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“A rich, engaging, morally complex historical fantasy, deeply embedded in Japanese culture.... Sword of the Ronin balances action with more intimate drama as both reader and hero question the way forward, and move through a landscape of war and legends to just the right moment of balance before the third volume. I, for one, will be looking forward to it.” - E.C. Ambrose, author of Elisha Barber, The Dark Apostle series
“Those interested in Japan’s culture and history, including ancient mythology will find this book an extraordinary read. It is certainly not a story for the fainthearted, but which touches you with its truth-drawing and starkly poignant meaning. As a work of fantasy I enjoyed it very much, although at times it did cause shivers to run down my spine and turned my blood cold.” - Goodreads Reviewer
A LAND OF ANCIENT SPIRITS, DEMONS, AND SPIES...
In 13th-Century Japan, a land of ancient spirits, shapeshifting animals, and demons, Ken’ishi is a warrior without a master. Orphaned in infancy, he has only one link to his past—Silver Crane, his father’s sword. When Silver Crane is stolen, Ken’ishi must go on a quest to recover his very identity.
The crime lord known as Green Tiger knows of Silver Crane and dreams of the day when he can destroy the shogunate and restore his shattered clan, with intrigues stretching to China, where the Mongol emperor Khubilai Khan builds an invasion fleet.
With his only weapon a wooden sword, Ken'ishi enters the shadowy world of flesh houses, Chinese smugglers, and Mongol spies.
To succeed and unleash Silver Crane’s power, he must face the darkness in his own soul.
Available Now from Bear Paw Publishing
“When you actively watch out for new writers with potential, every so often you're pleasantly surprised by one who has simply Got It, whose work is ready to push up to the next level. Travis Heermann has simply Got It.” – James A. Owen, author of Here, There Be Dragons
“Lovely details, an honorable character, and great action… Travis Heermann’s Spirit of the Ronin is a rich and entertaining story.” – Kevin J. Anderson, NYT bestselling author of Blood of the Cosmos, Navigators of Dune, and the Jedi Academy Trilogy
A CLASH OF HONOR, LOVE, AND AMBITION
In thirteenth-century Japan, the ronin Ken’ishi’s fondest wish has been granted—he has found service with a powerful samurai lord.
But the underworld crime boss known as Green Tiger lurks in the shadows of Lord Tsunetomo’s retinue, and Ken’ishi’s honor is tested when learns his new master is married to Kazuko, the only woman he has ever loved. His unknown lineage holds dangerous secrets that could destroy him, and his sword, the magical relic called Silver Crane, holds the key to his past…and his future.
With enemies, temptation, and strife assailing him on all sides, Ken’ishi’s very soul falls into jeopardy—even as Khubilai Khan’s Mongol hordes plot their next attack.
Can Ken’ishi defeat Green Tiger, defend his homeland from the barbarian invaders, and remain true to his heart, his lord, and his honor?
If you love romance, intrigue and action on an epic scale, don’t miss this stunning climax to the Ronin Trilogy.
Available Now from Open Road Integrated Media
“Bold, colorful characters pull the reader into an unforgettable adventure with the perfect mix of suspense, intrigue, and action.” –Jeanne Cavelos, author of The Passing of the Techno-mages
“Rogues of the Black Fury mixes a berserk action thriller sharp as a mercenary's sword with hard-bitten fantasy so gritty it might scour your bones clean by the time you're done.” – Matt Forbeck, author of The Amortals and Carpathia
“Heermann's Rogues is epic, exciting, and a hell of a lot of fun! From the very beginning, the world he crafts feels alive and real. By the last page, I didn't want to leave. Adventure at its finest, honed to a gleaming bloody edge.” – Marcus Pelegrimas, author of the Skinners series
“A rollicking read choc-a-bloc with pace, action, and adventure.” – Fantasy Book Critic
“A very entertaining read ... For fans of Glen Cook or Jeff Salyards, Rogues of the Black Fury could be a great read for a dark winter afternoon.” – A Fantastical Librarian
When a band of shadowy fanatics abducts Javin Wollstone's little sister, Bella, from his care, his only hope to bring her home is turning to a hard-bitten band of special warriors, the Black Furies, led by Commander Rusk. Javin follows Rusk and his men through a maze of political intrigues, religious fanaticism, and centuries of distrust. Little do they know that little Bella Wollstone could be the spark that sets off a war of Armageddon.
The investigation unfolds into a frantic chase that leads Javin, Rusk, and the Black Furies across trackless, pirate-infested seas into the ancient heart of Fartha, the religion-steeped land of prophets and priest-kings. Using stealth, guile, and sheer audacity, the Furies fling themselves into the teeth of the serpent, trying to snatch Bella back before she is swallowed forever. Javin finds himself torn between his genteel, noble upbringing and the raw, brutal necessity of what he must do to save her life.
Available Now from WordFire Press
“It begins as historical fiction with an eerie twist before taking a sharp turn toward gruesome horror that is quite graphic; but appropriately so given the nature of the tale. The story builds slowly before taking off like a freight train and, although I found the end to be somewhat abrupt, if the goal is to leave the reader wanting more then the authors hit the nail right on the head.” – Amazon Reviewer
“The book was fast paced. The action never stopped. I had to see how the book ended — and wow what an ending! Something I didn’t expect…. Even though it is in a western setting this book is much more than a western. The book was a horror book – full of suspense and death. The book was great, the characters felt real, and the ending took me by surprise. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a fast paced novel!” – Amazon Reviewer
“Death Wind is a story that will keep you up well into the night.” – Amazon Reviewer
“What I enjoyed most was the diversity of characters and their points of view. I really enjoy stories told from all angles.” – Amazon Reviewer
“If you have a weak stomach, you might want to pass on this story but for us horror fans it was blood-soaked, so real, I was on the edge of my chair much of the time.” – Goodreads Reviewer
“Blinding hatred was an overarching theme of the book. From the Black Wind, a wind that preys on the weaknesses of men, to the seething rage between the settlers and the natives, to even the bitterness of a once joyful family, both authors already foster the environments for such a demonic entity to take over. The aftermath of the Battle of Wounded Knee, as well as the haunting attributes of the Ghost Dance, also contributed to the fostering of this spirit. This detail was well-executed in the book, and one that I found the most enjoyable. From the rotating points-of-views between the two sides, to the dark entity lurking between the them, this book is a demented work of literary art that shows what happens when humanity succumbs to its vices. What’s more, the book lends itself to history, all the while presenting itself in the most gruesome way possible.” – Horror Novel Reviews
“Death Wind has an incredibly strong opening that will grab the reader and shake them a bit as if to say ‘This is not your ordinary western romance fiction novel!’ We are plopped down in the middle of some tremendous action and the anticipation is high. Likewise, the ending comes along strong and fierce and we are caught up in a maelstrom of violent, wicked activity rising to a frenetic climax.” – Looking for a Good Book
Between the clouds lurks an evil older than man…
In 1891, in the aftermath of the Wounded Knee massacre, awful nightmares and bizarre killing sprees shake the uneasy peace between the frontier town of White Pine and the Lakota on the nearby reservation.
Pioneer doctor Charles Zimmerman finds himself at the forefront of the investigation and uncovers a crawling horror the likes of which he could not imagine.
With the help of
an orphaned farm girl, a smart-mouth stage robber, a beaten-down Lakota warrior, a beautiful medicine woman, and Charles’ estranged father – the aging town marshal – Charles must save not only the town of White Pine but also the starving Lakota from an ancient, ravenous evil.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Freelance writer, novelist, award-winning screenwriter, editor, poker player, poet, biker, roustabout, Travis Heermann is a graduate of the Odyssey Writing Workshop, a member of the Authors Guild, an Active member of SFWA and the HWA, and the author of The Ronin Trilogy, Rogues of the Black Fury, and co-author of Death Wind. His short fiction appears in anthologies and magazines such as Straight Outta Deadwood, Blood &Gasoline, Apex Magazine, Alembical, and Cemetery Dance’s Shivers VII, and others. As a freelance writer, he has contributed a metric ton of work to such game properties as Firefly Roleplaying Game, Legend of Five Rings, EVE Online, and BattleTech.
He enjoys cycling, collecting martial arts styles and belts, torturing young minds with otherworldly ideas, and monsters of every flavor, especially those with a soft, creamy center.