I am so excited to finally share the cover for Before the Dawn: An Askari Series Novel for our February post!💞
Eeeee, isn't it awesome?! You can see Xaphan in the foreground, of course, and then Roz standing off to the side in her spacesuit with her face transposed in the sky. I absolutely love it❣😍 Maria is just the best.💖
For those who have been asking, I'm averaging about a chapter in Dawn every 1-2 weeks right now, so we should be on schedule for a late summer release. If you follow me on FB, you'll also have seen brand new Askara candle mock-ups. Which I am super excited for. The inspiration for choosing said scent was 'smoke and spice'—the closest I could get to what I thought Askara or the Askari might actually smell like. I'll be bringing a few with me to FanGrrrl's Premier Signing Event this September, but they'll probably also be listed on Etsy or Patreon for purchase at some point, with free giveaways for paying patrons. I plan to do the unboxing in an upcoming vlog that you can view as a FREE member on the page. It's gonna be fun lol. Even if you're just curious as to what exactly we authors get up to when we're not writing ;)
Right now, though, I'd better get back to it. Below is our next Roz & Xaphan excerpt. I hope everyone has a wonderful week & Valentine's Day❣
Hugs,
💕JM
Before the Dawn (Roz & Xaphan) Excerpt...
“Hey!” Roz barked, more like snarled. “We’re not fucking finished yet.”
At her words, the big, nasty Askari slowed, but she was already headed for him. She’d have the advantage of surprise this time, she determined fiercely, pumping her legs to gain speed before she dropped to slide along the black alien matrix and right between his massive legs. Roz sucked in a breath, barely missing the protruding claws along the backs of his heels.
There was a deafening hiss somewhere above her, but she wasted no time. Roz kicked out from where she lay on the floor... The big Askari grunted, but she didn’t even pause: his knee wasn’t her intended target anyway.
Knowing she had but precious seconds, Roz then braced, threw herself up from the floor, and delivered the most powerful roundhouse kick she’d ever thrown to his chin with every bit of strength she could muster.
Xaphan’s head snapped around with a sick sound, the dread-like things atop his head whipping with it.
Roz allowed herself a moment’s satisfaction, then rocked back on her heels out of reach. She panted. Every muscle in her body was tense, ready, just waiting for the counterattack…
Sure enough, the air crackled when he lowered his chin. Xaphan’s bright yellow eye flashed—scratch that, it damn-near glowed, she shuddered. And then he made a sound she’d heard but once or twice.
It was a snick? Or click?? Whatever.
Roz braced, preparing herself for the attack. Instead, he lifted one claw-tipped finger to his mouth. A drop of dark red blood had appeared on his lip. She watched warily as he touched it, smearing the liquid until a pointed tongue stabbed out to lick the wound. There was a soft, rolling sound.
Shit. Sanchez was right…he was totally enjoying this.
Before the Dawn, by J.M. Link
Copyright 2026, J.M. Link
All rights reserved.
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