Here is an interview by Kent Wayne, author of the dystopian novels, Echo. I thoroughly enjoyed these books, and also Kor’Thank, A High School Absurdical, a scifi romp through high school.
I have yet to read A Door to Evermore, which is Kent’s first foray into fantasy, but am looking forward to it.
You can read the interview by following the link below.
Today, I am honoured to be a part of Diana Wallace Peach’s blog tour. She is stopping by to tell us about the book she has recently released. It’s called The Necromancer’s Daughter, but I’ll let Diana tell you about it.
Take a seat and help yourself to a biscuit while I pour you some coffee.
Now you’re comfortable, I’ll hand you over to Diana.
Thanks for having me over to your blog, Viv. I’m delighted to share a thought or two about The Necromancer’s Daughter, and in this case, the challenges of crafting “good” characters.
My latest book has a couple of virtuous characters, different from my usual mixed bag of flawed souls. I think characters with flaws, inner conflicts, and ambivalence are easier to write because they’re inherently more interesting and often more active as they go around messing things up.
So, what did I do for my characters who aren’t emotionally compromised or moral wrecks?
Barus, my necromancer who starts off the book, is one of the sweetest people around. He’s led by his heart, and though that gets him into some dicey situations, his main challenge is simply to stay alive.
Fortunately for this writer, he fades into the background early on when Aster, the necromancer’s daughter, takes the forefront. She’s more of a challenge since she has to carry the story to the end.
She’s also “good,” and in her case, it’s that quality that creates danger for her and ambivalence for other characters. Her sweet nature gets her into trouble more than it saves her.
One way to make life miserable for our nice characters like Aster is to give them lose-lose choices. (Writers are ruthless, aren’t we?) And that’s exactly what I do to my poor heroine. She is constantly having to choose between two bad options, and that creates a lot of inner turmoil while also testing her convictions. By the end, she just might discover that there are worse choices than death.
Something about the story
A healer and dabbler in the dark arts of life and death, Barus is as gnarled as an ancient tree. Forgotten in the chaos of the dying queen’s chamber, he spirits away her stillborn infant, and in a hovel at the meadow’s edge, he breathes life into the wisp of a child. He names her Aster for the lea’s white flowers. Raised as his daughter, she learns to heal death.
Then the day arrives when the widowed king, his own life nearing its end, defies the Red Order’s warning. He summons the necromancer’s daughter, his only heir, and for his boldness, he falls to an assassin’s blade.
While Barus hides from the Order’s soldiers, Aster leads their masters beyond the wall into the Forest of Silvern Cats, a land of dragons and barbarian tribes. She seeks her mother’s people, the powerful rulers of Blackrock, uncertain whether she will find sanctuary or face a gallows’ noose.
Unprepared for a world rife with danger, a world divided by those who practice magic and those who hunt them, she must choose whether to trust the one man offering her aid, the one man most likely to betray her—her enemy’s son.
A healer with the talent to unravel death, a child reborn, a father lusting for vengeance, and a son torn between justice, faith, and love. Caught in a chase spanning kingdoms, each must decide the nature of good and evil, the lengths they will go to survive, and what they are willing to lose.
OVERVIEW:
This book is a definite page turner. I loved it all the way through and although I couldn’t put it down, I definitely didn’t want to get to the end.
The cover is beautiful.
CHARACTERS
Fantastic characters. D. Wallace Peach has brought us amazing people. They seem real as they have failings as well as good points. They struggle with knowing what is right and wrong amid conflicting views.
Aster has the ability to resurrect the dead. Is it evil to do so? She does not think so. Some think the Blessed One alone should have this right of who lives and who dies, and to go against her wishes is evil. But can Aster stand by and allow a death she could prevent? If the Blessed One did not want the dead person to be revived, surely she would not allow it?
Facing danger in the Forest of Silver Cats, Jorah questions his whole life. He has promised to help Aster get to Blackrock, against everything he has been taught to believe—that necromancy is evil and necromancers should be put to death. He is conflicted as to why he agreed to do so. His concerns trouble him throughout the book.
<p>Teko is a simple man. One whom the ‘civilised’ people consider to be a barbarian, but he is a loyal protector of Aster.
Finally, there is Barus. He is a man with a crooked spine. A truly good person. He resurrected Aster after she was stillborn and brought her up as his own daughter. He is a wonderful man whom I find difficult to forget. </p>
WRITING
The writing is amazing. This is one of the few books I’ve read recently that I have not had to get my metaphorical red pen out to correct errors.
D. Wallace Peach has a wonderful way with words. Her descriptions are beautiful, and I love her metaphores and similes. She takes you into the world of magic, dragons and kingdoms at odds with each other and makes you believe in it.
If you are a fantasy fan, I would recommend you go and buy it now.
Here’s a bit about Diana.
A long-time reader, best-selling author D. Wallace Peach started writing later in life when years of working in business surrendered to a full-time indulgence in the imaginative world of books. She was instantly hooked.
In addition to fantasy books, Peach’s publishing career includes participation in various anthologies featuring short stories, flash fiction, and poetry. She’s an avid supporter of the arts in her local community, organizing and publishing annual anthologies of Oregon prose, poetry, and photography.
Peach lives in a log cabin amongst the tall evergreens and emerald moss of Oregon’s rainforest with her husband, two owls, a horde of bats, and the occasional family of coyotes.
You can buy The Necromancer’s Daughter by clicking here or on the cover of the book.
Sean is a brand new writer who has a book that will shortly be released by Creativia, the same publisher who has published my fantasy books. Sean’s book is currently on pre-order. The link is at the end of this post.
Welcome and thank you for giving me the opportunity to feature you on my blog, Sean.
What is the first book you remember either reading or having read to you?
Dick Sands the Boy Captain by Jules Verne. I was 8 years old at the time. That book opened up a new world for me and turned me into the bookworm I have been ever since.
Who is your favourite author?
My favorite author is Jim Butcher (The Dresden Files), which is probably how I ended up writing in a first-person POV with the same light-hearted, funny tone as he does. The fact that my MC’s name is Jim is purely coincidental though
What is your favourite book?
I honestly don’t think anyone can answer this question, but I have read The Dresden Files series three times (!), so maybe that.
If that book isn’t a ‘classic’, what is your favourite ‘classical’ book?
Gone with the Wind, hands-down.
Apart from writing, what is the thing you enjoy doing the most?
Reading novels, watching movies and teaching- I am an English teacher.
If you weren’t a writer, what job would you do?
My own day job
Why do you write?
This is how it started: I have got purely obsessional OCD. What this means is a thought enters my mind—usually something negative—and doesn’t leave. I end up having to think about it 5000 times a day, and once this starts, my life is ruined for a week, two weeks, a month, or six months. I’d tried a lot of different ways to get rid of this problem: therapy, medication, meditation… Nothing ever worked, until I read an article that said the people who had this problem had an overly active imagination, and it would help if they channeled it into something productive, like writing.
I’d always wanted to be a writer. This is literally a childhood dream, one of those you give up when you grow up. I had the story of The Crimson Deathbringer in my mind for years (even started writing it and stopped a few times). When I read that article, I was going through a tough time in my marriage (fighting with your wife is no fun, even for sane people), and my mind had gone into its life-destroying over-drive, so I told myself, “Well, you’ve tried everything else, let’s give this a shot.”
And then a miracle happened.
My mind put the same energy it used to put into producing BS and making my life miserable into coming up with stories. Ideas would come to me fast and furious, and I had to stop whatever I was doing several times a day to write them down. I’ve been OCD-free since then (I know, I sound like a recovering alcoholic). When TCD (cool, eh?) was finished, it took my out-of-control brain half a day to plan my second novel, which is about a nerdy scientist and a sexy female mercenary who use a time machine to defeat an alien invasion
A question I can’t answer, myself. Where do you get your ideas from?
They just appear to me on their own. I can’t turn my brain off even if I wanted to!
When you go out to eat, what type of food do you prefer?
I prefer anything sweet. Often I don’t even order food and go straight to desert
Do you enjoy sport? Do you prefer to watch or take part?
I am a swimmer, and I play volleyball regularly. I love watching soccer to, and hockey when the Canadian National Team plays.
What, in your opinion, is your best trait?
I am super positive, which you can probably tell by the tone of my book.
Which is your favourite city?
Amsterdam.
Do you cook? If so, what is your favourite thing to cook?
No. Like never. The maximum cooking I have ever done is to put chicken or fish in my steamer.
Do you have any siblings? Do any of them write?
No. I had a younger brother who sadly died a few years ago.
Can you swim?
Big time swimmer here.
Here is a bit more about Sean.
“Who am I? I am Spiderman.”
Well, not really, but this should tell you all you need to know about me and my writing style.
I’m a huge Marvel (plus Game of Thrones, Star Trek AND Star Wars) fan, which shows since my novel is loaded with pop culture references. If you are a sci-fi fan you will enjoy them tremendously. I even went full Deadpool in my first draft and broke the fourth wall multiple times, until my editor told it was distracting and kept taking her out of the moment. Shame. Those fourth-wall breaks were hilarious. Still, I can guarantee a few laugh-out-loud moments. Case in point: The “good” aliens in my novel are a race of pranksters, whose main goal in life is pulling other people’s legs (They have four legs, hence the slight change in the idiom).
And here is what his book is about.
The Akakies, a peaceful, technologically advanced alien species known as “the galaxy’s pranksters,” are under attack by the Xortaags, a vicious military race bent on conquering the universe. The Xortaags are deadly, but Tarq, the Akakies’ chief strategist and legendary shadow master, has a plan.
Meanwhile on Earth, Jim, a wise-cracking, movie-quoting, OCD-suffering fighter pilot, is about to propose to his girlfriend Liz when his childhood friend Kurt shows up at his house, injured and covered in blood. Kurt is a freedom fighter/super- assassin hunted by a brutal military dictatorship’s security forces. Soon after, Jim, Liz and Kurt’s lives are set to crash with a galactic war that threatens the very existence of the human race.
Can our heroes save humanity from the wrath of an overwhelming enemy?
The Crimson Deathbringer seamlessly blends breathtaking action sequences with mischievous humor. If you are a science fiction/space opera fan, this book, with its memorable characters, formidable antagonist and Game of Thrones style shocking moments, is written especially for you.
To pre-order, click here.
You can connect with Sean on his website.
Author Website: https://seanrobins73.wixsite.com/website
It would help Sean, a new writer, if you could reblog this.
Last week I published my review of David Kummer’s book, Until We Burn. This week, I have the pleasure of introducing you to David.
David is a promising young author, who has already published quite a number of books. He is one to watch for the future.His books are generally in the fantasy or horror genres.
Welcome to Dragons Rule OK, David.
1. What is the first book you remember either reading or having read to you?
One of the first books I remember my dad reading to me is C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia series. He would read two or three chapters a night, and we zoomed through all the books. I really enjoyed those, and still do, as well as the memories it brings.
2. Who is your favourite author?
My favorite author is Mark Edwards
3. What is your favourite book?
Probably “The Magpies” by Mark Edwards. It was surprising and I read it in two days.
5. Apart from writing, what is the thing you enjoy doing the most?
I play basketball quite a lot, and work. See below.
6. If you weren’t a writer, what job would you do?
I want to be an English teacher once I get out of college, probably for middle school or high school.
7. If you have a “proper” job, what is it?
I do landscaping. And most of the time the heat index is well over 100 degrees, so that’s fun.
8. Why do you write?
Honestly, I just enjoy it and it’s something that’s now a part of my everyday life. I’m so immersed in it, I don’t think I could separate without losing a part of myself.
9. How old were you when you published your first book?
I was 15 years old, but 14 when I wrote it.
10. Do you write to music? If so, what music inspires you?
Occasionally, I will listen to soundtracks while writing. But when I’m not writing, I’m constantly listening to music. I prefer Alt-Rock, and my favorite bands are the Killers, Death Cab for Cutie, and lately Arcade Fire. Also, Twenty One Pilots, who I saw in concert back when they were still a tiny band with no fans.
11. A question I can’t answer, myself. Where do you get your ideas from?
Most often, I get them from a setting I see. I’ve had one short story come from a dream. Usually, I’ll be in a situation and think “What if this terrible thing happened?” so then it does in my story.
12. Do you have any pets?
My family has two dogs, but at one time we had four. Also, two cats.
13. Are you a dog or a cat person?
Dog
14. When you go out to eat, what type of food do you prefer?
I like Chinese, or buffalo wings.
15. Do you prefer the city or the country?
I prefer small towns, like Hanover, Indiana where I live. Somewhere in between the country and the city.
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to get to know you better, David.
You can contact David on the following links.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100014606114521
My blog- http://davidkummer.com/
Newsletter- http://eepurl.com/bPgy4n
Goodreads Account- https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14106755.David_Duane_Kummer
![Until We Burn: A Psychological Thriller by [Kummer, David Duane]](https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51Na4RqT0hL.jpg)
Blurb:
Cyrus Street never forgot about his home. It was always in the back of his mind, with the memories, the nightmares. Alluring, always pulling him back. There were so many questions unanswered. Something he left behind.
When he finally returns, he’s drawn back into a world even worse than he remembers. Werifesteria, with its dark secrets and murky past, never changed. It remains a cesspool, a danger. There’s something about the town unnerving, yet enticing. It isn’t normal. It isn’t sane.
As soon as Cyrus steps back into it, the murders begin. He’s the only one can catch this madman, if he can only control his mind.
Everybody remembers the fire. Everybody remembers him. But there’s a darkness he’s buried inside his own head. And unless he can remember, the entire town will burn.
Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Until-We-Burn-Psychological-Thriller-ebook/dp/B07CXL1RSC
Welcome to day 5 of the Cover Reveal event! This is for D.H. Nevins’ upcoming release: Angel of Shadow, which is book 2 of the fabulous Wormwood series. The first book was dark and brimming with tormented love, and was known for completely sucking readers into the story, only to spit them out again at 3 am. I can’t wait to see what book 2 has in store for us! Angel of Shadow is scheduled for release on January 13, 2018. I can’t wait!!!!
The cover fragment:
Fun Fact:
Angel of Shadow’s cover artist, Carlos Quevedo, is from Colombia. D.H. Nevins, the author, is from Ontario, Canada.
Did you know there are COMPLETELY DIFFERENT facts about the cover, the series, D.H. or her writing process at these blogs listed below? Each day, ONE of these fun facts also contains a chance to instantly win an Angel of Shadow eARC! But which one? Let’s support our fellow book bloggers and pop in to say hello!
*Electively Paige: http://electivelypaige.com/
Book Hooked Nook: https://bookhookednook.wordpress.com/
The Perfect Honeybee: https://theperfecthoneybee.wordpress.com/
*Dragons Rule OK: https://aspholessaria.wordpress.com/
Bookworm Brandee: https://bookwormbrandee.blogspot.com/
FUONLYKNEW: http://fuonlyknew.com/
And don’t forget about the giveaway!!! D.H. Nevins will be giving away 2 prizes of a physical copy of Wormwood combined with an Angel of Shadow eARC (Advance Reader Copy), as well as 10 prizes of an Angel of Shadow eARC. Enter the giveaway here! http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/55157da22/
Remember, Wormwood (book one in the series) is available for free right now. Here’s the link: http://amzn.to/2hOcWbq
Angel of Shadow can now be pre-ordered at http://amzn.to/2Axgvyi . Price will go up after release.
Thanks for stopping by. Full reveal will be TOMORROW!!!! Are you as excited for tomorrow as I am? I absolutely can’t wait to show you the full cover. You’ll have to tell me if you agree it’s as awesome as we’re saying it is… and I’m sure you will! See you soon!
Welcome to day 4 of the Cover Reveal event for D.H. Nevins’ upcoming release, Angel of Shadow. It’s book 2 in a fast-paced and haunting dystopian series, and is scheduled for release on January 13, 2018. We’re getting so close!
The cover fragment:
Fun Fact:
Other facts about myself: I love to act and direct live theatre, I’m a travel addict, an outdoor enthusiast, and I have a motorcycle I’ve affectionately named Grendel. ~D.H.
Did you know there are COMPLETELY DIFFERENT facts about the cover, the series, D.H. or her writing process at these blogs listed below? Each day, ONE of these fun facts also contains a chance to instantly win an Angel of Shadow eARC! But which one? Let’s support our fellow book bloggers and pop in to say hello!
Book Hooked Nook: https://bookhookednook.wordpress.com/
The Perfect Honeybee: https://theperfecthoneybee.wordpress.com/
*Dragons Rule OK: https://aspholessaria.wordpress.com/
Bookworm Brandee: https://bookwormbrandee.blogspot.com/
FUONLYKNEW: http://fuonlyknew.com/
*Electively Paige: http://electivelypaige.com/
And don’t forget about the giveaway!!! D.H. Nevins will be giving away 2 prizes of a physical copy of Wormwood combined with an Angel of Shadow eARC (Advance Reader Copy), as well as 10 prizes of an Angel of Shadow eARC. Enter the giveaway here!
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/55157da22/
Remember, Wormwood (book one in the series) is available for free right now. Here’s the link: http://amzn.to/2hOcWbq
Angel of Shadow can now be pre-ordered at http://amzn.to/2Axgvyi . Price will go up after release.
Thanks for stopping by! Full reveal will be this Saturday, but don’t forget there will be a brand new cover fragment and a new fun fact tomorrow. I can’t wait for tomorrow’s piece—this cover is going to be awesome!! See you soon!
Welcome to day 3 of the Cover Reveal event for D.H. Nevins’ upcoming release, Angel of Shadow. This driving dystopian novel is book 2 in the Wormwood series, and is scheduled for release on January 13, 2018. Yes! That means we’re one day closer!
The cover fragment:
Fun Fact:
The main character, Kali, is named after the Hindu goddess of destruction and death. However, this goddess also represents new beginnings and is thought of as a protector. These elements all came into play when D.H. was creating this protagonist.
Did you know there are COMPLETELY DIFFERENT facts about the cover, the series, D.H. or her writing process at these blogs listed below? Each day, ONE of these fun facts also contains a chance to instantly win an Angel of Shadow eARC! But which one?
The Perfect Honeybee: https://theperfecthoneybee.wordpress.com/
*Dragons Rule OK: https://aspholessaria.wordpress.com/
Bookworm Brandee: https://bookwormbrandee.blogspot.com/
FUONLYKNEW: http://fuonlyknew.com/
*Electively Paige: http://electivelypaige.com/
Book Hooked Nook: https://bookhookednook.wordpress.com/
And don’t forget about the giveaway!!! D.H. Nevins will be giving away 2 prizes of a physical copy of Wormwood combined with an Angel of Shadow eARC (Advance Reader Copy), as well as 10 prizes of an Angel of Shadow eARC. Enter the giveaway here! http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/55157da22/
Remember, Wormwood (book one in the series) is available for free right now. Here’s the link: http://amzn.to/2hOcWbq
Angel of Shadow can now be pre-ordered at http://amzn.to/2Axgvyi . Price will go up after release.
Thanks for stopping by! Full reveal will be this Saturday, but don’t forget there will be a brand new cover fragment and a new fun fact tomorrow. I can’t wait for tomorrow’s cover piece!! See you soon!
Welcome to day 2 of the Cover Reveal event for D.H. Nevins’ upcoming release, Angel of Shadow! This driving dystopian novel is book 2 in the Wormwood series, and is scheduled for release on January 12, 2018. I can’t wait!
The cover fragment:
Fun Fact:
D.H. Nevins has extensive notes and details about each of her characters. Tiamat and Kali each have about 5 pages of notes and backstory, which is added to and updated constantly.
Remember to have a peek at some other unique facts about the cover, the series, D.H. or her writing process at these blogs. Today, TWO of these fun facts also contain a chance to instantly win an Angel of Shadow eARC! But which two? Come on… you know you want to look!
*Dragons Rule OK: https://aspholessaria.wordpress.com/
*Carlyle Labuschagne: http://www.carlylelabuschagne.com/
Bookworm Brandee: https://bookwormbrandee.blogspot.com/
FUONLYKNEW: http://fuonlyknew.com/
*Electively Paige: http://electivelypaige.com/
Book Hooked Nook: https://bookhookednook.wordpress.com/
The Perfect Honeybee: https://theperfecthoneybee.wordpress.com/
And don’t forget about the giveaway!!! D.H. Nevins will be giving away 2 prizes of a physical copy of Wormwood combined with an Angel of Shadow eARC (Advance Reader Copy), as well as 10 prizes of an Angel of Shadow eARC. Enter the giveaway here! http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/55157da22/
Remember, Wormwood (book one in the series) is available for free right now. Here’s the link: http://amzn.to/2hOcWbq
Angel of Shadow can now be pre-ordered at http://amzn.to/2Axgvyi . Price will go up after release.
Thanks for stopping by! Full reveal will be this Saturday, but don’t forget there will be a brand new cover fragment and a new fun fact tomorrow. See you soon!
This week I am hosting D.H. Nevnes all week, and so Tuesday’s epistode of Davrael and Kimi’s story will appear later in the month.
For those of you who have been waiting for it, I apologise.
Cover Reveal Blog Posts—Angel of Shadow by D.H. Nevins
Welcome to the Cover Reveal event for D.H. Nevins’ upcoming release, Angel of Shadow. I’m so excited to be one of the exclusive host blogs for this reveal and giveaway. Here’s why:
First of all, the book cover is STUNNING. You’ll have to trust us on this for now… you’ll know what I mean when you see it!
Secondly, did I mention there’s a giveaway?!?
You can get a copy of the first book in the series, Wormwood, for free right now. I suggest you grab one! Here’s the link: http://amzn.to/2hOcWbq
Each host blog has its own tidbit of unique information, which changes every day. My fun facts will be posted just under the cover fragment, along with the links to the other host blogs. Everyone has a different fact, and each day, ONE of these facts includes a chance to instantly win an ebook Advance Reader Copy (eARC) of Angel of Shadow. Remember to check them out!
Angel of Shadow’s Blurb:
D.H. Nevins hurtles you into a world of half-angels, demons and tormented love in this driving, dystopian sequel to Wormwood.
Half-angels, known as Nephilim, have all but destroyed the surface of the Earth. Yet for Kali Michaels, her life is now much more complicated than simply surviving. Grappling with her own powerful identity, she worries her connection to the world of Shadows could destroy those around her.
And what if she hurts Tiamat Wormwood, the Nephilim outcast who has given everything to save her? Tiamat and Kali know they have no future—not when outside forces and Kali’s own power push both the humans and the Nephilim to the brink of extinction.
As she fights to stop the inevitable, she is led to question who her real enemies are, and whether the ultimate threat may actually be herself.
The Cover Fragment:
Fun Fact:
The first book in the series, Wormwood, has had two different covers. The first edition had a cover which really didn’t resonate with readers, but because I like the look of old etchings, I didn’t realize this and kept it on there for years. Today, one of the other blogs has more background on this first cover, as well as a picture of it. Check it out!
Anyway, one day, a highly sought-after cover artist (waiting list, only) picked up a copy of Wormwood and read it. He loved the story so much, he contacted me to tell me that he spontaneously created 3 separate covers for it. For free. Wormwood’s current cover is one of his creations. I use the other two images he created for promotional purposes (such as the close-up of a girl’s face with feathers covering her mouth). Isn’t that awesome? ~D.H.
Remember to have a peek at some other unique facts about the cover, the series, D.H. or her writing process at these blogs. I bet you’re curious, right?
Bookworm Brandee: https://bookwormbrandee.blogspot.com/
FUONLYKNEW: http://fuonlyknew.com/
*Electively Paige: http://electivelypaige.com/
Book Hooked Nook: https://bookhookednook.wordpress.com/
The Perfect Honeybee: https://theperfecthoneybee.wordpress.com/
*Dragons Rule OK: https://aspholessaria.wordpress.com/
*Carlyle Labuschagne: http://www.carlylelabuschagne.com/
And don’t forget about the giveaway!!! D.H. Nevins will be giving away:
– 2 prizes of a physical copy of Wormwood combined with an Angel of Shadow eARC (Advance Reader Copy), as well as- another 10 Angel of Shadow eARCs. Enter the giveaway here! http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/55157da22/
Thanks for stopping by! Full reveal will be this Saturday, but don’t forget there will be a brand new cover fragment and a new fun fact tomorrow. See you soon!
Renee Scattergood, the author of the Shadow Stalker books, has agreed to interview one of her characters, Kado, the guardian of Auren.
Welcome, Renee and Kado.
Hello Kado! I want to thank you for joining us all the way from the Dark Isle today. I know it’s just a leap through the shadow world for you, but we’re so glad to have you here.
Kado: I’m honored to be here. Although, I should add that we do not leap through the shadow world. We move through it or more to the point it moves around us. It’s called a shift.
That’s good to know. Leaping through the world of spirits is probably not the best idea. So, the first thing I’m sure everyone is wondering is, were you born on the Dark Isle?
Kado: I was.
What was it like?
Kado: Life on the Dark Isle is difficult. It’s a dangerous place to live with all the venomous plants. The villages are kept safe enough, but outside the villages it is quite treacherous if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Also, there’s life as a shadow stalker which is equally difficult.
How so?
Kado: Training starts pretty much when we are old enough to walk and talk. Learning to shift into the shadow world is scary when you’re young. It’s also risky when learning to deal with the demons that protect the borders of the shadow world. They recognize fear as aggression, so you can see how that might make things tricky at first.
Yes, very much so. Is it true that shadow stalker children live with a foster family who trains and raises them from the time they are born?
Kado: Yes.
Why is that?
Kado: Well, as I mentioned, the training is difficult and often dangerous. Parents form a bond with their children that makes them want to shelter and protect their children from danger. Over time, we learned it’s more effective and less stressful on the parents to let someone else take that responsibility.
That makes sense. So, you didn’t know your real family growing up?
Kado: Oh no. Shadow stalkers value family. We maintain close ties with our families while we are growing up. Most often children remain in the same village as their parents. In some cases, when they are raised in other villages, they visit with their parents several times a year.
So, are you still close with your family now?
Kado: The only surviving member of my family is my daughter, Shai. And yes, (smiles) we are quite close.
Oh, I’m sorry to hear about your family. How did you lose them?
Kado: Most of them died when the Galvadi invaded the Dark Isle over twenty years ago. My niece, Calista, and wife, Raven, were the only survivors. My wife died several years later, on a mission to rescue Auren’s father from the Galvadi. Cali died a couple years ago as a prisoner of the Galvadi.
So basically, the Galvadi killed your entire family. How awful.
Kado: (deep breath) Yes, it is, but things are turning around. At least I hope they are. If Auren is successful, the Galvadi will be no more.
That’s good to hear. Well, that’s all we have time for today. Again, thank you so much for joining us.
Kado: (nods) It was my pleasure.
I hope you enjoyed this interview. You can buy the Shadow Stalker books on Amazon. They are well worth a read.
Here is a link to the first book.
Dragons Rule OK. V.M.Sang (author) 