Izaic Yorks's Blog, page 5
September 2, 2024
The best books to combat Grimdark (turning to Noblebright)
Note: This is a small fragment from a guest post I made over at Shepherd Books.
Why am I passionate about this?
I adore heroes and stories that inspire me to live a life of virtue. As a child, I would stay up late reading about noble nights and the sins of evil. I believe every person is endowed with a yearning for all that is Good, True, and Beautiful. In a time when the zeitgeist is muddled with grimdark determinism, I’ve noticed wounds and cries for a life of virtue. Stories can inspire the good in us; thus, I am passionate about tales that fan flames of light in the hearts of their readers.
The books I picked & why
I fell for this book like a leprechaun for gold. The world and characters are colorful, and the magic is based on color. From a sensational sensory standpoint, Warbreaker lifted my spirits to a magnificent place.
I am drawn to this book because of the wondrous world and storytelling that revolves around the true spirit of femininity. I love books that reach for the highest virtue of the noble spirit, and Warbreaker did not disappoint. We watch as the two heroines use the true power of femininity to draw out the best in masculinity forces, thus calling them to their destiny. Talk about a story that embraces the Good, the True, and the Beautiful.
There are many books a reader works on, and yet few that work on the reader; J.R.R. Tolkien wrote such a book. I will be the first to admit I don’t love it, which makes it all the more profound. I finished it feeling inspired, uplifted, and believing in the Good.
It worked so powerfully in me that it did not matter what I thought of the book, my soul was touched by Tolkien's Magnus Opus. Watching the interplay between the fellowship, and the heroism of the ordinary man, inspired me to follow virtue and ignore the miasma of nihilism.
To read my other Noblebright recommendations continue reading at: Shepherd.com
August 3, 2024
Fantasy Book Cover Relaunch Reveal
I wanted to share a preview of some of my recent projects with you.
Among my various tasks, I have been exploring cover designs suitable for the fantasy market. An impactful cover isn't just about aesthetics, but about its message. While I admired the previous cover of Ascendant, switching to this new design quickly sparked increased interest.
We replaced the abstract symbols on the old cover with an illustration of Ava showcasing her magical abilities by leaping through a wall. We retained the wing design to the right, which still evokes a sense of wonder, while also hinting at a significant force at the end of the book with a stony aesthetic.
Without further to do, I give you our fantasy book cover relaunch reveal!
This approach worked so well that we applied it to the Aithos cover as well.
This new cover effectively captures the time period, setting, and magical elements (indicative of the fantasy genre), and subtly suggests the presence of dragons.
I am happy with these updates, and the data indicates that they have sparked people's interest.
What do you think?
As always, thank you for coming by!
July 15, 2024
Choosing Hope
I recently wrote about why we should care about hope. To that, my answer is: Hope is the virtue that facilitates Faith and Charity. Hope is the shield against despair. Hope is the anchor to heavenly and virtuous matters. Hope is the launchpad for love.
However, I failed to mention that hope is a virtue that must be chosen. That indeed, is not simply something that comes from nothing to influence our lives. When we feel hope it is the direct action of our actions or the byproduct of another.
Ever since my injury, the Lord has been ruthless in impressing the virtue of hope upon us. It hasn't been easy but miraculously, without fail, our needs are met to the dollar. This has been happening for almost a year now.
As most of my readers know, my wife gave birth to our second daughter in April of 2024. Since then she has been on maternity leave until this past week. Courtney, my beloved, understandably struggled with various anxieties over the affair. Would she still be a good mother? Could she manage her workload? You get the idea. . . Thankfully, not only did she experience a smooth transition back into the workforce but she received a raise and elevation to a director position. We were all thrilled, for her and the extra income.
To understand the significance of her raise, I must explain, that since my injury I’ve struggled to find a part-time job that allows me to pursue building a career as an indie author, for us to keep the raising of our children in-house, and maintain the health of our marriage. Courtney’s raise, while a little smaller than we first thought, has been a breath of fresh air, and yet another ordinary miracle in our lives urging us to continue choosing hope.
Ascendant: Saga of Valor - Choosing Hope in a Cover re-release
In line with today's theme of choosing hope, my Christian high fantasy novel has needed a new cover. The old one is great and very clean-looking, and frankly, I love it, but it doesn't conform to genre standards. In essence, the old cover didn't convey anything about the story or even the genre. Thus after months of hope I am putting my hope in this new cover. Will it draw more readers? Only the Almighty knows. . . but at least you know it's a fantasy adventure with a bad a$$ protagonist.
What do you think?
Have questions or want to chat?
You can reach out to me at izaic@izaicyorks.com
OR
Learn more about Izaic Yorks and his mission to write Noblebright Christian fantasy at https://www.izaicyorks.com/aboutizaicyorks
Live long, and May the Force be with you!
P.S. That saying is purposefully wrong ;)
June 7, 2024
Why Should We Care To Hope?
The Latest Developments in June As most of you might guess, thanks to the baby, sleep is a precious commodity lately.
Don’t feel bad. This season of life is full of gifts, and although a night's rest isn’t one of them, so many other things are.
As I reflect on the many gifts an infant bestows, hope is at the top of the list. I find myself non-stop hoping for who Reina might be, where she might go, and the love she might carry. I hope that I can be the father she requires. I hope she will find a love worthy of her.
As you can tell. . . the list goes on and on.
But what is hope and why is it something to care about? After all, hope is just one of those ephemeral concepts that is nice to mouth, but is without worldly application. Right?
As you might guess, I disagree. So much so, that the entire crux of my fantasy and sci-fi universe are connected in what I call the Anchorverse.
Anchor-: The Western symbolic representation of hope
-verse: The shared universe
My stories are connected by Anchors — magical manifestations that act as symbols of Hope (of course this doesn’t mean the characters realize or interact with them as such).
So, why should we care to hope?
Because of the Theological Virtues that crown my work — Hope is the one that facilitates the other two: Faith and Charity.
Hope is the shield against despair. Hope is the anchor to heavenly and virtuous matters. Hope is the launchpad for love. Not only does hope affect us, but through us, it affects others. Perhaps, then, hope is a bit ephemeral but not in its manifestation.
I suppose in a grim world, I’d like to write stories that inspire hope. and all that is noble and bright. It isn’t a surprise to me that our little one would be stirring such thoughts of virtue within me. After all, children are little bundles of hope.
Book Review
I recently finished Jade City and had a lot of fun with this read — even if it went against my world beliefs. I rated it 4 stars and enjoyed the cinematic nature of the story, but hated the underlying messages. Get a copy if you want to read, Godfather x Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon x Bruce Lee!
Read my full review HERE
Purchase the book HERE
(Yes, that is an Amazon affiliate link if you’d like to support what I do)
Project Updates:
Book 3 (Aithos Part 3) (Release Nov 2026) - 80% outlined
Advent Sinister (Aithos Part 2) (Release Nov 2025) - 227,815 words: Draft 1 is
100% complete | Edit 1: 45% complete
Aithos (Release Nov 2024) - 178,184k words: Funded on Kickstarter | Final Copy Edit: 100% complete
Have questions or want to chat?
You can reach out to me at izaic@izaicyorks.com
OR
Learn more about Izaic Yorks and his mission to write Noblebright Christian fantasy at https://www.izaicyorks.com/aboutizaicyorks
Live long, and May the Force be with you!
P.S. That saying is purposefully wrong ;)
March 6, 2024
Aithos - A Fantasy Kickstarter is Live
Launch day has arrived!
Outside of book release day of Aithos, this epic fantasy Kickstarter is the most anticipated part of the process. In case you aren’t sure what Kickstarter is allow me to explain. It is a website that allows a project to be funded by the community. As an author, it’s the best pre-order system available.
Why?
I can order the specific amount of product required.
It is a celebration of the backers (those who help fund the project) and allows for special additions only available through Kickstarter.
We can fund past the goal amount and keep making the project awesome.
About Aithos:
The Land is Breaking. . .
The Magic is Sick. . .
The Dragons are Dead. . .
Left with few good choices, Magnate Rivia has placed all of his hope in a curious invalid, and foolish expedition. Both men hope to prove the world of Aithos a globe and discover new promised lands. Should the expedition fail the Magnate will be forced to trigger the gears of rebellion against the High King himself.
A leader must serve thy people, but for Magnate Rivia, will that service come in the form of lush lands or at the end of a blade?
Front Line Blurb:
A Corpse Should Remain Soulless.
An Invalid shouldn’t lead an expedition.
Aithos is book 1 of a 3 part series exploring mercy at its core foundation. The second book is 2 months from completion, and test reads will be nearing completion by the time Aithos is in your hands. These books will be released via Kickstarter every November, as all my books are.
Trade Information:
Length - 789 Pages
Genre - Arthurian Fantasy ; Action & Adventure Fantasy ; Epic Fantasy ; Early renassaince
You will like Aithos if you like -
Realm of the Elderlings (slow burn & character connection)
The Way of Kings (a whole new world with interesting magic)
The Wheel of Time (epic & descriptive fantasy)
Check it out & read samples on the Aithos fantasy Kickstarter page
Have questions or want to chat?
You can reach out to me at izaic@izaicyorks.com
Live long, and May the Force be with you! Izaic Y
P.S. That saying is purposefully wrong ;)
February 5, 2024
To Sleep in a Sea of Stars
The old Bait & Switch.
To Sleep in a Sea of Stars is a primary example of a bait and switch. . . Which I didn’t mind in the slightest. Why? Because the thing that changed was the genre —- i.e. Sci-fi into Fantasy. If you have ever read a classic fantasy or played a D&D game you might notice this book is a carbon copy-paste of some of the most timeless fantasy tropes.
Our heroine gains a strange power that brings the forces of evil after her and sends her on a quest. This adventure includes unlikely allies and an adventure to retrieve an ancient artifact to defeat the said evil. While Mr. Paolini masterfully keeps the veneer of hard scientific theory it is underpinned by his background in the fantasy genre
I suspect most people will enjoy the worldbuilding and masterful interweaving of hard-science elements at the level of a casual reader. Look, I am dumber than a rock and I could understand the Markov Limit and Subliminal Space Travel Theory. Well done, Mr. Paolini! However, what I loved about this novel was the banter and quiet moments between the crew of the Wallfish. In those moments I felt like I was a part of the crew and I loved it.
I loved listening to their teasing and all the juicy secrets of their lives. I’m a Robin Hobbs mega fan and character development is my jam. Which brings me to my dislike. . . I just couldn’t care two sh*+$ for the protagonists—I can’t even remember her name as I type this and I don’t want to get up to find the book. . . My main issue is twofold:
While she is thrust into extraordinary circumstances it is hard to believe her almost seamless change from Xenobioligst to savior of the universe.
My second issue is that the most interesting thing about her is her alien companion, Soft Blade. If I were to recommend a change to Mr. Paolini it would be to slow down the plot (maybe break this story into two) and hone in on the protagonist's struggles.
Lastly, I have to give praise for how Mr. Paolini navigates the line between scientism and science. In the modern age, more and more sci-fi works are taking on a worldview in which science is paramount to a religion. I found that while the characters had their differing views on life and beyond that there wasn’t the same type of dogma of scientism that is present in other works.
Overall: 3.5 stars - I liked it and would recommend it to certain audiences.
Have questions or want to chat?
You can reach out to me at izaic@izaicyorks.com
Live long, and May the Force be with you! Izaic Y
P.S. That saying is purposefully wrong ;)
January 1, 2024
Yorks Christmas: A Photo Journal
We begin the Yorks Christmas with a 5-hour flight. There is a point where the free seat for a child under 2 just sucks because they are way too big. It doesn't help that our daughter is built like 21-month-old space marine.
From North Carolina to Washington State. There is nothing I miss more than the water, the seagulls above, and the Mt Ranier deciding to get cheeky and peek out.
The best part about the holidays is the magic of seeing a grandchild with her grandparents.
Oh. . . and the magic of bringing Frosty to life and then devouring him. This picture is the only remaining evidence that could corroborate our interactions with eaten, err *lost* snowman.
There aren't words enough for some magic but needless to say we are excited to bring another little girl into this world. As a guy, I'm officially outnumbered and I think it's high time I spend inordinate amounts of time splitting wood and other manly things before I lose all my testosterone.
Zoo lights. Bees. Time with my girl. You can't wrap these moments and put them under a tree.
This guy is on my hit list. I don't know who he is but he had the gall to put his arm around my beloved bride, to make candy cane hearts, and even offer her the chance to sit on his lap. Yea, this means war. . . and it raises questions, like, should I embrace the dad bod?
Ok, enough silliness. We had a fantastic Christmas and I hope you enjoyed yours as much as we did. I'd love to hear about your holiday adventures. You can reach out to share at izaic@izaicyorks.com
Live long, and May the Force be with you!
Izaic Yorks
P.S. That saying is purposefully wrong ;)
Learn more about Izaic and his work at izaicyorks.com where fantastical tales can be consumed and other goodies await your discovery
December 2, 2023
Best Gifts for the Geek Who Wants Nothing
Every year my family complains that I am just plain difficult to find gifts for and not because I have everything but because often there is little that I do want. I’m certain most people have a fantasy/science fiction geek in their lives with just the same sort of problem. Frustrating right? Well, if they are anything like me then what they want is to be surprised with what feels like a genuine effort. A perilous undertaking for the serious gift giver, I know.
As a source of continued gift-giving annoyance, I figured the least I could do this Christmas season is to share some unique gifts for the geek in your life.
Shire Pipes - Rivendell Pipe - $53.99
Stunning and sure to take a prideful display spot the Rivendell Pipe is great for collectors or the pipe enthusiasts alike. Shire Pipes has an assortment of artfully made pipes but it’s hard to beat the elven elegance in combination with the comfort of hobbit woodworking. While this gift is easy to come by I do warn you that Southfarthing Old Boy pipeweed, the finest smoke in all the land, has yet to include delivery.
Scythe - Scifi for the gamer and the partier - $63.99
In a time with less and less face time a good board game is the gift that keeps giving. Why? Because it brings friends together and allows your dearest geek to crush hearts, of course. Besides the premise of Scythe is just durned awesome: It is a time of unrest in 1920s Europa. The ashes from the first great war still darken the snow. The capitalistic city-state known simply as “The Factory”, which fueled the war with heavily armored mechs, has closed its doors, drawing the attention of several nearby countries
Lead your faction to victory, building mechs, working the land, and exploring the mysterious factory, all while protecting your territory from the mechs of other encroaching factions
Women of Wonder Book - $20.96
The Women of Wonder series spans the eras of sci-fi storytelling. This collection of best short fiction from female science fiction authors, including Octavia Butler, Connie Willis, Angela Carter, and more.
Book Ends / Dragon Book End - $49.99 / Yoda Book End - $24.99
Ok, these two book ends are sure to delight. Though the aesthetic is different the appeal is obvious to see. If you have a bibliophile, proud lover of bookshelves, and general geek cave creator either one of these gifts is certain to enliven their space. The Dragon Book Ends are perfect for the dungeon master and fantasy nerd in your life, and the Yoda Book End will no doubt have all the kids believing in the fore.
Midnight Stray - Dragon Inn Candle - Starting at $7.99
I have a special place in my heart for this small business and let me be the first to say that their quality is second to none. Story, immersion, and beauty is at the core of the Midnight Stray ethos. Every product is designed to subtly lull you into a different world. That is why I included them with my high fantasy novel in my very first Kickstarter, allowing my readers to light their candles and immerse themselves in the cold northern setting in which Ascendant: Saga of Valor takes place. This is a gift for readers and Dungeon & Dragon players alike.
Game of Thrones Cookbook - $27.59
Oh, how could I forget to mention the cultural phenomenon known as Game of Thrones? Based on the brainchild hit fantasy series, a crew of talented chefs and fans combine the art of food and story to bring you one magical cookbook. Ever wonder what it’s like to attend a feast at Winterfell? Wish you could split a lemon cake with Sansa Stark, scarf down a pork pie with the Night’s Watch, or indulge in honey fingers with Daenerys Targaryen? George R. R. Martin’s bestselling saga A Song of Ice and Fire and the runaway hit HBO series Game of Thrones are renowned for bringing Westeros’s sights and sounds to vivid life. But one important ingredient has always been missing: the mouthwatering dishes that form the backdrop of this extraordinary world. Now, fresh out of the series that redefined fantasy, comes the cookbook that may just redefine dinner . . . and lunch, and breakfast.
The best part of this gift? Hopefully, it will end in you getting one of these delicious meals.
Ascendant Saga of Valor - Softcover $21.99
It is my book and I would be remiss not to include what I biasedly believe to be a great story.
The sound of Valor shall resound, piercing even the deepest reaches of the city, and in the end, not a soul will be untarnished. . .
Until now, no one has managed to end the Lord Prime's tyranny.
Dirk Ava wants the same things as any other teenager.
Someone to love her. The freedom to do as she wishes. . . and the chance to overthrow the Lord Prime. Daughter to a rebel extremist, Dirk Ava has been groomed for rebellion before she could even walk, but when the magic of the Ascendants appears within her, Ava's life is turned inside out.
Set on a soul-shattering quest, Ava's coming-of-age story requires her to master her powers, overcome betrayal, and slay the Lord Prime or lose everything and everyone she loves.
This is her destiny, but where good comes at the cost of evil, will Dirk Ava be able to keep her soul untarnished? Or will she become the very monster she hates?
Give the gift of discovering a new author and supporting small businesses. What's the worst that could happen they hate it. . . oh, that could be bad. Hmm, your geek will love it!
Ok, I hope that this helps your gifting endeavors!
Live long, and May the Force be with you!
Izaic Y
P.S. This blog contains affiliate links for all the Amazon links. Shopping with that link costs you nothing and helps support my business as Amazon sends a small kickback based on your purchase. These kickbacks are not limited to the products above but any shopping done through the portal of those links helps us thrive and keep this ship afloat.
November 14, 2023
Justice: Origins of a Story
Behind Walktall Part 3 - Letting Justice Lead
Walktall is out and after a brief snafu in which I gave a rough draft to reviewers, I couldn’t be prouder. For those who have already read the book, you’ve probably noticed how rich it is with metaphor. From the miracle of the butterfly at the end in its representation of the hero's internal transformation, to the more obvious ones like that of the fabled Tallmen and their fairies. Of all the different things happening in the book, I think learning to walk tall in the worst of circumstances is what I cherish most.
Walktall is a novella set in the Saga of Valor world, which deals with the underpinning of Fortitude. Naturally then, one might think Walktall would likely have some commentary on that virtue.
Wrong.
Walktall was written looking at the underpinnings of Justice. When it comes to the art on bravery, endurance, and valor the result is too often focused on the good guy running into danger. While that can be a result of virtous fortitude it doesn’t necessarily reflect that. Instead with Walktall, I set out in part to show some of the pieces that must be in place to act in fortitude. Which brings me to justice.
Justice in modernity is often viewed shallowly, making it a mere shade of what it is. When most people hear of this wisdom virtue the idea of getting what’s owed or deserved is what comes to mind. Yes, there is an aspect of that in the meaning of Justice. But that poses a deeper question and much more fulfilling understanding of the word—one that if taken seriously would see a lot less violence and insane acts from socially charged youth and activist types.
On a deep level, justice requires a person to first look inward and see the flaws within themselves—we might call this inner justice. Not to make peace with that which is painful or wrong, but to put one's house in order, so to speak. Properly applied, inner justice leads to bravery that can be in coordination with wisdom. Properly applied, inner justice is the basis of rightfully laid loyalty. Properly applied, inner justice acts as a pedestal on which other Virtues can more easily take root. It is the root (when it comes to virtue) which can allow a person to walk tall.
Just like the protagonist of Walktall, it isn’t about being perfect but making small choices that align the virtues, day in and day out.
That's it for blog #3 in this 3 Part Series of Walktall Origins. I hope you enjoyed these behind-the-scenes readHave questions or want to chat? You can reach out to me at izaic@izaicyorks.com Live long, and May the Force be with you! Izaic YP.S. That saying is purposefully wrong ;)WALKTALL NOW AVAILABLE FOR ORDER
October 19, 2023
Ascendant: Saga of Valor
Not much to write today, just good news to share! With audio production done, Ascendant: Saga of Valor will soon be available for purchase on Audible. I had the pleasure of working with voice talent Kyle Snyder, who voice-acted the whole dang thing. I'm freaking excited if you can't tell! Anyway, I thought I'd share the prologue with you.
Enjoy!
Revolution cometh!
The sound of Valor shall resound, piercing even the deepest reaches of the city, and in the end, not a soul will be untarnished. . .
Until now, no one has managed to end the Lord Prime's tyranny.
That is until a deep and unlikely magic awakens within her.
Dirk Ava wants the same things as any other teenager:
Someone to love her. The freedom to do as she wishes. . and the chance to overthrow the Lord Prime. Daughter to a rebel extremist, Dirk Ava has been groomed for rebellion before she could even walk, but when the magic of the Ascendants appears within her, Ava's life is turned inside out.
Set on a soul-shattering quest, Ava's coming-of-age story requires her to master her powers, overcome betrayal, and slay the Lord Prime or lose everything and everyone she loves.
This is her destiny, but where good comes at the cost of evil, will Dirk Ava be able to keep her soul untarnished? Or will she become the very monster she hates?
Live long, and May the Force be with you! Izaic YorksP.S. That saying is purposefully wrong ;)WALKTALL NOW AVAILABLE FOR PREORDER
