Such as These 1:
No Neutral Ground
New Concepts Publishing

Command Master of the Edderis forces, Isobel Littlejohn vows to destroy the Panopian Order, avenging the deaths of the innocents slain at their hands and putting a stop to the Inquisition that has been ordered by their new chief priest, her sire, William Littlejohn.

When Alexander Canne, a battle-hardened warrior, comes to claim the home and lands he has yearned for for so long, fighting another battle is the furthest thing from his mind, and yet he finds himself drawn into the war that's brewing as the Baron Ravenscrest's quest for power threatens to destroy all he's fought for.

Rating: Contains violence, sexual content, and adult language


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Excerpt:
PROLOGUE
Three Years Ago

Teagorian Forest, the Bendithian Borderlands Grand Hall Room, Changing of the Guard and Command Master Promotion Late spring

The echo of synchronized steps sounded throughout the Great Hall of the Nydia Fortress, home of the Adh Sidha and the Ellwyn Guard, as every man, woman, and child aligned themselves in rank and file. At the blast of the nastame trumpet, the entire assembly rose as one witness to the day's sacred gathering.

Lady Abigail, tall and proud, greeted those assembled. "Thank you for coming. Today we see a new order begin. Today we see the scales of justice readying to right the balance. We have gathered to honor our most elite army and in special recognition of my daughter, Isobel Smythe Littlejohn, the new Command Master of the Edderis forces!"

Cheers filled the room.

Holding up her hand for silence, Lady Abigail addressed the people of Edderis. "Today is a beautiful mixture of sadness and horror. Appreciation for our forces, our calling, and for living where we still have ensured freedom. However, this is also a most hateful of days, a day of affront to those who stand for justice, to those who believe in our order for balance and equality. Isobel, come forward and be recognized."

Isobel Smythe Littlejohn, daughter to Baroness Abigail Eustacia Smythe Littlejohn, heir to the barony, heir to the lands of Edderis, keeper of Nydia, stepped from among the Adh Sidha. She walked to the dais and knelt in submission. Accepting her cue to speak, Isobel began in a strong, steady voice, pitching her tone so all could hear her words clearly. "Today, the day of First Blood, I present myself before this assembly offering my pledge of honor. This day is spent in high celebration by all Panopian misbelievers. They honor the horrid creature known as the Baron Ravenscrest," Isobel Littlejohn swallowed past the acidic bile that rose in her throat every time her father's name was mentioned. "William Littlejohn, my sire, has publicly accepted the position of chief priest in the Panopian Order. His first action has been to call for an inquisition of heresy. It will commence immediately."

Hushed murmurs rose in the room. Isobel did not take her gaze from her mother's granite face, still she felt the unrest in the room. She used her Talent to search out their feelings, their thoughts. She sensed furtive glances among the peoples of Edderis. An Inquisition? That could mean only one thing. A war was to come. But how soon? How long? Who would be affected?

Slowly, Isobel fixed her gaze on her mother, her aunt, and Manfred in turn. "I humbly come before you, my priestess, my teacher, and my protector, to offer you my most solemn vow of fealty." Though her heart hammered in her chest like that of a scared rabbit's, Belle's countenance remained as serene as the lavender waters of Lake Rama. She refused to let her gaze waiver or her voice falter.

Lady Abigail nodded. "Continue."

"Littlejohn has drawn first blood. He has taken action, but a dominant order can grow only so fast. I swear to secure alliances that will assist the forces of Edderis in bringing about the Raven's demise. The man's arrogance and reputation will be his downfall."

"Rise and be recognized." Though said in only a whisper, the encouragement was all Belle needed.

Belle rose from her kneeling position at the base of the dais. Her shoulders squared, her walk as determined as her tone, she approached her mother.

"What of the Sacred Trust?"

"First and foremost is always my duty-bound honor to protect our planet, to ensure no one power becomes the only power."

"Yet," her mother pressed, "you have a specific target."

"The goal is one and the same. Littlejohn desires only one religion. That one religion requires everyone to become a slave to the order. That desire stands in direct opposition with the Scared Trust decree."

"What is your plan?" Lady Abigail asked.

Belle spoke. "These allies my armies and I vow to secure must not feel as though they betray confidences, slight or large. They must know the truth of what we stand for, however, they must never know the truth of who we are. The forces of Edderis have remained shrouded in mystery for the safety of our home, our people, and our warriors. Enforcing equality can be dangerous. The protection of our people comes second only to the Sacred Trust."

Baroness Abigail Eustacia Smythe Littlejohn nodded approval, silently rubbing the wicked scar that marred the beautiful cream flesh of her throat. It ran in a long jagged line from her right collarbone to near her left earlobe.

"The dangerous portion of our scheme, Baroness, is to never cross the line. Never get too close. Never share too much. Secure their alliance, and leave. Protect the masses, but not be of the masses."

Lady Abigail reached behind her neck and unfastened a necklace she kept carefully hidden beneath her gowns. The soft illumination of the amulet dangling at the end grew as she drew it forth, until a fantastic green cast an eerie glow over the leaders of Edderis. She raised her arm, so all could witness the glory.

"We will find our way into the Panopian Order. We will strip their defenses, all the while reinforcing our own." Belle tried to focus on her memorized speech, but the sight of the amulet made her blood race.

Her hand unsteady, Lady Abigail draped the necklace over her palm.

"This we have mastered. Each recruit grows in prowess and skill daily. They have been trained well." Stopping just in front of her mother, Belle leveled her gaze and smiled. She yearned to reach for the piece of jewelry, but she waited. "The Edderis Code--never be the prey, only don the appearance of a pawn."

At Lady Abigail's prompting, Belle reached out and accepted the glowing emerald amulet. It dangled from her trembling hand. It pulsed with strength. It called to her. It always had, except now it seemed to call her name distinctly. She'd felt its power ever since she was a child still not yet old enough to walk. And now, today, on this glorious day, it was hers.

The green shades rolled from spring meadow to the deepest carpet of the forest floor. It was beautiful. It was power. Aye, but a power Belle did not fully understand, was not certain she was ready for, but wanted to believe herself capable of mastering. She bowed her head and fastened the fragile metal cord around her neck.

She looked from the necklace to her mother. "I shall go across the border to the continent Valdela and hunt my father down like the evil beast he is. He and his friends will fall. They will not start a war. I swear to each and every one of you the armies of Edderis will ensure the right to choose."

"The Panopians are fierce," Aunt Elsbeth said.

"Dangerous men," Manfred added.

"Yet they are only men." Belle softened her expression. "I am ready for this mission. My warriors are ready. Before the Raven dies, I swear to you all, he will fall to ruin and he will know that it is I, his very seed, who brings him low."

"Justifiable and understandable."

Empowered by her conviction, Belle pressed onward. "This calling is sweet to our family. Vengeance and justice are now attainable."

"Understand there may come a time when this oath may conflict with your duties as Command Master. They are not one and the same as you have stated here, my child." Her mother's voice warbled. Her chest labored with each breath. The illness consumed her faster every day. Being of the Weaker Blood, those cursed to existence without Talent or Skill, Lady Abigail had been forced to suffer the Raven's abuse until she could outwit him. She'd saved their daughter, Belle, but in the end, Lady Abigail would still forfeit her own life and soul, having received too many beatings, too little care, for too long a period. Now her health was frail. Even the most powerful healers had been unable to offer her relief from what the Raven had put her through.

"Nothing I have promised interferes with the Sacred Trust, my liege. Point in fact, this vow stands supported by the most holy cause. As Command Master it is my obligation to ensure the balance of all Arrcadea. The Raven is power hungry and seeks to upset the scales. It is my sworn duty to see him stopped."

Lady Abigail blinked several times. She smoothed the pleats of her silver gown. "Daughter, you have fought hard and become a valiant warrior. You are well learned. Not just in the arts and sciences but also in the anger and hatred that flows in our family's veins. You know and honor the Warrior's Creed. You do Arrcadea proud."

Belle knew how hard this was for Lady Abigail to say, yet at the same time she fervently wished her mother could say she'd not just done the planet Arrcadea justice but served her well.

"What I say now, you well know. A warrior's first duty is to Arrcadea. The second is to Edderis proper. The third is to you as leader. Isobel, your choice to accept this mission must be with the complete understanding that you may have to go alone. Leave the security that you know. Leave your home, your command, and your family. If your quest for vengeance on your father, the righteous need to right the wrongs and stop the Raven ever interferes with your duty, you must be prepared to step from your role as Command Master, turn that duty over to one of your firsts and continue on."

Belle swallowed hard. She'd always been alone. This was no different.

"Each vow is held in high regard, but neither can be compromised."

"Aye. I understand."

"Once each quest is undertaken, neither can be stopped."

"Aye. Mother, I understand and vow. I will step down, if there ever comes a time I must choose. Until then, however, I will use the resources to fulfill my calling, to the best of my ability."

Lady Abigail coughed into a thin kerchief. Her voice rasped when she spoke.

"This is a dangerous mission you propose."

"Indeed," said Manfred.

"So precarious," Aunt Elsbeth commented, "it has never been attempted before. No one felt confident in their neutrality."

Lady Abigail offered a weak smile. "I believe you can do this, daughter, or I would not have stepped down and agreed to turn the forces into your care, on this day of days. Yet I offer this warning to you and our warriors." More loudly, she said, "You have no memories of the Raven. There is no way for you truly to appreciate his nature. His nature will lead the Panopian Priesthood on their witch hunt. Their inquisition is a farce. They will stop at nothing to ensure their desires are met. Though I know you have been trained by the best. Though I know you a valiant warrior." Her voice rose. "Still, I fear for your safety."

"I need no physical bruise to cause me pain. I see the haunted look in Aunt Beth's and your eyes. I do. I see you and I hear the whispers of the staff. The crofter and the baker who have lived long enough to know what the Raven and his Panopian friends have done, their pain radiates. I feel it. I sense it." Despite the lump in her throat, Belle raised her chin high. "No, mother. I do not need the scars. I carry the wounded."


Reviews:
Ms. Surbeck has written a book filled with sorcery and battle. As you read about the battles taking place, you will feel as though you are sitting upon a horse in full armor looking on. The sex starts out as a sweet attraction and builds to a powerful climax. As both realize there is no neutral ground in war, they pray to survive and share their love forever.

3 Cups, Sherry
Coffee Time Romance
Ms. Surbeck created with NO NEUTRAL GROUND a very complex story that draws the readers completely into the story. It takes awhile to figure out how everything is connected, but once you get it, you will be absolutely captivated by the characters, the different lands and the reasons behind the different actions of the characters. Ms. Surbeck describes everything with such detail that you get the feeling of being a part of the story. In this reviewer's opinion it's what makes her books keepers and why she is one of this reviewer's auto-buy authors. Ms. Surbeck always finds a way to make her stories special in one way or the other.

So if you are a fan of well-plotted, detail-rich fantasy romances you don't want to miss this book. So hurry and get your copy today.

4 1/2 Hearts, Danny
Love Romances
It actually took me several tries to really get into No Neutral Ground and that was partly because my own expectations of the book were incorrect. I began reading this story thinking it was a romance with some fantasy. Not at all. No Neutral Ground is a highly detailed fantasy with an elaborate world of religious and cultural conflict with a romance that blossoms despite it all. It's probably one of the most complex worlds I've seen recently and that really kept me in the story.

I loved the fact that Xander and Belle were both equally strong and heroic. The true love between equals made me smile at the end. This book is not terribly spicy but the emotions of the characters permeates their encounters.

Give No Neutral Ground a chance, let yourself absorb the world and customs and don't put it down too easily. You won't be disappointed.

Maura
No Neutral Ground Book 1- Such As These Trilogy is a very complex tale that fully involves the reader. There is beauty, power, and corruption flowing freely within. Due to the complexity of the relationships and setting it took a while for me to get into the story, however, once I was in I couldn't put the book down. The various lands, people, and motivations might prove initially confusing; however, as the reader is lured into Belle's Machiavellian tactics, you begin to see who is on the side of good and evil. There are a multitude of characters within this story. Belle and Xander may be the central characters, but the secondary characters are relatively well developed and add a depth to the plot. Each has their own story and yet they combine for the greater fight against evil. The characters are easily the driving force of this story, yet Ms. Surbeck compliments her characters with vivid imagery and fitting dialogue. The fog, the scents, and the sounds of battle are almost palpable to the reader. Even the apprehension of the warriors as they prepare and Belle's heart-stopping battle to get to Xander illustrate how well the author brings the reader into the story. The dialogue flows well and creates an almost otherworldly feel to the story. The ending builds to a wonderful climax and while it comes to a satisfactory pause, it promises the story is far from over. I look forward to seeing what comes next.

5 Angels, Amanda
Fallen Angel Reviews