C. M. Skiera currently lives in the American Southwest, a long way from Michigan, where he grew up, graduated from Michigan State University, and started a career as an environmental engineer. He and his wife are devoted dog-lovers who share their home with rescue Chihuahua mixes.

Crimson & Cream is C. M. Skiera's debut epic fantasy novel. He started writing Crimson & Cream in 1999, and after many twists and turns, 13 drafts, plenty of rejections, the arrival of the 21st Century and the advent of online self-publishing, the ebook was self-published in 2012. After that, Mirrors & Mist (2015) and then Warlock & Wyrm (2017) followed as the second and third books of The Oxbow Kingdom Trilogy.

Reviews for Crimson & Cream, Book I of The Oxbow Kingdom Trilogy

Fantasy Book Reviews Gives Crimson & Cream 8 out of 10: ". . . this book is an amazing example of the quality that should be expected from any self-published novel."

Amazon Top 500 Reviewer Dii at Tome Tender rates Crimson & Cream 5 Stars: "Absolutely wonderful reading and the perfect cornerstone for a new fantasy trilogy!"

Author Jennifer Thompson gives Crimson & Cream 5/5 Stars: "For those devotees of Fantasy/Epic Fantasy this is a definite "must read." I wholeheartedly, and without reservation, recommend CRIMSON & CREAM!"

Author Brian Beam's Blog: "C.M. Skiera has a wonderful talent for description and dialogue, and his characters are unique and interesting."

Shaykitteh's World of Books: "A fun and exciting story, full of magic but - more importantly - likeable characters, I highly recommend reading Crimson & Cream."

A TiffyFit's Reading Corner: "I absolutely loved every minute I spent in this world. Your heart breaks for Jetsam, his band of orphans will make your heart ache . . ."

Rabid Readers Reviews Crimson & Cream: "The negative aspect of this novel is that I couldn't put it down."

Books, Reviews, Etc.: "There is never a dull moment when you think you want to quit reading."

Amazon.com Customer Reviews: "I found myself wanting to know more about the main character, and loved the way everything is intertwined."

Goodreads Reviews: "The action in this novel was written with a sense of urgency that invests the reader in the plot."

Reviews for Mirrors & Mist, Book II of The Oxbow Kingdom Trilogy

Shaykitteh's World of Books: "CM Skiera has managed to write another spellbinding tale, expanding on the first adventure while also tying in Seryn's past."

Tome Tender Book Blog: "The tension created by Mr. Skiera’s words is thick, the energy, heady and the loyalty of allies simply amazing! High adventure, dimensional scenes, sounds, smells and inner turmoil, it’s all here, all riveting, all addictive and an epic fantasy that will engage anyone with an eye for great storytelling."

Author Brian Beam on Goodreads: "Mirrors and Mist, book 2 of C.M. Skiera's Oxbow Kingdom Trilogy, far surpasses its predecessor in just about every way. The characters are given more depth, there are more twists and turns throughout the increasingly complex plot, the action scenes are more exhilarating, and there is a bigger dose of emotion."

The Reader's Hollow: "Just like the first book, I think fans of classic High Fantasy will really enjoy this trilogy."

Amazon Customer Reviews: "As the eagerly awaited 2nd book in the trilogy, Mirrors & Mist does not disappoint! I love the way the author writes and captures your attention, from start to finish."

Author Jennifer Thompson on Goodreads: "It is a perfectly-paced page-turner that sucked me in practically from the get go... I loved that I cared even more deeply about the characters with a genuine concern for their plights and triumphs."

Author Brenda Perlin on Goodreads: "The writing lures you in while the characters capture your heart and attention."

Reviews for Warlock & Wyrm, Book III of The Oxbow Kingdom Trilogy

Tome Tender Book Blog: Once in a while an author creates a world that combines humor, action, danger and the grit of a desperate battle for survival, transporting readers out of their reading chair and into the heart of the unfolding tale. C.M. Skiera has done that with his Oxbow Trilogy, building a world of fantasy that is filled with characters that will steal your heart, characters that will raise your ire and evil that seems insurmountable!

Warlock & Wyrm is the stunning conclusion to an epic tale of survival, coming of age, allegiance and sacrifice that hits with the force of a tsunami, page after page! C.M. Skiera has built a world to believe in, heroes to cheer for and tension that never lets up as once again, good versus evil meet on the battlefield where unlikely allies stand together, finally united in understanding and acceptance. I cannot recommend C.M. Skiera’s Oxbow Trilogy enough to anyone who wants to feel part of another world whose heart beats on the pages of every scene.