The Dark Valley by Claire Plaisted

Description

The Dark Valley is a fantasy story. It was originally I just enjoyed writing this story, originally for Gems of Strength Anthology, which is about strong women. It is can be described as a dark fairy tale with some not very likeable creatures called Trolls who run mines to source precious gems.

The Crones are witch-like characters who want what every older woman want—to be young and pretty. The Crones have magical powers and they take the soul of the young people to help them achieve this. That is until along came Clarissa who finally breaks the curse on their valley.

I hope you enjoy the story, written in British English, and if you do, why not seek out some of my other work, too?

Amazon

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Karen’s Review

I would describe this story as a grown up fairy tale. It has dark depths but presented in such a way that it isn’t scary. A magical world where there are evil Crones, old women who are witches and the Trolls, described as ‘A nasty looking creature with green skin and sprouts of black hair sticking up off its head. Its body is round and short, ending with stubby legs and large feet.’

The Crones rule the Valley that the lovely Clarissa lives in. It’s a place that lacks  warmth, where the birds and animals have fled to the neighbouring valley, leaving it in a void and dark.

Caspian lives in the valley next door and is drawn by the beautiful singing voice of Clarissa as she goes about her chores, overseen by the wicked Crone that is Gisella. She reminded me very much of the wicked step mother of Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty.

The author’s imagination really takes off as we realise the Crones are capturing the souls of young men and women for an evil purpose. Poor Caspian, is so in love with this beautiful girl he falls foul of the Trolls. Thus begins his life in the mines. Here we meet Jessop, I found myself really drawn to this character, although he doesn’t have a big story line.

If you enjoy magical reads with a bit of grown up darkness and evil, you’ll enjoy this one.

Claire is an eclectic multi genre writer. Find her Amazon.

Excerpt

“Father,” he grinned. “What’s with the next valley over? It’s like winter over there, all cold and dark.”

“Evil is there, don’t say you…”

“No, I stayed in the forest father. I didn’t like the look of it.”

“Good, remember to stay away, too,” he scolded.

“Evil? What type of evil lives close to us?”

“Why so interested Caspian?”

“I – I heard a girl singing with such a pure voice, it was beautiful.”

“Pure evil,” he frowned. “Stay away, the witches don’t like strangers, most never come back.”

“Don’t worry father, I was only wondering.”

“Remember, curiosity killed the cat.”

They entered the house, grabbing a drink of ale each as they sat waiting for their dinner.

 

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BIO

You want to know who I am? Well, let’s see!

I’m British born and bred, although I have lived most of my life in New Zealand. Sweet as? (Kiwi Saying) I love New Zealand, best little country in the world today, though I’m sure others will have different opinions.

First and foremost, I am a wife and mother of four children, though we lost our youngest 17 years ago. My husband and I have been married for 28 years this year. Our two eldest daughters are in the UK having their OE (Overseas Experience as they call them in Kiwiland). My son is about to start university to study architecture.

This will be the first time my husband and I will have true freedom to do as we wish, when we wish, without the phrase “Get a room” from the kids with our reply of “Don’t need one. Got a house.” And that was just about kissing…lol. Kids these days!

I am a Family History Researcher and have been for the past twenty years. I fell into writing in 2012 and became a multi-genre author because the muses…yeah more than one…wouldn’t shut the up. I have published over thirty books and have over a hundred drafts on my computer. My main genres are Children’s Adventure Stories, Young Fantasy, Young Adult Fantasy, New Adult Murder Mystery Romance under my own name. Under my pen name of Beth Bayley, I write Contemporary Billionaire Romance (reverse aka the woman is the billionaire) as well as a set of Mythical Welsh stories. I also have one wayward muse who I call Chloe King who is an Erotic Author. Pain in the … and a nympho. Meanwhile, I’ll stay prudish, thanks.

In 2014 I set up my own Publishing Company called Plaisted Publishing House Ltd, which now runs an Author Assist program for Formatting, Editing and Book Covers. We’ve helped over 32 clients in various different ways. We also do Family History Books.

I join EE last year, though I have only recently found the time to get my first book sorted. It is called ‘The Dark Valley’ by Claire Plaisted and is about a young woman who is strong in nature.

You can contact me at:

Website
Billionaireromances
Writing as Chloe King – ADULTS ONLY
Plaisted Publishing
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