I am extremely excited to be hosting M.R. Merrick on the blog today for his Release tour, and we’ve got a special treat for you! Riley, Chase’s father (in the the Protector Series), is also making a special appearance in order to give us some insight into his version of things… so, without further ado, here’s Riley:

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As I sit here, writing this, I can feel the dagger’s energy rolling through my veins. It stares at me, gleaming in the light and pouring its power into my soul. I can feel the darkness it carries, but my will is stronger. I will overcome it. I must. I need its power to create peace.

Man casts its hate across the world. They invade one another’s countries, killing their own kind for oil, money, power, and greed. Little do they know, none of it matters. In the shadows of their great wars is something bigger; something more powerful: demons, monsters, darkness. It swells in the moonlight and drags it’s blade across innocence.

For decades I’ve watched the blood of my comrades’ spill in the name of this war. It stains the pavement and turns black in the moonlight. But I am not without guilt. I’ve taken my own share of lives. I’ve looked into the eyes of true evil and I’ve turned it to ash. But it has achieved nothing. I’m only one man. I was, only one man.

I never believed in the goodness of demons, but the Brothers showed me the error in my ways. They saved me and unveiled a new beginning—the beginning of truth. The Brothers are like me; they want to put an end to all of this. They want all creatures to live together in harmony. They want the innocent to be safe and the evil to be persecuted. And they want to help me do it. They showed me the power I needed, and they’ve helped me obtain it. Even with just a small portion inside of me, I can feel the difference I’m making. It’s a physical presence that pulses in my soul. Even if my son thinks otherwise.

Chase has passion but he is weak. He is not strong enough to stand beside me. If it were not for the Brothers’ insistence that we need him alive, I would destroy him. The boy who was once my son is now only a creature who rejects amity. He is my own flesh and blood, but he is blinded by hate that he masks as honor. Chase believes that in stealing their freedom, I am harming everyone, but what he doesn’t see is the good it will bring. He sees me as a monster, but he does not understand. There is no sacrifice too large to achieve true peace. When I rule over all the dimesnsions, all creatures will bow to me; humans, demons, and hunters alike. And with their loyalty, I will end their hate. I will end their suffering. I will end their wars. I will guide them through the valley of darkness, and show them the serenity they deserve.

I have Ithreal’s blessing, I have his dagger, and soon, I will have his power. I will not let Chase’s hatred get in my way. He rejects peace, he accepts hate, and he breeds fear. He is no longer my son. He cannot be. Chase is my enemy. Anyone who stands in the way of peace is my enemy. And my enemies will be struck down. Through death, they will be cleansed of their sins by the hands of a new god. They will be cleansed by me.

–RILEY

WOW–this kind of changes some of my impressions of Riley, to say the least!

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And now for the GIVEAWAY!!

M.R. Merrick is giving away LOTS of prizes, to 28 different winners, to be EXACT!

Grande Prize Pack (3 Winners)

3x Signed  paperbacks (Exiled, Shift, Release)

3x  Signed 8×10 posters (Exiled, Shift, Release)

5x Bookmarks

Runner-up Prize Pack (5 Winners)

1x Signed  paperback (Winner’s choice of Exiled, Shift, or Release) with signed poster

1x  bookmark (Winner’s choice)

1x  Magnet

Secondary Prizes A (10 Winners)

Release eBooks

Secondary Prize B (10 Winners)

1x bookmark (winner’s choice)

1x The Protector magnet

Winners  will be chosen as follows: First 3 names drawn from  Rafflecopter will get the grand prize. The following 5  names get the runner-up prize. The following  10 names win ebook copies of Release, and the final 10 names win the swag pack.

 There  will also be multiple opportunities to win signed paperbacks, signed  posters, notebooks, swag packs, and bookmarks throughout the tour on  both Twitter (@MRMerrick) and M.R. Merrick’s Facebook Fan Page.

To enter, click this Rafflecopter Entry Form and fill it in (the blog that sent you is A BOOK VACATION)! !  There are extra entry options for those interested!