Realm Explorers Archives - Page 13 of 18 - Annie Douglass Lima : 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.
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Author’s name: Katy Huth Jones

Title of book and/or series: Mercy’s Prince

Brief summary of the story: As second son of the King of Levathia, seventeen-year-old Valerian desires the quiet life of a scholarly monk. But when he fails to save his older brother in battle, Valerian must instead become crown prince. While a traitorous knight schemes against him, Valerian meets Mercy, a pacifist Healer with whom he can speak mind-to-mind like the great dragons. Their bond emboldens Valerian to seek out the legendary dragons and ask for their help against the monsters who killed his brother. Can Valerian survive the traitor’s assassins long enough to find the dragons? And if he does, can he convince them to lay aside their hatred of humans and help him save the land from destruction?

Brief description of the world or location you created for this story: Levathia was discovered 300
years ago by Valerian’s ancestor, who led several ships of people to a “new world” when they had to escape persecution in their homeland. It’s a peninsula with a jagged mountain range called the Dragon’s Backbone dividing the land in two. The north has rocky hills, evergreens, and lonely moors, while forest blankets much of the south. The land was called Levathia after the discovery of the many large dragon species.

If we were to visit Levathia as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there? Definitely visit The Keep, the largest castle and seat of government in the north not far from the Dragon’s Backbone mountain range. Castle Westmoor is the most beautiful castle, situated on the western coast, and nearby are many lovely beaches.

What dangers should we avoid in Levathia? Unless you can speak mind-to-mind, you’ll want to avoid the sea dragons and be very careful around the great flying dragons. The most dangerous creatures are the river dragons, because they can’t be reasoned with.

Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Levathia? If you were to visit the pacifists in The Village of Peace, you would be served vegetarian meals, all rather bland. Mercy makes a great savory potato pie, though. In other places about Levathia one can eat mutton, venison, wild pig, and some fowl supplemented by root vegetables and various types of squash and cabbage. Except for berries, fruit is a rare delicacy. The bread grains are coarse but flavorful. If you visit The Keep, you will most likely get to taste one of the head cook’s amazing confections, which are works of art with amazing detail.

What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Levathia? Because the original settlers encountered dragons of various sizes, some extremely large and dangerous, swords were abandoned in favor of spears and bows, in order to more effectively defend against the dragons. Now that Prince Valerian has found the 300-year-old sword of his ancestor, the lost arts of crafting swords and fighting with them will be revived.

What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Levathia? The society of Levathia most closely resembles Earth’s twelfth century, so most people walk, ride in horse-drawn carts, and those who can afford them ride horses. Master Murray, the armorer at The Keep, is trying his best to improve technology, but it’s a slow process.

What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in Levathia that we don’t see on Earth? The plants are similar with a few exceptions, such as shaggy beard trees, Dragon’s bane (a beautiful but poisonous plant), and blue balmflower, which is used to control pain. The most obvious creatures that remind the traveler he/she is no longer on Earth are the many dragon species: the great flying, fire-breathing dragons who are fully sentient but can only communicate with a few gifted humans, the large sea dragons with a limited ability to communicate, the river dragons which can grow to the size of saltwater crocodiles, the scavenger dragons which resemble Komodo dragons, and the smaller ones: gliding tree dragons and crawling burrowing dragons. The reptilian Horde from the neighboring land of Mohorovia use weapons and primitive tools, but their species has a hive mentality and does not value the individual.

Some authors go to drastic measures to avoid actually writing their manuscripts.
Here’s the result of one of Katy’s sewing projects: Prince Valerian, Mercy, and the dragon leader Albinonix.

What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Levathia? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used. There is no magic, per se, but a very few individuals are supernaturally gifted by the Most High. Valerian is a Seer and has the ability to read people’s thoughts and emotions when he makes direct eye contact. Mercy has the gift of Healing which not only enables her to see damage within and mend injuries but to touch plants and know which parts can aid in Healing. Unfortunately she has to be careful, because using the gift takes energy from her. Valerian and Mercy have the rare gift of being able to speak mind-to-mind with the great dragons, and also with one another, a hereto unknown gift.

Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in Levathia. Every spring the king holds court at The Keep and during that time hosts a tournament, featuring a joust, individual weapons competitions, Highland games, and races for the squires. Music and dancing are popular throughout the land. Valerian’s squire, Kieran MacLachlan, is especially gifted at dancing.

Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in Levathia as on Earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there? Yes, there are 12 months and 7 days in a week. There is a big feast held in each of the four seasons, and the king’s birthday (May 1) is a national holiday.

Is there a particular religion practiced in Levathia? Please describe what it involves. The religion of Levathia is similar to a simplified version of the medieval Catholic church. Since the people fled their homeland and have lost contact, the highest office in the church is a bishop. The pacifists are a sect that broke away from the traditional church because they refused to fight or cause any harm to man or beast.

What is the political or government structure in Levathia? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he? Levathia is a feudal society, with the land divided into seven provinces. King Orland is supreme ruler, a wise and just man, though he doesn’t understand the importance of studying history and law in making judgments, as Valerian strives to do.

Are there any other unique cultural practices that we should be aware of if we visit Levathia? Most people, men and women, wear their hair short, with the exception of the pacifists, who never cut their hair and wear it in a braid of three strands to represent the Triune God.

What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book? The only possibly controversial topic would be how war and violence affects those with peaceful hearts and backgrounds.

Author Autobiography: Katy Huth Jones grew up in a family where creative juices overflowed and made puddles to splash in. When not writing or sewing or drawing or taking photos, Katy plays piccolo and flute in a regional symphony. She lives with her husband Keith in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. Their two sons, whom she homeschooled, have flown the nest and live creative lives of their own.

Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book(s)? Please include links. Right now Mercy’s Prince is only available through Amazon in paperbackand Kindleformat. The Kindle version is free today (July 20th)!

Where can readers connect with you online?

I have a blog, a facebook page, and am on twitter and pinterest.

I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Levathia. 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 realm of The Underworld, in Realm Explorers Part LVII!

-Annie Douglass Lima

Author’s name: Andrea Buginsky

Title of book and/or series: Striker’s Apprentice: The Chosen Series, Book Three

Brief summary of the story:

As a young hunter seeks a trainer, The Chosen prepare for an unforgettable adventure.

With Nature and Phantasma back in order, Halli and Silvor have settled into their new life in Drumple. During a visit from Striker, Kaidyla and Lumina, a request from an old friend of Halli’s family sparks a new challenge when she asks Striker if he’ll train their young son, Dylan. Working with Dylan gives Striker a chance to be a mentor once again, as he had been in his past.

This brings The Chosen to an area of Phantasma Halli has never seen before. What new dangers might be lurking in the forest? Will Halli have a reason to use her powers?

But Halli and Silvor are facing a new journey of their own, one that will change their lives forever. What is in store for The Chosen’s future? Will this latest escapade prepare them for what is yet to come?

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

Phantasma is the world where The Chosen live. It is a small world, with various areas, towns, forests, regions, and the Capitol City, The Castle of the Elves, which lies in the middle of Phantasma. To the East of the Castle is Drumple, the small Dwarf village. To the West of the Castle of the Elves is Loch Moss, a very strange area covered in a thick slime. There is a bridge going over the Loch, connecting it from the East side to the West side, and another bridge crossing it from the North side to the South. To the West of Loch Moss lies The Swamp Lands. This is a very dangerous area that leads to The Darkness, Phantasma’s most dangerous area. North of Loch Moss is the forest area where many of Phantasma’s creatures can be found, the Caprice Forest and the Shamrock Forest. The forests lead to Londonham, Londonham is the home of the goliaths, the gentle giants. It lies to the furthest West of Phantasma, safely north of The Darkness. It’s big, full of large trees and buildings, and built to resemble the outdoors, as the goliaths love nature. North of the Castle of the Elves lie mountainous areas where the air grows colder and snow begins to fall. It’s blocked by South Gate, the southern entrance to Ogre Land where the ogres are from. If you’re determined to get to the northern region of Phantasma, bring some friends to help get you through the ogres’ village and cross through the North Gate. North of Ogre Land is Polard, the most northern point on Phantasma.

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

You definitely want to visit the Castle of the Elves! It’s the Capital of Phatasma, and the best place to run into many of Phantasma’s safe creatures. The best hunting spots are the Caprice and Shamrock forests. I recommend camping here for a few nights. Drumple is a very friendly town to visit. The dwarves love visitors, and will treat you to an ale at the Tavern. You can take in the beautiful views of the Ironworks Castle at the top of the mountain. But Londonham is my favorite village to visit. The goliaths are very friendly, and the area is magnificent, with so many wonderful creatures that will take your breath away…

What dangers should we avoid in Phantasma?

You should avoid the Loch, but if you want to go to the Caprice and Shamrock forests directly from the Castle of the Elves, it may hard to do so. Be sure you have a good hunting party with you. And I’d recommend avoiding the Ogres that live within the South and North Gate region, but if you want to visit Northern Phantasma, again, this is unavoidable. Make sure you have another large hunting party with you. Do not, however, under any circumstances, go to the Darkness!

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

No, you’ll pretty much find a variety of foods from the animals and vegetation that are native to each region.

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

You’ll see all kinds of arrows, swords, and blades, not to mention fantastical magic spells. There aren’t many common fighting styles, but you may come across some friendly dueling as you travel through.

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

The only way to travel across Phantasma is to walk or on horseback. Due to the distance, I definitely recommend horseback.

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

You’ll meet the goliaths, and see many odd creatures, including ogres, matadors, sea creatures, and various other creatures spread throughout the land. Plant life is everywhere, from many different species of flowers and trees, to the darker plant life in the marshes.

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

Magic is a huge part of Phantasma. There are mages, druids, shamans and paladins. You’ll mages casting a wide variety of spells, druids and shamans communing with nature, and paladins both fighting and healing. All of this magic is used when battling evil creatures on Phantasma.

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

No, in fact, you’ll feel as though you stepped back in time to when there were knights on horses protecting their kingdoms.

Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in Phantasma.

If you’re a hunter, you can hunt for sport. Most of the gatherings happen in taverns and eateries in various villages across Phantasma. There are several celebrations throughout the year at the Castle of the Elves, hosted by Queen Laurali and King Jerome.

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

Yes, they are the same. There aren’t any particular special events or celebrations exclusively only to Phantasma.

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

The Castle of the Elves is the center of Phantasma, and is the kingdom. This is where Queen Laurali and King Jerome live, the rulers of Phantasma. They are both wonderful, fair-minded, and kind rulers.

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

Some of the characters’ personalities and names are based on my family and friends.

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

None that I can think of. I do touch on coming-of-age issues, such as learning who you are and coming into your own.

Author Autobiography:

Andrea Buginsky is a freelance writer with a BA in Mass Communication-Journalism from the University of South Florida. She has always wanted to be a published writer, and decided to try to write fantasy books for teens. The Chosen is her first book, and was released on December 14, 2010, to her delight.

Andrea has written five more books since:

Nature’s Unbalance: The Chosen, Book 2
Striker’s Apprentice: The Chosen, Book 3
Destiny: New Avalon, book 1, a YA fantasy
Fate: New Avalon, book 2, a YA fantasy
My Open Heart, an autobiography of growing up with heart disease.

She is currently writing the fourth book in The Chosen series.

Andrea lives in Kansas with her family, which includes her two precious puppies.

You can visit Andrea on her website or Google+

Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book(s)? Please include links.

The Chosen: The Chosen Series, Book One Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble Nook | Print

Nature’s Unbalance: The Chosen Series, Book Two Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble Nook | Print

Striker’s Apprentice: The Chosen Series, Book Three Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble Nook | Print

Destiny: New Avalon, Book 1 Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble Nook | Print

Fate: New Avalon, Book 2 Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble Nook | Print

My Open Heart Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble Nook | Print

Where can readers connect with you online?

Facebook

Twitter: @andreabuginsky

I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Phantasma. 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 Levathia, in Realm Explorers Part LVI!

-Annie Douglass Lima

Author’s name: Lia London

Title of book and/or series: The Gypsy Pearl Book 3: Tye

Brief summary of the story: This is part three in a science fiction trilogy wherein our heroine Caz Artemus is on a quest to “cycle” a Gypsy Pearl that is actually inside of her body. The result of her adventure will be, in theory, the freedom of a species of small humanoid creatures and her own eventual rise to supreme power in the Granbo System. Naturally, not everyone is in favor of a teen doing this, so she has assassins in hot pursuit. Despite some superhuman powers she has acquired recently, she suffers from a distinct handicap: adrenaline spikes lead to paralysis. That’s tough when her life is so action-packed!

Brief description of the world or location you created for this story: Tye is essentially an ocean planet. There are dozens of archipelagos scattered around the globe, but they are ultimately tiny land masses. Each island or island group represents a distinct colony whereon humans (originally from our own solar system) have made their homes. Marine life is abundant, and there are some indigenous bird species, too, but larger land mammals have mostly been imported from other planets (callabus, bovines and ovis – or, as we would call them, horses, cows and sheep).

If we were to visit Tye as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there? The most tourist-friendly places would be the atoll chains of Ikekane North and South. These are large groups of lagoons with phenomenal natural beauty, great surfing, and incredibly hospitable natives. Think of the more unspoiled Polynesian islands, but with all the modern conveniences of medical care and communications technology, etc. Another beautiful area is the island of Flinders which features some amazing spiral reefs not far off the shore. The accommodations are far from luxurious, and there is a minor crime problem there, but you’ll ultimately be able to find all the amenities you need, and Sleeping Bay has some spectacular sail boats to watch.

What dangers should we avoid in Tye? Besides the occasional extreme electrical storms, the only real danger out on the water is if a shoal of gouldings feels you are a dangerous predator. They will work together to capsize a boat and/or chew up any person they feel is a threat. The bigger your boat, the better off you’ll likely be.

Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Tye? Obviously, you can expect a lot of seafood and sea-plant type foods, but there are also tropical regions—the Ikekanes in particular—that have to-die-for luscious fruits. Pina on a stick is a favorite snack that will melt in your mouth.

What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Tye? Most of the cultures are not particularly violent, but you can find everything from wooden spears to laser rifles and grenade launchers.

What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Tye? Travel to Tye is done by express shuttles from other planets or space ferries from the Interplanetary City Stations. The shuttles will most often land up on the polar ice cap, the only place with enough uninhabited space for takeoff and landings, etc. The space ferries, however, just drop into the ocean nearest the desired location until a water ferry can come out and retrieve the passengers. Between colonies on the planet, the vast majority of people travel by solar-powered or wind-turbine sailboat because sea-runner planes require too much fuel (synthetic petrol). On the individual islands and atolls, wheeled vehicles are almost always either pulled by horses or people, but since the spaces are so small, people can just walk. If folks want to cut across a lagoon, many swim and use a “board” (like a surf board) to carry their goods.

What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in Tye that we don’t see on Earth? The faneps are humanoids about the size of large cats. They have sharp teeth, retractable claws, big bald heads, enormous lung-capacity (good for swimming), the ability to “float” in the air, and telepathy.

What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Tye? The world of the humans is all very normal and logical and tech-filled, but the faneps are a whole different matter. The very captivity which afflicts them is caused by the presence of humans; it limits their power of speech and some of their cognitive ability. The “Cycling Ceremony” that Caz is undertaking will somehow mystically change all of that. Caz is given three “gifts” which give her unusual powers: superhuman strength, insanely fast recuperative powers, a perfect memory, and the ability to assert mind over body in controlling certain body functions.

Is there any advanced or unusual technology in Tye? If you haven’t described it already, please give some examples. There are many, but the one Caz and her friends use the most often is the comlink. It’s an egg-shaped communication device that can access holographic archive vids (like our modern internet only 3D) or link people through space with live audio-visual feed in a blue inverted cone.

What is the political or government structure in Tye? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she? Tye is part of the Granbo Charter that is a loose affiliation of colonies spread out over the three inhabited planets of the Granbo System and the Interplanetary City-Stations. There is no centralized government, but the colonies have elected governors, and the ICSs have stationmasters. Ambassadors also run liaison between the colonies, etc. to help negotiate trade or resource management, but generally each group is pretty autonomous. Gypsies, who do not usually lock themselves to one location, are not considered citizens of any colony or ICS, and as such are often denied rights or mistrusted by those who remain more stationary. One of the premises of the Cycling Ceremony is that Caz would become Queen of the unified Granbo System and, because of her gypsy ties, bring some dignity to their status.

Are there any other unique cultural practices that we should be aware of if we visit Tye? Each colony is so different that it is hard to generalize. In some, elderly people are revered as the leaders, yet in others, they are set adrift to die once they have ceased to be highly productive members of society. Some colonies welcome visitors and trade, while others want to be left completely alone. In the Ikekanes, people are very warm and friendly; they clap as a way of greeting and provide community “boards” for recreation and transportation. In Scilly, family relationships are very important, and people are expected to spend a great deal of time talking about how each member is doing prior to conducting any business. In Menorca, agricultural families are conglomerates of families that own large tracts of land and use it for the commercial benefit of the colony.

Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book? I’ve had the opportunity to travel extensively in my life, and I’ve always been fascinated by different cultures and why they do things in different ways. Although these island colonies were not based on real places I’ve been, per se, I did try to think about what general lines of latitude each might represent. The colony names actually come from real geographic places (towns, islands, etc.) on our own planet that correspond. For example, Wandel Hav is a real place up in the Arctic Circle, and on Tye, it is the northernmost colony.

What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book? There are a few. One is the treatment of elderly or handicapped, and the other is the whole concept of centralized vs. local government autonomy. I’m not trying to solve the problems as much as open them up for consideration in a less threatening way.

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

Currently, it is only available in kindle form on Amazon, but will soon be released in paperback form and become available through a wide variety of outlets including Barnes & Noble.

Update: the book is now available in paperback as well as Kindle format at the above link. Or, click here to purchase it on Barnes & Noble.

Where can readers connect with you online?

Twitter
website

I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Tye. 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 Seilla, in Realm Explorers Part LV!

-Annie Douglass Lima

Author’s name: Shari L. Tapscott

Title of book and/or series: Pippa of Lauramore, Book 1 in The Eldentimber Series

Brief summary of the story:

With her future happiness resting on a traditional marriage tournament, Princess Pippa decides to take matters in her own hands and choose handsome Galinor of Glendon to be her victor. She’ll do everything in her power to ensure her prince wins—even if she must win for him.

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

Lauramore is a small kingdom tucked away in the western mountains of Elden. Unlike the jagged peaks farther north, Lauramore’s mountains are soft-stepped terraces blanketed with meadow grass and moss. Tall evergreen woods grow thick father to the south, and if you travel into the valleys, you may wander into the dark bogs where the grim boars make their homes. Many claim Lauramore to be the most beautiful of Elden’s kingdoms, but it’s not without its dangers.

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

You must travel to Palace Lauramore, which is located atop the terraces to the north of the kingdom. A waterfall, fed by a freshwater lake in the terrace above, cascades down next to the palace gardens and falls to a pool below. The sight is especially spectacular in late spring when the runoff is at its peak. However, the falls still run strong through summer when Lauramore holds most of its festivals.

What dangers should we avoid in Lauramore?

Lauramore is considered a fairly safe place to live and travel through as long as you avoid the lower forests. Up higher you may run into an occasional mountain cat, but they are skittish and tend to attack the grazing sheep more often than people. There are rumors that the cries of night-dwelling glasselns—large felines with feathered wings—have been heard recently, but the creatures haven’t been seen in years, and most consider the rumors to be gossip. Still, it would be prudent to use caution if traveling at night.

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

Frozen sheep’s milk cream is a delightful treat, especially when paired with mountain cherry pastries.

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

Those staying to the main roads may travel by wagon or carriage, but those who wish to venture into the forests must travel by horse or foot. The terraces are steep and, in many places, the paths are narrow.

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

Gold eldentimber trees can be found in the lower forests, as can blue goodleburgen bushes. A variety of smaller plants may also be found, from flowering yallow to medicinal waterchivel. Be cautious of poisonous daphantha berries—they grow in clusters in the higher regions and look similar to blueberries.

If you’re lucky, you may spot a silver stag, though they are elusive. Fairies have been known to inhabit the forest as well, but they don’t tend to stay in one place long. Dragons live farther north. You are likely to find one if you actively seek them out, but with the peace treaty in effect, they tend to keep to themselves.

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

Magic is forbidden to humans, who do not possess it naturally. Any enchanted items must be obtained from fairies, dragons, gimlies, or other naturally magic creatures. For example, Princess Pippa wears a purity ring that is dragon enchanted. At one time, wizard-aided breathing spells were frequently used to harvest black pearls from the lake above the palace, but this practice is now forbidden.

Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in Lauramore.

The summer festivals are the highlight of the year. There are archery contests, jousting, and hand-to-hand combat events for both nobility and villagers. Traveling gypsies will often perform as well. Prince Percival and his brother Alexander lead large hunting parties later in the season.

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

Lauramore is a monarchy, with the king at present being King Ewan. Many consider him a good and fair king but there are some who feel he is too friendly with Errinton, a harsh kingdom to the far north.

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

Lauramore was highly inspired by the mountains near Silverton, Colorado. The area is pristine and almost unreal in its beauty. The creatures and plants I created were often just a mish-mash of things I love. Many of the plants were inspired by real flowers and herbs. The waterfall next to the palace is an image I’ve had in my head since I was young—I’m not entirely sure where it came from.

Author Autobiography:

I live with my husband and two children in Western Colorado. Pippa of Lauramore is my first published novel, and I hope to write a great many more. I love to read, and my favorite stories are the ones with dashing heroes, brave heroines, and a large assortment of plucky side-characters.

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

Pippa of Lauramore is available for Kindle and in paperback, and you may buy it on Amazon.

Where can readers connect with you online?

You can visit me at my websiteor check out my Facebookpage.

I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Lauramore. 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 planet Tye, in Realm Explorers Part LIV!

-Annie Douglass Lima

Author’s name:

Michael Eash

Title of book:

The Living Light

Brief summary of the story:

A rebellion long planned by the King’s top adviser begins to take shape. As the villain builds his army in secret and forges alliances with old enemies, his experiments open a portal toour world. With Terrmara’s unique resources and technology from the earth, he plans to rule his world and take his rightful place as King.

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

Terramara is the western most continent of my fantasy world. It’s covered mostly in rolling hills and towering mountains. However, a large peninsula juts out from the mainland and is entirely covered in woods.

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

A trip to the King’s city, Atlantia, would be worth your while. It’s the largest gathering of peoples in the world. Inside the city, the citadel of the King is a must see. It’s shaped like a five-pointed star and painted in colors of the sunset. A golden tower rises above the city to give visitors a view of the Great Western Ocean.

The Wooded Peninsula is worth a long stroll as the sunlight filters through the evergreens. Both the tree-top village of Yamara (think Star Wars) and the fabled Elvish city Lena lie within its borders.

What dangers should we avoid in Terramara?

If you made it in before the war, you would need to be on the lookout for Rogues. Rogues are a highly organized group of thieves, bandits, and pirates. Many were drivenout when the continent was first settled,but enough remain to threaten the unprepared traveler.

If you arrived during the war, Antlatia and Lena would be the only 100% safe places. Anywhere else you’d risk detainment or being caught in the middle of a battle. Natas is ruthless in his war against the King and will kill you out of spite.

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

Not necessarily. The common folk eat homegrown fruits and vegetables and purchase grain and wild game when they can. The deer living in the Wooded Peninsula are highly prized by hunters.

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

Most elves and men carry some kind of blade. The wealthy customize their swords to their fighting styles. The Prince, hated enemy of Natas, wields a katana-like sword. The elves of the Wooded Peninsula prefer a good bow but will use knives and daggers in a pinch. The giant men from the mountains are the only ones to use war axes, but the most uncommon weapons are wielded by the elves of the flame. This sect of the elvish race fights with claw-like weapons attached to their wrists, freeing their hands to use their unique abilities.

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

The original settlers sailed to Terramara across the Ocean and kept their ships to defend against Rogues. The Rogues also maintain a fleet on the southern coasts. Elves and their allies are the only ones that ride Griffins, the intelligent creatures have sided with the King. Riding bareback is an experienceunlike anything you can imagine.

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

Plant life is relatively similar to Earth thanks to the environment, but there are many sentient races spread across the continent. Elves are the most common species in Terramara. Five separate cultures have arisen over the years.

Light Elves are what you would find in a Lord of the Rings world and inhabit villages and towns alongside humans. Wood elves are an offshoot of the Light Elves that live on the peninsula and prefer the long bow to the sword.

Twilight Elves are the most ancient elven races and migrated later to Terramara after escaping a bloody civil war in their homeland. Their hair turns a silvery-gray before adolescents and their eyes carry a violet pigment, allowing them better night vision. Older Twilight Elves, most of them veterans of war, are the best warriors to be found.

The Elves of the Flame are a mysterious group. They are blessed with a magic that enables them to call fire to their hands and control it. Their ancestors came from the Twilight Elves’ homeland.

The last group are the Dark Elves, those who’ve joined Natas and been corrupted by his power. Natas is a Dark Elf.

One other race populates Terramara.The Chromes usually stick to their vast, underground caverns. They migrated around the same time as the Twilight Elves and settled in the mountains. They are a strong, dark-skinnedrace of enormous proportions. Some stand as high as nine feet though the average is closer to seven. They are hardy miners and make powerful soldiers should the need arise.

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

The Elves of the Flame are born with their abilities to call fire to their aid. The only other aspects I would deem ‘magical’ are the swords of The King and The Prince. They give off a wholesome, living light that can tell if a person is a faithful follower or a traitor sided with Natas.

As far as the supernatural, this whole story is an allegory waiting to be discovered by the reader. It’s not so over the head that a typical reader couldn’t ignore it if they wanted to, but it’s there for a reader to find.

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

Several crystalline elements exist in Terramara that don’t exist on Earth. It is unknown whether their properties are magical, chemical or both. These stones are used to propel small, flat-bottom boats at high speeds.

Natas has found a way to utilize these in combination with Earth’s projectile weapons. The results are devastating.

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

Terramara is divided into four primary regions. The southernmost islands are dominated by the Rogues and their fleet. The Mountain Ranges just north of the islands belong to the Chromes.Their capital is the underground fortress-city of Argonum. Light Elves and Humans inhabit towns and villages scattered near the coasts and rivers. Each city oversees its villages and is ruled by a governor answerable to the King. The remaining Elvish races live in homesteadsscattered thorugout the Wooded Peninsula. Lena is a central meeting place known only to the elves. It is used as a hidden refuge in times of trouble and Natas, the leader of the rebellion, will do anything to burn it out of existence.

The King is the ultimate authority and is like no other being in Terramara. Light purer than the sun radiates from him at all times and inspires courage in his followers and dread in his enemies. No warrior can match his skill with the blade or his compassion. The King and his son are central figures in the fight for Terramara.

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

Last names were invented by the elves and most humans don’t have one yet.

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

The Wooded Peninsula came from my love of Washington State’s evergreens. Even when the skies are gray,the trees are still full of life and color. Beyond that, both the Bible and the Tolkien’s Lord of The Rings influenced Terramara’s creation.

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

I touch slightly on the moral issues of killing in war, but only as is appropriate for Middle School or Young Adult audiences.

Author Autobiography:

This is my third year of serious writing. I published The Living Light at seventeen and haven’t stopped writing since. Currently, I’m working my way through my college degree while tweaking the second short-story in my Sci-fi/superhero series. I love Christian Speculative Fiction (Fantasy, Sci-fi, and all the related genres) and think it’s a great way to reach an entertainment-hungry generation searching for direction.

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

This is the link to the Kindle version.

This is where you can get the paperback (Amazon).

Where can readers connect with you online?

Email: [email protected]

I’m still working on building my blog/website.

I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Terramara. 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 Lauramore, in Realm Explorers Part LIII!

-Annie Douglass Lima

Author’s name:

Sarah Ashwood

Title of book and/or series:

Aerisia: Land Beyond the Sunset (free!)

Aerisia: Gateway to the Underworld

Aerisia: Field of Battle

Books 1, 2, and 3 of the Sunset Lands Beyond trilogy

Brief summary of the story:

From Earth to Aerisia, Hannah Winters has unexpectedly gone from college student to prophesied savior of a parallel world. Here in Aerisia, the existence and survival of all depend upon her as Aerisia’s Artan who must battle and defeat the dread Dark Powers. Plenty of people, including fairies, giants, the Moonkind, and even the Simathe, a mysterious race of immortal warriors, are willing to help Hannah navigate this new world and its pitfalls. However, there’s only one person Hannah can count on to truly save her, and that’s herself. Unfortunately, saving herself may mean becoming someone she doesn’t know and doesn’t know how to become. And that’s a woman with magic: the Artan.

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

Aerisia is a beautiful land full of magic and promise that lies beyond Earth’s sunsets. In Aerisia, there exist many new creatures and races of people, such as the evil drocnords, deathcats, the Moonkind (people of the moon), and the immortal Simathe. Also in Aerisia, are more familiar fairytale creatures like fairies, dragons, gargoyles, and giants. Ages ago, the ways between our two worlds were open and inhabitants of one realm could travel to the other. As time went by, the ways between Earth and Aerisia were eventually closed; however, memories of Aerisia have remained in Earth’s memory, handed down to us in fairytales, myth, and legend.

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

My first stop would be Laytrii’s palace, which is also the first stop of our heroine, Hannah Winters, when she arrives in Aerisia. Carved from the heart of a mountain, Laytrii’s palace is a marble edifice where both magic and the ruling body of Aerisia reside. It is, in effect, the life center of the whole realm. I would also like to meet the Galandorf, a piratical sea people, and travel to the land of the Warkin, the dragon tamers. Lastly, I wouldn’t mind meeting a fairy or a dragon or two—or even a Simathe!

What dangers should we avoid in Aerisia?

Definitely the drocnords! Although they aren’t the wiliest servants of the Dark Powers, they are fierce, fast, and merciless.

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

The Simathe, a band of immortal warriors and Aerisia’s strongest, if most secretive, military asset, are well versed in all forms of weaponry. Their High-Chief, Ilgard, is usually seen carrying a sword or yedin, while his Chief Captain, Norband, prefers a bow. Under the tutelage of the Simathe, Hannah learns to use a sword, but a bow is her weapon of choice.

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

The most common type of transportation would be the horse and any horse drawn vehicle. The most uncommon would be the fairies’ transporting doors, an invisible method of moving instantaneously from one place to another. Typically, this is used only by the fairies, but Hannah does make use of them when she travels to the Underworld in book two. Fairies are also sometimes seen riding golden unicorns, which is the emblem on their standard, as well.

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

I’ve already mentioned some of the races, such as the Simathe, fairies, and giants. As far as animals go, the Simathe have their own distinct breed of horses, the Restless, that are tireless and fearless. There are also deathcats—a breed of cat larger than an ox, with the ability to think on an almost human level. They sometimes work alone, but are often found working with the Cistweigh, the living dead.

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

Magic abounds in Aerisia and colors much of everyday life, from the immortality of the Simathe, to the healing powers of the Moonkind, to the ability of the fairies to protect and preserve the natural realm. In Aerisia, magic stems either from the Powers of Good or the Dark Powers. As Artan, Hannah must learn to wield the magic imparted to her by the Powers of Good to such an extent that she can finally and fully defeat the growing evil of the Dark Powers.

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

Religion, per se, does not play heavily into the world of Aerisia. The main religion referenced is the Peace of the Moon, which is followed by the Moonkind. Basically, it is a set of beliefs that promotes pacifism and abhors violence. Although the Moonkind are instrumental in bringing Hannah to Aerisia so she can fight the Dark Powers as the Artan, and although they are some of her main teachers in learning to use her magic, they do not follow her into the climatic final battle in book three, except as healers of the wounded.

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

Aerisia is ruled by the Council, which consists of twelve Elders chosen from among the people by the people. There are also four Pronconcil: a Ranetron (military leader), a Simathe (also a military leader), a Cortain (leader of a group of female warriors), and a Spinner (female keepers of Aerisia’s history, legends, and lore). Presiding over Council and its members is the High Elder.

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

A sunset walk down a country road when I was teenager birthed the Sunset Lands Beyond trilogy. The scene in the opening chapter of book one, Aerisia: Land Beyond the Sunset, where Hannah meets the Moonkind Guardian, Risean Wy’ Curlm, who whisks her away from her Colorado home to Laytrii’s palace in the land of Aerisia, was inspired by an incident in real life. I used to walk/run country roads at evening when it was cooler, I had a neighbor who raised horses and had a huge, old stump in his pasture, and my overactive imagination sometimes tricked me into thinking that stump was something it wasn’t. Once, it was a bear, once a dog, once a stranger in flowing robes…which got me to thinking. What would happen if I actually ran across a stranger from another time period or world? Put these factors together, and Aerisia was born.

Author Autobiography:

A genuine Okie from Muskogee, Sarah Ashwood grew up in the wooded hills outside the oldest town in Oklahoma. She is author of the Sunset Lands Beyond fantasy trilogy, a poetry volume “A Minstrel’s Musings,” and the fantasy novella “Amana,” along with numerous other published works. In her imagination, she soars effortlessly through historical and fantastical worlds. In real life, she lives (mostly) quietly at home with her husband and sons. Besides writing, she enjoys running and completed her first half marathon in November of 2014.

Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book(s)? Please include links.

My Sunset Lands Beyond trilogy is available in ebook and print editions. The best place to find all purchase links for each book in the trilogy is my author page on Ultimate Fantasy Books, here. (Don’t forget to download Aerisia: Land Beyond the Sunset for free!)

Where can readers connect with you online?

You can find me on my Sarah Ashwood Facebook author page, friend me on my Sarah Ashwood Goodreads page, follow me on Twitter @1sarahashwood, or on Instagram where I go by @runnerwritermom. If you want to see lots of pins related to fairytales, fantasy, magic, castles, reading, and writing (and occasionally fitness and running), you can follow me on my Pinterest page, as well.

I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Aerisia. 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 Terramara, in Realm Explorers Part LII!

-Annie Douglass Lima

Author’s name:

Laurel A. Rockefeller

Title of book and/or series:

The Peers of Beinan Series (in chronological order):

● Goodbye A672E92 Quintus

● The Poisoned Ground

● The Great Succession Crisis

● The Ghosts of the Past

● Princess Anyu Returns

Brief summary of the story:

Nobles and royals battle against each other for power, wealth, and prestige. Behind the scenes an alien race secretly pulls puppet strings in a quest for revenge against one of their own reborn as a Beinarian.

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

Located in a bar-spiral galaxy on the other side of M31 Andromeda, planet Beinan is properly known as B345A15 Quartus. Five times the size of Earth, Beinan orbits a blue-white star as its fourth planet. A thick upper atmosphere protects Beinan from the intense heat of its sun. On the ground, humans and animals breathe chlorine gas (called nirlar). Beinarian plants convert toxic oxygen (called bilast) into nirlar.

The planet itself has four continents: Dong-bei, Xi-bei, Dong-nan fang, and Xi-nan fang. The largest ocean is called “Amba Mederi.” The weather is generally stormy with upper atmosphere hurricanes common. From the ground stars can only be seen near the poles where the atmosphere is thin enough for starlight to penetrate.

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

The capital city of Hejing is always delightful — or rather was before Lord Yelu began his reign of terror. The coastal city of Bira Hecen, home to house Miyoo, features many grand and ancient temples cut out from the cliffs that protect the city from the Amba Mederi Ocean. In addition, Bira Hecen is home to Our Lady Healing Centre which terrorists famously destroyed in BE 6777. The rebuilt healing centre is one of the top hospitals in all of Beinan. In honour of the many healers who perished in the attack, the healing centre built a beautiful memorial garden that is a must-see. A fountain sits at the heart of this, the names of each healer killed in the bombing lovingly inscribed into it, including that of Lady Healer Keelia of house Ten-Ar, Lord Knight Elendir’s late mother.

If you can gain permission, take a visit to the nearby Isle of Ben-Ar where you will be treated to the sights and sounds of protected wildlife. In particular look for the sacred falco albus, the divine messengers of the goddess Abka Gahun whose temple makes the island a popular pilgrimage site. You can recognize falco albus by their huge wingspans and snowy white feathers, though it can take a sharp eye to spot them when they are hunting. Along the beach, look for raks, a type of crustacean that looks like a cross between a lobster and a crab. Fishing for raks is perfectly legal and the meat is quite delicious.

If an old-world style pub is more your fare, head to the town of Luton in Dong-bei and go to the Luton Town Jiudian. You’ll get great food, friendly service, and the chance to gossip with the locals.

What dangers should we avoid in Beinan?

These are dangerous times. Terrorists have targeted healing centres planet-wide, especially those staffed by houses Ten-Ar and Gurun.

In addition, visitors to the southwestern continent of Xi-Nan Fang must be careful about the air quality. Xi-Nan Fang is home to most of the planet’s mining operations. As a result, toxic bilast pollutes the air. If that is not enough, radioactive argene dust and argun ore is everywhere, the inevitable product of the area’s many mining operations.

Rumour has it that Nan-li City in Xi-Nan Fang is home to the most dangerous of the terrorists. Watch your back if you dare tread there!

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

The Luton Town Jiudian is an excellent pub for affordable and quality dining. The steamed rak tails and rak legs are especially well prepared. Complete your meal with seasoned buttered bread, an assortment of cheeses, minced fruit, and berries, including kelan, nanla, and nara berries.

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

Beinarian nobles use both heritage and modern weapons including laser épée, laser crossbows, and laser spears. Knights of Ten-Ar are known for their circling martial arts styles which resemble ba gua gongfu to Earth humans.

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

Low altitude shuttles are the primary form of transportation planet-wide. Mid-range shuttles operate within the B345A15 solar system, readily moving within and across all Beinarian atmospheric, aquatic, land, and intrasolar environments. Star craft are largely small to medium sized vessels used to travel between worlds and between galaxies.

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

Beinan is full of many plants and animals, all of them silicon based. On planet Beinan plants breathe in toxic bilast (oxygen) and release nirlar (chlorine gas) which is breathed in by animals of all types, including Beinarian humans. Nanla, nara, and kelan trees grow in abundance, producing some of the tastiest fruits and berries. Animals include losos (a type of salmon), rak (a cross between a lobster and a crab), konyn (a long haired rodent whose fur is sheared for wool), falco albus (a massive white bird of prey), and songbirds fabuku and fafiku.

Human life is not native to planet Beinan. Beinarians arrived from their original homeworld of A672E92 Quintus nearly 7000 yen-ars ago.

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

Beinarians are naturally psychic though to what degree largely depends on the individual. Members of houses Miyoo and Ten-Ar cultivate their psychic and precognitive abilities more than the other houses, particularly among the priestesses of Miyoo and the knights of Ten-Ar. The dominate religion on Beinan, headed by the High Priestess of Miyoo, teaches reincarnation, a belief abhorrent to its monotheistic rivals in house Shem. As a result the idea of past lives and past life memories are mainstream across Beinarian society.

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

Modern weapons on planet Beinan use lasers and plasma bolts such as in laser spears, laser crossbows (laser beams firing plasma bolts), and laser épées. Low altitude and mid-range shuttles fly instead of moving on the ground. Trains run on a monorail in an advanced version of maglev technology. Star craft are able to travel to worlds in distant galaxies, often doing so with the help of advanced alien technology.

Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in Beinan.

Beinarian nobles and royals love fine food and dancing, particularly the Beinarian variant on English country dancing. In addition martial arts, fencing, and archery remain popular across many noble houses.

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

There are 197.26 beinors (Beinarian days) per yen-ar (Beinarian years). Beinors (Beinarian days) are numbered 1 to 197 or 198 in the case of a yeap yen-ar. “Beinor 1” is the start of the Beinarian yen-ar and is typically celebrated with fireworks, feasting, and dancing.

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

There are two major religions on planet Beinan. The primary religion worships a triple goddess similar to the Morrigan of ancient Britain. The three goddesses are: Abka Biya (goddess of the moon), Abka Gahun (goddess of birds of prey), and Banumu Hehe (goddess of Beinan the land). The high priestess of house Miyoo heads this dominant religion where both women and men serve as priestesses and priests as equals. In this tradition, belief is in reincarnation. Direct, mystical experiences are the main ways that worshippers discover and understand the goddesses. Science is regarded as a sacred form of religious expression. As you might expect, environmental stewardship is also key to belief and practice as the divine faces are manifest across nature. Followers of the triple goddesses uphold generally liberal values, allowing worshippers to follow their own conscience on matters of marriage, child rearing, divorce, and sexuality.

The other major religion is centred in house Shem where they worship the Shemai, a male creator god similar to the one worshipped in Abrahamic religions. People are believed to be born and die only once after which they go into an eternal afterlife. Like in the Abrahamic religions, worshippers have a written scripture they use to learn about and understand the Shemai’s commands. Religious leadership is restricted to men with priests called sacerdos and the high priest called sacerdos maximus. Psychic abilities are regarded as evil and perverse. Values are conservative with non-marital sex, contraception, abortion, and divorce all highly discouraged.

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

Beinan is ruled by a feudal constitutional monarchy based on medieval, renaissance, and modern England and Scotland. The Great Council of Beinan serves as the lawmaking branch of government with delegates from all of the noble houses represented; excluding the non-noble houses of Plover, Skeinera, and Croften making these houses a form of under class. Executive and supreme judicial powers are vested in the monarchy. Kings and queens rule with the consent of the Great Council and, in theory, can be overthrown at any time if they abuse their power. In practice, government corruption runs rampant enabling absolute despots like King Gareth I (The Poisoned Ground) free rein to do as they please.

Dynastic change is achieved by votes of the Great Council. As dynastic change is usually contested (often by force of arms) by the outgoing noble house, the Great Council rarely votes in favour of it.

Most of the Peers of Beinan Series focuses on the Gurun dynasty which reigned the longest in the Beinarian Era. The Legacy of Princess Anlei begins with Queen Isabelle and her consort Prince Bevin, a knight of Ten-Ar. The last Gurun monarch in the trilogy is Queen Constance the Kind who is eventually overthrown by the murderous Lord Yelu in The Great Revolution. Queen Constance’s daughter Princess Anyu escapes at the end of “The Ghosts of the Past” with her exile, return to Beinan, and fight against Lord Yelu’s tyranny being told in the series’ final book, “Princess Anyu Returns.”

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

The Peers of Beinan Series follows in the Star Trek tradition of offering thought provoking explorations of social issues.

In particular the Poisoned Ground was ripped from the headlines with its look at the effects of strip mining on local communities. In this novella government corruption and corporate greed come together to endanger the population of the southwestern city of Nan-li, consciously ignoring safety measures designed to protect the city. In part two of the Poisoned Ground I look at rape and domestic violence with a special message to women.

In the Legacy of Princess Anlei Trilogy I look at how in vitro fertilization (IVF) technology might be abused for political purposes if we are not careful to put in place strong ethical standards.

Finally I explore the question of terrorism and religion in the Ghosts of the Past, reflecting on my own 9/11 experiences living just five to ten miles from the World Trade Center at the time.

Author Autobiography:

Born, raised, and educated in Lincoln, Nebraska, USA, author-historian Laurel A. Rockefeller has written over a dozen book titles since August 2012 including The Peers of Beinan science fiction series, American Stories, the Legendary Women of World History biography series, and her latest passion: the My First Cockatiel Series.

A literary author with a cosy fireside narrative style, Ms. Rockefeller’s books come to life in audio editions narrated by Mr. Richard Mann on Audible and UK Audible.

A devoted animal lover, Ms. Rockefeller is owned by her two beautiful cockatiels, both of whom will be moving with her to England following approval of her UK residency visa.

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

Find these and other Peers of Beinan Series books on Amazon:

● The Great Succession Crisis in Englishand Chinese for kindle and in paperback;

● The Ghosts of the Past for kindle and in paperback;

● Princess Anyu Returns for kindleand in paperback;

● Good-bye A672E92 Quintus for kindleand in paperback;

● The Poisoned Ground for kindleand in paperback.

The entire series is also available on Smashwordsin your choice of formats and on ibookstore.

Enjoy the Legendary Women of World History Series on Amazon:

● Boudicca: Britain’s Queen of the Iceni for kindle in Englishand in Chinese, plus paperback, and Audibleedition;

● Catherine de Valois for kindle,in paperback, and on Audible;

● Mary Queen of the Scots for kindleand in paperback.

Enjoy the entire Legendary Women of World History Series on Smashwordsin your choice of formats.

UK residents: come out to Southcart Books in Walsall and discover the Peers of Beinan and Legendary Women of World History Series from the comfort of their cosy reading room or head to their Amazon store.

Where can readers connect with you online?

Email: [email protected]

Skype: peersofbeinan

Website

Facebook

Twitter

I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Beinan. 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 Aerisia, in Realm Explorers Part LI!

-Annie Douglass Lima

Author’s name:

H. L. Burke

Title of book and/or series:

Lands of Ash: Elemental Realms Book One

Brief summary of the story:

After decades of Elemental Invasions, the once flourishing Kingdom of Forra has been reduced to ruins. A band of survivors pulls together in one last attempt to defend their homes and families as the Elementals make a push to wipe them out completely.

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

At the beginning of the book, the majority of the continent is a scorched wasteland with the humans clinging at the edges in scattered settlements. These include the forested Mountain’s Feet and a swath of land near the sea called the Green Band. Few cities remain, most humans dwelling in small hidden encampments. The Fire Realm is a parallel version of the human land, but with fiery molten seas and hot acrid atmosphere, perfect for the Fire Elementals who live there but inhospitable to humans. Of course, the rains and seas of the human lands are just as deadly to the Elementals.

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

Stay near the sea. Much less chance of getting toasted there. The mountains and forests that remain are beautiful, old growth pines, pristine air, but every year more land is devoured by the fires.

What dangers should we avoid in Forra?

If you see a swirling blue whirlpool of light forming on the ground, that’s a portal. Elementals come through portals. Elementals burn things. Run!

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

When fighting Elementals, water is your friend. Large settlements will often have water bucket brigades or even wooden tubes set up to pipe water onto open portals. There is also a special metal called “icestone,” a blue ore, cold to the touch, found in glacial melts. This is poison to Elementals and even a scratch from an icestone blade will cause an Elemental to break apart. However, icestone is rarely found in large deposits so normal steel blades, stone-tipped arrowheads, and other mundane weapons are frequently used.

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

Horses are rare. They were never common in the northern reaches of the kingdom where packrams and goat carts are the more common means of transport, and so most were lost when the valley burned. Packrams are large, horned sheep, about the size of donkeys. The males are used as beasts of burden and the females for milk.

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

Elementals come in multiple sizes. They are born as tiny “Sparks” out of the heat of their world. As they expand they become “Flares” and finally “Inferno Lords.” They also have the ability to reanimate human corpses into the mindless but still deadly “Charred.” Charred resemble blackened corpses with a flaming core giving them strength. They can fade, becoming smoke, to travel and avoid weapons, but lack the intelligence needed to be truly formidable foes.

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

Humans have two varieties of magical healers. The abilities are hereditary, and while both can heal the sick or injured, they are polar opposites in their approach. A syphonic healer draws lifeforce from one individual to bolster another. The absorption of energy becomes addictive to syphonics, and they often steal energy from others when they don’t really need to. A syphonic’s powers are also an effective weapon, as they can weaken or even kill a person (or Elemental) by drawing away their lifeforce.

An empathic, however, heals with shared energy. She/he draws on her own lifeforce and the powers of memory and emotion. Empathics feel the emotions of those they are in contact with and can read their patient’s memories during the healing bond. Also, if you harm an empathic, identical harm will immediately befall you, but the sword cuts both ways. If an empathic healer strikes another, he/she will feel identical pain, and if an empathic kills, they will perish.

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

With most of the society scattered and living hand to mouth, organized religion is almost non-existent. Few temples remain, but some people still keep faith in an unnamed Creator. The most widespread remaining practice is that of the Late Litany. People awaken after midnight to say prayers, meditate, or make an offering. The traditional offering is three bowls, one with water, one with a live coal, and the other with some form of plant life, often a flower. Water offerings are often given over graves, to cleanse the souls of dead in preparation for the afterlife.

In recent years, a cult has arisen that worships the invading Elementals.

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

When the Royal City fell in the early days of the invasions, the last King of Forra left no heir. A militia rose up from the various settlements in order to drive back the Elementals and protect the remaining human settlements. Militias are controlled by influential village leaders, usually the oldest man, and certain “hero captains” have sprang up, most notably Draven at Fork Vale Fortress and brothers, Karvir and Ketyl, out of the isolated Haven.

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

I grew up in rural Oregon, and wildfires were a yearly occurrence. I remember specifically one night when we were ordered to evacuate our home and the sense of dread knowing that a wall of fire was creeping towards my house, but I could do nothing about it. (Thankfully our home always stayed out of harms way. We kept it pretty clear and irrigated.) There’s something so primal, destructive, and yet alluring about fire. Also, seeing the burned out skeletons of trees and blackened earth was emotionally gutting.

I’m also a military wife, and a major theme in the book is seeing fathers and husbands go off to war. To me there is nothing scarier than that, and so in some ways in this book I was playing with my worst fears.

Author Autobiography:

I’m a life long fangirl who 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 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 in paperback and ebook through Amazon.com. You can view my author page at this link.

Where can readers connect with you online?

My website is www.hlburkeauthor.com

you can find me on Facebook.

and Twitter.

You can preorder Lands of Ashnow on Amazon.

I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Forra. 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 planet of Beinan, in Realm Explorers Part XXXXX!

-Annie Douglass Lima

Author’s name: Ron Townsen

Title of book and/or series: Watcher in the Fall (Connections, Conversions, Evolution and under development, Trans-Link)

Brief summary of the story:

Three Major Plot lines

1) An ancient civilization (known as the Old Ones) on the edge of visible universe, learn how to create a multi-dimensional connection across the universe with unique life forms known as Watchers. On earth, George is a watcher and becomes involved with an advanced secret science team that only the President of the United States is aware of. Later the team finds a young watcher in Switzerland who eventually joins the team.

2) There is a cold war between the U.S, Russia and China dealing with advanced String Theory development driving spies and attacks with the U.S. leading the way.

3) A new universe is born just on the edge of our universe. The new universe expansion destroys the galaxy of the Old Ones and others in the area. The Old Ones developed ships just in time capable of Trans-Swap (swapping areas of 11 dimensional space to transport faster than light) able to reach adjacent galaxies and take some of their civilizations in time to survive. The move is now on to transport civilizations deeper into the current galaxy to preserve life.

Book 1 – Connections

When an ancient race living on the edge of the universe energizes a unique pattern, an advanced super secret U.S. Defense team suddenly becomes the focal point of one of the greatest events in human history. Action erupts from the collision of two universes driving the ancient race to flee, scattering races deeper into our universe with the destruction of galaxies; while an intrigue based game of chess pits the U.S. with the Russians and Chinese in a deadly underground war to protect the greatest secret in human history. While the U.S. BELLOWS team is tapping into communications across the universe gathering the answers to long held questions; new technology is being derived from highly advanced M-Theory as the team attempts to protect the United States from deadly attacks ranging from Al Qaeda to the Russian Mafia and the Chinese Triad. This First book in a series covers our multiverse in a thrilling SciFi Spy adventure.

Book 2 – Conversions

A complex game of spies and military conflicts evolves both on earth and across the universe. The roller coaster ride explodes across the world where the highly classified deep black DARPA BELLOWS team with its M+ theory derived tools deal with terrorists, Russian infiltrators and war. A variety of races escaping their destroyed galaxies begin dealing with civilizations across galaxies in an attempt to organize and start a massive migration to escape from the advancing force of the newly born universe collision pushing into our older universe. With the unique watcher communications network connecting rare “Watcher” life forms across our cosmos, advanced aliens discover the extraordinary abilities of a young planets population in the Milky Way galaxy including unexpected abilities that only the most powerful the most powerful math provides hints of. The ancients moving across space battling with a killing machine intelligence attempting to annihilate life where ever it exists.

Book 3 – Evolutions

Action continues to flow from the edges of the universe to Earth as linkages between Earth’s Watchers to Watchers in Andromeda galaxy, brings risks and rewards, love and hatred, life and death and the birth of a star. The roller coaster ride on Earth drives a cat and mouse game between the Humanity First organization as they exploit nuclear threats of destruction and the highly classified DARPA BELLOWS team with its M+ theory derived tools attempting to protect lives. As the migration at the edge of the universe is organized in the distant galaxies to begin its drive deeper into the older universe, the new universe continues its destructive but unstoppable movement forward while a frantic search for missing ancients brings forth new questions and exposes new powers of a special Watcher.

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

There are multiple worlds created and destroyed. In the third book, there is focus on a world known as Xlamu located in the Andromeda galaxy. It contains a race called Xmual which is split into two societies, the Rete and the Manxe. The main society living on the singular mainland is the Rete, run by a corrupt but advanced government. The Manxe is an island society where boys raid the coastal areas of the Rete to prove their right to be men.

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

Mainly their beaches with homes built on cliffs.

What dangers should we avoid?
Being on the beach when the Manxe raid (if you are female, you will be captured, if you a man, you will be killed).

What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Xlamu?
They use explosives and kinetic based weapons. Of special note is a hand pistol loaded with poison darts. But through the captured information from the Watcher girl, Jxry (girl friend of the young earth boy watcher, Nicky) they develop laser handguns and larger weapons.

What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Xlamu?
The Rete have flying transports of all sizes and ground transports. The Manxe mainly use a submarine transport.

What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in Xlamu that we don’t see on Earth?
While similar, the Xmual are humanoid in design, but have a blue tint to their skin.

What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Xlamu? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.
None, all my stories are based on String Theory version known as M+ Theory, an extension of current M Theory being studied.

Is there any advanced or unusual technology in Xlamu? If you haven’t described it already, please give some examples.
The Xlamu are slightly backwards compared to earth. They have never been to space and have not developed laser technology.

Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in Xlamu as on Earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there?
When a young girl approaches the marrying age “Utel”, they spend a year where her parents and older men are to only approach if she agrees.

What is the political or government structure in Xlamu? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?
The Rete are run by a group of ministers in charge of different parts of the government (security, science…). The Maxmul are led by a single ruthless leader.

Are there any other unique cultural practices that we should be aware of if we visit Xlamu?
The Rete people are on the verge of revolution and in book 3 the revolution starts.

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

1) In the second book, the Old Ones arrive at earth. Just prior to arrival, the decision is made to expose the information to key governments and religious leaders around the earth. The religious leaders call a meeting in Israel at key religious monuments to receive a briefing by the U.S. scientific team.

2) Death for Watchers means a mental transition to a new universe.

3) Nuclear blackmail occurs by a terrorist group formed around a violent Muslim sect with help by disinfected Russian leaders.

4) World War III happens but not in the way you might think.

Author Autobiography:

Ron Townsen

This ongoing series of stories draws from the breadth of the intriguing ideas presented in a growing body of military and scientific ideas and concepts. From a story about first contact to colliding universes, destruction of galaxies, to back street spies, gun battles, ships dying in combat to transports jumping across the universe through dimensional shifts; stories take the reader on a ride resulting in reactions of some people to ask if it could actually be happening in their lives now.

Having worked on studies from the depths of the oceans to scientific platforms in space, from major weapon systems to sophisticated communications concepts, from advanced supercomputers to highly developed signal processing algorithms implemented in micro computer code, my life has covered a unique spectrum of science and engineering. Along with my life knowledge, calling upon my years of field experience blended with the study of advanced physics I have been able pulled together an ongoing tale covering the spectrum of the wonders and dangers of the universe along with the human experience; a tale which will take the rest of my life to tell.

From my years of traveling the world from Japan to Europe, from Singapore to working ships in the center of the Indian, Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, from a life in San Diego, CA to years of living and working in the Washington D.C. area. The story line is designed to take the user around the world and across a universe of planets and galaxies as the stories of aliens and humans alike evolve in unique ways. From artists to warriors, from an alien farmer to senior engineers; from deadly spies to a boy who definitely is not what he appears to be from the outside; races of aliens that destroy worlds to others that build worlds along with structures that encapsulates stars.

I write these stories as an offer providing my readers a chance to imagine, to ask the questions of “What If” to think about who we are in this wondrous universe; question what they think they know as a fact; and to examine the subject of “Are we alone?”.

I hope you enjoy.

Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book(s)? Please include links.

Ebooks

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Watcher%20in%20the%20Fall%20%3A%20Connections

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Watcher+in+the+Fall+%3A+Conversions

http://www.amazon.com/Watcher-Fall-Evolutions-Ron-Townsen-ebook/dp/B00OX3F7IA/ref=sr_1_1_twi_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1425697734&sr=1-1

Softcover

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=978-1503254688&rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3A978-1503254688

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=978-1503255364+&rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3A978-1503255364+

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=978-1502998811+&rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3A978-1502998811+

Where can readers connect with you online?

http://WWW.WatcherintheFall.com

I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Xlamu. 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 Forra, in Realm Explorers Part XXXXIX!

-Annie Douglass Lima

Author’s name: Ray Ellis

Title of book and/or series: KRACKEN

Brief summary of the story:

The year is 135 New Reckoning. A Godless world is rebuilding itself. When a stranger from Mike Stone’s past appears on his doorstep, his ordinary life is suddenly and violently destroyed. Mike’s past has come back to haunt him. Now with his family attacked and his home destroyed, Mike finds himself running for his life through a jungle-planet filled with terrors and a monster known only as the Kracken.

In the midst of the chaos, Ted Waters launches his plan for domination. In a post-apocalyptic world, Waters sets himself up as the sole leader of the emerging world government. Using children as slaves, he mines a new narcotic used to subdue the people’s will.

Kracken, the story of two men, two opinions and two bases of power set on a collision path. When the two collide, Mike finds himself confronted by the God he thought he left behind.

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

The story begins in New-New York set at an undetermined date in the future. The city has grown to encompass all of New Jersey and the south-eastern portions of Connecticut with skyscrapers creating deep valleys and dark shadows on the streets below; and all this atop a hidden world that sinks several kilometers beneath the city street and spread almost as wide.

The action then transfers to the planet Yargon in the Gliese System, near Corot 27b. The planet is separated into two worlds, the deep jungle side inhabited by the book’s titled creature and dominate predator, the Kracken; and the arid desert side where the Sand Serpent, a giant anthropoid, serpent combination that lives beneath the yellow sands.

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

The strange fauna is a natural draw for any visitor and would garner the greatest traffic to the deep jungle. The unique texture of the sands and vibrating rocks is a natural attraction to the desert. But if you were to visit Yargon, you would have to visit the underground caverns and follow the rivers that run through the caves. Of course, while there you wouldn’t need any lamps or flashlight due to the natural fluorescents in the rocks and water.

What dangers should we avoid in Yargon?

Apart from the Kracken, the dracs are three meter tall, and with 360 kgs of muscle and bad attitude, would represent a real danger to anyone traveling on foot through the jungle. Leathery hide and protruding poisonous fangs makes the drac a hard battle and not easy to kill.

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

Actually no, the plant life while different is very similar to the fruits and vegetables that grow here on earth.

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

Beam technology is the tool of the day. The handheld IMR/S457 Agitator is the weapon of choice for the bad guys. The weapon burns the optic nerves and causes the brain to swell in the cranium, paralyzing the victim on its way to cause neuro-shutdown prior to cranium explosion.

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

In the city the common means of transport is the hovercraft, which is kind of like a car-minivan-rocket, but if the idea is be space bound, then the inter-orbit ships are what is used.

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

The animals of Yargon are many and varied from the 10 meter tall Kracken, to the 15 meter long sand-serpent. The dracs, the gorilla sized carnivores, and the murkurs, a fuzzy wide-eyed plant-eating mammal that has a playful curious nature.

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

There is no magic, but on occasion, the supernatural is experienced when the characters interact with the Spirit of God.

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

Beside form the weapons used, the apartments are smart and equipped with A.I. that builds a relationship with its inhabitants, and builds an environment that is best for the user’s needs.

Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in Yargon.

None come into play in the course of the story.

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

The only celebration is the New Reckoning and is reminiscent of New Years and Fourth of July combined.

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

There are two religions prominent, Humanism and Christianity; although the other world religions are still around, but in lower levels and small pockets.

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

The government is in the beginning of change. The world’s governments and systems of control are all coming under the control of a single man, Ted Waters. Ted Waters is single minded and is set on taking control of the world, he is an Anti-Christ type.

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

It is only mentioned in the first book, but comes into greater play in the second – which is being written now- but the underground church is a viable subculture and is fighting against the rise of The Company.

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

In a funny way yes, during the two terms of former President Bill I began to observe in him a continued striving to build a legacy of greatness. It seemed to me the more he strove the murkier things got for him. This is where the germ of my protagonist was born, a man who had fallen from the zenith of power and was forced to rebuild himself. To ask the questions what would it takes to rebuild one’s life and what could replace a life’s ambition and ultimately become more than he was before.

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

The book deals with the topic of child slavery, child sexual abuse and illegal drug use/abuse.

Author Autobiography

A veteran law enforcement officer, former Marine, and ordained Christian pastor, Ray’s first novel, “Notorious” (previously released as “N.H.I.: No Humans Involved”), was published in 2011. Since then Ray has been selected as one of Idaho’s Top 50 Authors for the year of 2011, and then as a Top 10 Idaho Author in 2012; most recently Ray was awarded the 2014 ACFW, Idaho Chapter Writer of the Year.

When not writing, Ray can be found still working as an active duty officer, speaking to student groups, or teaching Bible studies in his local community.

Ray’s published works include three novels and one short story:
– “I” – A Short Story
– Notorious – A Nate Richards Novel – Book One. Previously released as N.H.I. (No Humans Involved)
– Dead List – A Nate Richards Novel – Book Two. Previously released as D.R.T. (Dead Right There)
– Insidious – A Nate Richards Novel – Book Three.

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

All my book are available online: http://www.nccpublishing.com/

Notorious –http://goo.gl/ZshfR

Dead List – http://goo.gl/jPVfY

Insidious –http://goo.gl/u3D9z

“I” –http://goo.gl/zj7ZM

KRACKEN – http://goo.gl/xaeyo3

Hastings Book Stores

Where can readers connect with you online?

I can be reached at my blog at http://truefiction.rayellis.org/ or at my email address at [email protected], Tweeter: @RayEllisBks, FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/ray.ellis.94

I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Yargon. 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 sci-fi world of Xlamu, in Realm Explorers Part XXXXVIII!

-Annie Douglass Lima