Ciao, amici! You know how happy I am to open my blog to people who want to share their good news (or even just to chat). Today, I have the pleasure of welcoming a return guest to the site. I’ll give you a hint… he’s a fan favorite. I’ll give you another. He’s a colleague at Story Empire. For the two of you who haven’t guessed yet, I’ll just tell you.
Craig Boyack’s here again! And he’s going to be talking to us about the first trilogy he’s ever tackled. More specifically, his new release—book 2, HMS Lanternfish—and a specific kind of character.
Take it away, Craig!
Thanks for inviting me back, Staci. It’s always nice to visit friends, but almost a requirement when you have a new book available.
The new title is HMS Lanternfish, and it’s the second book of a planned trilogy. I’ll drop a cover and blurb at the end of this, but I want to get to our topic of the day: Con Men.
Lanternfish is loaded with fun deceit and larceny, including the original book, where the crew posed as a naval vessel from another country to pilfer an order of bronze cannons from a foundry. They made off with the goods before the rightful owners appeared.
As pirates, they occasionally fly the wrong flag to slip past obstacles or fool their enemies.
HMS Lanternfish has much of the same flavor. We have a princess who has no real standing. James, the pirate captain, has to pass her off as the Western ideal of what an Eastern princess might be. As the seventeenth child of the emperor, she is more of a burden than a child of value as far as the throne is concerned. James acquired her as a backfire to one of his own acts of deceit. It’s kind of convoluted here, but as it plays out over a sequence of chapters, it’s not that hard to follow.
Then there are the Palumbos. He sells curses in a coastal village, she sells the cures. Together, they milk their patrons for all they’re worth. They narrowly escaped the hangman’s noose and wound up aboard Lanternfish. They don’t seem to have much value aboard a sailing vessel and caused a few problems involving gambling. On the other hand, they have a unique skillset and could have value in the war zone Lanternfish is headed for.
For fans of the root monsters, they’re back, too. These guys are always pilfering and plundering something, yet somehow they manage to remain helpful to the cause.
It’s hard to talk much about deceit and con games without spoiling part of the story. The fun of those is in watching them unfold as you read. I expect to weave in even more as the trilogy comes to an end next year. I need to come up with a big one and already know what it’s going to involve. I’m in the planning phase right now and hope to start writing by the end of the year.
I have HMS Lanternfish priced at 99¢ right now to draw some early sales. Take advantage of this and grab your copy. The price will go up once I finish this blog tour.
About the Book:

The Lanternfish crew completed their original mission but got exposed to a more global problem. An entire continent is at war, headed up by a head-strong young king with dreams of power,and pushed from behind by a mysterious religious order known as the Fulminites.
Rather than let their country fall under the iron boot of conquest, James and his crew set sail once more to see what kind of muscle Lanternfish can lend to the war effort. Acting precariously under an unofficial charter as a privateer, even his allies aren’t always his friends.
HMS Lanternfish explores new worlds on its way to war and drifts considerably off course. It features an international crew of characters, and for fans of the first book, the root monsters are back, too. Tall ships, a few con games, martial arts, and everything you loved about the original book is all returning.
Hoist the colors and wheel out the guns. Lanternfish is taking to the high seas once more.
HMS Lanternfish: 99¢ for a limited time.
Voyage of the Lanternfish: Book one of the trilogy.

You can contact Craig at the following locations:
Blog | My Novels | Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook | Pinterest | BookBub
How about that? I’m over the moon that the root monsters are back (I I I I !). And the rest of the gang, too. If you haven’t already grabbed your copies of books one and two, get ’em now while the deals are hot. And as soon as you do, come back here to share the post (if you don’t mind) and leave Craig your best wishes. I’m tipping my glass to him, and I hope you’ll join me.
Grazie!
I’m looking forward to this one! I’m reading the first book right now, so my appetite is nicely whet for number two 😊
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Reading them back to back will only add to the experience, I’m sure. Enjoy, Jess!
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Sometimes it’s a good thing to be late to the party 🙂
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So true.
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Hope you’re enjoying the story.
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So much! Dan and Fala just became an item on the pirate island. If I were them, I’d have just stayed right there, sipping rum and coconut and enjoying the beach and each other 🙂
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That was a fun little sidebar.
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Sorry I’m late! My darling husband sliced his leg with a chainsaw. He’s okay. It’s been quite a week.
The Palumbos sound like tons of fun, Craig! Great scam, too. 🙂
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Oh, my gosh! I’m glad he’s okay, but… oh, my gosh! I guess when Niko does the same thing, I’ll know where the inspiration came from. Just… oh, my gosh.
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Oh my God! I hope everything is okay, and for the long term, too. That makes book promo kind of pale in comparison.
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I have this on my TBR very soon list! I’m with you Staci, I so excited the root monsters are back!
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You’ll love it, Denise.
I wish someone would make a comic book or television show of the root monsters. I’d never miss an episode!
Thanks for visiting!
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I think you’ll enjoy them. Hope it’s one you have fun with.
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I love that you’re adding new characters to mingle with your already colorful cast from the first Lanternfish, Craig. I’m looking forward to all the fun and adventure!
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Second books are often a letdown compared to the first. That’s so not the case with this one, Mae. He added characters and amped up the tension beautifully. The world and the plot are even richer than in Voyage. You’ll love it.
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What a great thing to say, thanks. That many characters are going to make a denouement a little complicated, but I’ll worry about that next year.
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As I think about book three, I’m questioning all those characters, but I think I can pull it off.
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You absolutely can.
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I KNOW you’ll pull it off 🙂
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Best wishes on the new one, Craig. Thanks, Staci for hosting Craig today.
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Thanks for the well wishes, John.
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Always happy to host and share good news. Thanks, John.
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Great post, Staci and Craig. I LOVE the Palumbos covering the curse market from start to finish! Great idea, Craig. Can’t wait to read this one! (Gotta finish the first one, well … first! 😀 )
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They are sneaky. Makes for a good living… if they don’t get caught! But I won’t tell; readers need to find out for themselves.
Thanks, Marcia.
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Looking forward to it! Craig’s imagination always amazes me. 🙂
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On good thing in Amazon’s favor is they will always be there. Take your time and enjoy yourself. You’re right in that this series needs to be read in order.
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I could never bring myself to read a series out of order, even under duress. 😀 Going to read straight through both of them, and (I’m sure) love every minute of it! 🙂
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I tried to set the hat stories so you could read out of order, but the more of them I have, the more things carry over. I’m exactly like you and have to read in order.
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Ahh, I just reached the part in the book where I met whom I’m guessing is the princess. Loved James’s reaction to her. And I always love Serang. Really enjoying the new Lanternfish.
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Serang is awesome. I love her “pets” too. But the root monsters will always be my favorites. Thanks, Judi.
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So glad you’re having fun with it. No spoilers from me, so you can enjoy.
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I can only wonder at the workings of your mind, Craig. Scary place up there? The book sounds excellent.
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He has one of the most fertile imaginations of everyone I know. Thanks, Jacqui.
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It is a scary place. Ha ha! I try to filter it and only share the good stuff in my fiction.
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Ah. I know what you mean!
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Another great post for the HMS Lanternfish! I am about 60% through and a review will be forthcoming. The lies, deceit, and larceny you mention – Yep, that’s all there and more. I am curious to see how the Palumbos play out in this story. They are a pair of unexpected characters. James has a way of collecting strays. 🙂 Thanks for hosting today, Staci!
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James does collect people, doesn’t he? It’s full of fantastic characters doing fantastic things. I wish him much success with it.
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He really does gather some odd folks. It’s going to make the final volume harder, because I have to do some kind of wrap up for the survivors. Enjoy the story and I’m looking forward to what you think.
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Excited to hang out with those root monsters again!
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Have fun, and keep an eye on your valuables.
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My favorites, too, Teri!
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Thanks for hosting me today. Hope your fans are intrigued by a con game or two.
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It’s my pleasure. And I hope the same!
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Reblogged this on Entertaining Stories and commented:
I’m visiting with Staci today, and the topic is con men. These characters play a role in HMS Lanternfish. Drop in, say hi, and follow Staci’s blog if you aren’t already.
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Thanks for the shout-out, Craig.
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Here’s hoping HMS Lanternfish sails high! Congrats on the new release.
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Aw. Such a nice wish. Thanks, Joan.
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Thank you, Joan.
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The first book was amazing, and this one sounds even better! Can’t wait to read HMS Lanternfish!
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He really upped the stakes in this one. I’m sure it’ll be a hit with his fans. Thanks!
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So glad you enjoyed the first one. I think this one will measure up to your expectations.
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I have no doubt it will, Craig!
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Yay, the root monsters are back! I-I-I-I … loved them! Congrats on the new book, Craig. I’m adding this one to my TBR 🙂
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I’m with you, Harmony. Yay, root monsters! Thanks.
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Thank you, Harmony. Your little friends are back, too. Along with a few new characters.
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