A themed book tour through Prism Book Tours.
The Cinderella Theorem
(The Lily Sparrow Chronicles #1)
by Kristee Ravan
YA Urban Fantasy
Paperback, 367 pages
March 17th 2014
Fairy tales are naturally non-mathematical. That is a fact, and fifteen-year-old Lily Sparrow loves factual, mathematical logic. So when her mother confesses that Lilyís deceased father is (a) not dead, (b) coming to dinner, and (c) the ruler of a fairy tale kingdom accessible through the upstairs bathtub, Lily clings to her math to help her make sense of this new double life (1 life in the real world + 1 secret life in the fairy tale world = a double life).
Even though itís not mathematical, Lily finds herself being pulled into a mystery involving an unhappy Cinderella, a greasy sycophant called Levi, and a slew of vanishing fairy tale characters. Racing against the clock, with a sound mathematical plan, Lily attempts to save her fairy tale friends while proving that normality = happiness.
My Review: ****
This is definitely the most unique fantasy novel I’ve read in a long time (and I read a lot of fantasy)! I love the main character and the way she views the world in terms of math. Everything she experiences is part of a math problem to her. For example, “I stood stupidly off to the side like an extra piece of information in a word problem. (Sarah has three marbles and seven pencils. Danette has two pencils. How many pencils do Sarah and Danette have together? Answer = nine pencils.) I was the three marbles that no one needed.” I thought this was a hilarious but vary effective personality trait for her. The writing style is humorous and easily kept my attention all the way through.
On the negative side, some scenes lapsed into “telling, not showing”, and I felt a few details could have been tied up better at the end. Plus, there were some typos and errors in punctuation and general English usage. The consistent mistakes in capitalization and punctuation around direct quotations were especially irritating and showed a lack of professional editing.
However, I still felt that the book was written well enough to merit four stars in spite of those issues. The main character was unique and definitely stood out in a way that makes her story memorable for all the right reasons. I’m looking forward to reading more by this author.
-Annie Douglass Lima
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Kristee Ravan lives in Oklahoma with her husband, daughter, and pet fish, Val (short for Valentine). She wanted to be many things as she grew up including a general, an artist, and an architect. But she never bothered to say, “I want to be a writer when I grow up.” She was always writing stories and thought of herself as a writer anyway. She sent her first story to a publisher in the sixth grade. (It was rejected – in a nice way.) When she is not making up stories in her head, she enjoys reading, juggling, green smoothies, playing dollhouse with her daughter, and hearing from her fans. You can contact Kristee at the facebook page for her Lily Sparrow books: The Lily Sparrow Chronicles.
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Letters from Annie (Douglass) Lima
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The Crazy Antics of My Creative Mind
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24 – Grand Finale
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: Cynthia P. Willow
Title of book and/or series: The Karini and Lamek Chronicles
Brief summary of the story:
The Karini and Lamek Chronicles is an endearing fairy tale of High Fantasy. Enter a world of fairies, dragons, dwarves, and elves in The Land of Serenity, a magical world where possibilities are endless and truth makes a difference.
From one reviewer: “Cynthia does an expert job of creating memorable and interesting characters who rapidly endear themselves to you with their exploits and personality traits. Her book[s] are good for young readers, with lots of action and adventure to hold their interest while also being very parent-friendly.” ~ Krystine Kercher
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:
The Land of Serenity is a beautiful land full of lush forests, scenic mountains, and a huge castle! Fairies dance on flower petals, dwarves mine for diamonds, and then there are the dragons…. are they good or evil?
If we were to visit The Land of Serenity as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?
The mushroom village where the fairies live would be a lot of fun. Just watch your step! Then we could split into groups to see which group could find the secret cave first! A visit to Mount Flog to meet the snow parrots would be interesting, but bring a snow suit! We could hop in a mine cart and visit the dwarves…diamonds anyone? If you’re not scared of getting lost in the woods, we could hike up Mount Chesney and search for Natas’ cottage. If nothing else, we’d have to take a tour of the castle.
What dangers should we avoid in The Land of Serenity?
Well, watch out for the dragons, giants, and trolls. But they’re nothing compared to Natas.
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in The Land of Serenity?
There’s no telling what Filmer will cook, but he specializes in dumplings. The fairies would love to serve you tea and cakes though!
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in The Land of Serenity?
It depends on who it is, but many use wands, teleportation, and animal transformation. In other words, MAGIC!
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to The Land of Serenity?
The Land of Serenity is full of mythical creatures. Just about anything you can think of is there. If you can tame a dragon, you can hitch a ride on it. Then again, it might be more fun to befriend a witch and hop on the back of her broomstick!
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in The Land of Serenity? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.
Magic plays a huge role in the Land of Serenity. There are good witches and wizards, and there are evil ones. We learn in book 1 a secret that has to do with magic, but I don’t want to reveal it.
Is there any advanced or unusual technology in The Land of Serenity? If you haven’t described it already, please give some examples.
Not really. For the most part, the folks in The Land of Serenity live a lot like people in medieval times did.
Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in The Land of Serenity as on earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there?
Yes. The days are the same. The only holidays that are mentioned are birthdays. Several characters celebrate their birthdays in The Land of Serenity. One particular party starts off with a bang and ends in a huge battle. Wedding celebrations are also big in The Land of Serenity.
Is there a particular religion practiced in The Land of Serenity? Please describe what it involves.
Not directly. Characters demonstrate faith in God, but I don’t go into a whole lot of detail with it. However, the good morals and lessons in the stories reflect my own Christian upbringing.
What is the political or government structure in The Land of Serenity? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?
The Land of Serenity is supposed to be ruled by a king, but that was before the dragons took over….
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?
I’ve always had a love for fantasy. I passed that love onto my children, and they were the inspiration for these stories. I began writing book 1 when my son (now 17) was 8 years old, and my daughter (now 14) was 5. The villain in book 1 (Ocamar) was named by my son. Once we came up with the land and the names of a few characters, it took off! There would be no Land of Serenity without my children.
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?
Magic is controversial enough! As a writer who is also a Christian, I have had to defend this series, but most Christians are accepting of it once they realize it’s not much different than the writing of C.S. Lewis. The Bible is clear when it comes to the presence of evil, and fantasy and the use of magic is one way to demonstrate good versus evil.
Author Autobiography:
Cynthia P. Willow writes Christian fiction and fantasy for all ages. She lives in Georgia with her husband, three children, and their family pet—a Morkie named Madam Alice Bellatrix.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your books?
All of my books are in paperback and Kindle on Amazon. Select books are available in other eBook formats such as Nook and Apple. Please visit my website www.cynthiapwillow.comfor links to all my books. Some of my series are available in bundles to save you $$$! For example, click here for the 3-book bundle for this series!
Where can readers connect with you online?
Cynthia’s website: www.cynthiapwillow.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CynthiaPWillow
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cynthiapwillow
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to the Land of Serenity. 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 Mythic realms (hidden right here in our own world!) in Realm Explorers Part X!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to the Mythic realms (hidden right here in our own world!) in Realm Explorers Part X!
-Annie Douglass Lima
Are you an author who would like your world to appear on Realm Explorers? Click here to download the instructions and interview form, or email me at [email protected] for more information.
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:
Peggy M. McAloon
Brief summary of the story:
Book 1 of the Elle Burton series, Elle Burton and theReflective Portals, is about a young girl who encounters winged creatures from another dimension on her tenth birthday. Her first encounter is at Wolske Bay in Menomonie, WI where she captures one of the creatures entering Earth from a reflective portal (her own reflection in the lake). She is enticed by these creatures to help them protect the children of Earth by becoming an Earth Guide.
Being a guide seems like the opportunity of a lifetime. Elle is an ordinary kid and has always loved helping others; now she’ll have magical assistance. Not everyone wants her to succeed. There are evil forces that do everything in their power to keep guides like Elle from offering support to those in need. Can Elle be brave enough to oppose them?
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:
Fiori is unlike any place on earth. There are more flowers than you have seen in your entire life. Some are as large as a tractor tires with centers as big as a meat platter. The inhabitants of Fiori live in rustic stilt houses scattered in and among the flowers where they can gaze down at the beautiful valleys of flowers below them. There are reflecting ponds throughout the valley. Fiorins depend on them to travel between Fiori and Earth. The sky is burnished with the red, purple, and gold shades of the most spectacular sunsets imaginable. There are no clouds in the sky and the ground is covered with carpets of orange, crimson, and yellow. Azaleas, bougainvillea, ice-blue calathea, and thousands of white kukui blossoms fill the valleys.
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| Amadeus Fighting a Zorin |
If we were to visit Fiori as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?
Definitely attend an event at Mother Blue’s Temple. The structure looks like the Doric temples in ancient Greece. Columns adorn the outer part of the colossal building, reaching up toward the crimson sky. The structure is completely covered in the softest of pearl-white flower petals. Enter through the arched entrance to enjoy one of the many banquets there. Strings of flowers cover the entrance. Brilliant metallic golds adorn the white inner walls. Golden chandeliers hang from the ceiling and art tapestries hang on the walls, depicting scenes from Fiori and from the human world. Taking a ride on the back of a turquoise Truero in a reflective pond is an absolute must! If you are extremely lucky and Mother Blue is particularly fond of you, you may be able to tour the land on the back of Pegasus.
What dangers should we avoid in Fiori?
Fiori is bordered on one side by a rugged mountain range where the Zorins live. The Zorins live in the cliff dwellings there. They resemble an alligator although they do walk upright on their hind legs towering nearly 10 feet tall. The creatures have soulless sulfur-colored eyes with bulbous eyelids. They are covered by scales (avocado and tobacco brown with globs of tarry mucus attached to them). You will immediately notice the dozens of sharp and horribly stained teeth in their huge mouths if you are unlucky enough to run into one. No one has ever returned to Fiori after a close encounter with these creatures. Zorins can take the shape of a human (both adult and infant), causing confusion for both Fiorins and earthlings. Fiorin Perimeter Control rules require that you get no closer than 150 yards to the outer perimeter of Fiori. They can use their uncanny ability to suck in huge amounts of air and draw in any Fiorins or humans unlucky enough to be near them.
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Fiori?
While in Fiori, anything you may need is provided. Whatever your favorite foods, they will magically appear as desired.
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Fiori?
In book one, the only weapons utilized against the Zorins are wooden poles and spears. Zorins do have deadly reactions to pollen, which is one of the reasons the valleys of flowers protect the Fiorins. There are no modern weapons in Fiori.
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in Fiori?
In Fiori the creatures that live there have wings. They need no other form of transportation. Human Guides who are visiting can travel on the backs of Pegasus and the Trueros. Otherwise, they can ride in carriages pulled by giant spiders.
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| a truero |
What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in Fiori that we don’t see on earth?
Things seem a bit backwards in Fiori compared to Earth. Spiders are huge and elephants are house pets. The turquoise Trueros are very much like swans yet they are large enough to carry a human on their back. The plants and flowers are gigantic compared to their counterparts on Earth. Fiorins, when they travel through the reflective portals (through the reflections of the children of Earth), are the size of butterflies in Earth’s dimension, but they are equal in size to humans in the realm of Fiori. They look very human-like with larger eyes than humans and wings like a butterfly or fairy. The Zorins have already been described. They look rather like an alligator but walk on their two hind legs in an upright manner.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Fiori? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.
All Fiorins have the ability to sing a “Siren Song” that can drive a human insane. They use this to protect children if they have enough time. They are not allowed to physically harm any human but can inflict temporary pain to prevent harm to a child under the age of 8. Fiorins are assigned to every new-born baby on Earth. They breathe the first breath of life into the child so they will have a kind heart. Some do not make it to the child before birth because of trickery initiated by the Zorins.
Each Fiorin then has one special power. Amadeus, the warrior, has the ability to summon huge storms with wind and lightning. Milo is capable of blowing himself up into a giant sponge to protect children who may fall or be injured in a car accident.
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| Medallion on Mother Blue’s Necklace (back) |
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| Medallion on Mother Blue’s Necklace (front) |
Mother Blue, the Empress of the Fiorin colony in Book 1, has multiple powers and a bronze necklace that holds the secret to her powers. The necklace can only be activated by the human guide who has been predicted to come to Fiori during their 11th year in the Sacred Scrolls of Destiny. It has been given to numerous guides in the past, but no one has had the ability to unleash the magic. No one knows yet the extent of the magic that the necklace holds. The necklace had magical powers only for Mother Blue and the “chosen one” as predicted in the Sacred Scrolls. The chosen would accomplish 3 major challenges during his/her 11th year. Mother Blue had loaned the bronze pendant to other guides, but no one had yet been able to unleash the magic. Now it’s Elle’s turn to try.
There is a magic fountain in Mother Blue’s Temple. She is able to look into it on the day a child reaches the age of 8 to determine what the future holds for them on Earth.
Is there any advanced or unusual technology in Fiori? If you haven’t described it already, please give some examples.
When you think of Fiori, think of the Garden of Eden. Magic exists, but there is no modern technology.
Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in Fiori.
Fiorins are a very simplistic race. They turn huge flowers into May poles and swings with the assistance of spider webs. They also fashion elevators utilizing spider webs. They live in the natural surroundings and revel in food, dance, and song.
Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in Fiori as on Earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there?
A brief second on Earth is the equivalent of hours and hours in Fiori. Most Fiorins are thousands of years old in Earth time. They do not marry as do the people of Earth. They consider themselves to be part of one huge family. The days are continuous. Night never falls. The sky is filled with the colors of the most vibrant sunset you have ever seen. Fiorins acknowledge holidays celebrated in all countries on Earth but they do not celebrate any specific Fiorin holidays. Celebrations are spontaneous when an Earth Guide has a major victory against evil.
What is an Earth Guide?
Earth Guides are chosen by Mother Blue through her knowledge gained through the magic fountain. They are humans who are able to move throughout Earth through a wish. Fiorins can only travel on a wish with an Earth Guide. The Human Guides are the only ones (other than some children under the age of 8) who can see the Fiorins on Earth. It is their responsibility to offer whatever assistance the Fiorins may require to protect the children of Earth. Guides are life-long assistants but they do have free-will and can decide to quit if they so desire. All memories of Fiori and the winged creatures will then disappear from their memory.
Are there any other creatures that assist the Fiorins?
Fiorins have the ability to communicate with all animals on Earth. They also employ messengers to carry messages between Fiorins and Earth Guides. (We know these messengers as carrier pigeons, although other birds can carry messages in times of great need)
Is there a particular religion practiced in Fiori?
We are not aware of any particular religion in Book 1 of the series other than a tremendous respect for the environment.
What is the political or government structure in Fiori? Who is in charge there at the moment and what kind of leader is she?
All Fiorins are equal. The leader is Mother Blue. She has the undying love and support of all her subjects. She leads with compassion and love for all Fiorins and the people of Earth. This is how it has been for centuries and no one questions her authority or knowledge. She acts more as a mother figure than an absolute ruler. Free-will is encouraged.
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Bellengrath Gardens, AL: Similar to the Land of Fiori
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Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?
I would have to say that everything in my life has inspired the realm of Fiori. I was raised in a very religious home. Most of our activities outside of school were centered in the church. I loved the stained glass windows; most especially the one that had a beautiful angel. The Fiorins are based on my childhood vision of what my guardian angel might look like. Fiori is a combination of my vision of what I believe heaven might be like and a section of walkway in Bellengrath Gardens in Mobile, AL that are alive with azaleas in the spring of the year. Flowers of every description adorn the property and it is as close to what I would hope heaven would look like as anything I have ever seen next to the tulip fields in the Netherlands.
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?
Elle Burton and the Reflective Portals is about a young girl who has been chosen as a Guide at a very young age. She faces the challenges of bullying and parental abuse in this first book. As a victim of child abuse I understand how terrifying the threats are that a child is subjected to. It is my hope that we can inspire children through storytelling to trust enough to find an adult who can help them as Olivia did when she finally admitted to Elle why she was hiding in the bathroom at school. This is a different approach to the problems of bullying and abuse. Children are more aware of these issues than we give them credit for. The protagonist, Elle Burton is a normal young girl who can inspire kids to stand up to bullying and abuse and become more empowered than they have ever been before through a delightful and believable fantasy.
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| Peggy McAloon |
Author Autobiography:
Author Peggy McAloon retired from the field of commercial credit, is the author of The Art of Business Credit Investigation, and is a recognized trainer and speaker. She enjoys watercolor art and has received national awards for her efforts in the conservation of water resources. Her own journey through child abuse, depression, and a debilitating car accident elevated her desire to help children cope with their challenges in such a way that they are inspired and empowered.
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| Peggy McAloon with Anneka Rogers |
Eleven year-old Anneka Rogers acted as a consultant on the book. Her insistence that the class bully be “saved” provides the framework for one of the most exciting chapters in the book. Anneka is eleven years old and has participated in Tour Cross Country Team, CORE Values Program, Battle of the Books, 4-H, and Running Club.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book?
“Elle Burton and the Reflective Portals” is available in both e-book ($2.99) and soft-cover ($13.95)
at Amazon and at Barnes & Noble. It is also available at the author’s website.
Where can readers connect with you online?
Website: http://peggymcaloon.com
Email: [email protected]
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Fiori. 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 Land of Serenity in Realm Explorers Part IX!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to the Land of Serenity in Realm Explorers Part IX!
-Annie Douglass Lima
Are you an author who would like your world to appear on Realm Explorers? Click here to download the instructions and interview form, or email me at [email protected] for more information.
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: Krystine Kercher
Title of book and/or series:
The series is Legends of Astarkand; the books are A Shadow On The Land (#1); King’s Ride (#2); and Eiathan’s Heir (#3). I plan to add another couple of books before the series is wrapped up.
Brief summary of the story:
Wary of the mysterious tenders of lake and stream, terrified of the immortal prince Vodan’s plagues and storms, and alienated from the Dreamsender by their efforts to appease Vodan, Kandians seek a deliverer. A five-hundred-year-old prophecy brought Bjorn Horsa north over steep mountain passes to confront Vodan. Before he can be anyone’s deliverer, he must first take up the mantle of Eiathan’s Heir and ascend the throne of Astarkand.
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:
Isolated by high mountains to the south and west, and the ocean to the east, the kingdom of Astarkand is located in a northern temperate zone with long, heavy winters and cooler summers. While vast tracts of forest still cover less accessible parts of kingdom, Astarkand is known more for its rich, rolling hills of farmland and several volcanos.
If we were to visit Astarkand as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?
There is a lot to do in Astarkand! You can visit Lake Bleuet and sing with the mermaids, or camp in the giant’s ruins near Braskfut to view the firebirds as they perform their nightly dance. Climbing Mt. Brask is a suitably hazardous adventure to excite any adventurer! No one living now in Astarkand has ever seen the top because it’s covered year-round in clouds.
Be sure to pay your respects to the king at Hearthing Castle. If you’re very fortunate, he might even invite you to go boar hunting with him in the forests between Hearthing and Hardeburg.
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| Map of Astarkand |
What dangers should we avoid in Astarkand?
Don’t go swimming in Lake Bleuet or the Limbler River! The water is extremely cold, and you can die from hypothermia, even in high summer.
Mermaids are always on the lookout for likely husbands. If you have a mishap at sea and a mermaid rescues you, men, be prepared to never see dry land again! Women, you’re on your own…
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Astarkand?
The head baker at Hearthing Castle makes an excellent pigeon pie, but you’ll have to ask him to remove the feet before he puts the pigeons in.
If you prefer haggis and mead instead, pay a visit to Earl Moggan! He’ll fix you up.
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Astarkand?
Knights in Astarkand wear a combination of steel plate armor and chain mail, and prefer long, one-handed swords that they can swing while holding a shield. They also armor their horses.
Downsmen like Ernie Hay O’Dell rarely go toe-to-toe with an enemy, preferring to strike from ambush. They excel in martial arts, dueling, and archery, and wear only boiled leather as protection.
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Astarkand?
Kandians use horses, boats, and their own feet to get around. While they also use wagons for transporting goods, even the high roads maintained by the king are quite bumpy. Many bridges in Astarkand wash out every spring. Kandians have adapted by using ferries at major crossings.
Mermaids use selkies in their cities the way Kandians use horses. They also catch rides with dolphins and larger fish and water mammals when necessary.
The Perfect rarely use any conveyance other than their feet or their portals.
What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in Astarkand that we don’t see on Earth?
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| a mermaid in Astarkand |
Other sentient races you might encounter in Astarkand are: the Perfect (Kandians call them elves, but they aren’t); mermaids, possibly even giants.
White firebirdshave become very rare and found now only on Brask Mountain. Firebird feathers fluoresce when they’re exposed to fast-moving air, as when the firebirds chase moths at night. The resulting light can be painfully bright.
Fleuders are everywhere, and multiply like vermin. Fleuders look like very hairy, brownish-gold cacti on six stubby legs, and make a grinding sound when agitated. Their mouths are located on their underside between their legs. They also tend to shed, and some people are allergic to fleuder hair.
Fleuders eat decaying vegetation and prefer to live under or near the northern cabbage palm; a large clump-forming wild plant with cabbage-shaped tops with large leaves that shade from white through pink to purple as they age. In winter, the top of a cabbage palm sheds its loose outer leaves, leaving behind a tightly furled tulip-shaped center. Gardeners cultivate the cabbage palm for its beauty, but farmers try to keep it out of their fields.
While not living in Astarkand itself, but confined in a narrow mountain valley to the south, there is also a large, fire-breathing dragon.
Other creatures sometimes found in or near Astarkand: black squirrels, wolverines, dire wolves, and gar cats.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Astarkand? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used:
Most Kandians believe that magic is an elf-gift and cursed, but Woden’s priests do small magics such as summoning or contacting their master. They call their master Woden, but his real name is Vodan.
The Immortal Vodan can control the weather. He’s especially talented with ice and storms, but he can also create plagues. His lady-wife, Ashielle, is the ultimate green thumb. If it is possible, she can make a plant do it! Vodan and Ashielle’s daughter Gunhild is a sorceress who shapeshifts. She is also adept at using and curing poisons, and crafts new creatures out of human and animal flesh.
Mermaids are believed to have magical powers, but they instead rely on the Dreamsender for provision and protection from Vodan’s terrible schemes. Their ability to be half fish in the water, and their uncanny voices and wild beauty are due to Gunhild’s unethical tinkering with their genes.
Gunhild is also to blame for the race of giants and for the creation of fleuders.
Is there any advanced or unusual technology in Astarkand? If you haven’t described it already, please give some examples.
Vodan’s scrying bowl, which he uses to spy on Kandians, and the portals the Perfect use to transport themselves across long distances. Humans have difficulty seeing the permanent portals, although they can sometimes fall into them and be swept away. Most of the portals used in these stories are temporary.
Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in Astarkand.
Kandian men like to test each other’s mettle at tourneys with sword duels, wrestling, racing, and jousts, but they also enjoy dancing with the ladies, hunting with hawks or dogs, and most other medieval forms of entertainment. Everyone in Astarkand is fond of music! Troubadours and bards are welcomed into every tavern and house, from the humblest hovel to the king’s castle.
Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in Astarkand as on Earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there?
Astarkand’s calendar year is pretty close to our own, however they measure time differently, in New Kandian Reckoning (NKR) years instead of so many years A.D.
Kandians celebrate the turning of the seasons: the first blade of spring, the summer flowering, harvest, Yuletide, and the new year. They also throw parties when electing their mayors and city council, at weekly markets, and summer fairs. Depending on the social importance of the people involved, birthdays, weddings, and funerals can also be a cause for celebration.
Is there a particular religion practiced in Astarkand? Please describe what it involves.
Bjorn Horsa and his men celebrate the religious holidays on the church calendar, but they weren’t raised in Kandia, where believers have been persecuted for five hundred years.
The average Kandian was raised sacrificing to Vodan on Woden’s Day; to Ashielle when they plant and harvest their fields, and when they sit down to eat; and to Gunhild when an unexplained death occurs. Everyone in Astarkand fears Woden’s priests, who demand harsh sacrifices, even human lives.
What is the political or government structure in Astarkand? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?
Astarkand has been ruled since its founding by a succession of kings. The country began as a constitutional monarchy but has devolved to become feudal in structure.
Are there any other unique cultural practices that we should be aware of if we visit Astarkand?
It is okay to wipe your mouth on the tablecloth and to eat your ‘trencher’ if you’re a commoner (trenchers are made out of flatbread). Be sure to bring your own cutlery with you whatever your rank, because no one will lend you their personal set, and you might wind up eating with your fingers.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?
The rolling hills of Astarkand’s central provinces remind me of places I knew in my childhood; and the tangled scrub forest along the Joompsbette River reminds me of the peaty swamps and bottomland along streams in South Carolina.
Eating with your fingers is an acceptable practice in parts of Asia, just as it is sometimes in Astarkand.
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?
The ecological cost of deforestation, and the grim realities and abuses inherent in a feudal society where those at the top hold all the power and those at the bottom are powerless and at their mercy.
Author Autobiography:
Krystine Kercher is a former MK (missionary kid) from West Papua, Indonesia, where she grew up having lots of adventures with her friends in the expat and local communities. Now she writes fantasy and science fiction from a Christian perspective while sharing her love of adventure with her readers!
Krystine is also a mother to two children who like to read her books. She loves her tuxedo cat, Shelah, who is by turns naughty and affectionate. She also loves gardening, sewing, and creating artwork using a variety of media.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book(s)?
Find A Shadow On The Land (book 1) on Amazon, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, iTunes, Kobo, and Inkbok.
Where can readers connect with you online?
Check out my author website, and connect with me on Goodreads, Facebook, Pinterest, Youtube, and Twitter.
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Astarkand. 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 land of Otherworld, in Realm Explorers Part VII!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to the fantasy land of Otherworld, in Realm Explorers Part VII!
-Annie Douglass Lima
Are you an author who would like your world to appear on Realm Explorers? Click here to download the instructions and interview form, or email me at [email protected] for more information.
Winter in the Soul by Jennifer Novotney
Blurb:
In a world divided by power and greed, seventeen-year-old Lilika harbors an intense desire to return to Winter in the Soul, the place her family left to escape the darkness that was manifesting from a coldness of the soul.
When she meets Talon, their connection is evident right from the start, and together they travel through the Black Kingdom to recover Lilika’s stolen locket. And in search of an answer to the mystery behind Winter in the Soul.
Lilika holds the key to stopping the darkness from spreading. The fate of their world lies in her hands. Will she stop the Black Kingdom before its darkness overtakes them all, or will they succumb to the darkness that is spreading across the land?
Author Bio:
Jennifer Novotney was born in Burbank, California and lived in Los Angeles for most of her life until settling in North Eastern Pennsylvania with her husband and daughter. She attended California State University, earning a bachelors degree in journalism, and Northern Arizona University, earning a masters degree in English. After college, she spent several years writing and teaching, including at Pennsylvania State University.Website: www.jennifernovotney.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/jennovotney
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jen.novotney
Links:
Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20869515-winter-in-the-soul
Anaiah Press: http://www.anaiahpress.com
Interview with the Author
Question: What do you think prepared you or qualifies you to write in your chosen genre?
Answer: I think fiction is one of those genres where writers don’t necessarily need classical preparation in order to succeed. That said, I do have a Master’s Degree in English, which definitely helped. The other preparation really included a lot of hard work and practice. Fiction writing takes a willingness to work at your craft and improve your storytelling.
Question: Tell us a little about your “real” (non-writing) life — family, job, church life. Does it give you inspiration for your writing? Does it get in the way of your writing, or are there times when you get help from people or circumstances?
Answer: In my non-writing life, I’m an English teacher, wife, and mother. Teaching gives me so much inspiration for my writing because I am with young adults all day long. I get to experience the world through their eyes and discover what makes them tick. Life does sometimes get in the way of my writing due to time. Sometimes, there just isn’t enough time in the day to get everything done, but I’m very tenacious and usually manage to hit my writing goals regardless of what life throws at me.
Question: Tell us about things you enjoy — what you do for fun or personal satisfaction besides writing?
Answer: I’m very active and love exercising. I go swimming with my daughter several times each week and walking with a friend through my development. It’s fun to be social and get exercise at the same time. I read all kinds of books, both fiction and non-fiction. I enjoy spending quality time with my husband and daughter. I also like to cook and bake. There’s usually a fresh batch of banana bread in our house.
Question: Tell us about working with any people who help you create your books — do you use beta readers? Hire an editor or proofreader? How do you get your covers?
Answer: Working with Anaiah Press on my book has been amazing. I went through several levels of editing before the final product was ready for readers. I worked with editors from Anaiah on developmental, content, and line edits before the final read through and I think it shows in the quality of my book, Winter in the Soul. Anaiah also designed the fantastic cover and layout.
Question: Have you done anything writing-related, but besides actually writing your books, that seemed to get a lot of positive response? Something that encouraged you?
Answer: I’ve always been good at writing in school. I think that’s why I became an English teacher in the first place. My bachelor’s degree is in Journalism, and I excelled in that style of writing as well, but just didn’t see myself in that career. Academic writing has always been a strong suit of mine and I was constantly encouraged by my teachers and professors to become a teacher myself.
Question: What is the “message” of your writing? (For example, is your purpose to encourage old-fashioned values, encourage romance, or do you have different purposes in different books?)
Answer: I think the main message of my writing is to inspire readers. I love reading books with an encouraging or inspirational message and I wanted to create fiction that had the same effect on readers. In my own life, I’ve had to motivate myself on many occasions that the path I was taking was the right one or that I would succeed with hard work. I’m largely inspired from within and my writing organically translates that message of inspiration to my readers.
Question: Tell us one place you visited or person you met, that made a big impression on you, and why.
Answer: I got the chance to meet a New York Times number one best selling author. She gave me some great advice. She said that she’s always promoting a book, editing another book, and writing a third book at any one time. That put things into perspective for me of how much work and time becoming a successful writer really takes. I could tell that she really loved it too. She loves her fans, her books, and the whole process. That made a big impression on me because I saw first hand how she made it work.
Question: Share something that’s amazing, touching, or that makes you angry.
Answer: Getting a book published is no easy feat. They romanticize it in the movies for sure. I’d read so many stories of authors being discovered and having their work gain so much success, but it is definitely not an easy road. When Anaiah Press offered me a contract for Winter in the Soul, it was literally a dream come true. I’d wanted to be a published novelist for as long as I can remember and to have that dream realized was like no other feeling in the world.
Question: How many books do you have out? Are you planning a specific number altogether, either in this series or separately?
Answer: Winter in the Soulis my debut novel. It’s a young adult fantasy and we are planning for it to be a series. I’m working on the sequel, but I don’t have a set number of books I plan to write for this series. I think the possibilities are endless with the characters and their world. I also have other projects in the works and plan on writing for a very long time, so I don’t necessarily have a set number of books I’d like to write. I’ll keep writing as long as the ideas come to me.
Question: What are your future projects?
Answer: I’m working on a few projects now in several different stages. I have a young adult novel that I’ve just completed. I also have an idea for an inspirational nonfiction book I’m going to start next month. I constantly have new ideas and am working on several different writing projects at any one time. Winter in the Soul will always hold a special place in my heart because it was my first novel and the work that connected me with Anaiah Press.
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/winter-in-the-soul/id898049246?mt=11
Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00LT8DMV6
Kobo:http://www.kobobooks.com/search/search.html?q=Winter+in+the+Soul
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/452937
Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00LT8DMV6
Kobo:http://www.kobobooks.com/search/search.html?q=Winter+in+the+Soul
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/452937
Giveaway:
includes 5 autographed posters and 5 keychains
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 Kitsune Talesseries includes so far Kitsune-Tsuki, Kitsune-Mochi, and “The Lonely Frost” (appearing in Specter Spectacular and Weird and Wondrous Work later in 2014). Another novel is quite likely!
Brief summary of the story:
In Kitsune-Tsuki, we meet Tsurugu, an onmyouji who has been hired by the warlord to protect his new bride from a kitsune, or shape-shifting fox spirit, which is rumored to be near. The question is, how does one find a shape-shifter who may not even exist?
Kitsune-Mochifollows Tsurugu-sama and many of the characters into a new threat, as supernatural forces threaten Kaede-dono’s life with the warlord in a wholly new and very real way.
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:
This is Not-Japan of the Heian-Kamakura transition, roughly AD 1200. I have winked and called it “Not-Japan” because I took a few liberties to make some aspects more accessible for readers or to fudge a couple of historical facets closer together, but it’s fairly close to the historical culture.
Naka no Yoritomo is a daimyou, or warlord, subject to the shogun and fighting quiet battles of influence with other daimyou. Tsurugu Kiyomori is a talented onmyouji, which was actually a court position in the Heian era, a mystic practitioner responsible not only for supernatural protection but divination and calendar-keeping. All the supernatural elements in the story – the shape-shifting kitsune, music-loving tanuki, strong water-dwelling kappa, and more – are authentic Japanese folkloric elements popular for centuries of storytelling.
If we were to visit Naka-dono’s home as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?
First of all, be very polite. Manners and accomplishment are everything in this society, and a beautiful girl’s marriage chances or a man’s political career can be spoiled by sloppy handwriting. Poetry is exchanged to settle everything from courtship to politics, and the quality of a poem can make or break one’s career. Speak carefully and with great consideration.
That said, this era produced poetry which has been honored for centuries, so take the time to read some of what’s passed to you. And then go outside to marvel at the military prowess which is being developed at the head of Japan’s shogunate.
What dangers should we avoid?
Well, offending the wrong person might result in such social dishonor or death, and that would certainly be inconvenient during your visit. There’s also the concern of Naka-dono’s shadows, stealthy spies and assassins to take care of that business which shouldn’t be discussed too openly. In future centuries, their descendants will be known as shinobi or ninja, but this is their misty past.
And of course there are thousands of varieties of youkai, or supernatural creatures. Many are harmless, some are friendly and benevolent, many are indifferent, some are mischievous but mostly harmless, and some like the water-dwelling kappa prefer to prey on human flesh. Don’t worry, we’ll help you to avoid the most dangerous!
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served?
Well, sushi and the hibachi haven’t been invented yet! But you’ll be served a lot of rice and vegetables, as Buddhism is making great inroads and has reduced the amount of meat consumed. What meat is eaten may be consumed raw, which will startle your tourist palette, or you may eat cooked fish. All the seaweed you eat will help to grow your hair – ladies of quality in this era had hair which reached to the floor or even trailed several feet behind!
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common?
Tsurugu works mostly in onmyoudou, a way of reading and influencing the contrasting forces of nature, male and female, and the five elements of wood, fire, earth, air, and water. (You may have heard of something like onmyoudou; its counterpart in old China eventually developed into Feng Shui.) You will frequently see him using circles and shikigami, spirit-infused paper servants, or reading a chokubanfor celestial alignments.
The shadows, however, train in taijutsu, the use of the body as a weapon. They are more than competent with other weapons as well, knife and staff, but they know how to use their own weight and strength to advantage when they have nothing else.
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel?
Ox-cart is one of the primary methods of travel, for those who can afford it, though foot and palanquin are also seen. Horses, too, are ridden by those worthy and wealthy.
Technology is typically medieval, all muscle and levers, even though Tsurugu’s grasp of astronomy and natural science is daunting.
What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter that we don’t see today?
Your biggest surprise will be the youkai. This word is frequently translated to English as “demon,” but that’s a pretty poor translation; it means only something that is not human. A better translation for Westerners would be something like “elves,” which also are distinctly not-human and yet are seen in many varieties: Santa’s elves, Tolkien’s elves, elves which abduct children, elves which help shoemakers.
Youkai may be tiny creatures the size of a hummingbird or nightingale, or they may be enormous beings larger than Naka-dono’s spacious house. They may be as friendly as the polite beto-beto-san, who walks invisibly behind you until you gesture him ahead, or as dangerous as the fearsome oni which devours men. In general, it’s best to be cautious and polite.
The kitsune is a fox which can take the shape of a human, possibly even mimicking the appearance of someone you know. A kitsune has between one and nine tails, depending upon age and power, and it may be benevolent or malicious. They are clever and they are known to move among humans, but there are a few clues which might reveal one in disguise.
Sadly, the friendly kawausocannot be seen at all in modern Japan, as this shape-shifting river otter has been driven to extinction in its otter form.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people?
Onmyoudou informed the lives of everyone in this era – it was magic and astronomy and meteorology and the calendar, all in one. An onmyoujiwas responsible for divining an auspicious day for beginning a new project and for deflecting negative energies. The emperor’s court kept official onmyouji, regarded just as any other government official might be.
Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment.
We’ve mentioned the poetry, which was everywhere as the accepted form of communication. Men and women exchanged poetry in courtship before they met. Social status depended upon one’s graceful handwriting and turn of phrase. A moon-gazing party, in which the participants drank sake, wrote poetry, and read it aloud for prizes, might be a typical overnight indulgence among the elite.
If that seems like a ridiculous pastime, consider the sport of golf today, which is simultaneously a hobby and yet a negotiation field for many businessmen.
Is there a particular religion practiced in this era?
The native religion is Shinto, but Buddhism has been widely adopted and in some cases blended.
What is the political or government structure? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?
Naka no Yoritomo is a daimyousworn to serve the shogun, but his word is law in his own land (and many other places). He’s aware of his power and tries to use it fairly, though he is also aware of the great potential for betrayal and treachery in this shifting political climate.
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?
Classism and sexism are inherent and powerful in this society. The elite view the lowest classes as animals, and women are greatly restricted in education, autonomy, and voice. Kaede, Naka-dono’s wife, and Murame, a farmer’s daughter, are two very different examples of how women find power and agency in this world.
Author Autobiography:
Laura was born at a very early age and never looked back. She overcame childhood deficiencies of having been born without teeth or developed motor skills, and by the time she matured into a recognizable adult she had become a behavior analyst, an internationally-recognized and award-winning animal trainer, a popular costumer/cosplayer, a chocolate addict, and of course a writer. She speaks at conventions on Japanese Folklore & Mythology and writes books about murder and magic and mystery and hope. Find her at www.LauraVanArendonkBaugh.com.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book(s)?
The Kitsune Talesbooks are available in both ebook and paperback. You can find Kitsune-Tsuki on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords, and Kitsune-Mochi on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords. “The Lonely Frost” is a short story in the series, in Specter Spectacular, available from World Weaver Press later in 2014.
Where can readers connect with you online?
My website and blog is www.LauraVanArendonkBaugh.com, and I always welcome comments! In addition I love to chat with readers on Facebook and via Twitter (@Laura_VAB). And please do say hello if we happen to be at the same writers’ or geek convention!
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to “Old Japan”. 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 Astarkand in Realm Explorers Part VI!
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 Astarkand in Realm Explorers Part VI!
-Annie Douglass Lima
Are you an author who would like your world to appear on Realm Explorers? Click here to download the instructions and interview form, or email me at [email protected] for more information.
A themed book tour through Prism Book Tours.
The Valley of Decisionby Shannon McDermott
Adult Fantasy
Paperback, 416 pages
May 31st 2014 by SALT Christian Press
Adult Fantasy
Paperback, 416 pages
May 31st 2014 by SALT Christian Press
ìA solid fantasy that wears its spirituality lightly yet effectively.î
~Kirkus Reviews (read the entire review here)
Where the Black Mountains pierce the sky, they divide the south from the north, Alamir from the kingdom of Belenus. Belenus, the undying master of the north, commanded Keiran ñ the Captain of the Hosts ñ to conquer Alamir. But the Captain is deep in conspiracy, and he has his own plans.
The Valley of Decision is a fantasy novel, a saga of slavery, freedom, and choices.
Shannon McDermott is a Christian author of speculative fiction, as well as a humorous detective series called “The Adventures of Christian Holmes“. She has written both fantasy and science fiction, and has yet to decide on which one to like better.
She was born to Wisconsin, expatriates in California, grew up on the East Coast, and now lives in the Midwest. Her principal hobbies are politics, history, novels, and coffee.
Post 8 (Beyond the Maps): The Northmen
In the uttermost north, beyond even the kingdom of Belenus, icy mountain peaks look down on the Coldlands. The Coldlands are not on our maps, not even the borders. The Alamiri do not venture even to Belenus’ home, let alone past it. But rumors come to us – from foreigners, adventurers, and far-travelers, brave, reckless, wild men.
Winter is an early-comer and a late-goer in the Coldlands. In the months of its supremacy it is fierce, scouring the country with frozen storms and bitter cold. The Northmen are pale in their looks, as if somehow brought to conformity with the ice and snow. Their eyes are blue, their hair and skin very fair.
It is said that the Northmen worship gods of war and thunder with superstitious rites, that they wear the pelts and fangs of animals, that they know nothing of letters and reading. They are called barbarians.
Are they? I suppose we shall know if we ever see them. I don’t know why we should see the Northmen; the Coldlands are so far away. But the chances of the world are strange. Maybe we will someday know the Northmen after all.
Tour-Wide Giveaway
– INT Grand Prize: $25 Amazon gift card and ebooks of The Valley of Decision and The Sunrise Windows
– 2 print copies of The Valley of Decision (US only)
Follow the Tour:
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:
Katy Huth Jones
Title of book and/or series:
Leandra’s Enchanted Flute
Leandra’s Enchanted Flute
Brief summary of the story:
Fourteen-year-old Leandra is brought to a magical land by a talking Carolina wren named Songcatcher. He believes she can save them from a canker destroying the land, since she beat cancer and her flute has been transformed by the magic of Finian Jahndra.
Fourteen-year-old Leandra is brought to a magical land by a talking Carolina wren named Songcatcher. He believes she can save them from a canker destroying the land, since she beat cancer and her flute has been transformed by the magic of Finian Jahndra.
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:
Finian Jahndra is the magical heart of a distant world, bordered on three sides by ocean. The only land border is formed by mountains and a wide, swift river. Most of the inhabitants are sentient birds. For millennia they have remained isolated from humans except for a trusted few who help protect the realm from invasion.
Finian Jahndra is the magical heart of a distant world, bordered on three sides by ocean. The only land border is formed by mountains and a wide, swift river. Most of the inhabitants are sentient birds. For millennia they have remained isolated from humans except for a trusted few who help protect the realm from invasion.
If we were to visit Finian Jahndra as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?
Definitely begin in the Enchanted Forest, where you’ll find trees with bell-like leaves, flowers that smell like chocolate, and rainbow-colored birds who will sing along with you in a delightful chorus. Next visit the humans’ lovely castle made of stone, and if you have time, travel north to the eagles’ Aerie in the mountains. You may want to avoid the plains in the west; the ostriches are not very hospitable.
Definitely begin in the Enchanted Forest, where you’ll find trees with bell-like leaves, flowers that smell like chocolate, and rainbow-colored birds who will sing along with you in a delightful chorus. Next visit the humans’ lovely castle made of stone, and if you have time, travel north to the eagles’ Aerie in the mountains. You may want to avoid the plains in the west; the ostriches are not very hospitable.
What dangers should we avoid in Finian Jahndra?
Since only the great eagles are larger than their Earth counterparts, if you see anything else larger than usual, such as vultures, cockroaches, worms, etc., then RUN!
Since only the great eagles are larger than their Earth counterparts, if you see anything else larger than usual, such as vultures, cockroaches, worms, etc., then RUN!
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Finian Jahndra?
If you’re not partial to insects (live or cooked), there are starberries and graflax cakes available, which taste like honey granola.
If you’re not partial to insects (live or cooked), there are starberries and graflax cakes available, which taste like honey granola.
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Finian Jahndra?
The humans use bows and arrows, slings, and catapults as defensive weapons. The birds use beaks and talons to great advantage, especially when flying in formation or running, in the case of ostriches.
The humans use bows and arrows, slings, and catapults as defensive weapons. The birds use beaks and talons to great advantage, especially when flying in formation or running, in the case of ostriches.
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Finian Jahndra?
The only way to travel to Finian Jahndra from Earth is via a song discovered by Songcatcher the Carolina wren. Within Finian Jahndra one must walk, fly, or ride an obliging ostrich.
The only way to travel to Finian Jahndra from Earth is via a song discovered by Songcatcher the Carolina wren. Within Finian Jahndra one must walk, fly, or ride an obliging ostrich.
What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in Finian Jahndra that we don’t see on Earth?
The trees are sentient, even though their language is felt, not heard, so don’t even think about cutting firewood. The birds are also sentient, with some being more verbose than others. All species are similar to those on Earth with the exception of the great eagles.
The trees are sentient, even though their language is felt, not heard, so don’t even think about cutting firewood. The birds are also sentient, with some being more verbose than others. All species are similar to those on Earth with the exception of the great eagles.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Finian Jahndra? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.
The magic of Finian Jahndra emanates from the life force of the trees and birds, radiating out from the Enchanted Forest. As long as the balance of nature remains, so does the magic, extending long life to the birds. Allseer, for example, is over 2,000 years old. Since the humans are not indigenous to Finian Jahndra, their health is merely improved so most of them live a full 70 or 80 years, barring accidents.
The magic of Finian Jahndra emanates from the life force of the trees and birds, radiating out from the Enchanted Forest. As long as the balance of nature remains, so does the magic, extending long life to the birds. Allseer, for example, is over 2,000 years old. Since the humans are not indigenous to Finian Jahndra, their health is merely improved so most of them live a full 70 or 80 years, barring accidents.
Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in Finian Jahndra.
For most of the birds, music is the most important activity (after eating), and because of this the humans all learn to sing and/or play a musical instrument.
For most of the birds, music is the most important activity (after eating), and because of this the humans all learn to sing and/or play a musical instrument.
Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in Finian Jahndra as on Earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there?
The days are close to 24 hours, and a year is similar to ours, but the birds don’t reckon time as we do; because they live so long, only the four seasons of each year matter to them. The humans do celebrate birthdays as well as the anniversary of the king’s reign.
The days are close to 24 hours, and a year is similar to ours, but the birds don’t reckon time as we do; because they live so long, only the four seasons of each year matter to them. The humans do celebrate birthdays as well as the anniversary of the king’s reign.
What is the political or government structure in Finian Jahndra? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he?
There is always a bird who is Lord of the Enchanted Forest; in Leandra’s Enchanted Flute it is Allseer the wise owl. The humans have a king who consults with him. Currently on the throne is King Willow Bunting, but he is absent for most of LEF.
There is always a bird who is Lord of the Enchanted Forest; in Leandra’s Enchanted Flute it is Allseer the wise owl. The humans have a king who consults with him. Currently on the throne is King Willow Bunting, but he is absent for most of LEF.
Are there any other unique cultural practices that we should be aware of if we visit Finian Jahndra?
Never forget that the birds of Finian Jahndra feel themselves equal to or a little better than us humans, so we should never treat them like “wild animals.” After all, they were here first.
Never forget that the birds of Finian Jahndra feel themselves equal to or a little better than us humans, so we should never treat them like “wild animals.” After all, they were here first.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?
My three years living in Hawaii inspired the Enchanted Forest to be a colorful paradise.
My three years living in Hawaii inspired the Enchanted Forest to be a colorful paradise.
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?
Not sure if it’s “controversial” but some might be uncomfortable with a main character who has incurable cancer.
Not sure if it’s “controversial” but some might be uncomfortable with a main character who has incurable cancer.
Author Autobiography:
When not writing, Katy Huth Jones plays flute and piccolo with a regional symphony. She’s been a published author since 1992, mostly for children, and her favorite genres to write and read are fantasy and historical fiction. She and her husband Keith live in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, and their two sons, whom she homeschooled, have flown the nest. Like Leandra, Katy is a cancer survivor.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book(s)?
Right now Leandra’s Enchanted Flute and its sequel, Return to Finian Jahndra, are only available in digital format from Amazon.
Where can readers connect with you online?
www.katyhuthjones.blogspot.com, on Twitter @KatyHuthJones, or [email protected]
www.katyhuthjones.blogspot.com, on Twitter @KatyHuthJones, or [email protected]
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Finian Jahndra. Questions about the world or the series? 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 Caren in Realm Explorers Part III!
-Annie Douglass Lima
Are you an author who would like your world to appear on Realm Explorers? Click here to download the instructions and interview form, or email me at [email protected] for more information.
Prince of Malorn, the third book in my Annals of Alasia trilogy, is now available!
About the Book:
One major obstacle stands between seventeen-year-old Prince Korram and the throne that is his birthright: Regent Rampus. Temporary ruler of Malorn, Rampus has no intention of giving up his position when the crown prince comes of age – or of allowing the prince to live long enough to reach that age.
Desperate to build an army of his own to stand against the regent, Korram treks into the Impassable Mountains to try to recruit the one segment of Malornian society not under Rampus’s control. But can he lead a band of untrained hunters and gatherers to victory against the full might of the Malornian military? Or will they all be crushed by the grasping hand of the regent before the prince can claim his rightful throne?
Q: What makes this trilogy unique?
A: The books don’t take place one after the other; instead, their time frames overlap. They each describe the same major political event: the invasion of the kingdom of Alasia by the neighboring kingdom of Malorn. Prince of Alasiabegins on the night of the Invasion and describes what happens to twelve-year-old Prince Jaymin after he is forced to flee for his life. In the Enemy’s Service tells the story of those who were not able to escape from the Alasian palace when the enemy invaded. Prince of Malorn begins several months earlier and focuses on the Malornian perspective of the events leading up to the Invasion. In each of the books, main characters from the others make brief appearances and interact with each other at the point where the time frames and settings overlap.
Q: Do you recommend that readers start with your first two books before reading Prince of Malorn?
A: Not necessarily. The books can be read in any order, and each one can stand on its own. But each of the three fills in gaps in the others’ stories, and their different perspectives on the same events and characters will make for a richer reading experience overall.
Q: Will there be more books in the Annals of Alasia?
A: Definitely! I’m nearly done with the fourth book, tentatively titled King of Malorn. It takes place five years later and brings together the main characters from all three books in the original trilogy. There may eventually be other books in the series too; I have lots of ideas!
Q: Do you recommend that readers start with your first two books before reading Prince of Malorn?
A: Not necessarily. The books can be read in any order, and each one can stand on its own. But each of the three fills in gaps in the others’ stories, and their different perspectives on the same events and characters will make for a richer reading experience overall.
Q: Will there be more books in the Annals of Alasia?
A: Definitely! I’m nearly done with the fourth book, tentatively titled King of Malorn. It takes place five years later and brings together the main characters from all three books in the original trilogy. There may eventually be other books in the series too; I have lots of ideas!
About the Author
Annie Douglass Lima considers herself fortunate to have traveled in twenty different countries and lived in four of them. A fifth-grade teacher in her “other” life, she loves reading to her students and sparking their imaginations. Her books include science fiction, fantasy, YA action and adventure novels, a puppet script, anthologies of her students’ poetry, and Bible verse coloring and activity books. When she isn’t teaching or writing, Annie can often be found sipping spiced chai or pomegranate green tea in exotic locations, some of which exist in this world.
Connect with Annie Douglass Lima:
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We’re celebrating the release of Michelle Diener’s second fairy tale retelling:
The Golden Apple
An Adult Fantasy Romance based loosely on the Princess on the Glass Hill
The Golden Apple
An Adult Fantasy Romance based loosely on the Princess on the Glass Hill
The Golden Appleby Michelle Diener
Adult Fantasy/SciFi
March 24, 2014
Kayla’s world has been turned upside-down…
Her father has made her the prize in a deadly, impossible tournament, and Kayla has retaliated in the only way she knows how; by choosing her champion beforehand. But taking control of the outcome changes the game completely, and when the real reason behind the strange test becomes apparent, Kayla realizes not just her life, but her entire kingdom is at stake.
Rane’s honor is torn in two…
In order to save his brother, Rane will do whatever he has to–including deceive and betray a princess. He knew nothing about this tournament would be easy, but when it turns into a deeper, far more sinister game, Rane is forced to see it through to the end, or leave his brother at the mercy of their enemy.
Now their fates are entwined, and they must venture into the deep, dark forest together…
Kayla and Rane are bound to one another by an enchantment and Kayla’s actions. But the sorcerer forcing them to do his will may have miscalculated, because no-one comes out of the Great Forest unchanged. No-one.
The inspiration for The Golden Apple
The Golden Apple is loosely based on the Norwegian fairy tale The Princess on the Glass Hill. The original tale is more about the hero than the heroine, and it is a very straightforward quest story, with the hero becoming more and more accomplished, until at last he succeeds against the odds. But there were a few things in this fairy tale that stood out for me and made me take notice. The first is the very unusual situation of the king holding a contest for his daughter’s hand by putting her on top of a glass hill with a golden apple in her lap. Knights from all over are invited to race a horse up the smooth glass sides of the mountain and the one who can pluck the golden apple from the princess’s lap wins her hand and is heir to the kingdom. As usual in fairy tales, there is no explanation as to how the king came by a glass mountain, but I wondered where he got it, and that sparked the starting point of the story. It is really the inciting incident that starts the story off, rather than the focus of the story, as it was in the fairy tale.
Secondly, the crux of the tale, for me, is that the hero cannot win the princess’s hand without help from the princess herself. That part of the original tale is one or two lines long, but for me, it’s fascinating. The feminine power determining and choosing which masculine power will prevail. This really made me interested, because the princess doesn’t just sit there and take whoever it is manages to accomplish the (impossible) task set by her father, but actively chooses who it is she wants to win and helps them. I wanted to write a story about the consequences of her taking that power and using it and The Golden Apple was the result — far, far more heroine-centric than the original, and I really had fun with it.
– Michelle Diener
LAST CALL FOR REVIEWERS!
Are you interested in fantasy romance?
Do you love fairy tale retellings?
Have you read Michelle Diener and enjoyed her work in the past?
Do you love fairy tale retellings?
Have you read Michelle Diener and enjoyed her work in the past?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you can request a review copy of The Golden Apple! The Golden Apple is up for review by invitation only on NetGalley. Reviewers with book review sites can apply for a limited number of pre-approved copies. Book reviewers who post their review on their review site, Amazon, and Goodreads can enter a Rafflecopter draw to win one of ten copies of any Michelle Diener book of their choice, or a $10 Amazon gift card. (Instructions in sign-up form.)
Sign up HERE!
Michelle Diener writes historical fiction. Her Susanna Horenbout & John Parker series, set in the court of Henry VIII, includes In a Treacherous Court, Keeper of the King’s Secrets and In Defense of the Queen.
Michelle’s other historical novels include Daughter of the Sky, The Emperor’s Conspiracy and Banquet of Lies (loosely connected to The Emperor’s Conspiracy).
Michelle’s first fantasy novel, Mistress of the Wind, is set for a December 23, 2013, release.
Michelle was born in London, grew up in South Africa and currently lives in Australia with her husband and two children.
Blitz-Wide Giveaways:
1 – Enter to WIN one of ten ebooks of The Golden Apple.
– March 30 – April 7.
See Rafflecopter for restrictions.
2 – For book bloggers: Review The Golden Apple by April 1, 2014 and enter to WIN one of 10 prizes:
– Choose any one of Michelle Diener’s books or $10 Gift Card!
