Author Archives: FTL_Publications_blog

Secrets of the Sorcerers: A Quest Fantasy

Book One in the Chronicles of the Library of Sorcery

A vengeful plan. An impossible impasse. When confronted by the magnitude of past deeds, will she be caught in a spellbound standstill?

High Sorcerer Marlys has earned the respect of her colleagues. Twelve years after freezing her ruthless predecessor in time to protect her region, the powerful leader has worked hard to bring about peace and tranquility. But while presiding over a beautiful double wedding, a rival enchantress traps Marlys’s friends with an identical spell in malicious payback.

Denying the intruder’s demand to free Marlys’s predecessor after more than a decade bespelled, Marlys and her companion sorcerers frantically search for a way to crack their adversary’s magic. And with each side refusing to compromise and driven by distrust, they face a mountainous task—to find the legendary Library of Sorcery, which they hope contains the knowledge to restore their friends.
With their opponent also on the passage to the Library, can Marlys and her companions reach their destination first to end the magical deadlock?

Secrets of the Sorcerers is the refreshing first book in a quest fantasy series. If you like strong characters, gentle humor, and action-filled adventure, then you’ll love Joan Marie Verba’s enthralling story.

Join the sorcerers on their quest. Buy Secrets of the Sorcerers to break the spell today!

Summoned by Dragons: Fire and Friendship

A voracious predator. A frantic plea for aid. Can she stop a dangerous menace from devouring the dragons’ offspring?

Rhea Monroe has missed her childhood friend. She’s excited when the young dragon she grew up with returns to Earth after years away. Hearing that the dragons are in desperate need, the recent college grad immediately vows to help. But the instant they arrive in the dragon world, they’re tasked with helping to defeat a frightening, formless creature known simply as The Terror.

Teaming up with her boyfriend and other allies both human and winged, the resourceful companions struggle to cultivate a plan to defeat the ravenous attacker. But after a huge misstep awakens the monstrous horror, they’re aghast as two of their own are consumed….

Can Rhea and her friends stop The Terror and prevent a devastating apocalypse?

Summoned by Dragons is an absorbing fantasy novel. If you like compassionate heroine journeys, nuanced characters, and grand new worlds, then you’ll love Joan Marie Verba’s sky-high adventure.

 
Available in ebook, paperback, and hardcover formats

Cover and description for the novel, Twelve

Twelve is now available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats.

See http://ftlpublicatons.com for ordering details.

His love is locked inside an enigma. Can he solve the puzzle to make himself a home?

A hidden kingdom. The 18th century. Alden grew weary of battle long ago. And now the honorable soldier seeks to put the horrors of war behind him to settle in a land of peace and start a family. And while an attractive shopkeeper catches his eye, he finds himself caught up in the kingdom’s greatest riddle: the twelve daughters of the king and queen vanish every night and reappear in the morning with their shoes worn out.

Drawn to a shared passion for dancing as he spends more time with the woman of his dreams, Alden can’t avoid a growing involvement with the land’s enchanted magic. And as he does so, he starts to realize that the alluring woman he’s falling for may hold the key to answering the perplexing mystery.

Can Alden unravel a magical entanglement and find his way to happily ever after?

Twelve is a charming fairy tale retelling. If you like upstanding heroes, picturesque romance, and delightful surprises, then you’ll adore Joan Marie Verba’s heartwarming story.

Buy Twelve to expose the realm’s enchanting secrets today!

Modern Surprises reissued with new cover and new title: The Arachne Portal

 

 

 

 

The Arachne Portal by Joan Marie Verba

Women scientists having fun saving the world…unless someone kills them first and steals their tech.

Their goal is to make the world a better place. One billionaires’s obsession may turn their altruism into destruction.

Jay Ecklund is desperate to belong somewhere. Rejected by his family and former employer, he really needs this job as a receptionist at an up-and-coming tech corporation. He’s astonished when he discovers the all-woman staff is secretly developing a portal capable of instantaneous transport to anywhere on Earth.

Thrilled to be part of a company designing innovations to help others, Jay is excited when the machine is at last operational. But he worries about it falling into the wrong hands when an ambitious billionaire hell-bent on accumulating power makes a bid to get it…at any cost.

Will the portal be used as a rescue device as intended, or will a relentless manipulator warp it to a more sinister purpose?

The Arachne Portal is an electrifying standalone science fiction novel. If you like fast-paced adventures, phenomenal science, and thought-provoking themes, then you’ll love Joan Marie Verba’s compelling story.

Read The Arachne Portal to open a gateway to the future today!

 

 

 

Defying the Ghosts: A Haunted House Story by Joan Marie Verba

Released on September 26, 2020

A teen without a home. A dangerous residence. Can she survive one terrifying night to secure her future?

Charlene Griffin never thought she’d be without a home. But when she’s kicked out on her eighteenth birthday, she has no choice but to sleep inside an ominous Victorian mansion. And with the owner offering the estate to anyone who can spend a full night in the haunted property, Charlene decides to risk life and limb to get off the streets.

Refusing to heed the warnings of those sent running in fear for their lives, Charlene is confident she can last from sunset to sunrise. But she’ll need all her wits about her to withstand the hours of terror, because these ghosts are determined to get rid of her.

Will Charlene outsmart her supernatural foes and make it to dawn?

Defying the Ghosts is an eerie YA haunted house story. If you like heart-racing action, fearless heroes, and survival adventures, then you’ll love Joan Marie Verba’s thrilling tale.

Buy Defying the Ghosts to explore forbidden shadowy corners today!

Buy paperback

Created Worlds: a short story Collection by Joan Marie Verba

Created Worlds: Science fiction and fantasy stories by Joan Marie Verba

The Wisest Wizard: Who will be the next Wisest Wizard? Maybe not who you think.

The Sum of the Parts: Susan Page is a pacifist, who is attacked repeatedly by a criminal who evades arrest. Will she need to compromise her principles to defeat him?

This One Time: Allira Elhalyn-Alton, and her daughter, Bruna, have always been protected by the men in their life. Can they stand on their own in a crisis?

Death’s Scepter: Brothers Regis and Stefan Hastur have always been close. Will politics make them turn on each other? * Mind-eater: Domenic MacAran seeks shelter in a house where the residents are terrorized by a bully. Can they turn the tables on him?

The Honor of the Guild: A murder is committed and the Renunciates are blamed. Can Janna n’ha Cassilde solve the crime and restore the reputation of the guild?

An Invitation to Chaos: Gwynn Alton has harbored resentment of his father since childhood. Will their simmering conflict mean danger for the Domains when the Towers experiment with their powers?

The Mystery Woman of the Kilghard Hills: Young Kennard Lanart encounters a mysterious young woman in the woods, but his family is skeptical of his story. Will he, or they, uncover her secret?

Safe Passage: Orain, a peddler, is beaten and robbed and left in an approaching blizzard. Can he get his merchandise back and evade the determined robbers?

“Safe Passage” was originally published in the Darkover anthology Snows of Darkover, January 1995. Reprinted by permission.

“The Madwoman of the Kilghard Hills” (retitled “The Mystery Woman of the Kilghard Hills”) was originally published in the Darkover anthology Towers of Darkover, July 1993. Reprinted by permission.

“An Invitation to Chaos” was originally published in the Darkover anthology Leroni of Darkover, November 1991. Reprinted by permission.

“The Honor of the Guild” was originally published in the Darkover anthology Renunciates of Darkover, March 1991. Reprinted by permission.

“Mind-eater” was originally published in the Darkover anthology Domains of Darkover, March 1990. Reprinted by permission.

“Death’s Scepter” was originally published in the Darkover anthology Four Moons of Darkover, November 1988. Reprinted by permission.

“This One Time”was originally published in the Darkover anthology Free Amazons of Darkover, December 1985. Reprinted by permission.

Latest titles by Joan Marie Verba

Modern Surprises was no ordinary company: the science division had secretly developed a portal that would take them anywhere. The plan was to use the portal to help those in need. However, a billionaire industrialist found out about the portal, and would lie, cheat, and steal to get it. But the Modern Surprises team was not about to let him have it.


Do you like dragons? Follow the adventures of Wondry Dragon as she finds a new home with her new human friend, Rhea. Rhea and her mom and dad have never had a dragon in the house before, and they all learn what Wondry can and cannot do. Rhea and Wondry play together, help out their neighbors…and try to stay out of trouble. Rhea can never tell what Wondry will do next…Wondry is always surprising her with what dragons can do. Wondry will surprise you, too!

A children’s chapter book story for ages 6-8 (grades 1-3).

Coloring Books from FTL Publications

FTL Publications has started a line of coloring books. Here are the first two titles:

These 25 designs are generic cityscapes for both children and adults who want easy drawings to color. Most of the drawings are simple, though some are more complex. Feel free to color entire sections or individual buildings. You can even create a mural or write on the side of a building. There are dotted lines at the side of each page. There is only one drawing per piece of paper, so if you wish to cut them out and save them, use the dotted line as a guide. Whether you need a coloring book for an adult or a child, this is one to consider!

Paperback available here. If you prefer to print your own pages, purchase and download the PDF version from Smashwords.


Cover, Print Version

This coloring book is for both kids and grownups who want easy drawings to color. Most of the 26 drawings are simple, and you can add your own designs in the blank areas if you wish. There is only one drawing on each piece of paper (the back side of the page is blank). The dotted lines on each page show where you can cut out the page from the book if you want to display the finished piece, or color the drawing outside of the book. Whether you need a coloring book for an adult or a child, this is one to consider!

Practical Journals and Diaries

Practical Journals and Diaries from FTL Publications

A Writer’s Journal

writing-journal-front-cover

If you’re a writer, this writing journal is just for you. There are plenty of pages for writing or drawing. There’s also a section in the back to keep track of the daily progress (number of words) of your current project. With 30 entries, it’s perfect for use with a monthly writing project (or two). Here are just some of the ways you can use this blank book:

• a daily personal journal or diary
• taking notes
• recording story ideas
• writing down your story or poem
• drawing or doodling
• keeping track of how many words are written each day on your current project (see end of journal)

So, if you’re looking for a writing notebook or journal diary, try this one!

 
A Fantasy Reader’s Journal Diary

journal-fantasy-front-coverIf you read fantasy novels, this writing journal is just for you. There are plenty of pages for writing or drawing.

Here are just some of the ways you can use this blank book:

• a daily personal journal or diary
• taking notes
• drawing or doodling

If you’re looking for a writing notebook or journal diary, try this one!

 

 

A Convention Journal

journal-convention-frontGoing to a convention? Take this with you to use as your convention diary. There are pages to record the panels you go to, pages for autographs, and pages to write down anything else about your experiences. The extra blank pages are perfect for drawing or doodling, as well as for taking notes or writing down appointments and reminders. You can keep a record of your expenses, too.

If you’re looking for a journal for a convention, this is one you can use!

 

 

Travel Diary
A Trip Journal with Sample Packing List

travel-journal-front-coverPlanning a trip? This travel diary is for you! With its sample packing list, it’s the perfect travel companion. The 5 x 7 inch size is perfect for placing in a backpack, shoulder bag, or purse.

You can use it for:

• daily travel schedule entries

• a travel journal

• a writing notebook

This blank book has plenty of pages not only for writing, but also for drawing or pasting photos or clippings. If you’re looking for a personalized notebook or journal diary to take with you on your travels, buy one today!

 

Address Book with holiday card tracker

address-book-front4.75″ x 6″ (12.065 x 15.24 cm)

Black & White on White paper

50 pages

ISBN-13: 978-1936881208
ISBN-10: 1936881209

Reference / Personal & Practical Guides

Looking for an address book? This one contains spaces for names, addresses, phone numbers, emails, birthdays, and anniversaries.

Need to keep track of the addresses you sent holiday cards to…and where you received cards from? There is a ten-year holiday card tracker for this, too.

There’s also a page for frequently used or important contacts.

If you need an address book with all these features, this is the one for you!

A Gratitude Journal Notebook

journal-gratitude-frontWant to start a gratitude journal but can’t manage a daily schedule? Try this one! Start on any day you want to, write as much or as little as you want to (you can easily overflow into the next section), and skip days if you need to. You can enter your goals (proposed or accomplished) and to-do lists, as well as your insights and breakthroughs. Whether you prefer to write notes, essays, or poetry, this journal can help you organize your thoughts and preserve your experiences.

The Anytime Daily Timer: A Daily Planner or Scheduler

If you need a place to plan your schedule, this daily timer is for you! You can start any day of the year—just fill in the dates that you need. You can skip days if you wish, or leave them blank, if you prefer. There are extra spaces for notes, too. This daily timer puts you in control!

 

The Anytime Day Planner: Start Any Day of the Week, Month, or Year

If you wanted to start a daily or weekly planner today, but it’s after January 1, this is the one for you! You can start any day of the week, month, or year. If you need to skip a day, or several days, or a month…no problem! You don’t have to leave a bunch of blank entries or blank pages. Just fill in the date of the next entry. There’s space for writing down appointments, shopping lists, to-do lists…whatever you want. If you have a lot to write down, just overflow into the next space. You fill in the dates, times, or details.

Week-at-a-Time: Weekly Planner and Daily Timer

Are your appointments written down throughout your office and house on scraps of note paper? Ever wish to put them all in one place? This weekly planner is for you! With this flexible organizer, you can view one week of appointments at a time, hour-by-hour. Start any week of the year. You can skip days or weeks if you wish, and fill in only what you need to use. With this scheduler, you are in control!

 

Make Your Own Cookbook: A Blank Recipe Book

journal-blank-ckbk-frontNeed to organize your recipes? This blank cookbook is for you! Write down your recipes, instructions, and notes in one place. There are spaces and lines for 2 recipes on each page, all numbered so you can find them by number. There’s a section in the front of the cookbook for you to fill in so that you can find your favorites again at any time. If you clip recipes from newspapers or magazines, or have recipes written on pieces of paper, just paste them in!

Posted by Publisher at 8/18/2013 2:49 PM

Midwest Book Review of Sword of Queens

Midwest Book Review
MBR Bookwatch – December 2012
Klausner’s Bookshelf

Sword of Queens
Joan Marie Verba
FTL Publications
P O Box 1363, Minnetonka, MN 55345-0363
www.ftlpublications.com
9781936881116, $15.95, www.amazon.com

For over five centuries, Tashtalon the overlord has ruled the
patriarchal kingdom of Somerlie with an evil iron fist. No one has
ever seen Tashtalon but everyone knows of his presence especially
at night when sleeping is dangerous. Each evening, Tashtalon puts
his subjects to sleep two hours after sunset; and awakens them each
morning two after sunrise with some vanishing overnight. No one
has any hope of overthrowing this invincible malevolent God.

Twentyish Gill is like everyone else living in fear of the evil ruler;
wondering if she will disappear next and knowing how helpless it
is as nothing can defeat Tashtalon. Gill wonders why the overlord’s
most enforced law is that no woman will yield a sword with the
penalty of breaking his code instant death though she assumes it
has to do with females being subservient to males. As she begins
her required quest year “To Find Herself”, Gill thinks of her elderly
grandma’s tales of life before Tashtalon. On her journey Gill learns
that the magical Sword of Queens can destroy Tashtalon.

Sword of Queens is an excellent coming of age quest fantasy
starring a likable heroine. The vibrant Verba world of magic seems
real while the vile villain is made even stronger and eviler by the
fearful whispers of his subjects. Sub-genre readers will enjoy Gill’s
adventures in an engaging good and evil thriller.

Harriet Klausner
Senior Reviewer

Sword of Queens cover

Sword of Queens cover

Posted by Publisher at 12/9/2012 8:38 PM

Thunderbirds™ novel Danger Zone receives Mom’s Choice Award®

FTL Publications is pleased to announce that the Thunderbirds™ novel, Danger Zone by Joan Marie Verba, is a Mom’s Choice Awards® Silver Recipient for the best in family-friendly entertainment. Danger Zone joins the previous award recipients Countdown to Action, Action Alert, Deadly Danger, Situation: Critical, and Extreme Hazrard in being honored by this award.
More information at
 http://ftlpublications.com/books/danger-zone

Danger Zone front cover

Danger Zone front cover

Posted by Publisher at 10/5/2012 12:36 PM