It is made clear from the start that Janet is a flawed character and throughout the story, her flaws lead to bad situations which could have been avoidable. Yet, it makes her likable too. She is a powerful wizard, but she has a hard time controlling her power. She is headstrong and doesn’t deal with her feelings well. When she gives in to despair near the end of the book, it’s so uncharacteristic you want to shake her. Yet, eventually she gets back to her usual strong self. She learns a precious lesson in this book and that is to not confuse strength with pride, to be open her emotions yet center herself and be in control. It is delightful to see her journey in that regard. Near the end we really get a glimpse into the scope of her powers and what she can do; I wish more of that had been fleshed out in the beginning and middle of the book. Her relationship with Malcolm is fraught, and from the beginning we can tell their story is a frustrated love story that will become something more. The constant fighting and bickering got annoying now and again, but it stayed realistic enough that the pay off in the end is satisfying. (Sophie Jupillat Posey)

Alexis: Although she doesn’t feature as heavily as some of the other characters, Alexis was one of my favourite characters in the book. The young princess’s bold and fiery nature stands out even amongst a well-rounded cast, and I found her precocious sense of chivalry entertaining. (Tim Marshall)

Janet: Malcolm and Janet are the main characters of this first book by TZ Krasner, and are written in a way that most readers will love either or both. Janet is the next in line to the throne, and at 22, she should have chosen her husband four years ago. As a princess with magical abilities that she is still yet to fully control, her frustrations are entirely relatable to us normal readers. We can empathise with her regarding her choice of husband, instead of settling for anyone or being given away to a stranger, Janet is actually delaying her biggest life decision until a perfect match is found. Her journey (literally!) through finding what she can and can’t do with her magic powers as she seeks Merlin’s help to rescue her family and her kingdom is one that engages and amazes the audience. We can’t help but root for her to succeed and find the love that she deserves. I do feel that the more we know about Malcolm, the stronger the want is for the two to become a couple. Excellent writing! (Yvonne Marrs)

Malcolm: I am torn between the two main characters, Janet and Malcolm. Both have their strengths and flaws, and are very likeable characters that readers will definitely connect with. I do love Janet's independent and strong willed nature, and how her magic is influenced by her emotions. The fact that she is cursed brings an interesting dynamic to her as she fights not to succumb to this. However for me Malcolm, slightly nudges ahead, in terms of favourites, not just because of his magical ability and prowess with a sword but because of his parentage, which makes him a more intriguing and complex character in terms of his genetics and how this may influence him in the future. In Sword of Lions the reader can see that he struggles to not let his parents define who he is, and that his fear has heavily controlled his decisions, as he tries but fails to keep the woman he loves at a distance. Now that he knows who his birth mother is, it will be interesting to see what direction the Author takes his character and the relationship with Janet. (Kirsty McKay)

Day 3 - Favourite Excerpts

“Once, long ago, the seven kingdoms were united under the rule of Arthur, the Golden King. But wherever peace and brilliance exist, war and darkness must by their very nature lurk beneath the surface. And so, it was the Dread Queen, that most ancient of evil, came to covet the destruction of the court of Camelot” (Medley Wolfgram)

Though she was a princess, Janet was no weakling. The castle guard had trained her and her sisters in various athletic talents at the king’s direction. She allowed her knees to buckle as she landed, turning it into a roll that took her across the roof to the edge where she hopped down as nimbly as a mountain goat. Purpose and anxiety sped her steps as she arrowed straight for the old shop and Malcolm. (Michelle Marshall)

Rowena turned to Malcolm. “I can guess easily enough that you and the royal are close, but I do not believe that you are foolish enough to have run off with her given the stories going about. So, pray tell, what are you doing this far from the capital?” Janet and Malcolm traded glances, and then she began, “If you have heard of the trouble…” “I did not ask you,” Rowena snapped, never looking at the princess. “And this is not the castle, so you will wait until I’ve asked you before replying.” “Rowena, that is enough.” Malcolm’s tone carried a note of iron. “I know well your family’s problems with the royal line, but rein in your tongue. Janet has done nothing to you.” (Niall McKay)

I think the part that resonated with me the most was when Janet visited her dreamscape and realized how out of control it had gotten; her denying her feelings for Malcolm didn’t get rid of them, but made them worse! Her realization of that and desire to fix it, was a satisfying empowering moment. (Sophie Jupillat Posey)

“He was a thief!” “Unless you saw him snatch that bracelet himself,” he cautioned her, “you have no proof of your claims.” “He ran.” “You had your sword out and were yelling at him.” He pulled the weapon in question from where it had landed and handed it back to her. “Most people when faced with someone in armor coming at them waving a blade are going to panic.” “As I have told her numerous times over the last year.” Janet, having caught up both to Cedric and her sister, stepped forward. Her amethyst eyes flicked over Malcolm before latching onto Alexis. “What has father said about chasing thieves in the marketplace?” Alexis sighed and rolled her eyes. “That I am a princess not a city guard.” Janet folded her arms, tapped her foot. Waited. “And?” Another sigh, another eye roll. “To leave matters such as this to the professionals. Sister—” Janet held up her hand, cutting off any protest. “Let us all be thankful Malcolm is as fast as he ever was and stopped you from making what could possibly have been a very dear mistake.” (Tim Marshall)

Now annoyed, thinking the stranger meant to flee with the finest work he was likely to do in his life without paying for it, the younger man vaulted his counter to pursue. But the strange elder did not go to the door. Instead, he strode confidently to the window and, turning the magnificent weapon so the blade pointed at the ground, pressed it against the grimy glass. It seemed to the smith that for a moment the air of the shop echoed with the ring of metal on metal, as if a thousand swords clashed together all at once a great distance off. Then the old man stepped back, and the wondrous sword remained stuck against the glass, which was now every bit as clear as the crystal that had been set within it. Speechless, his heart pounding in his chest, the young man all but tore down his own door as he scrambled to get a look from the outside. The window was now diamond-bright in the sun, and the simple if elegant crystal was now a deep, deep crimson. (Yvonne Marrs) Such a poignant piece of history, that is key to the story!

The best weapon against magic is magic. One of her earliest lessons from the court wizard came back to her. A wizards greatest strength is also their weakness. But the stronger wizards already know that, and so they guard against your magic. You must find a way through their guard if you are to succeed. A way through the guard. There had to be a way through the guard, a way to channel her magic, to- Channel. By the gods, that was it! (Kirsty McKay)

Day 4 - Video Interview

Day 5 - Reviews

Overall rating: 4 Stars. The plot of this book was inventive and imaginative and I enjoyed reading it. The only downside for me, was at times the dialogue between the characters fell a little flat. (Medley Wolfgram)

Overall rating: 4 Stars. This is a fascinating fantasy novel that finds inspiration in other settings and combines these elements to form a new creation. I enjoyed spotting the nods to other fiction in the genre or figures from folklore. What appears to start as a romance novel seamlessly progresses into an adventure tale, putting challenges and dangers in the path of the protagonist. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for escapism in a world where there’s both unique and familiar elements at play. (Michelle Marshall)

Overall rating: 4 Stars. What a great story! Based on a continuation of Arthurian legend the novel tracks the adventures of Janet, the royal princess and heir to the throne and Malcolm, her protector and master at arms, and the one to wield the Sword of Lions. The action is well-paced throughout with danger lurking at every step as the Dread Queen and Dread Knights seek to stop the princess as she seeks out Merlin to help remove a curse that threatens to destroy the kingdom. Great dialogue really enhances the depth of the story and compliments the intricate personalities of the key characters. A slightly bizarre collection of familiar characters in the final third of the book when Janet and her companions finally reach Merlin but then why not? The story itself brings together a number of familiar names and legends throughout the book and the more you read the more you will enjoy it. (Niall McKay)

Overall rating: 4 Stars. Janet is the crown princess of Avanna, and she knows it. She is a powerful woman in every sense of the term, yet she is most vulnerable when it comes to her feelings– specifically about one man named Malcolm, her childhood friend and protector. Janet is the main protagonist, but so is Malcolm, and there is a good supporting cast: brave Cedric, impetuous Rowena, mischievous Andre, Janet’s diverse set of sisters, her just father, etc. A lot of the characters had unique personalities and traits, and their dialogue stood out too most of the time. Concerning Malcolm and Janet in particular, their love story is well developed for the most part; it just seemed like it took an eternity to flourish, and some of the back and forth felt repetitious after a while, and Janet gets a little saccharine every now and then in the end. However, the end payoff is satisfying and feels deserved. The dynamic between Cedric and Rowena is sound, and one roots for them too. The story moves at a brisk pace for the most part, and the stakes are well set. But it is a bit too slow or a bit too fast in some parts. The ending felt a bit rushed considering the stakes. Some scenes could use more in-depth description, both physical and emotional, but all in all, we get a feel for the world building. I like this unique twist on the classic Arthurian legend. This book left me wanting more. (Sophie Jupillat Posey)

Overall rating: 4 Stars. Sword of Lions is a young adult tale that draws on heavily from elements of classic English and French literature and folklore, fusing them with the dramatic action style and flair of anime and interweaving both with a blend of modern cinematic sensibilities and dialogue with historical fantasy. The result is a well-written combination of action, drama and romance that should reward those who buy into its premise of a world that plays proxy to historical Britannia where magic abounds and timelines are blurred for the sake of mythological inclusivity. (Tim Marshall)

Overall rating: 4 Stars. Princess Janet has grown up with her four younger sisters and best friend Malcolm, but she hasn’t seen him since he left five years ago to go to war. Unsure whether or not she will ever see him again, she denies her feelings for him as more than just a friend. Or so her sisters continually tease. With only seven days to save the kingdom, Janet’s small group have to reach Merlin’s Forest Tower as he is the only one who can release her and her family from a dark curse. The journey is fraught with danger, and it seems Fate is against them. This tale is a magic quest with a romantic theme, with characters who are totally different but work well for a common cause. A thoroughly enjoyable read, despite some errors which can be easily sorted out by the author. I’d have no qualms recommending this book once it has been edited. (Yvonne Marrs)

Overall rating: 4 Stars. I've read a couple of novels recently that offer a different spin on the classic Arthurian Legend, and so whilst looking forward to reading Sword of Lions, I wasn't quite sure whether it would be on similar lines to the previous books that I've enjoyed or if it could bring a unique perspective on the classic tale. For me, as a writer and reviewer, it has been interesting to see how each Author has been inspired by, and incorporated elements of the legend of King Arthur and Merlin into their stories, and the characters they've created from this. I have to say that Sword of Lions didn't disappoint me as a reader, and I enjoyed TZ's version just as much as the others. I loved the characters of Janet and Malcolm, the two main protagonists, and was truly invested in their story. This is a great first book in what promises to be a great series. And I must say that I am looking forward to seeing how the Author moves the story forwards, especially given the brief nod to other classic characters, that added another fascinating dimension to this book and complemented the story wonderfully. (Kirsty McKay)