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:

Katharina Gerlach

Title of book and/or series:

Treasures Retold: The Dwarf and the Twins

Brief summary of the story:

Martin, a dwarf with a magical beard, helps a pregnant woman to escape the king’s soldiers. Little does he know that the twin she bears will change his life forever.

Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:

My (still nameless) world is changing. While in most areas magic is on the decline, xxx by steam engine technology, some areas remain untouched and full of strange happenings. The first book in Treasures Retold is set into one of the remote places. The Forest Kingdom has not seen any technology yet and fairy godmothers are still an everyday occurrence in royal households. However, magic is dangerous, which my characters must learn the hard way.

If we were to visit your world as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?

If you like technology check out the stream driven machines in the more advanced kingdoms (like the SEC, a steam engine chariot). If you prefer magical creatures, make sure to visit the Old Forest. But beware, you might not leave it the way you entered it.

What dangers should we avoid in your world?

Both, magic and technology, are sometimes dangerous. You might want to avoid annoying anyone who’s an expert at using one or the other.

Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in my world?

Truth be told, I haven’t thought about that yet since so far it hasn’t been important for the stories I wrote. However, that’s going to change during November when I will start writing the first draft of the 4^thnovelette in the series, a retelling of “The House in the Forest” by the Brothers Grimm. It is one of those tales hardly anyone knows, but it has a lot to do with food and eating, so I will have to think about that some more.

What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel?

Most common folk still walk wherever they need to go. Farmers use carts (pulled by a man, a donkey, or an ox) or chariots (horse drawn). Rich people in more advanced kingdoms own SECs, steam engine chariots. However, their design and reliability varies greatly.

What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in your world that we don’t see on Earth?

Right in the first book, you will meet a fairy (not the Tolkien kind) as fairy godmother. Of course, there are mechanical creatures, usually small ones like birds, in the technologically advanced kingdoms. I’m sure there are unicorns in the Old Forest but I haven’t been able to coax them out yet. The Old Forest is hiding a lot of creatures that are still unknown to this day. Maybe, an explorer will go there some day to find fear… I mean to find out.

What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.
Magic comes in a variety of forms. The Old Forest is filled with it and affects everyone who can’t travel through it fast (and it’s a huge forest). A person might change into an animal by drinking water from a brook. Also, there are humans who have the talent to use magical energies. Wise women, witches, sorcerers and the like might use different techniques but they all share the same source, the world’s magic. Unfortunately, magic and technology are like two poles on a magnet. Where technology advances, magic declines.

What is the political or government structure in your world? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?

My world houses thousands of small kingdoms. Some are so small, you could travel through in a day – on foot. But each one is unique in a way, and people are usually very proud of their little (or big) nation. The king in the first episode of my fairy tale retelling is middle aged and has a son he loves very much. And he makes mistakes…

Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?

I’ve always been a great fan of fairy tales. I’ve read so many that I don’t count the fairy tale books on my shelves by numbers but by meters. Even after cleaning out a lot (mostly picture books because my kids are too old for those now), I still have 3m of fairy tale books left.

Author Autobiography:

Born and raised in Germany with a “spare” family in Scotland, I’ve always felt at home in the English language. When I couldn’t find a publisher in Germany, I began writing my novels in English. Twice, I was really close to getting a publishing contract. Once, the publisher folded and the second time, the editor left. After that, I decided to go Indie and have never looked back. By now, I’ve published seven novels and countless shorter works. I won two awards and got the German quality Indie publishing label Qindie for one of my books.

Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book(s)? 

All my novels and short stories are available on amazon.com (or .de, .co.uk etc)

Some stories are also available through Smashwords and other retailers.

Where can readers connect with you online?

I have a homepage (both in Englishand German), a facebook author page, and a Twitteraccount. I’m also reasonably active on Goodreads and less so on Wattpad.

Author’s name:

H. L. Burke

Title of book and/or series:

Beggar Magic

Brief summary of the story:

In Gelia City people are divided into two classes based on their ability to access the magic of the Strains. Leilani Weaver, a young Common girl, befriends a Highmost girl, Zebedy Brightly and the girls develop an unbreakable bond despite Zebedy’s greater social status. When Zeb pulls Leilani into her world, Leilani discovers a hidden threat to the Strains, but no one will listen to her. Defending her beloved Strains may cost her not only her friendship with Zeb but also her life. 

Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:

Gelia City is built in concentric rings separated by canals. The area around the city is a mix between woodlands, country estates, and farms, but doesn’t really come into the story much. The  first ring of Gelia is the Trade District where skilled laborers have shops. This is Leilani’s world. Her father is a weaver, and she anticipates a life in a trade. Next is the Merchant District, with banks, money changers, and markets, then Civics Circle where the Guard (the peace keeping/military force of Gelia) are garrisoned and also where public courts are held. The Leisure District consists of parks, monuments, and the Cathedral, and then the Manor District where the Highmost live and work. The Highmost divide up into Manors the same way the Common group in guilds, devoted to specific studies and uses of the Strains. 

If we were to visit Gelia City as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?

Definitely the Leisure District. Most of Gelia City can be experienced in a quick walking tour, but if you want a nice rest and relaxation trip, the parks, fountains, hedge mazes, and green houses that make up the Leisure District allow for a perfect day of de-stressing. However, each Manor has its own aesthetic, including massive libraries, statues, and telescopes. You could easily spend a day exploring each Manor in turn. . .except for Civics Manor. Civics Manor is dreadfully dull. 

What dangers should we avoid in Gelia City?

Gelian society is generally peaceful, but as Captain Goodly, a member of the Guard, says, it is a different place after dark, so I wouldn’t go traipsing about the city at midnight. You might get mugged. Most Gelians are peaceful because taking another life will alienate the Strains. They refuse to speak to anyone who has done such a deed, rendering that person Wordless. In a society where your worth is judged by how well you can wield the Strains, most people won’t risk killing . . . however, you can still rob or beat up a man without killing him. 

What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Gelia City?

Weapons are not commonly wielded in Gelia City (for the reasons given in the last question) but the Guard is an exception. Each Guard is issued a saber and a dueling pistol with a single shot, and while most Guards retire never having discharged their weapon other than in practice, they are adept in the use of them. Guards also wear bracers of imbued silver that can repel attacks from the Strains. 

A slightly less savory character actually finds a way to weaponize the Strains, creating grenades of pure sonic power, but these things are not generally found in Gelia City. 

What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Gelia City?

Gelians tend to keep to their own classes and neighborhoods, and the city itself is not that large. Other than horse drawn wagons used to transport goods, most people stick to their feet. They have been playing with the idea of a Steam Barge system that would run in the canals, but the first barge launched ran into a bridge, and they haven’t been able to find the funding to continue the project.

What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Gelia City?  If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.

Everything in Gelia focuses around the Strains. The Strains are unique to Gelia, which is a small, isolated nation. They are everywhere, manifesting as sounds. You can’t see them or feel them, but they speak to folks. The Common hear them as various sounds – music, birdsong, even natural sounds like falling rain – but the Highmost can hear their voices, and the Strains speak directly to them and obey their commands. The Strains are sentient and unique to each individual, like guardian angels. Common folk learn to use them in small ways, to help them in their work or maybe get a box off a high shelf, but it is more difficult for them to access and control them, which is why Common magic is called “Beggar Magic”. 

Since the Strains are purely audible, those who are deaf are unable to use them at all and are often given jobs that both Common and Highmost do not want. Many deaf men enter the Guard because of this, since the Guard may sometimes be required to take a human life in service, which would deprive them of the Strains. 

Is there any advanced or unusual technology in Gelia City?  If you haven’t described it already, please give some examples.

The technology level in Gelia City is roughly Victorian, but they are far more dependent on magic than on technology. They have telescopes, steam engines, gas lamps, and pocket watches.  

Is there a particular religion practiced in Gelia City?  Please describe what it involves.

Gelians worship and omniscient, omnipotent Creator, often called simply  “the Maker”, who created the world then gifted them with the Strains to guide and aide them. Most Gelians tend to focus so heavily on the Strains that they do not pursue communion with the Maker other than prayers left on holy days, which are written on strips of paper and burned at the Cathedral altar. The Cathedral is run by the Sanctified Brothers who see to the poor and distribute texts describing the creation of the world and praising the Maker for his gift of the Strains. 

What is the political or government structure in Gelia City?  Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?

Gelia City is run by an academic oligarchy. Each Highmost Manor is ruled by a senior scholar who oversees various fellows. Every five years they elect one of these senior fellows to serve in the Highmost Seat, overseeing disputes between different manors. The Guard and courts are overseen by Civics Manor with approval from the Highmost Seat and judges are appointed by a council of senior fellows from all Manors. 

Similarly, the Common folk have a guild system with different trades joined into multiple guilds which meet to settle disputes and set guidelines for business practices. 

Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?

While the majority of my characters are Gelian, Leilani, my main character, is the child of immigrants, her grandparents having come to Gelia from Rynar fleeing a famine. I chose to make Rynar resemble Japan in a lot of aspects due to the three years I spent there. My husband is military so we were stationed in that country for some time, though living on an American base did allow me to function without learning more than a handful of Japanese phrases.

What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?

One of my characters is deaf which I don’t mean to be controversial, but in researching for his character, I found out that it really can be. There are a lot of opinions in that community about how to handle things like lip reading and sign language and I realized my character would not please everyone. I just did my best to make him real. Also, Gelia City is not our modern world. It is a world where people are judged by their ability to use magic that is audible, so the deaf would be even more marginalized than they are in our world. It was important to me to show that my deaf character was capable and content, not seeing himself as disabled, but I also needed to show how he would be realistically treated by people in this society. 

Author Autobiography:

I grew up in Oregon in a rural area and always had plenty of free time on my hands to spend with books and exploring the woods. I married my high school crush who had grown up to be a handsome US Marine, and we have two daughters together. My long term goal is to be a cat, but if that doesn’t work out, I’m content with “writer/mom” on my resume.  I am the author of multiple fantasy novels, including the four part series “The Dragon and the Scholar Saga”, the first book of which, Dragon’s Curse, will be free 12/31/14-1/4/15 on Amazon Kindle – click here to download your copy!  The series is a full length fairy tale centered on the friendship between young scholar, Shannon, and a dragon with a mysterious past.

Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book(s)?  

My books are available through Amazon in both paperback and ebook form. They are listed together nicely on my Amazon Author page: http://www.amazon.com/H.-L.-Burke/e/B00EYQ1HLW

Where can readers connect with you online?  

My website is www.hlburkeauthor.com. You can sign up for monthly email alerts there. I also am active on facebook at www.facebook.com/hlburkewriter and twitter at https://twitter.com/typativemamacat 

Authors’ names:

John Williams & James Colletti

Title of book and/or series:

The Crimson and the Frost

Brief summary of the story:

For untold millennia, the harsh frozen wastelands had been ruled by the immortal King of Winter. His power so absolute, no one dared to challenge his dominance until a mysterious old man in crimson robes and his devoted followers took up residence in the heart of his realm. In their possession was a strange and powerful artifact known as the Heart of Polaris. The ancient stone radiated a dome-like aura that protected their town from the extreme conditions of the frozen North.

The King of Winter arrived to cast out the trespassers but when he reached out toward the veil of magic energy a stabbing pain shot up the length of his arm. A wave of contempt rose in him at the insolence of those who dare deny him access to a vast section of his own kingdom.

For centuries the town had lived in peace, undisturbed, while the wicked king waited patiently for his chance at revenge. Now, the Heart of Polaris has gone missing and there is nothing to stop the King of Winter and his army of savage grimghouls from launching a full-scale invasion.

But the expulsion of the intruders will not satiate the King’s of Winter’s age-old thirst for vengeance. When the town’s magic combines with his own he will have to power to bring on a new ice-age. The fate of the entire world hangs in the balance as two powerful adversaries head down a collision course toward war.

Brief description of the location you created for this story:

Blanketed across a desolate landscape sits a sprawling town like an island of warm radiance amidst a stark, frozen canvas.  The architecture and atmosphere is part carnival and part old-world, European hamlet. The buildings were constructed in various sizes and styles, yet it all works in harmony.  In  the center of this mythical metropolis is a tall, glistening tower fashioned from tourmaline. At the very top sits a chamber that houses the Heart of Polaris stone. The tower harnesses the artifact’s energy and from the spire cascades a faint dome of pink and amber hues that shimmers and flows like the Aurora Borealis…that is until the Heart of Polaris goes missing.

If we were to visit as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?

For a hot beverage that will send your tastebuds into overdrive, visit the Heavenly Grounds coffee shop…or if you want to treat yourself to some of the world’s greatest cuisine, stop by the Perfect Palette. I recommend bringing your manners; the master chef can be a bit of a curmudgeon. There are also so many wondrous discoveries to be found beyond the doors of the Chateau Crimson including an enormous greenhouse/atrium and a great-room full of priceless collectables donated by past kings, emperors and other significant historical figures. You will find priceless works of art, statues, old, yet immaculately kept tomes written in various languages and a whole host of weapons and armor. Just, please keep your distance from the entire rear wall of the room. It is the one that appears to be crafted from black ice.  You may be drawn to the soft pulsations of lighter blues and violets which crackle with vine-like electric currents just beneath the surface of the wall. This is Vast, the all-seeing wall. Touching it is highly prohibited…the last person who did almost went mad.

Also, if you come across a hallway with no doors or windows…no paintings or decorative wainscoting…only walls and ceiling of smooth stone I would suggest you stay clear of it and move along. It eventually leads to an imposing, medieval looking iron door…the type of door that is meant to keep people out…or secrets in. If you open that door, you will see a stairwell descending into pitch darkness. Please shut the door and walk away.

What dangers should we avoid in the frozen north?

The lands beyond town are quite hazardous. Besides the frequent sub-zero temperatures, treacherous snow covered terrain, ever shifting and breaking ice and the very likely possibility of becoming hopelessly lost, these lands are also patrolled by a vicious lot known as the grimghouls. Vaguely canine (or feline…no one knows for sure), the lithe movements and confident gait of these ferocious beasts across the frozen landscape are akin to the great hunting cats of the Serengeti. They are magical creations of the King of Winter, born of the winter elements. Their animated bodies were created from chunks of ice, snow, and a soupy slush that perpetually circulates and swirls along their powerful forms like a canine-shaped ice flow. Within the mass of translucent ice and slush that make up their bodies, glows a blue iridescence. It is as if their insides are alight in azure flame. Their temperament is hateful and their sole purpose is to do the bidding of the wicked Winter King.

What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in the frozen north?

Most of the residents of town are peaceful folk but there are a handful that have some serious fighting skills. For instance, Tracker (that’s her nick-name since she never knew her true given name) is a scout and, of course, a tracker. She and her great-wolf companion Loki are typically the only ones who venture out in the wilds outside of town. She is self taught in various styles of  martial arts and her weapon of choice is a retractable metal baton. However, before the end of this story, the entire town will be forced to summon within them a fighting spirit and the courage  to persevere through one of the most terrifying times of their centuries-old lives.

What types of supernatural/ fantastical beings might we encounter?

Most notably, the King of Winter is a god-like, unpredictable force of nature. He is one of the many sentient personifications of nature’s elements. He is a lean figure with a long white mane, sharp features, and a complexion of pearly, iridescent blue. The gaze of his silvery-blue eyes has been known to send a rush of icy fear through the souls of even the bravest of men. There are also his minions, the above mentioned grimghouls…but they aren’t the only magic-born creatures in his arsenal. He has at his disposal telepathic frost-eagles that watch over his lands and thrust images into his mind if some occurrence needs his attention. There are other frightening creations, conjured by the King of Winter, that make an appearance toward the end of the story that I would rather not give away.

Two other ‘forces of nature’ make, what I would call ‘cryptic’ appearances as well.

The head of town, the “Crimson Wizard” as some call him, is also immortal. His followers are a collection of elves from all regions of the world that have joined his cause over the centuries.

What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people?  If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.

Well, the Heart of Polaris is at the heart of this story. It started out as a red sunstone but was later infused with a dose of extraordinarily potent magic by one of the most powerful beings in the entire universe. One of its many abilities is to protect the town and its residents from the harsh surroundings. Under close observation you will notice thousands of tiny facets radiating prisms of light that dance to a pulsating rhythm. Just below the jewel’s undulating surface appears to be a limitless depth within, like a roiling crimson ocean. I would love to get into detail about its origin and how it got its name but that is one of my favorite chapters and I wouldn’t want to spoil it. There is also another potent magic that plays a significant part of this story called the Soul of Winter. I can’t really get into that either 😉

Is there any advanced or unusual technology?  If you haven’t described it already, please give some examples.

The elves, with their superior ingenuity, created the tower in the center of town. At the top is a chamber that houses the Heart of Polaris stone. The tower acts as a conductor for the stone’s magic creating an an atmospheric aura protecting the town from the elements of the extreme north. Fortunately, it protects from the King of Winter as well since he is the personification of those harsh elements.

What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?

There is a small debate regarding global warming and the impact humanity has made on the planet.

Author Autobiography:

Cousins and co-authors John Williams and James Colletti are close in age and have been a creative team for as long as they can remember. The pair shares a common drive and tenacity that has transformed all of their creative aspirations into realities.

From early childhood John and James would dream of being famous musicians, air-guitaring to their favorite bands. In their teen years they decided to leave the world of pretend and with the determination that came naturally to them, they taught themselves how to play guitar. Forming the rock band Soulvyne with a handful of other talented musicians, they recorded an album, performed all around New York State and opened for such notable acts as Blue Oyster Cult and King’s X.  

            As movie and television buffs the pair, once again, was determined to be a part of another industry they loved. Through the years both have had successful careers producing and editing for such companies as MTV, VH-1, Miramax, FOX, The Speed Channel, Food Network and TruTv as well as directing nationally broadcasted music videos and an internationally released independent film.

Outside of their hectic careers they would find the time for a more personal creative outlet away from all of the stress and deadlines of the entertainment industry…writing. They collaborated on a handful of screenplays and used their industry contacts to shop them around. There was one co-written script they both were particularly proud of. One film producer in England read it and said, “I love this! It would make a great movie but right now we’d have a tough time raising the 150 – 200 million it would take to make a film this epic and grand-scale. It is too new and unknown by the masses. There is a reason the Harry Potter movies got made, that series had a huge built in fan base  from the books. Maybe scale your story down.” Never ones to compromise, John and James decided to tell their tale another way. So they re-worked it into what has become their first novel The Crimson and the Frost. During the novel writing process the story became so much more than the screenplay ever was and they are even more proud of it.

Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book(s)?  

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Where can readers connect with you online? 

https://www.facebook.com/williamscollettibooks

Author’s name: Bobby Nash

Title of book and/or series:

Series title: Alexandra Holzer’s Ghost Gal

Book #1: Alexandra Holzer’s Ghost Gal: The Wild Hunt (now on sale)

Book #2: Alexandra Holzer’s Ghost Gal: A Haunting We Will Go… (coming 2015)

Published by Raven’s Head Press.

http://www.ravensheadpress.com

Brief summary of the story:

Alexandra Holzer is just your average young paranormal investigator out to show an early 1960s New York City she knows a thing or two about ghosts. Join Alex’s alter ego, GHOST GAL, and her fiancé, Joshua Demerest, as they do battle with a very ancient ghost and his pals who have a score to settle with her famed father, ghost hunter Hans Holzer.

“A charming, fun ride that keeps the spirit of the elder Holzer’s work alive.”

–Rue Morgue magazine.

Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:

Young Alexandra Holzer lives and works as a ghost hunter in early 1960s New York City. Our story involves ghosts and there are times we get glimpses of the other side, as it were.

If we were to visit New York City as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?

Alexandra lives in the Soho district, which is filled with artisans and all sorts of creative people. There’s a lot to see and do within walking distance of her office.

What dangers should we avoid in New York City?

In a city as large as New York City, there are all manner of people as well as other… shall we say, entities living there. Not all of them are what you might call friendly.

Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in New York City?

Walk down any side street in New York City and you’re likely to find something interesting. It’s a great place to expand your palate.

What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in New York City?

Alexandra is a scrapper. She’s learning new styles and techniques all the time. She’s not an expert yet. We’re seeing her early days and she still has a lot to learn.

What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to New York City?

Whatever they can get their hands on, but Alexandra and her fiancé, Joshua, do spend a good deal of time walking as well.

What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in New York City? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used

Both of these elements are a big part of Ghost Gal’s world. She sees things that most people do not and she is quite often the only thing standing between the supernatural and us. Alexandra not only stands against the “bad” ghosts and goblins, but she also works with a couple of gentlemen who represent the light and dark sides of the world. The relationships between Alexandra and her liaisons, Samuel Esau and Jacob Black are some of my favorites to write.

Is there any advanced or unusual technology in New York City? If you haven’t described it already, please give some examples.

The New York City in Ghost Gal is very much the same as in the real world, but there’s a lot of other stuff going on that most New Yorkers either never see or have learned not to see. That said, Alexandra and her father, the famed Hans Holzer, have access to a few odds and ends that give them an edge. They’ve picked up some interesting items over the years.

Are there any other unique cultural practices that we should be aware of if we visit New York City?

New York is an incredible city. Enjoy yourself, but don’t let your guard down.

Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?

Real life always inspires bits and pieces of my work. With this series, however, I’m also writing the fictional exploits of Alexandra Holzer, her fiancé Joshua Demerest, and her parents, the Countess Catherine Buxhoeveden and famed Ghost Hunter Hans Holzer. These are all real people. Even though this book is a work of fiction, I want to make the characters feel like their real-life counterparts. Frequent conversations with Alexandra have been invaluable in making this feel as real and authentic as I can make it.

What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?

I don’t think there’s anything too controversial in Alexandra Holzer’s Ghost Gal: The Wild Hunt. I write to entertain and that was my main focus here. I wanted to tell the best story I could. If anything in the book becomes “hot-button” or “controversial” then that’s okay too, but it wasn’t my goal while writing the novel.

Author Autobiography:

From his secret lair in the wilds of Bethlehem, Georgia, 2013 Pulp Ark Award Winning Best Author Bobby Nash writes a little bit of everything including novels, comic books, short prose, graphic novels, screenplays, media tie-ins, and more.

Between writing deadlines, Bobby is an actor and extra in movies and television, including appearances in Deviant Pictures’ Fat Chance, FOX’s The Following, USA’s Satisfaction, AMC’s Halt and Catch Fire, and more. Bobby is a member of the International Association of Media Tie-in Writers and International Thriller Writers.

Bobby was named Best Author in the 2013 Pulp Ark Awards, his first professional writing award. Rick Ruby, a character co-created by Bobby and author Sean Taylor also snagged a Pulp Ark Award for Best New Pulp Character of 2013. Bobby was also nominated for the 2014 New Pulp Awards and Pulp Factory Awards for his work.

For more information on Bobby Nash, please visit him at www.bobbynash.com and social media.

Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book?  

Alexandra Holzer’s Ghost Gal: The Wild Hunt can be purchased at the following:

Amazon US (paperback) 

http://www.amazon.com/dp/149743842X/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_UG7Jtb0567DRE6EZ

Amazon CA (paperback) 

http://www.amazon.ca/dp/149743842X/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_4TuNtb1F8H6X5

Amazon UK (paperback) 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/149743842X/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_6W7Jtb0RNK7EJ

Barnes and Noble (paperback)

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ghost-gal-bobby-nash/1119691621?ean=9781497438422

Books-A-Million (paperback)

http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Ghost-Gal/Bobby-Nash/9781497438422?id=6025374656673

Amazon (Kindle) ebook

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L9EWX9C

Amazon CA (Kindle) ebook

http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00L9EWX9C/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_mTLQtb1REJ8WK

Amazon UK (Kindle) ebook   

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00L9EWX9C/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_1TLQtb0WQW2D9

Barnes and Noble (Nook) ebook

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ghost-gal-bobby-nash/1119691621?ean=2940149704224&isbn=2940149704224

iTunes (ebook)                       

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/ghost-gal-the-wild-hunt/id896837290?mt=11

And more.

You can find an ever-growing list of purchase links at www.bobbynash.com & http://bobby-nash-news.blogspot.com/2014/09/rue-morgue-magazine-reviews-ghost-gal.html

An audio version of Alexandra Holzer’s Ghost Gal: The Wild Hunt is also set to be released in the coming months.

Where can readers connect with you online? 

I am all over the internet. You can find me at www.bobbynash.com, Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Instagram, and Pinterest, among other places across the web. Please stop by and say hello.

Plus, you can learn more about Alexandra Holzer here and Raven’s Head Press here.

Author’s name: Christina Weigand

If we were to visit Ramajadin as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?

Wyrzburg, royal city of Mahorg is a really nice place to visit.

Sanctuary of Nine Dragons located in Imherp: A nice place to visit if Asha is willing to reveal it to you. Frieberg royal city of Imherp and home to the Kningrad.

What dangers should we avoid in Crato?

Unfortunately the country of Crato especially the city of Dun Dealgan. The country is still recovering from the devestation caused by the evil that still has a presence there. Another place to avoid would be Grillwood the land of the Mantion.

Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Ramajadin?

A liliad or a rosa root pie. Roasted pidgekin (similar to chickens) heatherkin cakes, baked yellow breaded yallow root.

What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common on Ramajadin?

Swords, daggers and hand to hand combat and magic.

What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel?

Dragons, horses, wagons

What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter on Ramajadin that we don’t see on earth?

Kningrad of Imherp similar to the elves in LOTR, Mantion of Grillwood similar to the dwarves in LOTR.  Tigres, very large tigers, dragons, glingkol and koali trees, rosas, liliad,

What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people on Ramajadin?  If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.

There are two kinds of magic; The magic of Asha that is only used to heal the land and people, usually performed by adepts and used for good. After the wars this magic is used to heal the land. The Kningrad and dragons are more tuned into the powers of Asha.

The magic of Sidramah is the other and is used for destruction. It uses the emotions of the wizard like anger, jealousy and hatred to destroy. Usually performed by wizards and is used for evil ends. During the wars this was used to destroy the land and kill people. King Brandan and the Mantion use it to shapeshift so as to fool people into thinking they are someone other than who they truly are. The Mantion are more tuned into the powers of Sidramah.

Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment on Ramajadin.

Jousting games, a game similar to soccer (Mantion use a skull for a ball, others use a ball)

Are the days of the week and months of the year the same on Ramajadin as on earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there?

They have four seasons and their calendars are similar to ours.

  

Is there a particular religion practiced on Ramajadin?  Please describe what it involves.

The religion of Ramajadin is very similar to Christianity.  The Annals of Time is similar to the Bible. Asha is the embodiment of good and nine dragons serve as his emissaries to Ramajadin while Sidramah is the embodiment of evil and has enslaved some dragons to do his bidding. Abbots serve Asha and Wisdoms serve Sidramah.

What is the political or government structure in Mahorg and Crato?  Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?

There are four countries:

 Crato: has a king and queen; one is a Master Adept and the other Warrior Chief. In Palace of the Twelve Pillars King Theodric (from Crato) and Queen Lilia (from Mahorg) rule and are well loved by the citizens of Crato. Theodric dies at the end of the book and Lilia disappears. At the beginning of Palace of the Three Crosses one of their twin sons, Joachim is crowned king and married to Princess Maeve of Imherp. Both are inexperienced and trusting. Joachim is impetuous and loyal to his brother which compromises his leadership. Maeve steps up and becomes the trusted ruler of Crato in her husband’s stead.

There is also an Adept Council who advise the king. The council consists of the Master Abbot (the religious leader) and Master Adept

 Mahorg: has a king who is Master Wizard and Warrior. King Waldrom is the evil king of Mahorg. His people hate and fear him. At the end of Twelve Pillars he is captured by the Mantion, leaving his country without a king. Prince Brandan, Theodric’s other son, is crowned king of Mahorg. His reign will be short lived as he travels the path of evil set by his predecessor.

 Grillwood is ruled by the Mantion king who is a Master Wizard. Grillwood is ruled by King Shigeo with the help of Master Wizard Melvane.

 Imherp has a king who is a Master Adept and a queen. Imherp is ruled by King Eyvindur and Queen Fiona. He is a good king and his people love him.

Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?

It was loosely based on medieval Ireland and Germany with a touch of Japan thrown in for the prison island.

What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?

Even though it was not really obvious, there was a suggestion of  racism and bigotry. Not many readers knew it but the Mahorganites were a dark skinned people while the Cratonites were light skinned. And of course there were the Mantion and Kningrad with a mixing of all the races. The other more obvious topic was the battle of good and evil with religious overtones.

Author Autobiography:

Christina Weigand’s a writer, wife, and mother of three grown children and a middle school daughter. She is also Nana to three granddaughters. She lives with her husband and youngest daughter in Pennsylvania, returning there after a short sabbatical in Washington. Currently, she’s working on fantasy novels and inspirational writing. Through her writing, she strives to share the Word of God and help people young and old to realize the love and mercy He has for everyone.

When she’s not writing, she’s active in her local Church Bible Study and volunteering at her daughter’s school, helping the children develop a love for reading and writing. Jesus fills her home with love as she shares Him through her writing. 

Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your books?  Please include links.

The books can be purchased in any e-format at https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore/index.php/manufacturer/christina-weigand/young-adult

Where can readers connect with you online? 

Blog: www.weigandchris.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CAWeigand

Facebook: www.facebook.com/caweigand

Email: [email protected]

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/chris_weigand
Amazon: amazon.com/author/christinaweigand

Author’s name:

Mindy Hayes

Title of book and/or series:

The Faylinn Novels: Kaleidoscope (#1), Ember (#2), and Luminary (#3)

Brief summary of the story:

Calliope doesn’t see the change coming. She’s compelled to fight the pull that pulses like a second heartbeat, drawing her into the depths of the forest. But, the more Calliope denies it, the stronger it becomes until she finally surrenders and is pulled into a secret world of enchantment.

Kai and Declan need her to accept what she is. Knowing their fate lies in her hands, they’ll stop at nothing to protect and prepare her for what lies ahead.

Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:

In Kaleidoscope you’re introduced to the world of Faylinn, a parallel universe where the fae live. It’s nestled deep in the forest. But the story in Kaleidoscope takes place in the real world—Wahalla, South Carolina. In Ember, Faylinn comes into play.

If we were to visit Faylinn as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?

Two of my favorite places in Faylinn are the Harvest Borough and Novalora. The Harvest Borough is where all of the fruits and vegetables are grown, so there are acres and acres of different kinds of colorful vegetation. I’d stay there and eat all day!

Novalora is the land of the pixies. It’s filled with bright overgrown trees and flowers—flowers big enough to sleep on. The pixies might pester you, but they mean no harm.

What dangers should we avoid in Faylinn?

Falkurs and branaaghs are the fiercest animals in Faylinn. Falkur teeth are the strongest and used to create weapons—definitely not a creature I’d want to come in contact with. Branaaghs are like panthers, but larger and their fangs curl below their jowls. They could probably kill a person with one swipe. But, you should be more concerned about who to trust in Faylinn. No one is safe. They disappear all the time.

Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Faylinn?

A common animal that’s served is radik. It looks like a large rat. It’s kind of gamy, tastes like rabbit. Another animal is chocat. They are similar to deer, but smaller. But the fae mainly eat the fruits, vegetables and grains they grow.

What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Faylinn?

The faeries in Faylinn are allergic to all types of metal, so all of their weapons are made from animal bones and animal teeth/fangs (falkurs and branaaghs). They use daggers, arrows and long blades.

What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Faylinn?

There is a magical ward set up around Faylinn called The Hedge, making it invisible to humans. The only way to pass through it is with a faery. And faeries travel on foot. They’re fast and agile.

What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in Faylinn that we don’t see on Earth?

There are all kinds of different vegetation and animals. Calliope’s favorite fruit is a pruila, which is a pinkish, opalescent fruit that looks like a nectarine, but tastes sweet like a strawberry. There’s also the viga, which is extremely sweet. It’s a purple melon with yellow spikes. The spikes are flexible to the touch.

What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Faylinn? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.

The Royalty in Faylinn use a power called Supremacy. Supremacy is essentially mind control. If they want a task done, all they have to do is ask and it must be done. It takes away free agency. Some use it sparingly, while others take advantage.

The fae in Faylinn are very one with the earth, so they don’t need elements to make nature grow. The power comes from within them. They could make anything grow inside, through stone or wood.

They also have enchantments like Enticement, which can make another faery or human drawn to them, pulled into a sort of trance of lust.

They can also heal one another with their hands. It takes a little bit of concentration, but once their hands are placed on the area affected they can heal it completely.

If another fae is in trouble or desperately needs to contact another faery, they can use the Given name of said faery. By saying the name of the faery, that faery will have to immediately come whether they want to or not.

Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in Faylinn as on Earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there?

Time runs differently in Faylinn. It’s a bit slower. When only a few months pass in Faylinn, a year or two could go by in the real world. And they don’t have calendars to keep time. They use moon cycles. Their holidays aren’t the same. They celebrate things like a new harvest season or bondings (weddings) or dawnings (inaugurations of royalty). Honestly, they’ll find any way to have a celebration!

What is the political or government structure in Faylinn?  Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?

There is a monarchy. A king or queen rules the land, but they have personal advisors. In Kaleidoscope, Favner is king. He’s a bit of an evil narcissist. Not the best combination! He wants to kingdom to revolve around him. Most want to overthrow him, but due to Supremacy, that’s a little difficult.

Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?

Yes! My mom is from Finland, and my grandparents own a cabin in the woods there. We just visited this summer, and I think subconsciously I invented Faylinn from the forests in Finland. When we arrived it was as if I’d stepped into Faylinn. It was such a dream.

Author Autobiography:

I’m the author of the YA Fantasy Faylinn Novels, Kaleidoscope (#1), Ember (#2), and Luminary (#3), as well as the Contemporary Romance, Me After You (Willowhaven #1). Currently, I’m working on Me Without You (Willowhaven #2).

I grew up in San Diego, California, exploring my interest for singing and playing the piano. I first discovered my passion for reading when I had to make my first flight alone to South Carolina to visit my, then, fiancé. My love for writing followed shortly after. My husband and I have now been married for seven years and live in Summerville, South Carolina.

Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book(s)? 

Buy the Kindle formats here

Buy the Nook formats here

Buy the iBook formats here

Buy from Smashwords

Where can readers connect with you online?

My Blog

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads
Pinterest

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 Autobiography

Juli 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:

Amazon (all venues), Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, and in paperback from Createspace.

Click here to see the book trailer for Changeling’s Crown.

Where can readers connect with you online?  

They can find me at: 

my homepage

Facebook

Google+

Good Reads

Pintrest

Twitter

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

Author’s name:

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.

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.

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.

Typically haphazard weapons and armor:  this goblin is sporting human armor that doesn’t fit and is armed with a chair leg.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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