Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on two novels that serve as prequels to the Spirit Song Saga, an epic fantasy adventure series from authors Ross Hightower and Deb Heim:
"Expertly spun fantasy adventure." ~Kirkus Reviews
Bonus: Start your reading adventure by downloading a free sample chapter of Desulti.
Argren Blue: A Spirit Song Story
Genres: Epic Fantasy, Coming of Age Fantasy4.9 stars, 16 ratings on Amazon
463 pages
Paperback: $18.95
Ebook: $0.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)
A narrative of heroism and consequence set against the backdrop of a nation on the brink of change.
Rebellion isn’t easy. Learning to fight back against a corrupt empire is hard enough. Throw in an imperial witch with her own agenda, an assassin from a mysterious order, foreign mercenaries out for profit, and a corrupt imperial governor…the inquisition may be the least of the young rebels’ problems.
Praise for Argren Blue
- Winner, Coming of Age, Firebird Book Awards 2023
- Finalist, OZMA Book Awards 2023
- Runner-Up, General Fiction, Beach Books Festival 2023
- Honorable Mention, Coming of Age, San Francisco Book Festival 2023
- Literary Titans Silver Award
- "A gripping fantasy tale filled with resilience, self-discovery, and the pursuit of freedom." ~Literary Titan
- "A fast-paced, five-star fantasy adventure that will remain in your thoughts long after the last page is turned." ~Sublime Book Review
- "An expertly spun fantasy adventure featuring magic, combat, and art appreciation." ~Kirkus Reviews
- "Reminiscent of epic fantasy such as Shannara or the Dragonlance saga...definitely worth a read for lovers of fantasy!" ~Reedsy Discovery
Desulti: An Epic Fantasy
Genres: Epic Fantasy, Coming of Age FantasyNew release: November 21, 2024
416 pages
Paperback: From $19.95
Ebook: From $6.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)
A compelling tale of impossible odds, intrigue, betrayal, and sapphic romance.
A ruthless invading Empire. An outmanned rebel force. An alliance of women determined to defy patriarchy. Fierce female characters. Welcome to Desulti and the world of Argren.
The tyranny of the Vollen Empire is written in the scars on Tove’s face. But a chance encounter with Brie, a Desulti assassin, awakens a hunger in Tove. When Brie offers Tove a chance to be the first Alle’oss woman to join the Desulti, she can’t believe her luck. But the secretive order of women is not the haven she expects. Can Tove find what she seeks, or is she a pawn in a scheme that could end her life and destroy the Alle’oss rebellion?
Praise for Desulti
- "Highly recommended for fantasy fans who appreciate a winning blend of sweeping world-building description, epic events, manipulation, and proactive female characters whose growth is at the heart of all experiences." ~Midwest Book Review
- "Tove is an incredibly charismatic character who is a joy to follow through her trials and tribulations, and the romance that builds between her and another Desulti is one of the sweetest and most natural relationships that I have read in recent years." ~Reedsy Discovery
- "More than just epic fantasy. It’s a powerful exploration of women’s rights and the fight for independence... A beguiling tale of intrigue, betrayal, romance, and action." ~Sublime Book Review
- "A fully textured world that feels immersive and alive." ~Readers’ Favorite
About the Authors
Ross Hightower spent most of his life in the South, but somehow found himself living in Milwaukee and loving it. One cold, snowy morning, not too long ago, he woke with a story stuck in my head. That wasn’t unusual, but what happened next was unprecedented. He wrote it down. That small story grew into his first novel, Spirit Sight. While he anxiously waits for its publication, Deb, his partner of 34 years, published Argren Blue, a prequel to Spirit Sight. Some might wonder why it took him so long to find his calling in life, but he's just grateful he has. Follow Ross online at: 
Deb Heim has also found a life in Milwaukee after a vagabond existence in various suburbs across the South and Northeast. Despite an undergraduate degree in English Literature, the urge to write fiction did not take hold until their partner, Ross Hightower, tapped out the first draft of Spirit Sight one fateful snowy morning. With Argen Blue and Desulti, they have served as a sounding board, researcher ,and fellow plot wrangler rather than an actual author. The journey as a partner in this unexpected adventure has been more than worth it. Follow Deb online at: