Realm Explorers Archives - Page 4 of 18 - Annie Douglass Lima : Annie Douglass Lima

Welcome to Realm Explorers! In this weekly series, we visit a variety of unique worlds created by talented science fiction and fantasy authors. Enjoy your travels! And don’t forget to read to the bottom of the post to find out more about each author and see how to purchase the featured book.

Author’s name:

D.R. Grady

Title of book and/or series:

Seeking: Warrior King

Brief summary of the story:

With her beloved mother dying, Crown Princess Raene of Montequirst must prepare to be queen and choose a husband within hours of the death. By law, he must be the greatest warrior in the land. The only man who fits that description, who she can tolerate, is her friend and mentor, Vidar the Loyal. He’s a member of the elite Aasguard warriors, who have never married in their centuries of existence.

While the mightiest men of the nation circle Raene in an attempt to boost their own rank and wealth, a neighboring country is also making plans against Montequirst. With the aid of his clumsy dragon companion, Vidar has been teaching Raene to wield her legendary sword in order to defend her throne. Meanwhile, they’re both battling an attraction neither understands.

Can they possibly break the age-old traditions that bind them and choose their heart’s desire?

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

Montequirst is a prosperous, busy country. The homes are well cared for and the crops plentiful. Their animals are considered among the finest in the surrounding regions.

A queendom—Montequirst has been run by a queen for the last five hundred years. Queen Margina, Raene’s mother, dies and leaves the throne to her beloved daughter, Raene.

The men of Montequirst use swords and canons to defend themselves. Sword fighting, and being a warrior, is the best profession for a male, although there are other options. If the nation is wealthy enough, it might also have an Aasguard warrior and dragon to guard the treasury, which Montequirst does.

Aasguard warriors, such as Vidar the Loyal, are no longer human, but are a more advanced version. For instance, they can withstand dragonfyre. While not immortal, they are difficult to kill. If they are fortunate enough to have a dragon companion, the long years aren’t so lonely.

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

The farmers markets would offer an array of fruits and vegetables, and fine wares. And now that spring is upon them, even more so. If you’re fortunate enough, you might be invited to one of the many manor homes for a meal and perhaps a gathering.

What dangers should we avoid in Montequirst?

Don’t run afoul of Aern, the castle dragon. He contains plenty of dragonfyre.

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

Again, swords are prevalent. Hand-to-hand combat skills are a necessity, and if you achieve the proper rank, you might be trained to blast a canon. (Be aware, only males are always trained in swords and self-defense. A ridiculous notion Raene chaffs against.)

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

Horses are prevalent for one person. But for multiple people and to convey wares, they use cream colored transports, hulled out cocol pods, which are round and after being outfitted with seating and wheels, make a comfortable mode of transportation. The original fruit is used in the making of many products in Montequirst.

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

Handheld crystals, after some wizardry, have the capability of texting one another, keeping track of appointments and tasks, and the like. Whether these simple crystals are magic or technology is up for debate.

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

Montequirst is much like Earth in the weeks and months. They do enjoy four seasons.

As for holidays, the day Raene’s mother, the Queen of Montequirst, dies will be known as Accession Day. Also, a celebration every year will mark Raene’s wedding—an indication of their continued prosperity.

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

Montequirst is again, a queendom. Raene’s mother ruled before her, and upon Queen Margina’s death, Raene rules. Her husband, who is made a king upon their marriage, protects her and oversees their vast military. He aids her should she need it, but Raene has been learning the queen’s duties since birth. Her choices—such as the warrior she chooses to wed—will determine whether the nation’s current prosperity continues, or not.

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

Besides the antiquated practice that upon her mother’s death, Raene is therefore forced to name her husband? Yes, and she has a few pithy things to say about this barbaric practice as well as the lack of sword and self-defense training for all females.

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

A battery ad, and then a dream, inspired this first story in the series. Book two is entitled Seeking: Maiden Queen. Book two takes up where book one left off with two characters we meet in book one.

Author Autobiography:

-Clean, heartwarming stories, every time.-

D.R. Grady is the author of over twenty clean, heartwarming romance novels. She lives with her husband near Hershey, PA and adores chocolate, laughing, collecting bags, books, and shoes. Oh, and writing clean stories that resonate with others.

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

You can purchase Seeking: Warrior King at the following retailers:

Amazon

Google Play (epub)

Smashwords (multiple formats)

Barnes and Noble

The paper book is coming…

Where can readers connect with you online?

Website: drgradyboooks.com

Amazon Author page

Twitter: @drgradybooks

Facebook Page

Instagram

Google+

I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Montequirst. 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

Author’s name: Annie Douglass Lima

Title of book and/or series: The Nameless Soldier (book 4 in the Annals of Alasia)
Other books in the series:
Prince of Alasia
In the Enemy’s Service
Prince of Malorn

Brief summary of the story:

What do you do when you’re the only survivor?

Nineteen-year-old Tarvic bears the name of a mighty hero from Alasia’s past. However, the young soldier feels anything but heroic when he regains consciousness to find himself the lone survivor of a brutal attack by invaders from the neighboring kingdom.

Forced to leave his identity behind, Tarvic is thrust into civilian life in the role of protector to three war orphans. When the four of them encounter a mysterious stranger, he must choose between keeping the young girls safe and taking on a mission that could help free his kingdom. Can Tarvic live up to his noble name and find a way to balance his duty and his dreams?

The Nameless Soldier is the fourth book in the Annals of Alasia, but the series can be read in any order, and each book can stand on its own.

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

Alasia has long been a peaceful kingdom, with only occasional minor border skirmishes with neighboring Malorn. There hasn’t been an actual war in six generations … until recently when the Malornians attacked, invading suddenly with no apparent provocation.

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

Alasia is a peninsula, with hundreds of miles of beautiful coastline. It’s winter now, so not an ideal time for swimming or sunbathing, but the scenery would still make for a gorgeous stroll along the water in many areas.

Ordinarily, I would suggest visiting the king’s palace in the capital city of Almar, if you can manage to get an invitation. But the palace has been taken over by Malornians and turned into their headquarters, so it would be best to stay away.

For a taste of local culture, try visiting one of the large markets, where vendors sell everything from fresh baked pastries to leather goods to homemade cheese. There are taverns and restaurants where you can stop for a drink or a meal, but you’ll want to be careful. Malornian soldiers frequent many of them, and some go around looking for trouble.

What dangers should we avoid in Malornian-occupied Alasia?

Try to stay away from Malornian soldiers if you can. Lately they have been pillaging crops and livestock from farming communities. After one very close call at the farm where he’s staying, Tarvic finds a creative and unusual way to make sure anyone else who passes that way won’t steal from them. The soldiers also sometimes harrass civilians in the cities, so it’s best to give them a wide berth and not make eye contact as you pass. If you travel into or out of Almar, the capital, you can expect to be stopped at one of the roadblocks. If you cooperate, chances are you won’t be harmed, but they’ll want to search your cart or wagon. (Rumor has it they’re looking for someone ….)

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

That depends on your budget or whom you’re visiting. Tarvic and the three girls he ends up helping don’t have money to spare, though they have access to milk and butter thanks to the family’s cows. Their meals tend to consist of watered-down soup or thin slices of bread with plenty of butter and tall glasses of milk. However, if you can afford to eat at a restaurant, you could dine on roast beef and other hearty fare.

What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Malornian-Occupied Alasia?

The Malornian soldiers carry swords around with them, but they don’t allow Alasians to bear arms in the city. If you arrive with a weapon, you can expect to have it confiscated as you enter town. Tarvic is a trained hunter and makes good use of the sturdy bow and arrows that once belonged to the girls’ father. Later he seizes the opportunity to use them for more than just hunting ….

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

Most people ride on horseback or in a cart or wagon if they have one. At one point Tarvic and the girls are forced to make a journey on foot, bringing supplies along in a wheelbarrow.

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

Like most Alasian soldiers, Tarvic enjoys card games, though he learned his lesson about playing for money when he lost two days’ pay to a man in his company named Dannel. He was surprised to learn that the girls under his care know most of the same card games he does, and the four of them often play in the evenings. The youngest girl, Sennie, doesn’t have much concept of strategy and needs lots of help from her sisters, but the four of them have a good time together just the same.

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

Officially, Malorn is ruled by the teenage Prince Korram (his father King Kerman died a few years ago). Young Korram is technically now the ruler of Alasia as well. However, since Korram is not yet eighteen, a regent named Rampus assists him in the rule of both kingdoms. Partway through the story, Rampus moves to Alasia to oversee his – er, Korram’s – new conquest.

Author Autobiography:

Annie Douglass Lima spent most of her childhood in Kenya and later graduated from Biola University in Southern California. She and her husband Floyd currently live in Taiwan, where she teaches fifth grade at Morrison Academy. She has been writing poetry, short stories, and novels since her childhood, and to date has published seventeen books (four YA action and adventure novels, five fantasies, a puppet script, six anthologies of her students’ poetry, and a Bible verse coloring and activity book). Besides writing, her hobbies include reading (especially fantasy and science fiction), scrapbooking, and international travel.

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

Click on the following links to see or purchase the books on Amazon:

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The Nameless Soldier
Prince of Alasia
In the Enemy’s Service
Prince of Malorn
Annals of Alasia: The Collected Interviews (not available for purchase, but click on the link to tell me your email address and I’ll send you a free copy!)

Where can readers connect with you online?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnieDouglassLimaAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/princeofalasia

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/ADLimaOnGoodreads

Google+: http://bit.ly/ADLimaOnGooglePlus

Amazon Author Page: http://bit.ly/AnnieDouglassLimaOnAmazon

LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/ADLimaOnLinkedIn

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/AnnieDouglassLima

Bloglovin: https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/letters-from-annie-douglass-lima-6275229

Sign up for my email list to find out when I release a new book (and receive a free copy of Annals of Alasia: The Collected Interviews): http://bit.ly/LimaUpdates

I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Malornian-occupied Alasia. 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

Author’s name:

Olivia Lynn Jarmusch

Title of book and/or series:

The Tales of Tarsurella #1: The Coronation, The Tales of Tarsurella #2: The Rebellion

Brief summary of the story:

Something is brewing. Like the far-off rumble of a train in the distance, a rebellion is stirring. A cry for change arises in the midst of a traditional monarchy, where King Addison has inherited the throne. Who are the underground troublemakers? What is stirring their defiant banner and demand for change? Find out in The Rebellion! (The Tales of Tarsurella #2)

Vanessa Bennett lands her dream job working at the Palace in Tarsurella. She struggles to balance everything on her plate: life in a new country, stressful deadlines, crabby co-workers, college classes at the local University, and blossoming feelings of romantic adoration toward her boss–King Addison. Keeping up with her To-Do list, while trying to earn respect in Addison’s male-dominated administration, presents its challenges. Nevertheless, she can’t help but fight a reoccurring thought and the excitement rising with it: is Addison interested in her?

Addison is adjusting to his new role as King. Rumors of a rebellious uprising among the youth in Tarsurella intensifies, as acts of violence and protest break out across the city. Addison is determined to uncover the hidden instigator who fearlessly blogs democracy-driven ideals with a secretive pen name. Will Addison discover and expose the fiery rebellion leader? Or will his efforts fail to stop the rebellious thoughts spreading like wildfire, causing a heartbreaking rift in his divided nation?

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

The tiny nation of Tarsurella is located in modern day Europe, between France and England.

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

The crowning jewel of Tarsurella is most certainly the Palace of Tarsurella. Tourists flock from all over the world to visit the ancient Palace, which is listed as one of the Top 25 Must See Palaces in Europe. The capital city is totally adorable as well, and has tailored their downtown area to appease to tourists. Tourism is what keeps this tiny little nation afloat, so a vast majority of jobs within Tarsurella are connected to the tourist industry. Main Street offers classic carriage rides and is speckled with gift shops and restaurants on every corner. The historic downtown area strives to keep some of the charm of their early years, so you can find employees dressed in vintage paper boy outfits and women in fanciful hoop skirts, entertaining the crowds. Ice-cream and fudge are a huge tourist fave! Eating at The Royal Restaurant is a must, as well as strolling through the Queen’s Gardens. Especially in the springtime, when everything is in bloom, and there’s a lively little flower festival! Tarsurella has a lot to offer to Tourists, so I hope you’ll come take a trip!

What dangers should we avoid in Tarsurella?

Tarsurella has always been a safe, friendly, welcoming country. But political unrest is stirring, and has resulted in recent riots and protests in the streets. It’s a tough time for the nation. I’d hate to say, “Don’t come to Tarusrella, because you never know what might happen on the streets”, but honestly, things have been very rocky. So please still come visit, but just stay aware of your surroundings, and pray for the peace of this country!

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

Sea food is pretty big in Tarsurella, as it is in many parts of the Europe, but Clark Myers, the head cook at the Royal Restaurant, is famous for his seafood dishes. Many travel to this country just so they can get a taste of Clark’s food! One of his most popular dishes is a Sea Food Melody, with oyster, crab, sushi and clam sea-weed wraps, dipped in a sweet tangerine sauce. Foodies pretty much freak out after their first bite. Tarsurella is also known for their fried baby octopus.

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

One of Tarsurella’s biggest sports and favorite pastimes is horse racing. The Bellington Derby is one of the largest races in Tarsurella, where families gather to watch their favorite thoroughbreds thunder down the track and compete for a large monetary sum. Horse racing, often referred to as “The Sport of Kings”, has a very rich history in Tarsurella.

What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly in Tarsurella?

Tarsurella celebrates most all of the same holidays we do here in the States. Founders Day – often jokingly referred to as Orange Throwing Day, is a traditional celebration of Tarsurella history. The holiday is very similar to the Fourth of July, with extravagant picnics, fireworks, and sparklers. The Orange Throwing competition is a comical tradition that some have abandoned, but many locals still get a kick out of it.

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

Tarsurella is a traditional monarchy. Prince Addison has recently inherited the throne from his father, and he now reigns as King. Many within Tarsurella believe the King shouldn’t have absolute power, and the y desire to see a constitutional monarchy established, which means all political decisions would be handled by a new government, and parliament. Though parliament is actively involved with voting on decisions made within the country, many citizens would still like to see Tarsurella shift into a more traditional, democratic form of government.

In my personal opinion, I think Addison is doing a fantastic job running the country, but I can see how his traditional Christian values might feel like too much like a controlling theocracy for this progressive generation. I guess the best way to tell how Addison is truly doing with his role, is to come visit Tarsruella and find out!

Author Autobiography:

I’m a twenty-something author, singer, and songwriter. I enjoy crafting YA fiction that is pure, lovely, inspirational, and of course, entertaining! When I’m not writing, you can usually find me playing guitar, blogging, drinking peppermint tea, connecting with new friends, planning my next trip to Disney, or pinning images of Europe and Golden Retriever Puppies.

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

You can come to www.livylynnblog.com or find all my titles on Amazon, both in paperback and on Amazon Kindle.

I recommend starting with The Coronation https://www.amazon.com/Coronation-Tales-Tarsurella-1/dp/1547070854/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1525457079&sr=8-1&keywords=the+coronation+olivia+jarmusch then you’ll be ready for The Rebellion on May 8^th!

Where can readers connect with you online?

I’m pretty much everywhere, haha!

Blog – www.livylynnblog.com

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/livylynnlibrary/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/livylynnglittergirl/

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/user/LivyJarmusch

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Twitter – https://twitter.com/livylynnmusic

I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Tarsurella. 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

Author’s name: Juli D. Revezzo

Title of book and/or series: Frigga’s Lost Army

Brief summary of the story:

An Army cook is taken prisoner in the second world war, only to find a divine benefactor he never thought to encounter.

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

Frigga’s Lost Army takes place mainly in and around a POW camp in Naples, Italy after the Battle of Tunisia that happened in 1942. Though this is an “alternate Italy”, so to speak, tried to create the look and feel of the Naples area as much as I could. Some parts of the story also take place in Frigga’s castle, Fensalir, and that was easier to play with. So Ben (the main character) shifts between the world of WWII to the more Medieval-type world of her castle of Fensalir when she summons him.

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

I would look for the cats. Frigga’s cats can be very helpful and generous. Also, she has this magical music room you won’t want to miss. J Oh! And if you head down to Ben’s pow camp in Naples, Italy, check out the umbrella trees (a.k.a. stone pines). Weird, fascinating things. They really do resemble umbrellas! Man are they cool.

What dangers should we avoid in Fensalir and Ben’s real world?

In Frigga’s world, the forest leading up to Fensalir can be tricky to navigate. Also, back in the “real world” Ben is under the thumb of the Fascist army so, yeah, with them, you’d want to be careful what you say and do around them. You (or he, rather) wouldn’t want to anger them, when they’re basically holding the power of life and death over him.

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

Being as Benjamin’s “real life” takes place in Italy, and he’s the platoon cook, he’s become very proficient at all types of Italian food. In Frigga’s world, she shows him how to make big fat cheeseburgers that are to die for. Definitely, we’d want to try those out. J

What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common here?

Being in the Army, Benjamin was taught to handle an M1 machine gun, but… throughout his captivity, he’s denied that. Until he meets a guard (who, like him, has ties to Frigga) who teaches him a little more about hand-to-hand and fighting with any available weapon. I have a brother who teaches Self-defense so referred to him when necessary.

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

Oh, well, in Italy, it’s the usual Jeeps and transport trucks. Ben gets around Fensalir by good old foot power. As for animals, Frigga’s cats are able to help him hide things when necessary, and can fetch and deliver, more than your average cat will. 😉

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

Oh, let’s see…Even though we’re on Earth, here in Italy, there are Frigga’s cats, which as I’ve said can cross the realms easily enough at her behest. They also pull her chariot in battle. She also has Valkyries and berserkers in her army and a few assorted other mythical creatures.

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

Huge. While Frigga can’t do everything here, like free Ben and his friends, she sends her cats, like I said, to our realm to assist him, and she uses her to ease Ben’s pain, when it’s necessary. She also amasses an army when it’s necessary.

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

Not specifically, but 1942-43 was the first use of Sherman tanks in battle. And Ben and his comrades in the POW camp fashion stoves and working radios out bits and pieces, (that’s actual period; POW’s in WW2, did just that.)

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

One of Ben’s colleagues in the camp builds a radio out of scraps that they listen to to keep informed and pass the time.

Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in alternate Italy as in our world? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there?

The same. M-F, Easter, July 4^th, Christmas, etc.

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

For the most part, the usual you’d find in our world. With a touch of paganism.

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

Mussolini and the Fascists, oh, boy (Which, though this is an alternate version of Italian/world history, he/they really were in charge during the time period). Whole books have been written about them! They took over after World War I and Mussolini decided he was going to restore the glory of Ancient Rome. Unfortunately, a lot of young men followed his beliefs, right into war. *grumble* Luckily, they ended up coming to their senses, and dispatching Mussolini.

Are there any other unique cultural practices that we should be aware of if we visit Ben’s world?

For the most part, the Italians are Catholic, but… The guard I mentioned above who befriends Ben shows him that one local church is a portal into Valhalla.

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

My family is from Naples, Italy, originally, the same city-state the book takes place in. So when I saw that one of the prison camps was built there, I couldn’t resist setting Frigga’s Lost Army in Naples. I also had two grandfathers and a grandmother (a nurse) involved with the Army and Navy in WWII.

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

*thinks* Outside maybe the treatment of POW’s at the time, or how the Italians felt about Mussolini, I don’t think there are many.

Author Autobiography:

Juli D. Revezzo loves fantasy and Celtic mythology and writing stories with all kinds of fantastical elements. She is the author of the Antique Magic series and the Paranormal Romance Celtic Stewards Chronicles series, historical fantasy Frigga’s Lost Army, as well as the Victorian romances House of Dark Envy and Watchmaker’s Heart, the Gothic fantasy romance, Lady of the Tarot, and more. She is also a member of the Independent Author Network and the Magic Appreciation Tour.

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

Frigga’s Lost Army is available in Kindle book and paperback from Amazon: http://hyperurl.co/kdw1h1

Where can readers connect with you online?

My Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Juli-D.-Revezzo/e/B008AHVTLO

My audiobooks (I have a few) are at: http://www.audible.com/search/ref=a_offers_30_tseft__galileo?advsearchKeywords=Juli+D.+Revezzo&x=0&y=0%22

Website: https://www.julidrevezzo.com/

Blog: http://julismapsroom.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julidrevezzo

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35701916-frigga-s-lost-army

Twitter: https://twitter.com/julidrevezzo

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julidrevezzo/

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/julidrevezzo

and they can join my newsletter here: http://bit.ly/SNI5K6

I hope you all enjoyed the trip to alternate Italy. 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

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Author’s name: Blake Bisciotti

Title of book and/or series: Kingdom Come – (Price of Power, Book 1)

Brief summary of the story: When an unlikely mix of races joins together to create a thriving civilization, the nations of southern Herridon find that the peace they had known for over a hundred years is suddenly in jeopardy. For some, the thralls of war might create opportunity, but for others it could lead to a precipitous fall from power. The winds of change are passing through the lands giving way to heroic acts of valor and honor, but also to plots of deceit and destruction.

The three cities by the South Sea are in the middle of the fray, which leads a bold Captain, Victus Antonel, to take matters into his own hands. He raises an army with the intentions of eradicating the threat posed by the upstart nation. With the help of an unscrupulous ally, the Captain and the cities are immersed into the chaos of war and the enemy may not be quite what, or who, it had seemed to be.

Life for all who reside in southern Herridon will be forever changed; however whether it will be for better or for worse hangs in the balance.

Brief description of the world or location you created for this story: Herridon lies on a large continent surrounded by small islands in some places. The terrain varies depending on location. There are mountain ranges, forests, plains, hills, swamps, and small deserts. There are long plains that stretch across the southern central region of Herridon like a belt on the land. Kingdom Come takes place below the plains.

If we were to visit Herridon as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there? North of the vast plains you would find the expansive Sadic empire which is a civilization of developed cities and societies; however the story of Kingdom Come takes place south of the plains. Here you would want to visit the three cities by the South Sea. Each has an illustrious harbor and commercial zone, which include pubs and markets. North of the cities, you could always visit the home of the industrious dwarves burrowed in the large mountain range called the Singrin Peaks. If you were really adventurous, you could explore Lirrowick forest, home to the uncanny elves of whom little is known.

What dangers should we avoid in Herridon? The primary danger you would encounter would be wandering tribes of orcs or goblins, although human highwaymen can be equally as dangerous. There used to be more small tribes wandering the lands in southern Herridon however, as you find out early in Kingdom Come, they seem to have come together to try and foster a more prosperous life while gaining the benefits and strengths of numbers.

Whatever you do, avoid the mountains in the west by the Salty Sea, its not a safe place, the inhabitants are volatile and dangerous.

Another danger would be getting involved with the Crimson Fox. The Crimson Fox is a shady underground guild that is present in all three cities by the South Sea. They deal in many of the sinful pleasures of southern Herridon including prostitution, dangerous substances and…magic. Getting too involved with this dubious group often ends in peril.

Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Herridon? The cuisine is quite diverse. The cities by the South Sea are all coastal so there is quite a bit of seafood; however they do well cultivating the land as well. Hunting is probably best in the planes, but the barbarians that inhabit the area have control there.

What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Herridon? In the cities by the South Sea you would mostly see swords, knives and bow and arrow; however there certainly are other weapons such as maces, axes, war hammers, spears etc. Certain religious orders are forbidden to use bladed or sharpened weapons due to ancient edicts. For the dwarves axes and war hammers reign supreme. They also use crossbows. The weapons of orcs and goblins vary as well, however they are often poorly made and crude.

The rare ogres and rarer giants prefer clubs and axes…massive clubs and axes of course.

What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Herridon? Typically travel is done on foot or horseback. Horses can draw carriages as well.

What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in Herridon that we don’t see on Earth? As mentioned, there are various races other than humans such as: dwarves, elves, orcs, goblins, ogres, and giants. The animals and plants are rather similar to Earth. There could be, however, more interesting and unique life forms deeper into the mountains or within the expanses of Lirrowick forest.

What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Herridon? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used. There is indeed magic in Herridon, however far less prevalent and powerful than it was in eras past. There are two types of magic: divine and arcane. Divine magic is granted by various gods by way of their followers. Arcane magic is a mysterious force that has almost gone extinct due to its abuses by men. There does remain a group, an unscrupulous guild called the Crimson Fox, that can still harness its powers.

Is there any advanced or unusual technology in Herridon? If you haven’t described it already, please give some examples. No, but the dwarves are known to use their subterranean furnaces to create very sought after goods. They are also great engineers.

Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in Herridon. There are board games and dice games. Also, there are team activity games played with balls.

Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in Herridon as on Earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there? The weeks are about the same (7 days) as well as months. It is all driven off of seasons. There are various holidays that come from the various gods. Zentiog, The Day of Life, is one that is specifically mentioned in Kingdom Come. It is a holiday of the sun god although it is observed by the followers of many gods in a week long celebration.

Is there a particular religion practiced in Herridon? Please describe what it involves. As mentioned, there are various religions that follow a diverse group of gods. This includes, for example, Phelios god of the sun, Tuemis god of hearth and home, Aya goddess of air, Ramdeen dwarven god of the mountains, Zatelboz orcish god of the moon.

What is the political or government structure in Herridon? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she? The three cities by the South Sea are run by governing councils as has been the way since the cities were founded. It is rather well known that the councils are corrupt and act in their own interest, much to the dismay of the common people, however they have always been often too afraid or complacent to push for change, but perhaps that will change…

The dwarves are run by their clans, who come together in a council.

Faletonia, the collective civilization of orcs, goblins, ogres, giants and some humans, is run by a council with representatives of each race

Are there any other unique cultural practices that we should be aware of if we visit Herridon? Each of the three cities has slightly different culture, but are typically the same. The culture of the dwarves is significantly different though. One can only guess that the elves have a strange culture themselves. The cultures of the mixed races in Faletonia will have to figure out how they will mix together.

Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book? No, just my love of fantasy.

What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book? Although not directly intentional, there could be some underlying geopolitical tones derived in this series.

Author Autobiography: I grew up in New Jersey and live in Brooklyn with my wife and kids.

Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book? My book is available in soft cover and kindle, both on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1974587886/

I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Herridon. 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

Author’s name: Annie Douglass Lima

Title of book and/or series: The Student and the Slave (Book 3 in the Krillonian Chronicles)
Also:
Book 1: The Collar and the Cavvarach
Book 2: The Gladiator and the Guard

Brief summary of the story:

Is this what freedom is supposed to be like? Desperate to provide for himself and his sister Ellie, Bensin searches fruitlessly for work like all the other former slaves in Tarnestra. He needs the money for an even more important purpose, though: to rescue Coach Steene, who sacrificed himself for Bensin’s freedom. When members of two rival street gangs express interest in Bensin’s martial arts skills, he realizes he may have a chance to save his father figure after all … at a cost.

Meanwhile, Steene struggles with his new life of slavery in far-away Neliria. Raymond, his young owner, seizes any opportunity to make his life miserable. But while Steene longs to escape and rejoin Bensin and Ellie, he starts to realize that Raymond needs him too. His choices will affect not only his own future, but that of everyone he cares about. Can he make the right ones … and live with the consequences?

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

The story takes place in the Krillonian Empire, which is in a world whose culture and technology are almost exactly like our own in most ways. The main difference is that slavery is legal there. (To learn more about the Krillonian Empire, click here.) In today’s post, however, we will focus on life in the province of Tarnestra (also called Tarnestran Province). Tarnestra is unique in that it recently became the first province in the empire to outlaw slavery. As you can imagine, this history-making event sparked hope in the hearts of slaves throughout the empire, and for many, dreams of escape suddenly became a real possibility. As a result, in addition to freeing all its local slaves, Tarnestra has recently seen an influx of escaped slaves from Imperia and other provinces. These changes have had unfortunate effects on the economy, since many businesses cannot afford to hire as many employees and have had to shut down or cut way back. (The accepted salary for enslaved workers – paid to their owners, of course – is two-thirds what free workers earn.) Tarnestra is now dealing with huge numbers of unemployed and homeless people.

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

Snow sports are popular. Tarnestra’s Rurionis Range has several mountains high enough to have snow at the top all year round, and it’s a common destination for anyone who likes skiing, snowboarding, or sledding.

What dangers should we avoid in Tarnestra?

Because of the high homeless population and the fact that so many people are unemployed, there’s been an increase in crime recently. In addition, you’ll want to watch out for the street gangs, especially if you go out alone at night. Rumor has it that at least one of the gangs has even been involved in kidnapping people to sell them as slaves in other provinces where slavery is still legal.

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

Since it’s by the ocean, seafood is popular. A dish containing cheese dumplings with mushroom gravy is considered a delicacy. Most foods in Tarnestra are very similar to what you might eat on Earth.

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

Tarnestra is not known for its martial arts. Street gangs battle with knives, clubs, and the occasional gun (though firearms are not as easy to obtain there as in some other parts of the Krillonian Empire). One gang, the Corner Creepers, have designed a weapon known as a bladeclub, which involves a short bat spring-loaded with a knife blade. Meanwhile, Bensin misses the cavvarach he had to leave behind: a sword-like weapon with a hook about halfway down the blade.

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

Cars and trucks are the norm in the city. Many people who live on the coast own boats of various kind. People travel to Tarnestra from other parts of the empire by airplane or boat.

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

As in the rest of the Krillonian Empire, the calendar is the same as Earth’s. Some holidays are different or are given more importance, however. New Year is the most important day of the year, and is celebrated similarly to Christmas on Earth, with decorations, gift giving, music, and feasts with family and friends.

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

An emperor, who is never named, governs the whole Krillonian Empire from the capital city, Krillonia, on the continent known as Imperia. Tarnestra is one of eight separate provinces on nearby continents. Like the others, Tarnestra is allowed to elect its own legislature and decide on many of its own laws, but the emperor reserves the right to veto any of them and make changes as he sees fit.

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

Some Tarnestrans consider it stylish to wear silver in their hair. (Most Tarnestrans have blond or brown hair.) It’s not uncommon to see men, especially, in dreadlocks entwined with silver wires, or braids with silver beads on the end. If you choose to follow this particular custom, though, beware: a dangerous gang known as the Silverheads is famous for doing this, and it’s possible you’ll be mistaken for a gang member, especially if you have a burly build and go out at night with a weapon. If you happen to meet any of the Corner Creepers, their rivals, watch out!

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

I borrowed a few details from places I’ve been. For example, the Corner Creepers’ bladeclubs are made from rounders bats, which are about half the length of baseball bats. Rounders is a sport similar to baseball that is played in Kenya, where I grew up. And the character Boris has a bad habit of chewing betel nut, a mild narcotic that is common in Taiwan, where I live now. (It’s legal in Taiwan, but not in Tarnestra!)

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

Is it better to live as a slave or to be homeless, unemployed, and starving? Is it okay to participate in activities you know are illegal or unethical in order to bring about good for someone else? What do you do when you are forced to make the choice between being there for two separate sets of people who both need you in their lives? Can someone be justified in making a promise they know they will break to a person who trusts them if that’s the only way to help someone else? Is it a good thing to have ended slavery when the results are mass unemployment, a huge rise in homelessness, and the economy taking a “deep sea dive”? These are all issues characters have to wrestle with in The Student and the Slave.

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

The Student and the Slave is available on Amazon here in both Kindle and paperback formats. Its regular price will be $2.99, but I’ve discounted it to 99 cents for the month of November!

Here are the links to my other books:

The Collar and the Cavvarach

The Gladiator and the Guard

Annals of Alasia fantasy series

Hide it In Your Heart (Bible verse coloring/activity book)

Student poetry anthologies

Where can readers connect with you online?

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnieDouglassLimaAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/princeofalasia

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/ADLimaOnGoodreads

Google+: http://bit.ly/ADLimaOnGooglePlus

Amazon Author Page: http://bit.ly/AnnieDouglassLimaOnAmazon

LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/ADLimaOnLinkedIn

Bloglovin: https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/letters-from-annie-douglass-lima-6275229

I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Tarnestra. 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

Author’s name:

Kristen Stieffel

Title of book and/or series:

Alara’s Call: The Prophet’s Chronicle Book One

Brief summary of the story:

Alara is a young clergywoman whose father, the prime minister, entangles her in his political intrigues. As a result she’s kidnapped by enemy soldiers and winds up at the center of an international conflict in which she prophesies to world leaders—including her father—about how the people of faith are to be governed.

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

It’s a secondary fantasy realm loosely modeled after nineteenth-century Europe, with lots of small countries close together, with related royal families.

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

The southern coasts of Glynrell (Alara’s homeland) and Redíque (where she’s related to the royal family on her mother’s side) have lovely beaches and a mild climate. The western coast of Glynrell, on the other hand, is a rocky coastline. In the north of Glynrell is the Kaesrynne Valley, an idyllic setting known for sheep herding and vineyards.

What dangers should we avoid in Alara’s storyworld?

Glynrell and Redíque are both very safe nations, although highwaymen are not unheard of. The northern nations of Apanumon and Makut are feudal and one does run the risk of running afoul of a feudal lord if one isn’t careful about, for example, where one hunts or harvests wood. Believers need to be particularly wary in these countries, as violence against believers is common.

Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Alara’s storyworld?

In most places, the cuisine will be very similar to what one might find in Europe or North America. All forms of game, especially venison and wild fowl, are popular in Glynrell. Glynrellans may wish to take care when visiting Makut, as horse meat is commonly eaten there, but Glynrellans have a cultural taboo against eating horse. Another distinction for visitors to be aware of is that although in most nations the midday meal is called lunch or luncheon and the evening meal dinner, in Glynrell the midday meal (usually very hearty) is called dinner and the evening meal (usually very light) is called supper. If a Glynrellan invites you to dinner, you should arrive around noon.

What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Alara’s storyworld?

Alara’s contemporaries do not have black powder, so there are no firearms. Their main weapons are swords. Glynrellans use both sabers and rapiers, depending on personal preference. Redíquans prefer the rapier, and Makuians the saber. Glynrellan archers tend to use longbows, while Makutians invariably choose the crossbow.

Map by Mary Elizabeth Hall

What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel around Alara’s storyworld?

Horses and horse-drawn carriages and wagons are the primary mode of transport in Glynrell and Redíque. In Makut and Apanumon, generally only the nobility own horses. The lower classes go on foot or travel by ox cart.

What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Alara’s storyworld?

The only supernatural element comes in the form of gifts, such as Alara’s gift of prophecy. There’s also a character who has the gift of healing, and another whose gift I’m not going to give away because spoilers. 😉

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

It’s not advanced from our point of view, but within the storyworld, Glynrellans and Redíquans are advanced in their use of indoor plumbing, almost to a twentieth-century level. So a visitor would find the conveniences not quite modern, but still comfortable. In Makut and Apanumon, however, indoor plumbing is found only in the most wealthy homes, and sometimes not even there, as the infrastructure is lacking.

Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in Alara’s storyworld.

Glynrellans are very completive in martial arts, which most children there learn as a matter of course. Hunting is a popular activity, but more for subsistence than sport. Horse racing is popular in Redíque. Rugby is a popular sport across the continent.

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

I don’t go into a lot of detail about days and months, although I sometimes use phrases like “on the fifteenth,” but I haven’t named the months. In Alara’s faith, the holy days are around the calendar: the solstices and equinoxes, as well as the new moon.

Is there a particular religion practiced in Alara’s storyworld? Please describe what it involves.

There are two main religions: Telshanism and Kivatanism. Telshanism is a Trinitarian faith worshiping a maternal creator, a paternal counselor, and a feminine redeemer, who collectively are known as the one god, Telshi. A foundational principle of the Telshan faith is that all believers are equal in the eyes of Telshi. Kivatanism is a polytheistic faith with a pantheon that includes gods of war, justice, wisdom, etc. It’s a paternalistic faith in which women are oppressed. Although members of both faiths can be found in all countries, Glynrell and Redíque are predominantly Telshan, while Makut and Apanumon are predominantly Kivatan. A fifth country, Temhain, which is east of Redíque and south of Makut, has a nearly equal mix of the two faiths.

What is the political or government structure in Alara’s storyworld? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leaders are they?

Glynrell is the only country on the continent that is a democracy. The others are all monarchies, though in Redíque the monarch is largely a figurehead, and the principal leader is the prime minister. Makut, Apanumon, and Temhain are all governed by kings who rule with varying degrees of dictatorship.

Are there any other unique cultural practices that we should be aware of if we visit Alara’s storyworld?

In Kivatan countries, women are forbidden from making eye contact with men.

Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations in your book?

The aforementioned idyllic Kaesrynne Valley is modeled after the Santa Ynez Valley in California, which is not far from where I grew up in Goleta (a suburb of Santa Barbara).

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

I touch on several things, including monarchy vs. democracy and polytheism vs. monotheism, but probably the only one that may be controversial is patriarchy vs. equality, especially regarding my clergywoman heroine. An agent once rejected this story on the basis of that alone.

Author Autobiography:

Kristen Stieffel is a freelance editor specializing in science fiction and fantasy and is associate editor of Havok, a flash fiction magazine focused on the speculative genres. She provides a full range of editorial services and has worked on various projects including business nonfiction and Bible studies, but she is a novelist at heart and has edited novels in many genres for both the general market and the Christian submarket. Kristen is a member of the Editorial Freelancers Association and Christian Editor Connection and is a Word Weavers International mentor.

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

The Love2Read Love2Write Publishing web page for Alara’s Call contains links to all the major booksellers.

Where can readers connect with you online?

My website is kristenstieffel.com, where readers can find links to all my social media sites.

I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Glynrell. 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

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Author’s name:

E.B. Dawson

Title of book and/or series:

The Traveler (Lost Empire Book 1)

Brief summary of the story:

Anissa Robson is becoming an adult in a society she never really identified with. Forced to choose her career path, she becomes an apprentice to a young, headstrong politician who seems to stand for everything she disagrees with. The dreams she has refused to report grow more alluring to her as she becomes disillusioned with her job. But the lines between reality and her dreamland begin to blur and cross over, launching her onto a path she would never have chosen for herself. Is the government medicating dreamers to protect them? Or to hide something from them?

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

Angapo is a remote, tropical world that has been semi-colonized by a more technologically advanced world.

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

Don’t go into the towns. They have more conveniences. But you need to see the beauty of the jungle. It is most dangerous at night, but that’s when it can also be the most beautiful. There are flowers that bloom only in moonlight, and phosphorescent insects that sparkle like stars!

What dangers should we avoid in Angapo?

Snakes, wild boars, poisonous insects, raging rivers, treacherous cliffs, and angry militants. Sounds fun, right?

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

The purple tuber is the main food supply of the Angapoan people. It’s pretty, but a little bit plain and pasty.

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

Indigenous Angapoans have no martial art. They were simple hunters until colonization. Now some of them are learning how to use new weapons and fighting tactics in order to defend themselves.

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

There are some amazing plants. The dragon plant is beautiful and fire resistant. The wild boars have razor sharp teeth and are carnivorous. You don’t want to meet them in the jungle.

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

The first sign of anything fantastical is when people start traveling to another world in their sleep. The government covers it up and does everything it can to stop it. Experts have tried to find scientific explanations for it, but it can’t truly be explained by science. We’re going to see more supernatural elements pop up in books two and three!

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

The Angapoan people recognize there is more to the world than what we can hear and see. But there has been a great deal lost from their ancestors. They believe there are spirits in the world.

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

The Angapoans live in small tribes and communities. They are currently under the authority of two separate nations who have interests in their natural resources.

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

There are a few controversial topics. The main one is colonization. I examine the consequences and complications when an advanced society and a less-advanced society cross paths. There are no simple or easy answers. I also bring up some questions about race, science, and the nature of reality!

Author Autobiography:

E.B. Dawson was born out of time. Raised in the remote regions of a developing nation, traveling to America was as good as traveling thirty years into the future. So, it’s really no wonder that she writes science fiction and fantasy. She writes stories that acknowledge darkness, but empower and encourage people to keep on fighting, no matter how difficult their circumstances may be. And as an avid philosopher, she infuses her work with Socratic questions. When not writing, she tries to make a difference in the world by showing love and compassion to those most broken.

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

The Traveler is available in e-book format, and paperback on Amazon!

Where can readers connect with you online?

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I am most frequently on twitter @ebdawsonwriting. You can also find me on my website.

I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Angapo. 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

Author’s name:

Janeen Ippolito

Title of book and/or series:

Lawless: The Ironfire Legacy (Book 1)

Brief summary of the story:

The salvation of humans and dragons lies within a convicted murderer.

Dragonshifter Kesia Ironfire has one goal—to redeem her past by serving the cruel dragon Pinnacle as a soldier in the dragon-human war.

Then a rogue mission to spy on a new airship explodes into sickening green smoke. The same mysterious green smoke that was present the night of Kesia’s crime. When her dragon overlords deny any involvement, she and her tactical partner Zephryn Nightstalker try to investigate–and are sentenced to death.

Still searching for answers, Kesia and Zephryn flee to the human military capital, where Captain Shance Windkeeper has been furloughed after the destruction of his airship. Eager to discover what–and who–blew up his vessel, he agrees to help Kesia and Zephryn infiltrate High Command. In exchange, Kesia must pretend to be his betrothed so Shance can escape an arranged marriage. If only she knew what ‘betrothed’ and ‘arranged marriage’ meant.

But human social customs are the least of her worries. Dark secrets surface as Kesia delves deeper–secrets that challenge the facts of her crime and undermine the war itself.

A steampunk fantasy adventure with a side of quirky romance and snark.

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

Sekastra is a large continental landmass on a fantasy planet. The overall setting is fantasy steampunk.

Sekastra is divided into four Scepters, which each function as semi-independent city-states that together form the Congruency. In the northwest is the Scepter of Knowledge, in the northeast is the Scepter of Industry, in the southwest is the Scepter of Pleasure, and in the Southeast is the Scepter of Commerce. In the center is the Pinnacle, settled in the Cloudpeaks. The Pinnacle is ruled by dragonshifters. In between all the Scepters are the plains, where a lot of the smaller cities and villages are located.

In Lawless the featured city-state is the Scepter of Commerce, so this article will focus on that city.

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

If you have money, the sky is the limit! Go on tours through the Junglelands, sail one (or all) of the Trebbian Seas (Ilyon, Olyon, and Tryon), and visit the Music Quarter and Art Quarter. When you find yourself out of money (which is easy to do in the Scepter of Commerce), there are beautiful mosaics inlaid in many of the walls and floors. The Central Market is resplendent with gold and silver tiles. Local folklore claims if you toss a penny in the fountains in front of the Central Market, your deity of choice will grant your wish.

What dangers should we avoid in Sekastra?

Well, there’s currently a war going on between the humans and the dragonshifters, and the Scepter of Commerce is military central. It’s far safer to travel by train, although there are bandits and train-robbers, so it can still get treacherous.

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

Lawless focuses on the Scepter of Commerce (each book focuses on activities in one Scepter). In the Scepter of Commerce you can get delicious roasted crenbird and fresh, tart strewsberry juice. There are also a variety of vegetables that come in from the surrounding Junglelands.

What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in The Scepter of Commerce?

Money and bribery are much preferred over violence, but since it is wartime, many people are armed with a variety of weapons: cheap Berringer pistols, military-grade Heotzlers, and elegant Starvens that are easy to hide under clothing.

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

In the Scepter of Pleasure, they have shiny ground cars for transportation—but they give off a lot of smelly fumes. For air travel (if you dare), there are airships, but not the kinds with balloons. Instead, they use turbines. The adaptation happened when humans realized dragons could set their hot air devices on fire. There are also trains between each Scepter. In the plains, people often use horses, and there are a variety of ships that travel the rivers to the Trebbian Seas.

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

In Sekastra, humans share the territory with dragonshifters, who are simply referred to as dragons whether they are in scale form or skin form. But you shouldn’t see any in the Scepter of Commerce because of the dragon-human war. Theoretically. There are rumors of dragon spies…

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

One unique element of Sekastra are that all humans and some dragons have innate Talents. These Talents can be passed down through families. Talents aren’t always useful or powerful. For every individual who has a Talent for telekinesis or invisibility, there’s someone who has a Talent that lets them detect the color of an object through touch. Talents do not always lend to societal influence or leadership because the steampunk technology is advance enough to counter many abilities.

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

The overall technology is fantasy steampunk with airships. Devices include voicelators (dragon tech pendants that modified vocal timbre and tone), clipse-mirrors that project visuals (think of it like steampunk Facetime), and wireless commers used for general communication.

The Scepter of Commerce doesn’t have much distinctive tech apart from this. The populace is very pragmatic, so they’ll adapt things from the Scepter of Pleasure, Scepter of Knowledge, and Scepter of Industry that make marketable and practical sense.

Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in the Scepter of Commerce.

In the Scepter of Commerce it doesn’t really matter what is being played, as long as people can bet on it. And if you want to play a game, you can find plenty of people in the Low Quarter who will take part as long as you pay them.

Is there a particular religion practiced in the Scepter of Commerce? Please describe what it involves.

The Scepter of Commerce has the same freedom of religion practices as all of the Scepters. There are numerous temples around the city-state, from the elemental temples that Jungleland natives used to worship various spirits to the open-air altars where many airship sailors make sacrifices to Fiarston and Viorstan for safe travels.

There are also worship houses for the Four Corners religion, the oldest religion in Sekastra. Adherents to the Four Corners religion worship Bonilus the Beneficent and strive to imitate his apostles, Allandra and Olosael. There are monastic orders known as the Sons of Olosael and the Daughters of Allandra.

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

The Scepter of Commerce is traditionally run by a ruling council of the leading merchants and counts/countesses in the city. Power is inherited, but is leveraged and balanced by the court system. Currently, however, the Scepter of Commerce houses the High Command of the Congruency military fleet, so the military has ultimate say.

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

The fashion is considered the most modern out of all of the Scepters. A lot of the fashion is adapted to the humid temperatures. Women wear loose pants with blouses and short-sleeved corset coats as daily fashion. Men wear pants, short-sleeved collared shirts, and vests. Military uniforms are standard throughout the Congruency fleet, and consist of boots, black pants, plain black waistcoats, long-sleeved button-down shirts, rank insignia, and caps. The color of the shirt denotes area of service: engineering, command, medical. Since it’s wartime, so everyone is expected to fight if necessary.

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

I may have partly stolen from different biospheres in the United States for different geographical elements of Sekastra and then flagrantly shoved all the biospheres all closer together. I’ve adapted the steampunk elements to the different native cultures and histories of Sekastra, so that is why The Ironfire Legacy books are fantasy steampunk, not Victorian steampunk. The Scepter of Commerce has elements of chromepunk, and the other Scepters also have elements from other ‘punk periods.

Author Autobiography:

Janeen Ippolito is two authors for the price of one! She creates writing resources and writes speculative fiction with monsters, misfits, and mushy stuff. She’s also an experienced author coach, editor, teacher, and the Fearless Leader (president) of Uncommon Universes Press. In her spare time, she enjoys sword-fighting, reading, geeky TV, and brownie batter. A lifelong misfit, she believes different is beautiful and that everyone has the ability to tell their story. Two of her goals are eating fried tarantulas and traveling to Antarctica.

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

Lawless: The Ironfire Legacy (Book 1) releases on Friday, September 29 through Uncommon Universes Press. It is available for preorder on Amazon, Nook, Kobo, and iBooks.

You can also preorder autographed paperback copies at a discount price through the Uncommon Universes Press website (limited time only).

Where can readers connect with you online?

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Janeen Ippolito is an extroverted writer who loves to connect online! You can find her on her Facebook page, on Twitter (@TheQuietPen), and on Instagram (janeen_ippolito). She also cordially invites you to the Lawless Facebook Launch Party on Wednesday, October 4!

I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Sekastra. 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

Author’s name: D.J. Torres

Title of book and/or series: The Nature of Gods: The Awakening

Brief summary of the story:

When gods and goddesses abruptly overthrow Earth, humans are given two choices – worship or die. Desperate to survive, Olivia and her family devote their days to fulfilling the will of the gods. But the wrath of the gods is insatiable and unpredictable. With her hope crushed, Olivia is resigned to her bleak fate . . . until she meets Nature.

Immediately, Olivia knows this charismatic girl with color-changing eyes isn’t normal. Nature looks like a teenager yet she has the power to control the weather and converse with animals. Nature opens Olivia’s eyes to a hidden world that had always existed in harmony with her own. However, know-it-all butterflies and mystical creatures aren’t the only secrets revealed as Olivia discovers the dark plan of the gods.

When Nature decides to confront the gods, Olivia is catapulted to the forefront of humanity’s battle for survival. Olivia must rely on her courage, strength, and newfound gifts as she faces monster-infested pathways and ever-looming traps. But does she have enough courage or skill to battle brutal gods eager to rule the world and dole out punishment to anyone who defies them? Nature and the world depend on it.

The Nature of Gods is a fantasy adventure appropriate for tweens and middle grade readers.

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

Within the world of The Nature of Gods, ancient gods (such as Neptune and Zeus) have risen in a huge display of elemental power. The gods demand all of humanity on Earth to worship their recently unearthed idols. Humanity doesn’t have any power to fight back against these deities that are capable of wielding the earth, lava, sky, and ocean, so people do as they are told and settle into a life of endless worship. But things get really interesting when Nature wakes to discover her world is not how she left it. The world she created was a utopian paradise. Now Nature is on a mission to take back her world from the gods and return Earth to her original design.

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

Earth is in shambles, so unless you desire to worship these demanding gods for at least eight hours a day, you should probably steer clear of all the cities. However, Nature’s place of slumber is a sight to behold. After she finished designing Earth and all its creatures, she fell into a deep sleep. This is the only place on Earth that is left untouched by modern society and the gods. It is a beautiful tropical island where everything blooms full all the time. The plants respond to Nature’s power so all the flora becomes lusher and brighter in her presence. You will see animals from all walks of life living in harmony with one another. You will even see such sights as a monkey riding atop an alligator. Totally worth the price of admission, right?

What dangers should we avoid on Earth?

You definitely don’t want to do anything to anger a god. Hades can melt you with his bare hand. And if the gods are too busy to discipline you, they will send their monsters to deal with you. But danger also lies within communities. Because people live in such fear of the gods, groups known as Zealots have developed. These Zealots have made it their responsibility to create and enforce rules designed to keep people safe. In the eyes of the Zealots, if you don’t worship, you are considered a threat because you could be the subject of the gods’ wrath via one of their monsters and others might be collateral damage. If you cross the Zealots, you risk expulsion from these communities and are left out in the cold to fend for yourself, which isn’t easy to do in a world ruled by ruthless gods.

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

Nature is all about eating from the earth, so get ready for a lot of fruit and vegetables, uncooked and unseasoned. While that doesn’t sound particularly appetizing, the food Nature grows is second to none. Her apples are crisper yet juicier than anything you can imagine.

What types of weaponry or fighting styles does Nature utilize?

Earth and all it’s resources respond to Nature, so if you are planning on getting in a fight with Nature, be prepared for the land to slap you silly. Being a warrior is not something that comes easily to Nature. Her desire is not to fight, but when pushed, she definitely packs a punch.

What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in Nature’s world?

Nature has wings that take her wherever she wants to go, and if she really likes you, she might just gift you wings of your own. But if you aren’t one of the lucky few to don wings, her animals provide a pretty decent ride. Riding a dolphin is Nature’s favorite way to travel.

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

Nunitzes are everywhere, watching everything, though you would never know. A Nunitz is a Messenger Butterfly. You can identify them by their golden wings. Nature created the Nunitzes with the intent for them to record every memory on Earth. Once she was awake, they were to inform her of everything that happened in her absence. Don’t be startled if they talk your ear off. They are known to be quite chatty, opinionated, and are horrible secret keepers.

Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in Nature’s world.

Nittle Tag is the famed game of the Nunitzes. The rules of their game are fairly simple: one player, the Flyer, moves through the field, hiding clues to a secret, while the second player, the Seeker, tries to either catch the Flyer or discover the secret before the Flyer reaches the finish line. The dust on Nunitz’s wings contains memories, so if you’re the Seeker, you have to maneuver through the plants, searching for clues in the Nunitz dust.

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

Every continent has their own way of worshiping the elemental deities. In the United States, the gods declared themselves to be Greek deities like Zeus, Neptune, Pan, and Hades. But in South America, the God of Fire is known as Huallallo-Carhuincho. The gods made sure they became all things to all people so their reach would not be limited.

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

I’ve already touched on the ruling systems within the community, so I will touch on Nature’s rule of Earth. After Nature was done creating Earth, she knew sleep would soon capture her. During her absence, she put four horn bearers in charge of maintaining her design. Vanada, a dragon, was in charge of the sky. Baldev, a dinosaur, was put in charge of fire and creating more land for Earth to grow. Sumudra, a narwhal, was in charge of the ocean and all it’s creatures. Nairi, a unicorn, was in charge of the forest. All the animals respected the four horn bearers, but everything changed with the creation of man.

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

I spend a lot of my time trying to interact with animals. If I can pet or feed any animal, I will be the first in line. I have played with dolphins, hung out with lemurs, and fed giraffes. I am dying to do this monkey experience at a local animal rehabilitation center. I am also really inspired by anything that gets me to think outside of my normal thought process. Whether it is through music, pictures, or fashion, the creativity of others sparks my creativity.

Author Autobiography:

D.J. Torres is the author of The Nature of Gods series. Her works reflect her passion of fantasy, adventure, and escaping into new worlds. After struggling through many awkward years of her own, D.J. began writing to empower young girls to be confident in themselves and own their unique brand of individuality, quirks and all.

D.J. is a renowned nature lover and spends much of her time with animals. She has a huge passion for people, an affinity for yummy desserts, and can’t stop binge-watching TV. If D.J. isn’t writing, you may find her frolicking in a field, mastering her Xbox dance moves, or twisting herself into a yoga pretzel. More than anything, she hopes to pioneer imagination and share her story with you.

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

The first book in the series is available in ebook and paperback here.

Where can readers connect with you online?
I love meeting new people! www.djtorresbooks.com has all my social media links, but I am most active on my Instagram and I do plan to start blogging more. Stop by and say hi.

I hope you all enjoyed the trip to the World of Nature. 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