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: Chrys Cymri
Title of book and/or series: The ‘Penny White’ series currently comprises of three books: ‘The Temptation of Dragons’; ‘The Cult of Unicorns’; and ‘The Marriage of Gryphons’. The fourth book will be called ‘The Vengeance of Snails’. At least two more books are planned.
Brief summary of the story: Penny White’s life changed forever when, one afternoon, she was asked by a dying dragon to give him the last rites. She discovered that there is a parallel world to our own, and that beings such as dragons, unicorns, and gryphons regularly cross over. In order to help her better understand this world, she was given an Associate, Morey, a cat sized gryphon with sarcasm management issues. She also has to deal with a darkly handsome dragon, Raven, who keeps turning up where she least expects him, and a small snail shark, Clyde, whom she adopts after accidentally killing his mother. A handsome police inspector, Peter, is her boyfriend, and she also has to cope with a much younger brother called James.
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:
Lloegyr is the equivalent of Great Britain in the parallel world of Daear. The national language is Welsh, although a number of citizens can also speak English. Until recently, the various races such as dragons, unicorns, gryphons, elves etc. lived apart from each other. But the country is undergoing an industrial revolution, which has brought them to live alongside each other in the cities.
If we were to visit Lloegyr as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there? Book a ride on a tacsi dragon for wonderful views over the red roof of Llanbedr Cathedral and the older parts of the city. For the best ale, albeit in the smelliest conditions, check out the taverns in the harpy section. Visit the law courts to watch the unicorn judges administer justice.
What dangers should we avoid in Lloegyr?
Don’t get into trouble with the vampires, the fine is usually a portion of your blood. Harpies love to get drunk and fight, so don’t watch yourself in their bars. Avoid the snail sharks.
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Lloegyr?
So long as you don’t expose your teeth in a smile, you’ll be mistaken for a vampire. So if you go into a tavern, you might be asked what type of animal blood you fancy.
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Lloegyr?
Mostly teeth, hooves, or claws. Elves, dwarves, or weres might carry knives.
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in Lloegyr?
Dragons who have hired out their services as tacsis are quite common.
What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in Lloegyr that we don’t see on Earth?
Well, they do cross over to Earth, but most humans can’t see them. Our brains simply dismiss their existence as being impossible.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Lloegyr? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.
There must be magic involved for dragons and gryphons to be able to fly, and weres to be able to shift between humanoid and animal shapes, but no one uses magic as such.
Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in Lloegyr as on Earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there?
The times and seasons match those of Great Britain, although the weather is a bit warmer in Lloegyr. Missionaries from Great Britain have spread various faiths into Lloegyr, so the Christians there, for example, keep the festivals of Christmas and Easter. The Eisteddfod, a multi-day celebration of music and drinking, is also very popular.
Is there a particular religion practiced in Lloegyr? Please describe what it involves.
Many religions are practiced. The situation is as complex as on Earth.
What is the political or government structure in Lloegyr? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?
The various races had their own forms of leadership/government. Now that they are living together, common policies are coming into existence. The police force is formed of dragon-elf partnerships, and the judges are unicorns. Democracy is in its infancy.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?Penny White is a full time Church of England minister who lives in Northampton and loves ‘Doctor Who,’ single malt whisky, and dragons. I share all of those characteristics with her!
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book? The industrialisation of the country has brought the various species together and, as a result, some are falling in love across the racial divide. A shadowy organisation called Cadw ar Wahânare against, for example, gryphons marrying were-foxes or dragons falling in love with humans. The organisation has already arranged the deaths of several beings who were in mixed species relationships.
Author Autobiography:
Priest by day, writer at odd times of the day and night, I live with a small green parrot called Tilly because the upkeep for a dragon is beyond my current budget. Plus I’m responsible for making good any flame damage to church property. I love ‘Doctor Who’, landscape photography, single malt whisky, and my job, in no particular order. When I’m not looking after a small parish church in the Midlands (England), I like to go on far flung adventures to places like Peru, New Zealand, the Arctic, and North Korea.
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Anyone who signs up to my newsletter list will receive a free ebook of their choice. Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book(s)? Please include links.
The books are available on Amazon, both for Kindle and in paperback.
Where can readers connect with you online?
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I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Lloegyr. 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 another world in next week’s edition of Realm Explorers!
-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.
Author’s name:
Lara Ann
Title of book and/or series:
The Alora Chronicles
Brief summary of the story:
I’ve just met the perfect guy…pity he’s a figment of my imagination.
What happens when your dreams are better than reality?
Ash has been dreaming about Wyn, he’s different than anyone she’s ever met before. He’s been trying to convince her that he’s real and he needs her help.
It’s like something out of a fairytale and we all know fairytales aren’t true…right?
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:
Alora is a parallel universe to earth. It is a land of forests, Elves and magic.
If we were to visit Alora as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?
Who wouldn’t want to see what an Elven city looks like? I know I certainly would. I would recommend doing a tour of the Castle and then taking a horse ride up to the lookout that gives you a view over the city all the way to the ocean. After that I would go and see the treehouse stronghold known as Sanctuary.
What dangers should we avoid in Alora?
Like anywhere, there are bad Elves that live in Alora. The place I would definitely stay away from though would be Onvyr. The Elves there would probably kill you once they realised you were human.
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Alora?
Well Argus would probably serve you some eel stew and then laugh at you while you pulled faces. I would recommend some of the sweet desert balls as a favourite.
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Alora?Stave fighting is the predominant form of combat, although archery and magical elements are also used. The honour code says stave fighting is the true form of combat to display your fighting skill.
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Alora?
Elves ride horses or walk to get where they are going, although to travel between worlds you will need one of the rare travelling artefacts. The Jaega Locket belonging to Ash is the most powerful of the artefacts.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Alora? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.
All Elves possess magic in the form of gifts. Some of these manifest in childhood, while others aren’t apparent until the Elf reaches adulthood at the age of 18. These gifts can be almost anything from the rare gift of mind telepathy with animals that Wyn has, to the more common gift of speed. Some gifts are used to help others like healing, where others can be used to inflict pain and influence mood.
Is there a particular religion practiced in Alora? Please describe what it involves.
Elves believe in a Creator. Although this is not widely discussed in the books.
What is the political or government structure in Alora? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?
Alora is a Monarchy, although the rule is not passed from generation to generation. Instead there is a competition of strength, skill and moral courage that determines the next ruler. All Elves are eligible to compete as we see in book 3.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?
The Elves are probably a reflection of what I feel makes a more ideal society. Although they certainly aren’t perfect, they strive to work together for the good of all. Even though there is a ruling monarch ideally they don’t see themselves as greater than the people they rule, but rather a a protecter and organiser of the society. This is evidenced by the fact that anyone can become King or Queen.
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?
Loyalty, war and racial inequality and social standing as well as slurs upon a person because of their birth parents.
Author Autobiography:Lara is an Australian writer who writes young adult fiction. She lives in Tasmania.
Having moved to the island state in 2013, the stunning coastline and beautiful forests inspired her to set part of her series The Alora Chronicles here.
In her spare time she enjoys wandering through national parks and chasing waterfalls with her family.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your books?
All my books are available on Amazon
Where can readers connect with you online?
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https://www.facebook.com/laraann.books/
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Alora. 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 another world in next week’s edition of Realm Explorers!
-Annie Douglass Lima
THE FINAL FAIRY TALE CONTEST
Rooglewood Press invites you to join the adventure of the Five Poisoned Apples creative writing contest!
The cover model/photographer is WYNTER CLARK. Want to peek at her photography website? Here it is.
Ever After
Aya Ling
(Unfinished Fairy Tale Series, #3)
Publication date: May 20th 2017
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult
Kat has survived. She returns to Athelia as herself, Katherine Wilson. Edward, elated at learning she is alive, vows to bring her back to the palace. The obstacles, however, seem impossible to overcome. Marriage between a royal and a commoner is not recognized, not to mention that he is already legally bound to Katriona Bradshaw, who will do anything to keep her position as princess.
And there’s even more to worry about. Due to an uncommonly harsh winter, the people of Athelia have been suffering from inflated food prices, and are getting irritated at supporting the small, elite group of aristocrats. An uprising in a neighboring country only adds fuel to the fire.
Can Kat and Edward finally get a happily-ever-after?
Previous books in the series:
Author Bio:
Aya is from Taiwan, where she struggles daily to contain her obsession with mouthwatering and unhealthy foods. Often she will devour a good book instead. Her favorite books include martial arts romances, fairy tale retellings, high fantasy, cozy mysteries, and manga.
She is currently working on Ever After, Book 3 in the Unfinished Fairy Tales series, to be released in 2017. For exclusive bonus scenes, giveaways, and new release info, visit ayaling.com
BeachBoundBooks is pleased to be coordinating a Book Blast for Louise Courey Nadeau’s newest children’s book, Magelica’s Voyage to the Land of the Fairies. The blast will run April 12 – 14, 2017.
About the Book
Title: Magelica’s Voyage to the Land of the Fairies
Author: Louise Courey Nadeau
Illustrator: Nathan Heinze
Publication Date: April 2017
Publisher: Magelica Inc.
Number of Pages: 35
Recommended Ages: 5 to 10
Summary: Five Star Readers Favourite and Story Monster approved! New Magelica’s Voyage to the Land of the Fairies is finally out! Its the third children’s book in the Magelica trilogy. Put on your magical necklace and join Magelica and her friends as they discover that fairies are real and that love is the most powerful magic of all!In this very special adventure, rainbows light up the sky as Magelica and Prince Will embark on an extraordinary voyage to uncover the mystery of her past. Empowered on her quest by her chosen mother, Magelica and her friends follow the secret scroll to the Land of the Fairies. As they make their way through the forest, fear gets in the way and their courage is tested.
FREE Download!
Take a peek inside…
Other books in the series…
Title: Magelica’s Voyage
Author: Louise Courey Nadeau
Publication Date: June 1, 2013
Publisher: Magelica Inc.
Number of Pages: 48
Recommended Ages: 5 to 10
Summary: Who ever heard of a girl being hatched from an egg the colour of sapphires? Magelica doesn’t know where she came from or who she really is. But when she’s transported to the Isle of Dreams in a flying bathtub, she launches into an adventure of discovery, and learns that wonderful things can happen when she uses her imagination, believes, opens her heart and trusts in love. Come fly with her and discover for yourself the power of imagination, gratitude, believing in yourself, and love! In this special first voyage, fantasy, adventure, magical illustrations, empowering messages, and a wonderful cast of enchanting characters come together as Magelica takes young girls and the special people in their lives on a fun, inspiring voyage about making your life magical.
* Available in English / French / Spanish *
Amazon | Goodreads
Title: The Rescue (Magelica’s Voyage Book 2)
Author: Louise Courey Nadeau
Publication Date: May 27, 2015
Publisher: Magelica Inc.
Number of Pages: 48
Recommended Ages: 5 to 10
Summary: When Magelica dreams of the prince lost on a deserted island, she realizes that it could lead to his rescue. She returns to the Isle of Dreams to tell Queen Raya what she knows. Can they save Prince Will before it’s too late? Will the power of laughter and love be enough?
* Available in English / French / Spanish *
Amazon | Goodreads
About the Author
Louise Courey Nadeau, born and raised in Montreal, Canada, wife and mother to two girls and two boys is the creator and author of Magelica’s Voyage, Magelica’s Voyage: The Rescue and Magelica’s Voyage to the Land of the Fairies; an adventure/fantasy trilogy about a young girl on Earth who suddenly grows wings at the age of 12 and sets out on a voyage to discover who she is and where she comes from. Empowered by her Chosen Mother to follow her heart, Magelica and her fun and wacky friends learn that following your dreams is no easy task! Called upon to connect peoples and worlds, and bring balance and harmony, Magelica discovers that the greatest enemy is fear, but realizes that it is no match for courage, believing in herself, and love, the most powerful magic of all.
Author, mother, wife, Founder and CEO of Magelica Inc., former marketing and advertising executive, a tireless fundraiser for many charities, a painter, and gardener, Louise’s passions keep growing. Louise’s dream is to create a bond with children and their caregivers around the globe, and make a real difference by entertaining them with exciting stories that stimulate their imagination, and help them discover the power of their own magic. Books are just the beginning. She is simply getting started!
“Through life’s trials and tribulations, I always believed I could. With the Magelica book series, my own beliefs, courage, determination and resolve have been tested over and over. Believing I can, has kept me going! My goal is for young girls to be empowered to grow up strong, positive and powerful, and for young boys to have the self-confidence to support girls in their goals, thereby creating a new gender balance for a new generation. “The children of today, will grow up to be the parents of tomorrow. By inspiring them now, the ripple effect will eventually change the world.”
“Magelica’s Voyage is inspired by my life, my family, and the special people and places I love”, says Courey Nadeau. “All of the characters in the story, including Magelica are reflections of the person I am- the wacky part, the funny part, the philosopher, the teacher, the caretaker, the chosen mom, the giver, and of course the dreamer. What would Magelica do, I often ask, and I get the answer. When you fly with Magelica, the possibilities are endless and there is magic all around.”
To learn more about Louise Courey Nadeau please visit Magelica’s Voyage website at Magelica.com. You can also follow Magelica on FB, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Magelica books and necklaces are available on amazon.com and at selected retailers.
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest
Book Blast Giveaway
Prize: One winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card or $50 PayPal cash prize(winner’s choice) Giveaway ends: April 26, 11:59 pm, 2017
Open to: Internationally.
How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.
Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Louise Courey Nadeau and is hosted and managed by Stacie from BeachBoundBooks. If you have any additional questions feel free to send an email to
[email protected].
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: Sarah Delena White
Title of book and/or series: Halayda (Star-Fae Trilogy book 1)
Brief summary of the story:
A mortal alchemist. A faerie king. A bond that transcends death.
Betrayed by a trusted mentor, Sylvie Imanthiya hides on the fringes of society, caring for half-fae orphans and trading her alchemical creations on the black market. She lives for the one night each season when she can see her dearest friend—a man whose destiny is far above hers.
King Taylan Ashkalabek knows better than to exchange halayda vows with a mortal. Even their friendship is a risk; love is an impossible dream. Then a brutal alchemical attack poisons his realm, unearthing a dark power within him—and leaving Sylvie with the ancient mark of Faerie’s savior.
Manifesting unpredictable abilities and aided by allies with their own secrets, Sylvie and Taylan journey into the wilds of Faerie to heal the damage and confront Casimir, an invincible star-fae determined to claim the realm as his own. But only their enemy knows Sylvie’s true capabilities—and Taylan’s weaknesses—and how to use them in his vicious schemes.
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| Sparkly Forest |
Her fate is life. His fate is death. With Faerie in the balance, Sylvie and Taylan must stand together before reality as they know it is destroyed.
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:
Halayda is set in Kyure, a world with several dimensions. The story begins in Sabellyn, a prosperous human city-state with Steampunk technology. It’s a city of industry and trade, located along a major river. Just outside of the city is a gateway into Faerie, a wild land of magic, strange peoples, and semi-sentient forests and mountains.
If we were to visit Kyure as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?
Make sure you go to Sabellyn on a solstice or equinox day! At each change of season, the fae visit the city and hold lavish celebrations to honor the peace treaty between Faerie and the mortal world. Sabellyn is usually pretty drab, but on these days it comes alive with color and magic.
What dangers should we avoid in Kyure?
If you venture into Faerie, make sure you have a trustworthy guide. There are plenty of stories about mortals going there for adventure or a fling with a fae lover and never returning. When you’re in Sabellyn, stay away from the high-ranking alchemists—unless you want to risk becoming a science experiment.
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Kyure?
Depends where you go! Each fae people has a favorite food: spiced river weeds for naiads, rich chocolates for Maithe, raw venison for the Wild Hunt (I recommend skipping that last one). The food on Sabellyn is a lot more practical and less interesting (just ask Taylan for his opinion on oatmeal).
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Kyure?
The fae have developed an intricate, elegant sword-fighting style, and they also incorporate magic into their weapons and fighting techniques. On their own, humans are no match for the fae in battle. They’ve spent centuries developing weapons that can effectively counter the fae, though, resulting in excellent firearms and an arsenal of lethal alchemical potions.
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| Faerie Hounds |
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Kyure?
Most people in Sabellyn travel on foot or by horse-drawn carriages, or by train or river barge if they’re venturing beyond the city. If you’re traveling in Faerie, you’re walking, unless you can get a ride from a pooka (horse shifter) or a lift from a faerie who’s willing to transport you through the elements. Be careful, though—they’re likely to ask for a favor in return, and that rarely ends well!
What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in Kyure that we don’t see on Earth?
Faerie itself is semi-sentient, and the land and trees tend to have strong opinions about trespassers. There are many kinds of fae, but they fall into two main groups: elementals, who have a connection to a certain part of the natural world; and shifters, who can switch between human-like and animal forms. Most of the fae peoples are loosely based on creatures from Celtic mythology, such as banshees, faerie hounds, and the tuatha de dannan.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Kyure? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.
Faerie runs on magic (in Kyure, magic is a natural part of the fae realm rather than a supernatural force). The magic, known as glamour, fills all of Faerie and can be used by each fae race in different ways. Some use it to manipulate the elements, such as the banshees, who can travel and communicate through wind. Others, like pookas and the members of the Wild Hunt, use it to shapeshift. Illusions, mind tricks, and emotional manipulation are other common uses of glamour.
Is there any advanced or unusual technology in Kyure? If you haven’t described it already, please give some examples.
The people of Sabellyn have fairly high technology, including firearms, indoor plumbing, and railroads. Their crowning achievement is alchemy, an elite science that fuses chemistry with soul energy. Alchemy was primarily created as a weapon that could counter fae magic, but it has many other uses, including medicine, protection, and even weather manipulation.
Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in Kyure.
A dice game called Ruj is popular in Faerie, especially among the lower classes.
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| Sabellyn |
Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in Kyure as on Earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there?
Days and months have different names, but seasons are the same, and years are the same length. The biggest holidays are solstice and equinox days, when the fae and mortal realms come together. The people of Sabellyn also celebrate a few holidays honoring scientific progress and the founding of the city-state, but their celebrations tend to be low-key for the sake of practicality. The fae, on the other hand, will use any occasion as an excuse for a lavish party.
Is there a particular religion practiced in Kyure? Please describe what it involves.
There are no organized religions , but people fervently adhere to certain philosophies. The fae seek pleasure above all things. The “religion” of Sabellyn is progress, and the people of the city-state see scientific advancement and cultural refinement as their highest ends.
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| Taylan Ashkalabek, King of Faerie |
What is the political or government structure in Kyure? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?
Faerie is always ruled by a monarch, who is the highest magical as well as political power. The current king is Taylan Ashkalabek, who has been in power for 1200 years. He is a capable leader who does his best to govern his unruly realm, but his people see him as a killjoy as best and a traitor at worst. Sabellyn is officially governed by an elected Ruling Council, but its true rulers control the city-state from the shadows.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?
A lot of the world-building were influenced by my real-world experiences and interests. I’ve been interested in Celtic folklore and balladry for years, so it was a natural choice to base my faeries on the traditional Irish, Scottish, and Welsh sorts (although I took a lot of liberties!). Subtle traces of Arab and Turkish languages and cultures sneaked in too, thanks to the time I spent in the Middle East. The locations were mostly just wish fulfillment, though!
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?
None explicitly. My first goal is always to tell a good story. Some subtle commentary on culture worked its way into the world-building, though. There are two contrasting societies in Kyure: the amoral, pleasure-seeking fae and the straight-laced, progress-driven humans. Both of these cultures go extremes and reap the consequences.
Author Biography:
Sarah Delena White was raised by wolves in an alternate dimension. She writes eclectic speculative fiction that reworks mythology with a fine balance of poetry and snark. She’s an experienced world traveler who loves to weave world folklore and ancient concepts into vibrant, original story worlds. She is also the Benevolent Firebird (acquisitions editor) for Uncommon Universes Press. When she’s not writing or editing, she can be found making jewelry, singing Irish ballads, drinking tea, and working a variety of odd jobs. She can be bribed with dark chocolate.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your books?
Where can readers connect with you online?
https://www.facebook.com/SarahDelenaWhite/ Facebook
https://twitter.com/Royal_Vagabond Twitter
https://www.pinterest.com/royalvagabond/ Pinterest
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Kyure. 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 another world in next week’s edition of Realm Explorers!
-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.
Author’s name:
Elise Edmonds
Title of book and/or series:
Where Carpets Fly
Brief summary of the story:
Mystery and adventure meet in a magical land of flying carpets, vibrant cities, and seafaring folk. Follow Elina Faramar’s journey from the village flying carpet shop to magic school in town. What’s her new magic teacher hiding? Why won’t anyone discuss the nearby, volatile country of Pallexon? The situation turns to a nightmare when friend Kara is mistaken for a spy. Can Elina’s wits and magic save Kara and unravel Pallexon’s secrets?
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:
Elina lives in the fantasy country of Tamarin. It’s a southern country with a warm climate. The country is split in two by a large river, and most towns are situated on or close to the river, where it’s most fertile. The Sultan, the ruler of Tamarin, lives in a large palace in an island town called The Delta, situated at the southern mouth of the river. Elina starts life in the northern village of Darien, living with her parents above the family flying carpet shop, and then moves to the nearby town of Kamikan to live with her aunt.
The country of Tamarin has vibes of various Mediterranean and Arabian real-world cultures, with various magical elements. The story has an urban feel, and the tech is at a reasonable level of civilisation, but magic is the focus of the country’s tech, rather than innovations like steam. Elina begins to uncover a mystery about the neighbouring country of Pallexon: this country is more technologically developed, but does not have magic. Pallexon has a cooler climate, and the feel I’ve gone for is more akin to Victorian England.
If we were to visit Tamarin as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?
I would recommend that you arrive during one of the quarterly Festivals. Entertainments will keep you busy for the whole weekend. The Kamikan circus is particularly celebrated, and you will see wonders like the exotic trained horses from Pallexon – a real rarity, and Elemental Magic acrobats who have amazing displays of fire and water power. Following that, the pygmy camel races are always fun, and you can finish the day off trying the various types of street food while watching a firework display.
What dangers should we avoid in Tamarin?
Tamarin itself is a pretty safe place to be at the moment. But political undercurrents are running quite high. It’s probably best not to ask too many questions about the neighbouring country of Pallexon—people might think you are a spy.
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Tamarin?
Traditional Tamarin food is based around lamb or chicken in a spiced sauce. They use many spices, such as cinnamon, cumin, ginger, and pepper, together with combinations of dried fruit like raisins and apricots, to create tasty stews. These meals are often served with couscous or flat bread, and finished off with mango slices and the obligatory pot of mint tea.
In recent years, imports from other countries have increased, and you’ll find dishes that come from other cultures: roast dinners, and pies, for example – but the Tamarins often put their own twist to these dishes and make them their own.
Street food is common and everything from meat kebabs to sticky sweets to ice cream can be found, particularly at festival time.
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Tamarin?
In the last war, between Tamarin and Pallexon ten years ago, the main types of warfare were armoured flying carpets, and naval warfare. The Tamarins had an advantage with their flying carpets, because at that stage, the Pallexis had no airborne weapons, but the Pallexis traditional firearms were very effective against them. The Pallexi naval fleet was also extremely powerful despite having no magic, and the war ended in a stalemate and the current uneasy treaty.
The Tamarins have some magical firearms—mainly combining the standard kind of firearms with Elemental power. There is the steam-rifle, which shoots deadly jets of steam, and the flame-rifle, which shoots fireballs. Both weapons do away with the need for bullets. The Tamarins also have Elemental grenades, which explode with the force of the particular element contained inside them: fire, water, earth, or air, creating violent earthquakes or tornados for example.
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Tamarin?
The main type of transport is the flying carpet. These come in all shapes and sizes—and to suit every budget. There are tiny one-person carpets, enormous family-sized carpets with special restraints for children, and commercial carpets with the ability to secure packages below them. Inside city limits, both speed and height are highly regulated, but outside the city, the rules are relaxed. The one flaw of flying carpets is that cannot fly over large bodies of water or areas of extremely high humidity (for example, the jungle) because they absorb the water over time and sink, losing the ability to fly.
For those who don’t like or can’t afford a flying carpet, a pygmy camel is the best option. They are hardy little beasts, capable of carrying decent loads and going for long distances.
What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in Tamarin that we don’t see on Earth?
The plants and animals you see would be very similar to somewhere like those you would see in southern Spain or Morocco. Houses favour climbing plants and decorative trees like palm trees.
The most unusual race you will come across are the river fairies. The majority of people treat them as akin to insects or birds, but those who have skill in Biological Magic know better. The fairies are sentient, and rumours abound that they might also have a sixth sense. A few people can communicate with them, but it tends to be trivial conversation. The fairies love to play with people swimming in the river, particularly children. They prefer the more rural areas, but it’s not unusual to see them in a town, however they do tend to keep more of a distance when there are crowds of people around.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Tamarin? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.
There are four branches of magic in Tamarin: Tangible, Elemental, Biological, and Cognitive. Most Tamarins can do one or more types of magic, generally based on inheritance, and the amount of work they put in to develop the skill.
Tangible Magic is the ability to move physical, non-living items. For example, you could use it to shift heavy items around in your home—boxes, furniture, etc. It’s also possible to create a Tangible Charm that means an object can be moved with the use of a verbal command by anyone—this is how flying carpets are created.
Elemental Magic is the manipulation of the four elements: fire, water, earth and air. At it’s most basic level, it’s good for chores like digging the garden! At the other end of the scale, the navy use Elemental magicians to steer ships by manipulating the wind and the sea.
Biological Magic is the skill of talking to plants and animals. Plants are mastered first, and those with this skill are excellent gardeners! From there, people move on to talking to small creatures such as birds, before progressing to larger animals. Once you become proficient at talking to plants, you can persuade them to grow in certain ways and produce better fruit. You can even use them as basic weapons, using climbing plants to wrap around people’s ankles, for example!
Cognitive Magic is the ability to read people’s minds, and to telepathically communicate with other Cognitive users. It’s a secretive kind of magic, and many people are not even aware it exists, because it tends to be used for government surveillance and kept very quiet. It’s possible to read the surface thoughts of another person without them being aware of it, but reading further into someone’s mind can be painful for them and can cause damage, so this is a highly regulated type of magic. On the more benign front, it’s used by mental health healers to treat diseases of the mind.
Is there any advanced or unusual technology in Tamarin? If you haven’t described it already, please give some examples.
Another common use of magical technology is the glow globes. These are the equivalent of lamps and torches. They are spherical globes, that produce a glowing light when tapped—a result of an Elemental Magic Charm. Every home has glow globes. Some with the skill will permanently suspend them in midair and move them around as needed. Other people merely buy special stands to place them in. A lot of people carry a miniature version in their bag or pocket.
Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in Tamarin.
Most villages are situated on the river’s edge. Consequently, most children can swim as soon as they can walk, and spend the little leisure time they have in or by the river. Older children will have flying carpet races outside the city limits, although these have a disreputable nature and a tendency to attract trouble.
Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in Tamarin as on Earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there?
Tamarin has the same calendar as Earth. They celebrate quarterly festivals based around the solstices/equinoxes. Each festival lasts for a whole weekend, and a large proportion of the population takes the time as holiday.
Is there a particular religion practiced in Tamarin? Please describe what it involves.
No, Tamarin is a secular country.
What is the political or government structure in Tamarin? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?
Tamarin is ruled by the Sultan, from his palace in the Delta. The Sultan’s prime minister and chief adviser is the Grand Vizier. Each individual town is ruled by a Vizier and his committee of advisers. All Viziers report to the Grand Vizier. The position of Sultan passes on a hereditary basis, and the current Sultan’s sons are all given positions of responsibility within the kingdom. The current Sultan is a fair and just ruler, and concerned about current relations with Pallexon. He keeps a substantial army and navy.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?
I’ve been on holiday to Spain, and I’m fond of Mediterranean food—Spanish, Moroccan, Greek, Israeli etc, and some of the culinary and architectural details are based on real-life things that I like. I’ve always been a big fan of books with flying carpets, and I really built the world up around how I imagined a fantasy world with flying carpets in a more urban contemporary setting, rather than the traditional fairy tale/Arabian nights feel.
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?
Elements of terrorism, slavery, economic struggles, and governmental oppression all come into the story as Elina discovers what really goes on in Pallexon. One of the main themes that comes out of the book is the importance of freedom.
Author Autobiography:Elise Edmonds is a new writer from the South-West UK. Reading and writing have always been her doorways into another world—a way to escape and spend time walking with wizards, flying with fairies and dealing with dragons. By day she is a finance professional, and in her spare time she pursues writing as a creative outlet, to put the magic back into everyday life. In addition to reading, Elise enjoys watching movies, playing the piano, and going to Zumba classes. Her greatest loves are God, her husband, her family and friends, and her two beautiful cats.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book?
Where can readers connect with you online?
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Tamarin. 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 another world in next week’s edition of Realm Explorers!
-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.
Author’s name: Missy Sheldrake
Title of book and/or series: Keepers of the Wellsprings Series
Brief summary of the story:
The Wellsprings are revered pools of magic, fiercely guarded and hidden away by fairies for decades. The Keepers of the Wellsprings series is the sweeping tale of a time when the threats of ambitious Sorcerers forced these secret sources to be revealed.
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:
The world itself is commonly called the Known Lands. This refers to all the areas surrounding Cerion which have been explored and mapped so far. It’s a world with distinct countries and cultures much like our own, but this world is filled with magic, fairies, and other enchanted creatures. In this interview, I’ll be focusing mainly on Cerion, which is where the story begins.
If we were to visit The Known Lands as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?
For a lively, exciting visit where you can get a taste of countries from all over the Known Lands, Cerion is best. This coastal kingdom is well known for its kindhearted people and its peaceful acceptance of all races and creeds. Cerion’s thriving seaside marketplace is a treasure trove of goods from all over the world. If you’re looking for a more magical adventure, you could try to gain entry to Kythshire, a fairyland where the air is thick with magic and no wish goes unanswered, but that’s no easy feat. You’ll need a good reason to visit, and a native fairy to vouch for you at its magically guarded borders.
What dangers should we avoid in The Known Lands?
Sorcerers. If you see a man or woman with black swirling marks creeping across their skin and a wild look in their eyes, keep your distance. The markings are Mage Mark, and warn of the presence of Sorcery. It doesn’t matter which country you visit, you might encounter a Sorcerer anywhere you travel. They are unpredictable, ruthless, wicked people and should be avoided at all costs.
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| Azi’s Sword |
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Cerion?
Lately, there’s a trend in two-handed broadswords. This fighting style has mostly been a favorite of girls aspiring to be like Azaeli Hammerfel, the youngest Knight of His Majesty’s Elite. Traditionally, Cerion’s fighters have favored the longsword and shield. The kingdom’s peace hasn’t been threatened for over a century now (a fact its people pride themselves on), but if a war were to break out, Cerion’s Mages would absolutely step in to level the field with battle magic.
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Cerion?
As you might imagine for a coastal kingdom, Cerion’s fish dishes are the most delectable you’ll ever taste. Mouli, the well-known cook and housekeeper for His Majesty’s Elite, has perfected a recipe for Azi’s favorite crab-stuffed rolls. This famous recipe has made its way to most every market stall worth visiting. Definitely worth a taste!
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| Cygnets |
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Cerion?
Typically, the usual methods are used to travel these lands: Horses, carriages, and ships. In Ceras’lain, the White Line (the elite force which guards the White Wall at its border), fly on cygnets. These are sort of swan-like dragons. In the frozen lands of Hywilkin to the far north, the patrols are made on wyverns. In the jungles of Elespen, it’s not uncommon to see people riding elephants. There is another, very secret way to travel: Teleportation. This method is rarely used, though, because it’s prohibitively expensive and requires the traveler to be unarmed.
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| A Dragon, Woken from Slumber |
What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in the Known Lands that we don’t see on Earth?
The Known Lands’ races vary from humans and elves to fairies, mermaids, and giants. The world is filled with magical creatures, familiar and unique. You might even catch a glimpse of a dragon.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in the Known Lands? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.
Magic is a sacred art in the Known Lands. Because of the scourge of Sorcery recently lurking in shadows in every corner of the world, study and performance of magic are approached cautiously and with great reverence. This is because the practice of magic is intoxicating. It’s very easy to be lured from simple magical practice into the rapture and inescapable draw of Sorcery. In Cerion especially, Mages are held to a high standard. To practice magic, you must be marked as an Apprentice by a Master at an early age. You must take your learning at the Mage Academy, a strict and serious school carefully watched over by Cerion’s top Mages. Tuition is incredibly expensive. To be a Mage is a highly prestigious occupation. Mages, especially in Cerion, are respected by all.
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| The Crimson Warrior |
Is there any advanced or unusual technology in the Known Lands? If you haven’t described it already, please give some examples.
The Known Lands are much like our medieval times. There are, I’m sure, some ingenious inventions used, but they don’t play a major role in the books. In the third book, Tib is working on one such invention, but I won’t reveal what it is. You’ll have to read it for yourself.
Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in the Known Lands as on Earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there?
Yes. There are seven days in a week, and twelve months in a year. In Cerion, the months are named for the seasons. For example, the year begins at Midwinter. Then comes Winterswan (winter’s waning), Springsdawn, Midspring, Springswan, etc. Holidays in Cerion generally follow the seasons as well. The two biggest holidays of the year are Midwinter and Midsummer. Midwinter is similar to our Christmas, where families and friends gather to feast, dance, and exchange gifts. Since winters are harsh in Cerion, most of the Midwinter celebrating is done indoors. It’s a charitable holiday, when the well-to-do open their doors to the less fortunate for feasts and warmth. Midsummer in Cerion is a huge affair. People come from all the countries of the Known Lands to spectate at Cerion Day, a day celebrating peace in Cerion which falls exactly on Midsummer. The revelries are held outdoors, with festivals, parades, and tournaments in the Arena.
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| King Tirnon Gets an Unexpected Visitor |
Is there a particular religion practiced in the Known Lands? Please describe what it involves.
I have always been vague about religion in my books. My characters hold a certain respect and faith in a greater power, and have even been known to say grace at mealtimes. I’ve always assumed that certain magical abilities such as healing and Lisabella’s Peace come from a divine power (or maybe more than one), but that divine power and the worship of it has never been a central theme in the story.
What is the political or government structure in Cerion? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?
Cerion is ruled over by King Tirnon Plethore. The Plethore Dynasty has been in place for over a century, since Asio Plethore overthrew the Sorcerer King Diovicus as he tried to breach the borders of Kythshire. Tirnon is a humble, wise, kind king. He is fiercely loyal to his friends, a loving husband and father to family, and a thoughtful ruler. He has a council of Mages and Advisors who he listens to daily, and his respect for his people and the neighboring countries has kept Cerion at peace throughout his reign.
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| Flitt: Our Favorite Rainbow-Colored Fairy |
Are there any other unique cultural practices that we should be aware of if we visit Cerion?
It’s best not to mention the fairies. It has been so long since anyone has seen or heard from a fairy that people might think you’re touched in the head if you talk about them as though they might be real. Also, it’s rude to ask a Mage to perform magic for you. Magic is a serious practice. It’s used to ward off dangers, and for practical reasons like clearing the ice from the treacherous cliff steps between the sea market and the harbor. Mages do not perform parlor tricks. Asking them to do so is an insult to their integrity.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?
My books are inspired by my childhood influences. I was an eighties kid, so many of the movies I watched as a child have stayed with me throughout the years. Legend, Labyrinth, The Princess Bride, Dark Crystal, Disney’s Fantasia, and even Star Wars have all had an influence on my stories. I played Dungeons and Dragons as a teenager, and various fantasy-based MMORPGs for most of my adult life. My love of nature and of travel are also apparent in my books. Ceras’lain, the land of the Elves, is a tribute to my love of the forest. Elespen, which will be the setting for the next book in the series, will invoke the jungles of India and South America. I enjoy studying different cultures and traveling to new places, and that spirit, I hope, carries through in my books.
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| The Forest Wall in Ceras’lain |
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?
I think the hottest button I’ve touched, and it wasn’t intentional in the beginning, is having a strong female protagonist. Azi, my lady knight, isn’t your typical fantasy heroine. She’s valiant but modest. She has confidence, but she also has self-doubt. She doesn’t try to do everything herself. She listens to those who have more experience than she does, and takes their counsel whenever she can. She truly loves her best friend Rian, and their friendship blooms into a respectful, mutual partnership. There are women in leadership roles. Aside from that, there are same-sex couples and bi-racial couples. I try to integrate many different beliefs into the books as I can, without calling attention to them. It’s accepted as the way things are. This is my way of showing the importance of love, friendship, family, and respect for all people.
Author Autobiography:
Missy Sheldrake is an author/illustrator who has been conjuring images of fairies in one form or another since she was very young. The wind in the trees and the rich scent of forest earth are her most treasured sources of inspiration, and on most mornings you will find her wandering the wooded paths, dreaming of the next adventure she hopes to put to the page.
Missy was born in Connecticut and attended Western Connecticut State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Art with a concentration in painting and illustration. Even then, in her free time, she was writing. She moved to Northern Virginia several years ago and lives there now, on the outskirts of Washington D.C., with her true love and their son. She published her first novel, Call of Kythshire, in March of 2015 and intends to keep writing as long as the fairies allow it.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your books?
Where can readers connect with you online?
Almost everywhere! Click below to follow me on whichever platform you prefer:
My website (check out the “illustrations” tab to see more artwork from the series)
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Cerion. 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 another world in next week’s edition of Realm Explorers!
-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.
Author’s name: Laura VanArendonk Baugh
Title of book and/or series: The Songweaver’s Vow
Brief summary of the story:
When Euthalia’s father trades her to Viking raiders, her best hope is to be made a wife instead of a slave. She gets her wish — sort of — when she is sacrificed as a bride to a god.
Her inhuman husband seems kind, but he visits only in the dark of night and will not allow her to look upon him. By day Euthalia becomes known as a storyteller, spinning ancient Greek tales to entertain Asgard’s gods and monsters.
When one of her stories precipitates a god’s murder and horrific retribution, Euthalia discovers there is a monster in her bed as well. Alone in a hostile Asgard, Euthalia must ally with a spiteful goddess to sway Odin himself before bloody tragedy opens Ragnarok, the prophesied end of the world.
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story: Asgard, per Norse mythology, is a world alongside our own Midgard (“middle earth”), invisibly connected and yet a physical place itself. It is named for the Æsir, the gods who live there. I based this Asgard heavily on 9th century Denmark.
If we were to visit Asgard as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?
Are you the partying or clubbing types? You can always find a roaring party or a good brawl at Valhöll, the Hall of the Slain where Odin collects the best warriors to fight when Ragnarok comes. (That’s the end of the world, when the Jötnar and monsters destroy everything in a great battle against the Æsir.)
If you’re seeking a less adventurous meal, you might try Sessrúmnir or Folkvang, halls kept by the goddess Freyja. Of course, all of these are open primarily to dead humans, so there’s not much of a steady tourist industry.
What dangers should we avoid in Asgard?
There are many Jötnar from Jötunnheim, the land of the devourers. (These may be called giants in other guide books, but that’s a poor translation. They are the beings which tear apart, just as the Æsir hold together.) But they are generally on good behavior while visiting Asgard. Meeting them on other terms, however, is not advised for the casual tourist, and the management cannot be held responsible for accidents. Or intentional murders.
There are many monsters in and around Asgard as well. Fenrir is an enormous wolf, intelligent and well-spoken and suspicious. Jörmungandr is a sea serpent large enough to encompass the Midgard ocean and bite his own tail. (You can see an artist’s suggestion on our guide book cover.)
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Asgard?
The most notable food in Asgard is the epli, or fruits and berries, belonging to the goddess Idun and shared with the rest of the Æsir and Vanir. You are not likely to be served any, however, as they are for sustaining immortality. But while you’re here, do try the mead, the sweetest and strongest you’re likely to find in any of the many worlds.
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Asgard?Oh, we have all kinds! Axes and hammers are most common; even in your Midgard you have surely heard of Thor’s famous hammer Mjöllnir, which always hits its mark and always returns to him. The wealthier might also have swords, keen cutting blades for breaking shields and skulls.
We fight in groups, with powerful shield walls to link and guard us, and singly, man to man – or woman. And of course we’re happy to fight without any weapons at all, too! A warrior does not surrender merely for the lack of a weapon – a warrior is a weapon.
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Asgard?
Most humans arrive in Asgard by dying. Many of our tourists prefer an alternate method of travel, so the Bifröst is another popular choice. That’s the glimmering rainbow portal one sometimes sees in the sky. (Mind the fire.)
Once in Asgard, you can see all kinds of transportation. Odin has an eight-legged horse, Sleipnir. Thor has a two-wheeled cart pulled by two powerful goats. Freyr rides an enormous golden boar with glowing bristles, or he has the beautiful ship Skíðblaðnir which can fold into a pouch to carry. Freyja’s cart is pulled by two cats, and that’s not really as funny as you might at first think.
What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in Asgard that we don’t see on Earth?Most of the plants and animals you’ll encounter will be recognizable, but significantly different in some way. Yggdrasill, the World Tree which holds all the worlds in its branches, is an ash like you might see at home in Midgard. Ratatoskr is a common red squirrel. Fenrir is a wolf, even if he’s the size of your turf house back home. Jörmungandr is a snake, just… oversized enough to fill the sea.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Asgard?
Magic is part of Asgard, from the epli which sustain the Æsir to the Bifröst which links Asgard to the other worlds, but we are careful with how we use it. Seiðr is a form of weaving magic practiced traditionally by women, very powerful, but we once warred over it and we fear those who use it too much.
Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in Asgard.
Oh, we have the best games! You can throw rocks or spears at Baldr (he’s immortal and no material thing can hurt him), you can play tafl or table games, you can drink and fight each other and then drink some more…. We also have splendid hunting and fishing.
Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in Asgard as on Earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there?
Our days of the week will be very familiar to you in Midgard! We have Tyr’s day, and Woden’s day*, and Thor’s day, and Frigga’s day, and then the weekend and Monday again. (Woden is what the Western lands of Midgard call Odin. They are bad at spelling. You should probably ransack them.)
And of course we have the same three seasons you do, spring, summer, and winter.* We celebrate three major seasonal festivals, Vetrnætr (“winter nights”), Jól in midwinter, and Sumarmál (“summer time”).
*Guide’s addendum: They do not mark autumn as a season. Winter begins in mid-October, celebrated with the Vetrnætr.
Is there a particular religion practiced in Asgard? Please describe what it involves.These are the gods themselves. They give little thought to what that entails, including their own responsibilities. (Sorry, but it’s true.)
What is the political or government structure in Asgard? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?
Odin is the chief and Allfather. He sits at the end of his Valhöll and watches, never eating with the others, rarely speaking. But he knows things. He knows.
Are there any other unique cultural practices that we should be aware of if we visit Asgard?
You will find thralls (slaves) serving the Æsir and einherjar in the halls and farms. Don’t worry too much about them; they were generally killed in Midgard and sent to work here.
You’ll find that storytelling is an important part of both history and entertainment here. If you get the chance to listen to Bragi, definitely take it. He is a literal god of poetry.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?
Guide’s note: I visited Denmark to research Viking-era history, customs, culture, and ninth-century villages and life. I dragged my poor husband to so many historical sites and recreated villages and museums, and he waited so patiently for Legoland. What a trooper.
Author biography:
Laura VanArendonk Baugh overcame the dubious challenge of having been born without teeth or developed motor skills to become an award-winning writer of speculative fiction, mystery, and non-fiction. Her works have earned numerous accolades, including 3-star ratings (the highest possible) on
Tangent’s “Recommended Reading” list. Laura speaks professionally on a variety of topics throughout the year, including writing, fan costuming, and her day job as a professional animal trainer and behavior consultant. Find her at
www.LauraVanArendonkBaugh.com.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book(s)? Please include links.
The Songweaver’s Vow is available in ebook and paperback at
Amazon and anywhere books are sold. An audiobook is planned.
Where can readers connect with you online?
My
website has a lot of background information about my research and the mythology behind the story, and discussion and comments are always welcome over at my
Facebook page. I also
tweet!
Want to participate in a live, online book club discussion of The Songweaver’s Vow? Sign up for details (and you’ll get a free story, too!).
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Asgard. 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 another world in next week’s edition of Realm Explorers!
-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.
Author’s name:
Anna del C. Dye
Title of book and/or series:
A Golden Princess. Book three in A Royal Romance Series
Brief summary of the story:
 |
| “Not Trolls strength or wizard’s spell will keep me away from you” |
Small for her age, Princess Nyala is determined to be noticed and someday rule with fairness and valor in Kaloma. All changes when she looks upon the stars and they predict her accident. After she awakens to a broken body, her father takes to his goblet and she steps into power in her kingdom at sixteen.
Her father said that no man would choose a half-broken princess. Is that how Prince Nicolao sees her after the accident? Her heart is unsure and out of fear she keeps him away to avoid a broken heart.
As soon the other kingdoms in the land determine the predicament of the Royal House of Kaloma, they too will prey on her vulnerability to steal her kingdom. She will have to confront new foes or lose it all.
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:
A Golden Princess is loosely based in Brazil. The kingdom’s name is Kaloma.
If we were to visit Kaloma as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?
Kaloma has very artistic people and you will find groups of dancers in many places throughout their cities.
The market place is full of delicious food, colorful materials, trinkets and animals of all kinds.
What dangers should we avoid in Kaloma?
Kaloma’s kingdom is surrounded by many jungles. You should go only with a reputable guide and then follow all their suggestions or you may never return.
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Kaloma?
Yes, but that all depends on from where are you from. They have delicious tropical fruits, but if you are from an island they may not be that new to you. They have banana plantations too, and many different kinds of bananas and also they have bounteous game.
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| “It pays to hold your tongue” |
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Kaloma?
They used machetes, swords and even charms to keep the peace. Though they are not afraid of knives and know how to use them well.
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Kaloma?
They travel by horse, foot and wagons. They also use a bed, carried on the shoulders of four strong men.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Kaloma? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.
In the neighboring kingdom of Burahm, they have astrologers. One read from the stars and foretold the Golden Princess’ accident, the death of her father and his sickness.
Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in Kaloma.
They know and play a game they called birdy, which is a racket game of today. They also play the flat ball game, which is a hockey kind of game.
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| “What a way to go to war” |
Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in Kaloma as on Earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there?
Yes, they have four seasons. They celebrate the harvest festival every year in autumn. The girls don flower circlets in their hair and dance dressed in colorful apparel. They hold a tasting contest among the ale brewers, in the region during the festival.
Is there a particular religion practiced in Kaloma? Please describe what it involves.
They have priests but religion is not mentioned much in the story.
What is the political or government structure in Kaloma? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?
Like many kingdom in this era, Kaloma has a Royal representative at it head. Right now, the throne is occupied by Princess Nyala.
The princess had to pass through quite a lot to be trusted and respected by her people after the accident that left her a half-broken body. Now peace and prosperity is the result of her ultimate sacrifice.
Are there any other unique cultural practices that we should be aware of if we visit Kaloma?
It is said that if a single man enters the room of a single woman at night both will be punished, even put to death.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?
Yes, Princess Nyala’s personality and life’s tests are similar to mine. On the other hand, this story came to me as I watched a young man made of gold. His golden/brown hair, eyes and skin were stunning and I wondered how a golden princess would do for a character. The young man was actually from Brazil. That is how A Golden Princess came to be loosely based on that country.
Author Autobiography:Anna del C. Dye was born in Valparaiso, Chile amongst some of the world’s most famous beaches. She grew up the middle, after her twin, Elena. Her mother died when she was six, but Anna was lucky enough to find a new mother in her husband’s mother whom she loves dearly. Anna accredits her mother-in-law with teaching her many things in life.
After meeting Rodney, a native of Idaho, in her hometown, Anna traveled to Utah on Christmas Eve and married him two weeks later. An article about their love story, Why Me? was published in spring 2010 by Covenant in the book Angels Round About. Anna and Rodney reside in Taylorsville, Utah and are the parents of three princes and a princess.
Early on in her life, Anna showed an affinity for sewing and took classes that rewarded her with the opportunities of doing costuming for the cast of four musicals, and a movie, which she enjoyed immensely. She is in charge of the costumes for the Elf Court in Utah’s own Fantasy Con. She is fluent in both English and Spanish.
Anna is an accomplished, multi-award winning author. She received the Editor’s Choice Award from the International Library of Poetry. Second place for the first page of A Kingdom by the Sea. Bronze medal for Elfs in a Conquered Realm. Her short story entitled Amerine—Fairy Princess won an award in the Oquirrh Writers contest and was published by Kalkion Magazine. Her article, A New American Mother, was published by Desert Saints Magazine. Other articles about family and relationships have been published frequently in the MOMS CLUB® of Salt Lake Valley-West.
She is the author of The Silent Warrior Trilogy and four other books in her Elf Series. Anna has also published an electronic book for sixth-graders name Emerine’s Nightmare. From her new A Royal Romance Series, A Golden Princess is the stand alone book three of this series.
Anna holds a yearly Book Drive in her community and has given more that 250 books to 6 different Elementary Schools and another 1000 to 3 different Senior Centers in Utah.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your books?
My books are in kobo with produce several formats
Smashwords:
Where can readers connect with you online?
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–> https://www.amazon.com/Anna-del-C.-Dye/e/B002BLY7D2/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1486504918&sr=8-1-fkmr0
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Kaloma. 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 another world in next week’s edition of Realm Explorers!
-Annie Douglass Lima
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?
Anyone who signs up to my newsletter list will receive a free ebook of their choice. 
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Alora?
Author Autobiography:
Author Autobiography:
Author’s name: Missy Sheldrake
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story: 
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Asgard?
What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in Asgard that we don’t see on Earth?
Is there a particular religion practiced in Asgard? Please describe what it involves.
Laura VanArendonk Baugh overcame the dubious challenge of having been born without teeth or developed motor skills to become an award-winning writer of speculative fiction, mystery, and non-fiction. Her works have earned numerous accolades, including 3-star ratings (the highest possible) on Tangent’s “Recommended Reading” list. Laura speaks professionally on a variety of topics throughout the year, including writing, fan costuming, and her day job as a professional animal trainer and behavior consultant. Find her at www.LauraVanArendonkBaugh.com.
The Songweaver’s Vow is available in ebook and paperback at Amazon and anywhere books are sold. An audiobook is planned.
Author Autobiography: