COURTNEY & CLARKE COLLINS
VOWS & VALOR
What would you risk to save someone you loved from a fate worse than death?
Of all the messages Dimitar carried, the one he delivers now is the worst of all: vile Corrupted creatures have returned and murdered the king’s best friend. Eager to earn knighthood, he's surprised when given an order he doesn't expect: guard the princess… from herself.
Kaleela grieves her father’s friend, who she loved like a second father. She’s left behind while her father seeks justice and is shadowed by Dimitar to keep her from following. When Corruptors capture her father, she's ordered to find safety among her elven ancestors. Kaleela resolves to rescue him instead, more afraid of losing him than the dangers ahead.
Dimitar must break his vow to keep her safe in the kingdom and together head to the enemy’s lair to free the king. They’re ambushed and come to a disturbing realization: Corruptors now hunt Kaleela for leverage against the uncooperative king. If she retreats to safety, they’ll kill him. But if she’s caught, the Corrupted will kill her unless her father defiles his own humanity to become one of them.
By saving one Dimitar will fail the other, and no one is shielded from the Corrupted retribution against both human and elven lands.
IN THE NAME OF HONOR, VOWS & VALOR Book One, will be released from Shadow Spark Publishing on January 27, 2025
Courtney grew up two doors down from the local library and crushed every summer reading challenge. She's worked in libraries and bookstores before deviating into a higher education career by day and a burlesque dancer by night. She's published extensively in her local town newspaper. Her own queerness and mother-loss influence the fantasy world created alongside her husband. Courtney and Clarke live in central Vermont with their children and an abundance of forests, her happy place.
Courtney can be found at collinsauthors.com, including links to socials.
Photo Credit: Megan Elizabeth Photography
Clarke read The Hobbit at 10 years old and has lived in the world of fantasy ever since. When he’s not escaping into video games and tabletop realms, he’s working hard to improve healthcare. He earned a black belt in Shaolin Kung Fu and has faced more than his fair share of war hammers to the head while weapons training. He lives with co-author and wife Courtney along with his two children in the green hills of Vermont.
Clarke can be found at collinsauthors.com, including links to socials.
Photo Credit: Owen Leavey Photography