Welcome to Realm Explorers! In this weekly series, we visit a variety of unique worlds created by talented science fiction and fantasy authors. Enjoy your travels! And don’t forget to read to the bottom of the post to find out more about each author and see how to purchase the featured book.
Author’s name: Juli D. Revezzo
Title of book and/or series: Changeling’s Crown
Brief summary of the story:
Disgraced faery godmother Ianthe doesn’t count on her new assignment throwing her into the path of handsome ranch hand Briak McGee. Even stranger, she never thought she’d fall in love with a human. But everything she touches these days seems to backfire on her. Could love be just the thing to turn her luck around?
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:
Some of Changeling’s Crown takes place in “Everland” and “Everland Central” which is the home base for the faery godmothers, and dark faeries. On the “light” side you have crystalline streets, fields of lush gold and greenery, gleaming tours (for the king and queen—naturally) and quaint mansions and cottages for the faeries and faery godparents. There are also Crystal towering offices and lecture halls for the use of the administration, and the education sectors. And wide open lanes for grand coaches once moved (now the faery king favors hot rods, but who’s judging? ;))
On the other side of the grove, a sulfuric mist ignites the trees and glazes the hovels of the dark fae aglow. Terrific beasts, winged and horned, and twisted beasts, respectively—move over it all, seeking out their dinner—of fae and human flesh. The king’s places dominates the landscape like a twisted, rock giant flanked by, oddly enough, roses, more dead than alive.
If we were to visit Everland Central as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?
The Crystal Falls, most definitely. Lovely place and if you’re really lucky, a mermaid might turn up.
What dangers should we avoid in Everland Central ?
J Just stay away from the dark side of the grove and you should be fine. Oh, and if you see a dandy faery godfather prancing around like he knows something, that’s Geldon, the worst pain in the neck you’ll ever meet. Stay away from him.
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Everland Central?
It varies region to region and person to person—er, I mean, fae to fae. Though I can say most of the “light” faeries (that comprise the faery godparents pool) love particularly sweet foods—sweetened meats like roast, and honeyed carrots, cakes and cookies. I gather from them that holidays such as Christmas and Valentine’s day see a lot of them gaining extra pounds from all the sweet treats their kitchens whip up. By contrast, the “dark” fae are meat eaters and some don’t mind it raw and rancid. They’re not too fond of sweeteners in their food at all.
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Everland Central?
Their weaponry is fairly traditional: swords, armor, staves. That kind of thing.
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Everland?
To get to Everland from Earth, the faery godparents and dark fae take a staircase down, or the subelevators; sometimes they fly depending on how much time they have (or who they want to avoid!). Once in Everland, they have their pick of transportation, mainly horses and carriages, but the King Heath has imported a car or two for his own amusement.
What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in Everland Central that we don’t see on Earth?
EC horses speak, and also there are pterodactyl-like dragon beasts that stalk on the dark side of the grove. Also, the king of the dark faeries employs three headed, troll-like guardians; while the king of the faery godparents employs cherubs in menial jobs. Unicorns also graze around in the sacred grove from time to time.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Everland? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.Magic is integral to the work of the faery godparents. Convincing humans of their one true loves isn’t always so easy with mere logic. Sometimes, a handful of pixie dust is needed. And if the technology that the humans love so much goes down, how else are the faery godparents supposed to communicate with each other, without magic?
Is there any advanced or unusual technology in Everland Central? If you haven’t described it already, please give some examples.
Some of the older residents of Everland like to communicate via Magic Mirror. Some (like Ianthe’s mentor) think they’re as slow as human computers. 😉
Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in Everland Central.
There’s fencing and horse racing. True, they are mostly used to train for the Wild Hunt, but they’re good sport on their own. J
Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in Everland Central as on Earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there?
The boring answer to this question is, pretty much, except that they have a few days out of the year dedicated to the Wild Hunt.
Is there a particular religion practiced in Everland Central? Please describe what it involves.
Thumbelina is the faery godmothers’ goddess and they send prayers to her whenever they need a little divine help.
What is the political or government structure in Everland Central? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?
They are, for the most part, a monarchy. King Heath rules the light side of the grove and to a fault. He doesn’t care if the balance tips, so long as everyone has their happy ending. Whatever he deems that might be. But he is a benevolent ruler. Probably much more forgiving than he should be. He does give Ianthe more chances than she should have. King Briak rules the dark side of the grove and though he can be ruthless when it’s required of him, he’s probably the fairest ruler those folks have ever had. He’ll torture me for telling you this but, though, he’s testy, he prefers peace to battle. As long as the balance remains intact, he’s happy. If not, well, watch out.
Are there any other unique cultural practices that we should be aware of if we visit Everland Central?
Don’t try to cross into the dark side of the grove. At best, you’ll come out with a raging headache. At worst, you might get eaten!
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?
Yes, I set the ranch sequences in my home state, and like Ianthe, I didn’t have the best luck with horses. I once fell off one after it stopped moving.
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?
Throughout the course of Changeling’s Crown the dark faery king’s place on the royal council is remarked upon, so I suppose that constitutes a fairly hot button issue among the residents of Everland. Also there’s debate as to the work of the faery godparents in matters of the heart. Some think the faery godparents are meddlers and some…don’t.
Author AutobiographyJuli D. Revezzo is a Florida girl with a love of fantasy, science fiction, and Arthurian legend, and she loves writing stories with all kinds of fantastical elements. Aside from Changeling’s Crown, she is the author of The Antique Magic series, the Paranormal Romance Harshad Wars series, and many short stories. She is also a member of the Independent Author Network and the Magic Appreciation Tour. Come learn more about her at http://julidrevezzo.com
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book(s)?
Changeling’s Crown is available at:
Where can readers connect with you online?
They can find me at:
Or they can sign up for my newsletter here.
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Everland. Questions about the world or the book? Ask them in the comments and the author will get back to you!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to the fantasy world of Faylinn, in Realm Explorers Part XXVI!-Annie Douglass Lima
Welcome to Realm Explorers! In this weekly series, we visit a variety of unique worlds created by talented science fiction and fantasy authors. Enjoy your travels! And don’t forget to read to the bottom of the post to find out more about each author and see how to purchase the featured book.
Arthur Daigle
Title of book and/or series:
William Bradshaw, King of the Goblins
Brief summary of the story:
Desperate for work, William Bradshaw makes the mistake of accepting a manager position advertised by the law firm of Cickam, Wedner and Downe. What he learns too late is his job is to ‘manage’ the goblins on the world of Other Place as their king. Will’s goblin followers are short, stupid and mildly crazy. Setting traps is the national pastime, and the goblins only obey orders when they feel like it. Will is forced to remain king until he finds a loophole in the legal contract that keeps him on the job. Forty-seven other kings have done it, so it can’t be that hard…right?
Will’s situation gets even worse when he accidentally starts a war with the fashion obsessed human king, Kervol Ket. Kervol is going to invade with an army including knights, siege weapons and thousands of soldiers, any one of them equal to twenty goblins. Worse still, the goblins haven’t won a war in recorded history, and they have no interest in winning this one, either.
But this time things are going to be different. Will is determined to win, backed up by teeming masses of goblins, two trolls with anger management issues, a foul-tempered magic mirror and an overachieving fire scepter. It’s going to take stealth, subterfuge and a seemingly endless supply of exploding outhouses, but this time the goblins are going to win.
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| Builder Goblin |
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:
The Kingdom of the Goblins is easily the messiest, most blighted land on the world of Other Place. The entire kingdom used to be a dwarf strip mine, and after many decades it is still recovering. There is only one city and it is in terrible shape due to storm damage, the ravages of time, goblin graffiti and because the dwarfs didn’t build it well to begin with. The ground is laced with tunnels dug during the mining boom and later by the goblins.
If we were to visit the Kingdom of the Goblins as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?
Visit? Tourists? If you voluntarily came to the Kingdom of the Goblins then I can only assume your travel agent has an evil sense of humor. You should sue and/or viciously assault him with a stale loaf of French bread when you get home.
The Kingdom of the Goblins is home to the largest maze on Other Place, a dubious distinction as it actually lowers property values in a fifty-mile radius. There are some natural caves incorporated into the tunnel network, and the land has recovered enough to support young trees. Visitors to the kingdom rarely want to see either of these. Instead they come to hide from the law and dispose of incriminating evidence.
What dangers should we avoid in the Kingdom of the Goblins?
The goblin residents don’t typically qualify as dangerous, as a grown man can take on ten and a trained soldier can fight twenty with a good chance of winning. But goblins know this and set traps for enemies, one another and the odd insurance salesman. Anyone fool enough to visit the kingdom will find it filled with covered pits, pie throwers and any number of other nonlethal but still annoying traps waiting for them. These traps are replaced and reset on an hourly basis, so a place you just visited without incident could be dangerous when you come back.
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| Goblin Chef Brewing up a Batch of Goblin Stew |
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in the Kingdom of the Goblins?
The Kingdom of the Goblins is still recovering from its strip mining days, so animals and edible plants are rare. This is not a problem for the goblins, as they can eat nearly anything. Weeds, bones and old boots are all good food. A local specialty is goblin stew, a wretched concoction made by cooking down whatever junk the goblins find in the kingdom or when raiding garbage dumps in nearby human lands. Goblin stew is foul smelling and becomes dangerously unstable if not eaten within an hour after being cooked. Seriously, don’t eat it.
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Typically haphazard weapons and armor:
this goblin is sporting human armor that doesn’t fit and is armed with a chair leg.
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What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in the Kingdom of the Goblins?
Material for weapons is hard to come by. The dwarfs took everything of value before they abandoned the kingdom and let the goblins have the ruins. Goblins favor wood, stone and vines because there are no other choices. Most goblins use clubs and wood shields, but some steal weapons from humans. Goblins do make rickety catapults, but these are almost as dangerous to the user and the target.
Goblins know they are smaller and weaker than their enemies. To get around this they favor overwhelming numbers, attacking with thirty to one odds or better. They also build traps to incapacitate enemies, so they can hurt the enemy from far away. Another favorite tactic is to come up through the tunnels running through the kingdom and hit enemies from surprise. But the most favorite fighting style is to run away. Goblins have been losing fights for thousands of years. They’re used to it and see no shame in fleeing a losing fight.
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to the Kingdom of the Goblins?
Goblins travel by walking, or at best riding mining carts downhill. They don’t domesticate animals and are too small to use stolen riding animals. They typically travel at night or underground to avoid attracting attention.
What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter on Other Place that we don’t see on Earth?
Other Place has a variety of races and species not native to Earth. There are dwarfs, elves, ogres, trolls, dragons, sylphs, harpies, minotaurs, mermaids and a host of other intelligent beings. Many of these were created by elves during the Ancient Elf Empire. The Kingdom of the Goblins is so poor in resources and food that it is avoided by most of these beings…and because they want nothing to do with the goblins.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people on the world of Other Place? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used
Magic is used on Other Place, but is not common, cheap or reliable. Most magic weapons are made by dwarfs, and ever since they went corporate the quality of their work has dropped. Assume any magic item you encounter has severe limitations. These may include being hard to use, needing time to recharge after heavy use, or the magic item just doesn’t like you and may try to hurt you. Magic items are also very expensive. Many kingdoms have only a few magic items, and these are the possession of royalty.
Wizards are few and far between. It takes a lot of time and money to train a wizard. This means there are never enough wizards to go around and they charge a lot for their services (partly to cover their student loans and partly to keep people away). Rich kingdoms may have five wizards, while most have none. Even if you can find a wizard, convince him to help and can afford his fees, you’re probably better off doing the work yourself.
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| Lab Rat with Stink Bombs |
Is there any advanced or unusual technology in the Kingdom of the Goblins?
Some time ago the goblins stole books on alchemy. Normally alchemy involves changing lead into gold, which is difficult, time consuming, expensive and doesn’t work. But goblin alchemists, called lab rats, don’t bother with that foolishness. They make bombs, some quite large. These include camouflaged bombs built to resemble common object, the most popular being exploding outhouses. These bombs are not very stable and hurt goblins as often as the intended target, but as far as the goblins are concerned that’s an acceptable tradeoff.
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| Pie Thrower |
Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in the Kingdom of the Goblins.
Setting traps is a sport for goblins. They love getting the rich and powerful, with political leaders a popular target, but just as often they catch another goblin with their pie throwers.
Are the days of the week and months of the year the same on the world of Other Place as on Earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there?
I did not name the days or months in my story. Goblins seldom celebrate holidays, but a few are regular events like National Annoy the King Day and the Great Goblin Yam Cookoff, an event that has surprisingly not killed anyone since it began.
Is there a particular religion practiced on the world of Other Place? Please describe what it involves.
Goblins seldom practice any religion, although they are generally on good terms with local religious leaders and don’t set traps in churches and temples. Religions practiced on Other Place include two human faiths, The Brotherhood of the Righteous and the Servants of the Cause. Dwarfs aren’t very religious people since going corporate, but some do follow the Church of the Great Maker. Dwarf houses of worship include forges, and holy days often involve making armor, weapons and tools. Elves are also not very religious. Their thinking is that if God loved them they would still have their empire. Ironically when they had their empire they weren’t religious, either, as they thought why worship God when they’d built an empire on their own. Those elves who do worship belong to The Temple of the Perfect Way.
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| A Goblin Spy |
What is the political or government structure in the Kingdom of the Goblins? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?
Goblins live in a sort of anarchy. There are no rules or customs, nor any effort to enforce order. It one goblin wants another one to follow him, he has to convince that goblin that his idea is going to be fun and not too dangerous. Once they’re done, everyone wanders off until another goblin comes up with something new to do. Some goblins lead crude guilds, such as warriors, builders, diggers and lab rats, but even they have limited influence over their followers.
Goblins have kings, but they are always human on the grounds that no goblin is capable of leading. They also have to be humans from Earth, as the humans of Other Place know better than to take the job. Goblins generally ignore their kings or irritate them. If they obey a king it’s because he suggested they do something they want to do. Prior to Will Bradshaw becoming king there were forty-seven other kings, including King Trevor the Loony and King Richard the Yeller.
Are there any other unique cultural practices that we should be aware of if we visit the Kingdom of the Goblins?
Goblins don’t hold grudges. Whatever happened in the past can’t be changed, so they see no reason to worry about it. This means that after the sun sets all is forgiven, no matter what you do to them or they do to you.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?
I have a lifelong love for wilderness and greatly enjoy nature programs. A frequent feature to these programs is the damage done to our world by unchecked exploitation of our world. Having seen some of this damage first hand in college, I can say you haven’t seen ugly until you’ve seen a strip mine. I wanted to express this with the land the goblins live in, a place gutted of all resources and left barren.
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?
There are two. The first goes back to the issue of environmental degradation. Land can be so devastated that it loses the ability to support life, a practice too common on our world. The second issue is the way the little guy gets pushed around. We’ve all been in that position, pushed around by someone with power. But for many people on our world that describes their entire lives. They are at the bottom of their society from birth and always will be, never having the opportunities we take for granted. That’s what goblins are on their world, the lowest of the low, despised, ignored and forced to live on worthless land.
I was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago. I attended the College of DuPage and the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. My work experience includes water quality testing, fisheries intern, working a summer at the Morton Arboretum and grading high school tests. I am an avid gardener of edible and wild plants, and I enjoy drawing. William Bradshaw, King of the Goblinsis my first book. I have a sequel written but it will take some time to get into print.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book?
Where can readers connect with you online?
You have some choices there.
I am available
on Facebook. I’m also
on GoodReads, where I post blogs when I come up with something to say (usually once or twice a month).
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to the Kingdom of the Goblins. Questions about the world or the book? Ask them in the comments and the author will get back to you!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to the fantasy world of Faylinn in Realm Explorers Part XXV!
-Annie Douglass Lima
BEYOND THE REALM OF DREAMS
IS A WORLD SHE NEVER IMAGINED.
Masayi Sairu was raised to be dainty, delicate, demure . . . and deadly. She is one of the emperor’s Golden Daughters, as much a legend as she is a commodity. One day, Sairu will be contracted in marriage to a patron, whom she will secretly guard for the rest of her life.
But when she learns that a sacred Dream Walker of the temple seeks the protection of a Golden Daughter, Sairu forgoes marriage in favor of this role. Her skills are stretched to the limit, for assassins hunt in the shadows, and phantoms haunt in dreams. With only a mysterious Faerie cat and a handsome slave—possessed of his own strange abilities—to help her, can Sairu shield her new mistress from evils she can neither see nor touch?
For the Dragon is building an army of fire. And soon the heavens will burn.
My Review:
*****
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. And wow, I loved it! Of course, I love all of Anne Elisabeth Stengl‘s books, so I expected nothing less.
One of my favorite aspects of the Tales of Goldstone Wood series that although the setting is an imaginary world (or set of worlds, actually), it’s obviously inspired by real cultures and geographical locations in our world. The empire in which most of Golden Daughter takes place is based on a mix of East Asian cultures, which I especially appreciated, considering that I live in East Asia myself.
The characters here are vividly portrayed, and I couldn’t help but care about their struggles and triumphs. It was nice to see a few old friends from Stengl‘s other books, but we mostly meet new characters in Golden Daughter. The author threw out a few intriguing tidbits that help connect the dots between events in various other books in the series, some of which take place thousands of years apart. Now I want to go back and re-read certain scenes in certain of her other books that I know will make more sense now.
If you enjoy fantasy at all, I highly recommend the Tales of Goldstone Wood. If you’ve read any of the other books in the series, you’ll definitely want to read Golden Daughter. If you haven’t, Golden Daughter can stand on its own – but after you read it, you may find yourself eager to get your hands on the rest!
Click here to download Golden Daughter from Amazon.
Click here to download Golden Daughter from Barnes&Noble.
Click here to view Golden Daughter on Goodreads.
We’re celebrating the RELEASE of
Flury: Journey of a Snowman
By Tony Bertauski
An Introduction to Flury
Frosty had a magic hat.
There was no explanation, just a special hat that turned a pile of snow into a walking, talking best friend. Flury is more than that. And doesn’t smoke.
Born on the North Pole, Flury was created by an ancient race of elven that evolved during the Ice Age and continues to live in the polar ice today. Technologically advanced, they sustain themselves with innovation and wisdom. But even the most peaceful settlements encounter danger, such as polar bears. That’s why they invented abominables.
What we call snowmen.
The life of an abominable doesn’t magically spring from a top hat. The heart of an abominable is a metal orb—an intricately carved sphere that generates an electromagnetic field and builds a body of snow around it. Abominables are intimidating and selfless. They run, they fly. Above all else, they protect.
In the late 1800s, Malcolm Toye was part of an arctic voyage that ended in disaster. The survivors of the expedition never saw him again. Malcolm had wandered into the snowy landscape to be saved by a patrolling abominable he would come to know as Flury.
His rescue, however, became more of a curse than a blessing when the elven refused to allow him safe passage back home, insisting they remain secret from humanity. Malcolm was destined to live out his days among the elven, pining for home.
Longing for his wife.
Malcolm escaped by stealing the metal orb of Flury. Quietly, he arrived back in the United States to settle down and resume a normal life. But there was nothing normal about it. As the years went by, his estate becomes shrouded in mystery and rumors.
A hundred years will go by before the mystery is solved.
Oliver Toye, a teenage type 1 diabetic, will discover the magic hidden on his grandmother’s property. He’ll read about Malcolm Toye’s journey when he finds a set of leather bound journals. He’ll see the snowman trapped on the property, and the other things that haunt the forest. Most importantly, he’ll uncover Malcolm Toye’s master plan to harm others. And why he wants to.
Flury will come to Oliver’s rescue more than once.
Flury: Journey of a Snowman(Claus #3)
by Tony Bertauski
YA Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Holiday
Life hasn’t been kind to Oliver Toye.
As if juvenile diabetes isn’t enough, he’s forced to live with his tyrannical grandmother in a snow-bound house. He spends his days doing chores and the nights listening to the forest rumble.
But when he discovers the first leather-bound journal, the family secrets begin to surface. The mystery of his great-grandfather’s voyage to the North Pole is revealed. That’s when the snowman appears.
Magical and mysterious, the snowman will save Oliver more than once. But when the time comes for Oliver to discover the truth, will he have the courage? When Flury needs him, will he have the strength? When believing isn’t enough, will he save the snowman from melting away?
Because sometimes even magic needs a little help.
About Tony Bertauski
During the day, I’m a horticulturist. While I’ve spent much of my career designing landscapes or diagnosing dying plants, I’ve always been a storyteller. My writing career began with magazine columns, landscape design textbooks, and a gardening column at the Post and Courier (Charleston, SC). However, I’ve always fancied fiction.
My grandpa never graduated high school. He retired from a steel mill in the mid-70s. He was uneducated, but he was a voracious reader. I remember going through his bookshelves of paperback sci-fi novels, smelling musty old paper, pulling Piers Anthony and Isaac Asimov off shelf and promising to bring them back. I was fascinated by robots that could think and act like people. What happened when they died?
I’m a cynical reader. I demand the writer sweep me into his/her story and carry me to the end. I’d rather sail a boat than climb a mountain. That’s the sort of stuff I want to write, not the assigned reading we got in school. I want to create stories that kept you up late.
Having a story unfold inside your head is an experience different than reading. You connect with characters in a deeper, more meaningful way. You feel them, empathize with them, cheer for them and even mourn. The challenge is to get the reader to experience the same thing, even if it’s only a fraction of what the writer feels. Not so easy.
In 2008, I won the South Carolina Fiction Open with Four Letter Words, a short story inspired by my grandfather and Alzheimer’s Disease. My first step as a novelist began when I developed a story to encourage my young son to read. This story became The Socket Greeny Saga. Socket tapped into my lifetime fascination with consciousness and identity, but this character does it from a young adult’s struggle with his place in the world.
After Socket, I thought I was done with fiction. But then the ideas kept coming, and I kept writing. Most of my work investigates the human condition and the meaning of life, but not in ordinary fashion. About half of my work is Young Adult (Socket Greeny, Claus, Foreverland) because it speaks to that age of indecision and the struggle with identity. But I like to venture into adult fiction (Halfskin, Drayton) so I can cuss. Either way, I like to be entertaining.
And I’m a big fan of plot twists.
Welcome to Realm Explorers! In this weekly series, we visit a variety of unique worlds created by talented science fiction and fantasy authors. Enjoy your travels! And don’t forget to read to the bottom of the post to find out more about each author and see how to purchase the featured book.
Chris Martineau
Title of book and/or series:
The Soul Throne Chronicles: Book 1 – Darkmind Awakened
Brief summary of the story:
There haven’t been any dragons in the skies above the World of Greyhawk for over 200 years.
Three unlikely adventurers awaken in the cells of a burning slave galleon with no memories of their previous lives. Tenji – a spell slinging, spear wielding human woman, Leon – a silver tongued, scar faced rogue archer, and Skadi -a 7 foot tall northern barbarian woman with golden eyes, strange pearlescent skin and inhuman strength.
Together with a group of orphaned pirates called the Castaway Rats (led by Longknife – a dual wielding swordswoman from the race of feline peoples called the bastett) and Bulwark – a brawling dwarven cleric of Pelor; they set sail on an epic fantasy adventure to regain their memories, reawaken the sleeping dragons and stop the armies the rogue necromancer Kyshon.
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:
Based in the old TSR – Dungeons and Dragons: World of Greyhawk
If we were to visit The World of Greyhawk as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?
Spend a few days relaxing in the tropical village of Rivershell. If you enjoy big city life, a try a rousing game of “shields” in Slatergern’s Tavern or shopping the northern city Eru Tovar. If cold weather sports are more your thing then mountain village of Sto-laat snows pretty much all year round and features easy access to the jagged peaks of the Griff Mountains.
What dangers should we avoid in The World of Greyhawk?
The usual: Kyshon’s undead armies, reaving bands of troll and ogre nomads, and the yellow sashed slaver pirates of Draga’s Dragoons. Avoid shipwrecks and hidden shrines as well. Large beasties with lots of teeth and heads tend to lurk there.
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in The World of Greyhawk?
If you can find it, and know who to ask, there is a honey made in the lands of Eru Tovar from a field of lavender and roses, which is known for it’s curative effects, unusual taste and its properties for making legendary mead. For seafood fans, The half ogre cook Doc Tiny aboard the Phantom’s Wail is known for his fish stew, and if you are on the go with Iron Company and Elyon’ Hunters: Tinker the dwarven cook and blacksmith makes a devilishly good barbequed venison seasoned with garlic and sweet basil.
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in The World of Greyhawk?
The monks of the Scarlet brotherhood are known for their legendary unarmed combat skills. Various regions feature numerous martial disciplines, but when it comes time to battle against the forces of evil – Swords and armor are forged of steel, iron or brass and wielded by battle hardened medieval style warriors and archers.
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to The World of Greyhawk?
Sleek galleons, horses, wagons, or perhaps a giant dire tiger???
What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in The World of Greyhawk that we don’t see on earth?
Elves, dwarves, halflings and gnomes. You might also encounter the feline bastett people, the wolven people known as fenrir, or the half angel, half elven Devans.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in The World of Greyhawk? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.
Magic comes in three forms:
· Divine (granted by the gods) very rare and powerful. It is practiced by clerics to bring healing or travail to their followers, depending upon the type of God they worship
· Shamanic (also known as druidic, which is granted by the totem spirits of nature) practiced mainly by the wood elves, a select few human druids, and also by the martial monks of the Scarlet Brotherhood
· Arcane which is practiced by mages. Raw mana (magical energy) evoked and manipulated by the caster and mastered by years of study and practice. It is tightly regulated by a ruling council of mages called: The Society of the Seven.
Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in The World of Greyhawk.
There are always gambling and games of skill and chance happening in most taverns. But if you happen to be in the city of Highport – you might also find one of the company participating in the fight pits at Armand’s arena. (Bet on the dwarf…)
Is there a particular religion practiced in Greyhawk? Please describe what it involves.
The world of Greyhawk is polytheistic. Each of the races has their own mythos. Humans are likely to worship Heroneis (The god of war), Obad Hai (The god of the harvest) Ehlona – the goddess of nature and the forests, or Pelor – the God of healing, depending on what region and culture they live in.
What is the political or government structure in Greyhawk? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?
Mostly small feudal towns and villages and local protectorates. There is also a ruling body of mages called The Society of the Sevenwhich overseas the practice and practitioners of magic.
Are there any other unique cultural practices that we should be aware of if we visit Greyhawk?
It varies from region to region. Keep your purse close and your blade closer if you are a stranger to the town, because you might become a target of the local Thieve’s guild. Slavery is still legal in many of the port cities and villages along the Azure Sea. Haggling and barter is an art form at your local market place.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?
I have been playing Dungeons and Dragons since 1976. My stories are based on my personal interpretation of the old World of Greyhawk map first released in 1978.
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?
Slavery, a bit of political intrigue, and very strong, independent female lead warriors and characters.
Author Autobiography:
Chris Martineau is a former Navy Corpsman living in Hampton Roads Virginia with his family. He is a Norfolk State University graduate, an award winning Christian small business entrepreneur, volunteer financial instructor at the Salvation Army, and does freelance sales force training and motivation, marketing, small business start up consulting, and is the founding director of a homeless ministry which delivers food and blankets to the homeless who can’t get into the shelters at night.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book(s)?
Where can readers connect with you online?
Facebook: Chris Martineau Author
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to the World of Greyhawk. Questions about the world or the book? Ask them in the comments and the author will get back to you!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to the Kingdom of the Goblins in Realm Explorers Part XXIV!
Following the harrowing events that brought them to Landale Forest, Jace and Kyrin have settled comfortably into their new lives and the mission of protecting those under the emperor’s persecution. The fast approach of winter brings with it the anticipation of a quiet few months ahead. That is until the arrival of four mysterious, dragon-riding cretes who seek aid in a mission of great importance—not only to their own people, but to all followers of Elôm.
Hidden in the vast mining valley north of Valcré, a faithful crete has spent years sharing his knowledge with the destitute miners and their families and is known to possess what may be Arcacia’s last surviving copies of the King’s Scrolls—the Word of Elôm. Joining the cretes, those in Landale must find the crete teacher and bring him to safety, but it is a race against time. Should Daican’s men find him first, execution and the destruction of the Scrolls is certain.
When disaster strikes, all seems lost. Could Elôm have a plan even in the enemy’s triumph?
About the Author
Jaye L. Knight is a homeschool graduated indie author with a passion for writing Christian fantasy and clean new adult fiction. Armed with an active imagination and love for adventure, Jaye weaves stories of truth, faith, and courage with the message that even in the deepest darkness, God’s love shines as a light to offer hope. She has been penning stories since the age of eight and resides in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.
The other younger crete took a swig of his coffee and set his eyes past her. Kyrin peeked over her shoulder at Kaden who, of course, was staring at the dragon. The female creature stared back in mutual interest.
“Go ahead,” the crete said suddenly. “You can touch her. She loves attention, and she’ll only attack if I tell her to.” A sly glint sparkled in his spring-green eyes.
Besides Jace, Kyrin had never seen anyone with such bright and colorful eyes as these cretes.
Kaden looked at him, his brows rising. “You can do that?”
The crete nodded. “Dragons are highly intelligent. You can teach them almost any command. Storm here is young, but she learns fast.”
Kyrin smiled at the delight in her brother’s eyes as he stepped closer to the dragon and ran his hand over her bluish-gray neck scales. A grin split his face.
“She’s so smooth. Kyrin, come and feel it.”
Kyrin stepped to his side and laid her hand on the dragon. The scales were indeed very smooth, reminding her of the polished marble stair-railings in Auréa Palace, but they weren’t cold. Warmth radiated through them. The dragon, still watching them, let out a little rumble, almost like a giant cat’s purr.
“I told you she liked attention,” the crete said, grinning.
Kyrin chuckled and glanced at Jace to see if he wanted to touch the dragon, but he made no move to come closer. This certainly had more to do with the crete than the dragon. He was very fond of any type of animal. She faced the crete again.
“So they can breathe fire?”
“For short bursts, but that’s usually all it takes to deter any threat.”
“That’s incredible,” Kaden breathed.
While he continued admiring Storm, Kyrin observed the dragon’s rider. He appeared to be in his early to mid-twenties—about ten years younger than Captain Darq—though his exact age was impossible to guess. Cretes were said to mature faster than humans, so he could be anywhere from seventeen to twenty-five. He too wore a sleeveless jerkin. Brown tattoos, a little darker than his skin, marked both shoulders. Darq and the other cretes had them as well, but Kyrin hadn’t taken a good look at them until now. This man’s were a complicated pattern of spirals and dots, but the shape of a fox stood out in the center of his right shoulder.
Though she tried to be discreet, he must have caught her studying him and suddenly extended his hand to her. “I’m Talas, by the way. Talas Folkan of the Fox Clan.”
Giveaway
To celebrate her revealing of the cover, Jaye is giving away one of her handcrafted quill pen necklaces and a $5 Amazon gift card! Enter for a chance to win using the form below! U.S. entries only please.
Welcome to the
Blog Tour!
A kickoff of new holiday romances by Shanna Hatfield
and a fundraiser for the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund
An Interview with the Luke and Filly Granger of Hardman Holidays
Two key characters from Shanna Hatfield’s historical holiday series, Hardman Holidays, visit us today. Set in the western town of Hardman, Oregon, this series of sweet romances highlights determined women and the men who fall for them in the 1890s.
Welcome Mr. and Mrs. Granger. Tell us a little about how you met.
Luke: Let’s just say Filly is the best bargain I’ve ever made.
Filly: (Blushes and squeezes Luke’s hand) My father imprisoned me on our farm from the time I was fourteen until Luke showed up one day to call in a debt long past due. In lieu of his payment, Luke ended up taking me. Chauncy Dodd, the pastor at the church and Luke’s dear friend, insisted we wed, so we did.
So you married a complete stranger?
Filly: I remembered Luke from when we were in school, although he was a few years ahead of me. All the girls had a thing for him. Even back then, he was so handsome and charming.
Luke: (Kisses Filly’s cheek) I vaguely recalled her from school, but hadn’t seen her for years. The day I brought her off the farm, she wore a dirt-colored dress and rag on her head. When Chauncy talked me into marrying her, I had no idea I was getting such a beautiful bride, both inside and out.
Tell us what it’s like living in Hardman. Don’t you have family in town nearby?
Luke: My sister, Ginny, and her husband, Blake, live in Hardman. He’s a magnificent wood craftsman and Ginny writes for the newspaper.
Filly: Don’t forget about Ginny’s artwork. She creates wonderful paintings and sketches, sometimes to accompany her articles for the paper.
Luke: And then there’s my folks. They just finished building a huge house in the middle of town. My mother vowed she’d never again live in Hardman the last time they left, but with the arrival of our baby, Maura, Dad and Mother decided to move back.
Filly: They’ll be arriving right before Christmas, along with Blake’s parents. They’re sailing over from England and will meet Mother and Dad in New York City before they all travel to Oregon.
What’s the most exciting thing going on in your town this Christmas?
(Filly glances at Luke and smiles) Luke: Arlan Guthry, my friend and assistant at the bank I own, found a broken-down magic wagon on the side of the road a few months ago. The prestidigitator who performs phantasmagorical wonders didn’t have enough money to pay for the repairs so she accepted a temporary job as schoolteacher until Christmas.
Filly: Alex and her magic wagon have certainly livened things up in town.
Luke: Especially when it comes to Arlan. He’s head-over-heels in love with Alex the Amazing, but for some reason refuses to admit it.
Filly: (Gives Luke a saucy smile) It’s an affliction several men in town bear.
Thank you for joining us. Any parting words for our readers?
Luke: Thank you for hosting us today. If you enjoy sweet holiday romances set in the past, I hope you’ll consider reading our stories in The Christmas Bargain, The Christmas Token, and The Christmas Calamity.
Where to Find The Books
Travel back to a different time with the historic Hardman Holiday Series,
You’re Invited to PARTY!
You’re invited to join in the online Cowboys & Christmas Facebook Party Thursday, Nov. 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (PST). Drop in anytime during those four hours to enter to win great prizes, chat with guest authors, and more! Here’s the link to the party: http://tinyurl.com/cowboychristmasparty The third book in the Hardman Holidays sweet Victorian romance series releases that day! The Christmas Calamity takes readers back to Hardman just in time for the holiday season. Preorders are available now for just $1.99 on Kindle. You can reserve your copy here: http://amzn.com/B00OGOO994 In addition, the first book in the Hardman Holidays series, The Christmas Bargain, will be available free that day, as well!
Enter to Win Prizes!
To enter the drawing for an Amazon gift card, autographed books, chocolates, original western artwork, and more fun goodies, fill out this form. http://tinyurl.com/cowboychristmasprizes
Now through Dec. 24, Shanna will donate 10 percent of the net proceeds from all her book sales to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund. 
The JCCF is a non-profit organization that assists rodeo athletes who’ve sustained catastrophic injuries and are unable to work for an extended period.
About Shanna Hatfield
A hopeless romantic with a bit of sarcasm thrown in for good measure, Shanna Hatfield is a bestselling author of sweet romantic fiction written with a healthy dose of humor. In addition to blogging and eating too much chocolate, she is completely smitten with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller. Shanna creates character-driven romances with realistic heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.” She is a member of Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, and Romance Writers of America. Find Shanna’s books at: Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | Apple Shanna loves to hear from readers! Follow her online: ShannaHatfield | Facebook | Pinterest | Goodreads | You Tube | Twitter
Welcome to Realm Explorers! In this weekly series, we visit a variety of unique worlds created by talented science fiction and fantasy authors. Enjoy your travels! And don’t forget to read to the bottom of the post to find out more about each author and see how to purchase the featured book.
S.G. Rogers
Title of book and/or series:
Tournament of Chance
Brief summary of the story:
Heather has trained hard for the Tournament of Chance archery competition, only to discover its promised rewards were a lie. After a daring escape from the king’s dungeon, she joins with a trio of shape-shifting wizards who intend to spark a revolution. When a magical accident sends her back in time, Heather has the opportunity to set things right. If she saves the kingdom, however, will she face the future without the only man she could ever love?
Prince Dane has been waiting for centuries to reclaim his kingdom, wrested away from his family by treachery and deceit. Before he can succeed, he must release the magic bound up in the Dragonstone. When he discovers his fate may depend on a young green-eyed beauty with a skill for archery, he’s skeptical at first. As time goes on, he finds himself increasingly attracted to her strength and character…but can he change his arrogant ways enough to win her heart?
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:
The kingdom of Destiny (formerly Ormaria) is reminiscent of Medieval England. The island of Boravagg, on the other hand, looks (and behaves) like the island in the movie Jurassic Park.
If we were to visit Boravagg as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?
I would start in the crater of the dormant volcano, and look for the lava tube opening which leads to an underground pool known as Dragonstone Lake. It’s a long walk, so wear comfortable shoes, and be sure to bring flashlights with extra batteries. Once you reach the lake, a sip of the water will prove to be restorative. And if you have any magical powers whatsoever, take one of the dragon crystals that grow there. The crystal focuses your powers and will allow you to work magic.
What dangers should we avoid in Boravagg?
All manner of wild creatures abound in Boravagg, so exercise extreme caution. Most notable are the savage trolls, but also watch for wild dragons and tigers. The flying reptiles, the boratures, should be avoided at all costs. When boratures swarm, they behave like airborne piranha.
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Boravagg?
Although Boravagg is a dangerous and savage island, luscious and exotic fruit trees abound. It rains frequently, so use one of the large waxy leaves you’ll find there to funnel water into your waterskin. Also, be prepared to eat what you kill. Rumor has it, roast tiger tastes a little like chicken.
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Destiny/Ormaria?
Skilled archers are held in high esteem. Wizards, of course, can bend the world for defensive purposes. It’s a wondrous sight to see a wizard shake the earth like a rug to thwart their enemies.
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Destiny/Ormaria?
When the story begins, dragon are quite scarce. Back in the glory days of Ormaria, however, wizards could speak with dragons and used them like steeds. As the magic ebbed, the usual forms of transportation became more prominent, such as horses and wagons.
What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in Ormaria that we don’t see on Earth?
The mischievous wee folk, also known as fairies, co-exist with wizards. Rainbow trees are beautiful, with their multi-hued arches of color. Lovely bluebell flowers ring with a gentle breeze. Buttercup blooms are filled with sweet, melted butter. If you’re lucky, you might stumble into a fairy ring ritual at midnight.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Ormaria? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.
Magic took the place of laborers whenever possible, making the production of goods faster, easier, and less costly. Wizards also supplied certain necessities of life in an instant, such as fire and water. And of course magic was used to beautify the world, adding whimsy wherever and whenever it would bring pleasure.
Is there any advanced or unusual technology in Ormaria? If you haven’t described it already, please give some examples.
Wizards are capable of placing themselves within their dragon crystals in a sort of suspended animation, thereby achieving an extended lifespan. In addition, certain wizards are also capable of shapeshifting into different animals, such as dragons.
Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in Destiny?
Most notable are the annual regional archery competitions central to the Tournament of Chance. Ladies vie with one another in rigorous contests designed to produce two elite Tournament of Chance candidates. The final match is held at the castle, when the king and his court attend. Peasants are also allowed to watch on the far side of the field, and many families camp out ahead of time to get a good vantage point.
What is the political or government structure in Destiny? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?
King Chance rules Destiny. He’s a shrewd, manipulative king who considers his subjects as cattle. Of course, he portrays himself as a beneficent and generous ruler. For example, his Tournament of Chance is open to commoners and royalty alike. If the winner is a commoner, she’ll be given the title of Lady and be asked to live at the castle. For some reason, however, no commoner has managed to win.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?
Many of the magical locations in Tournament of Chance were inspired by the time I spent in Western North Carolina. There are beautiful waterfalls, roadways, and trails there, as well as the magnificent Biltmore Estate.
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?
The concept of “royalty” has always been fascinating to me, whether it be actual European royalty, or the ruling elite in America. The parallels in Tournament of Chance on how these people may or may not view the rest of humanity might be seen as controversial.
Author Autobiography:
Currently residing in beautiful Savannah, Georgia, S.G. Rogers writes historical romance, paranormal, and fantasy tales. She’s owned by two hairless cats, Houdini and Nikita, and lives on an island populated by exotic birds, deer and the occasional gator. Tab is her beverage of choice, but when she imbibes, a cranberry vodka martini doesn’t go amiss.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book?
Through October 2014, Tournament of Chance is exclusive to Amazon: After October, the novel will be available at all the usual online retailers, including Musa Publishing’s website.
Where can readers connect with you online?
For a list of all my books on Amazon, go HERE
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Destiny. Questions about the world or the book? Ask them in the comments and the author will get back to you!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to the the Dungeons-and-Dragons-inspired world of Greyhawk in Realm Explorers Part XXIII!
-Annie Douglass Lima
Who are you?
My name is Liam. I am not really sure what my original last name was. My father was “unknown” and I have been in foster care, adopting others’ family names for my entire life.
Where do you live?
I live wherever I am sent. I have been living with the Conway family. It was not an easy transition.
What is your problem in the story?
I have nightmares and clips of memories. Sometimes it seems like I am being watched. Shadows move around me without any source.
Do you have a problem that wasn’t mentioned in the story?
Do you know that feeling people get when they fall in love? You know the one where you just can’t keep your mind off of someone? I have it all the time. But the problem is that the girl only exists in my dreams!
How do you see yourself?
I’m a normal teenaged guy.
How do your friends see you?
I don’t make many friends. I have moved so many times that it hardly seems worthwhile.
Do you have a goal?
Of course. I want to complete high school and find a way to get a place of my won. I may travel a bit. This time I could choose where I want to go. And maybe I can find some answers about these crazy dreams. College would be good too.
What do you want?
I want to have clear answers. I want to know why the things happen in my life the way they do.
What do you believe?
I believe in past lives. Do you think maybe that is what I am remember?
What makes you happy?
Dreaming of this gorgeous blonde whose name I can never remember!
What are you afraid of?
I am afraid of running out of time. I want to do something with my life, but with my luck I don’t know how long I have to try!
What, if anything, haunts you?
I wish I knew!
Are you lucky?
Not at all!
Who is your true love?
A dream. I guess she is too perfect for the real world….
The Name Quest –
explore the names of God to grow in faith and get to know Him better
by John Avery
About the Book:
Take an insightful journey into deeper relationship with God through the biblical names of God. Beginning in Babel and ending with a burning Babylon, The Name Quest builds faith and encourages spiritual growth. The names of God are like a rainbow—each name expresses part of the spectrum of the character and attributes of God. God is a personality with a multifaceted character too integrated and dynamic to compartmentalize. God’s names are best examined in clusters, around common themes. So that is how the chapters are organized.
Along the way, the author tenderly answers tough questions: Which of the Hebrew names of God is His personal name—Yahweh or Jehovah? What does it mean to pray in Jesus’ name? How can we relate to the Holy God and the Judge? Why is a God of love called the “Jealous God”? What does it mean to call Jesus the Messiah?
The Name Quest mentions all the names of God in the Bible while explaining their significance in ordinary language. The author weaves together fifteen years of Bible study research with plentiful illustrations and humorous anecdotes. These include lessons learned as a pastor on a Caribbean island. A visit to a Welsh hill farm introduces a chapter about the Good Shepherd. The story of a Hungarian political prisoner illustrates the meaning of Immanuel (or is it Emmanuel?) A rescue from the slopes of an active volcano helps explain salvation and the meaning of Jesus’ Hebrew name, Yeshua. Even the clever advertisement on a packet of potato chips offers a lesson about how to grow in faith in God.
Unlike chasing rainbows, the spiritual journey has an end. The Name Quest is a road map for every Christian’s spiritual journey, and it points to the destination—being formed into the image of Jesus Christ. Start exploring!
John Avery is the author of The Name Quest – explore the names of God to grow in faith and get to know Him better (Morgan James Publishing, 2014). He is a trained teacher with over thirty years experience as a Bible teaching pastor, small group leader, and missionary. He has lived in England, Israel, Africa, and the Caribbean, ministering with Youth With A Mission (YWAM) and local churches. He and his wife, Janet, now make their home in Oregon. John likes to hike, snowshoe, and cross country ski. John writes a regular Bible devotional on www.BibleMaturity.com and maintains a comprehensive resource for all the names of God at www.NamesForGod.net.
Enter to Win a $50 Amazon Gift Card!
Enter below to enter a $50 Amazon gift card, sponsored by author John Avery! a Rafflecopter giveaway This book blast is hosted by Crossreads. We would like to send out a special THANK YOU to all of the CrossReads book blast bloggers!
