A.L. Butcher's Blog, page 45
July 16, 2023
Excerpt Sunday – The Stolen Tower
Welcome to Excerpt Sunday – here’s a little teaser from The Stolen Tower (c) A. L. Butcher
Holding the Heart of the Mountain at arm’s length Mirandra watched it spin on its cord.
“This is home, take us, and lead us! I am Mirandra Var, daughter of Kherak and my blood has been called to right a wrong.” There was no trace of fear in her voice, but to whom she spoke the others weren’t entirely sure. It was a challenge, a challenge of her Power and her right to lead to whatever resided here.
As they watched the spirals on the stone shifted, spinning and whirling, Mirandra heard the deep resonance in her head, the song of the mountain and she followed, only now half aware of those about her. “Down, we need to go down,” she managed, although her voice was low and her eyes distant.
They crept past arches, in which lingered bones and piles of rags. Talfor eyed the remains, he alone of the adventurers had fought with the undead of the Temple of the Sky and knew that bones need not be idle. The air was heavy with the foul stench of death, and they tried not to gag. Some of the bodies were nought but bones, dry and brown; others were stinking, with maggots squirming. Grimly they searched those they could, seeking answers and finding only questions and sad remains.
“This is not a labyrinth – it’s a mausoleum!” M’alia said.
More than one corpse was Trollish in form, the large size and horns, making it clear, but most could not be identified. In the crumbling remains, M’alia saw a thin copper tube, such as would be used to transport a scroll. Curious she slid it open, hoping to find a spell to help them, and fragile parchment slithered out. In the flickering light of her wisp, the young mage squinted at the faint and desperate hand.
Father, this must be my goodbye. This is all a lie, he has gone insane. There are monsters here, summoned by his hand. There is death here, there is anger and fear. The Lady may she protect you, we are beyond her now.
Universal Link https://www.books2read.com/StolenTower
The Stolen Tower – the Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles – Book III
What stalks the land cannot be, but is.
Where magic is outlawed a troll Shaman calls from her deathbed to her heiress, Mirandra Var, daughter of the storm. Mirandra vows to find her missing kin, sort friend from foe, and claim the dangerous secrets guarded by unthinkable creatures. If she succeeds, she will become the leader of her tribe. If she fails, there will be no tribe to lead.
July 15, 2023
Check out this Awesome Review
Check out this awesome review for the audiobook edition of The Stolen Tower.
July 13, 2023
Changing Tide Blog Tour #Sci-fi #Romance
Dive into this fast-paced, suspenseful Sci-Fi fantasy novel that melds sizzling romance, action, heart-stopping horror, and a high-stakes battle to save humanity.
Changing Tide
by Robert Joncas
Genre: YA SciFi Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Horror
I had to do it.
I wouldn’t let anyone else I love die.
What did I do …
A wild adventure that takes you on a journey from the California coast to the depths of the Grand Canyon. Dive into this fast-paced, suspenseful Sci-Fi fantasy novel that melds sizzling romance, action, heart-stopping horror, and a high-stakes battle to save humanity.
After her father’s tragic death, eighteen-year-old Skye Conner and her mom visit her Nana on the California coast. There, Skye stumbles across a mystical conch shell in the surf. Suddenly her dull, empty life takes on a thrilling and terrifying turn.
Skye has had to endure a despondent mother drowning in grief, living in a private world of darkness. Nana is a feisty, intelligent, take-no-bull grandmother with a flaming sense of pride and heart of gold. Then comes a handsome, mesmerizing alien on a mission to save the Earth. But are his intentions sincere, or does he have another agenda?
Skye has finally found someone to love, but can he be trusted? Changing Tide is a witty, original page-turning thriller that will make you look at First Contact in a whole new way.
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–snippet of a review from OnlineBookClub.org–
“Robert Joncas has crafted a compelling narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The pacing is well-balanced, and the author’s ability to evoke a wide range of emotions is commendable. Skye’s character development is particularly noteworthy, as readers witness her transformation from a grieving and vulnerable girl into a brave and determined young woman.
….Changing Tide is a remarkable book that grabs the reader’s attention from the very first page. With its compelling characters, intriguing plot twists, and seamless blending of genres, it is a true page-turner. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment spent reading this book and was genuinely sad when it came to an end. Without a doubt, I highly recommend picking up Changing Tide by Robert Joncas and awarding it a well-deserved 5 out of 5 stars .
–snippet of a Review from Literary Titan–
In “Changing Tide,” Robert Joncas masterfully entwines an evocative narrative of a young girl, Skye, wrestling with her personal turmoil while being swept into a journey far beyond her understanding. Haunted by cryptic dreams and grappling with the tragic loss of her father and her mother’s spiraling depression, Skye’s world is painted with a brush of melancholy. However, a glimmer of hope emerges as she rekindles a connection with Paul, an alluring figure from her past, previously known for his childhood mischief.
Robert Joncas showcases an exceptional ability to portray raw emotions and delicate sentiments. His narrative is an intricate tapestry of romance, familial bonds, suspense, and an unmistakably human touch enveloped in a mantle of science fiction. The characters are vividly constructed, each contributing a unique hue to the narrative palette. Nana, Skye’s vivacious and fearless grandmother, was a particular standout, embodying a captivating blend of loyalty and audacious spirit.
The narrative is particularly successful in illustrating Skye’s internal struggle – her battle against emotional turmoil and her hesitant forays into new friendships. The character development of the alien entity is equally commendable, with its adaptation and backstory revealed in a layered, compelling manner.
“Changing Tide” is a warmly recommended read, particularly for young adults who yearn for a slice of relatable, yet enchantingly fantastic, reality. This novel embodies the essence of heartfelt storytelling interlaced with an adventurous spirit, ensuring a riveting reading experience.
Robert grew up in Southern California and has worked as a Real Estate Broker in Flagstaff, AZ, for many years. He has a BS in Health Science and graduated with Distinction from the prestigious UCLA Writers’ Program, where he studied under Author Lynn Hightower in her Master Novel Classes. He is a member of the Alliance of Independent Authors and the Horror Writers Association.
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
$50 Amazon – 1 winner,
ebook of Changing Tide – 2 winners!
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July 11, 2023
A Cryptic Clue – Blog Tour and Giveaway #Mystery
A retired librarian gets back to the books—and into a devilish murder case
A Cryptic Clue
A Hunter & Clewe Mystery Book 1
by Victoria Gilbert
Genre: Mystery
A retired librarian gets back to the books—and into a devilish murder case—in acclaimed author Victoria Gilbert’s new series, the perfect literary adventure for fans of Kate Carlisle and Jenn McKinlay.
Sixty-year-old Jane Hunter, forced into early retirement from her job as a university librarian, is seeking a new challenge to keep her spirits up and supplement her meager pension. But as she’s about to discover, a retiree’s life can bring new thrills—and new dangers.
Cameron “Cam” Clewe, an eccentric 33-year-old collector, is also seeking something—an archivist to inventory his ever-expanding compendium of rare books and artifacts. Jane’s thrilled to be hired on by Cam and to uncover the secrets of his latest acquisition, a trove of items related to the classic mystery and detective authors. But Jane’s delight is upended when a body is discovered in Cam’s library. The victim, heir to a pharmaceutical fortune, was the last in line of Cam’s failed romances—and now he’s suspect number one.
Cam vows to use his intelligence and deductive skills to clear his name—but with a slight case of agoraphobia, rampant anxiety, and limited social skills, he’ll need some help. It comes down to Jane to exonerate her new boss—but is he truly innocent?
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Raised in a historic small town at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Victoria Gilbert turned her early obsession with books into a dual career as an author and librarian. Now retired, she’s worked as a reference librarian, research librarian, and university library director.
Victoria writes the Blue Ridge Library Mystery series, the Booklover’s B&B Mystery series, and the Hunter and Clewe traditional mystery series for Crooked Lane Books. When not writing or reading, she likes to spend her time watching TV and films, gardening, or traveling. A member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers, Victoria lives in North Carolina with her husband, son, and two very spoiled cats.
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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
$10 Amazon – 1 winner
Hardcover of A Cryptic Clue – 2 winners!
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July 10, 2023
Love and Other Disasters – Release Blitz #Historical #Regency #Romance
Their disdain for each other is strong…but not nearly so much as their unexpected passion.
Love and Other Disasters
Scandalous Brides Book 3
by Heather Boyd
Genre: Historical Regency Romance
Lord Jasper Sweet, the often overlooked third son of a duke, is used to disappointment, and learned to rely on no one but himself. Forced to endure a summer at his family’s estate, he’s planning a little party to pass the time and refill his empty pockets. But his nephew’s and their prickly governess, Sophie Radcliffe, remain at the estate too, and he’s expecting vast disapproval. He never imagined he’d need the governess’ help—and not just because someone left an infant screaming on his bed. Sophie prefers to keep a distance from her employer’s rakish brother because it’s clear he doesn’t like her. But with one glimpse of the shoddy way he’s running his secret, scandalous house party—and the child screaming on his bed—it’s clear he needs her expertise for both. Sophie never meant to trust another rake with her reputation or the secrets of her past, but Jasper has snuck under her defenses and could steal her heart—if he ever saw her as more than a means to a scandalous end. Love and Other Disasters is a steamy regency romance novel
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Don’t miss the other books in the series!
Wicked With Him
Scandalous Brides Book 1
Desperately Seeking Seduction
Scandalous Brides Book 2
USA Today Bestselling Author Heather Boyd believes every character she creates deserves their own happily-ever-after—no matter how much trouble she puts them through. With that goal in mind, she writes steamy romances that skirt the boundaries of propriety to keep readers enthralled until the wee hours of the morning.
Heather has published over fifty regency romance novels and shorter works full of daring seductions and distinguished rogues. She lives north of Sydney, Australia, with her trio of rogues and a fluffy four-legged overlord.
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Follow the blitz HERE for special content and a giveaway!
$10 Amazon
July 9, 2023
Guest Post – My 5 Favorite Fantasy Tropes 一 and Why They Work So Well – Rose Atkinson-Carter
My 5 Favorite Fantasy Tropes 一 and Why They Work So Well
Fantasy novels have long captivated readers with their fascinating worlds, mythical creatures, and heroic quests. It is a genre that expands our imagination and, in doing so, plays an important role in our society.
One of the reasons why so many readers are drawn to it is because of the many tropes it often includes. And while some have been certainly overused, others still powerfully impact the narrative. So, in this post I’m going to share my own 5 favorite fantasy tropes and why I think they’re so effective.
Let’s get right into it.
1. The Reverse Chosen OneOne of the most common tropes is that of the Chosen One, in which the main character is destined to fulfill a higher purpose, like saving the world from evil. While this trope can be done well (and will continue to exist as long as we continue to tell stories,) subverting it can make for a more engaging read.
There are different ways to go about it, from having multiple Chosen One characters, to self-declared ones, to Chosen One wannabe, but my personal favorite is the Reverse Chosen One.
In this trope, the protagonist lives in a world where everyone (or some people or creatures) has magical powers except for them. So when facing challenges in their journey, they have to rely on traits like ingenuity or resilience, which are more relatable. An example is Joel in Brandon Sanderson’s The Rithmatist. Despite his dream of becoming a Rithmatist himself, and controlling wild chalklings with magic, his “superpower” is that he has a sharp mind and a burning desire to understand their strategies 一 which is what empowers him to solve problems along the way.
2. Wise MentorsThe mentor archetype in storytelling is a timeless one, and to be honest, I never get bored of it. The mentor is that good friend every hero needs in their journey. It may offer words of wisdom, practical training, or other forms of guidance. More than anything, a mentor helps the protagonist to access their Higher Self when faced with difficult situations, and, ultimately, stand up for themselves.
In storytelling, and especially in Western narratives, the wise mentor is often linked to a revered old wizard-like figure. Think of Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings, Dumbledore in the Harry Potter series, or even Master Oogway in Kung Fu Panda. But mentors don’t have to bewrinkled old men (or, in Oogway’s case, old tortoises). In contemporary fantasy, mentors take many forms: they can be female (think powerful witches like Tissaia in The Witcher), exist as an animal companion, a fairy guide, or even a ghost existing solely in dreams (unlike ghostwriters, who help authors in the real world.)
The key thing is that they are interesting characters and that their interaction with the protagonist is fun and unique. Bonus points if they also have some real flaws instead of simply being all-knowing!
3. High-Stakes MagicMagic is perhaps the distinctive feature of fantasy novels, a genre in which 一 unlike literary fiction 一 everything is possible. However, the best magic trope, for me, is one in which the magic has real consequences for its use, and is therefore not limitless. The character who uses the magic has to pay a price for it, to compensate for its powers. The stronger the magic, the heftiest the price.
In The Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles, Dii has to be very careful using magic spells, because if the Order of Witch-Hunters finds out, she is in real trouble. In the 12th book of Robert Jordan’s series The Wheel of Time, Rand al’Thor struggles with his mental sanity as the corruption of using the male half of the One Power starts to compound. And in The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini, Eragon must draw energy from the gems in his sword, or, when that runs out, expend his own physical energy to perform magic, risking exhaustion or death.
Overall, the limitations of magic can be just as interesting, if not more, than the power it provides. Real consequences force the character to make a big moral decision every time they use magic, which generally leads to more nuanced and interesting stories.
4. The Powerful ArtifactThere is something curious about transforming ordinary objects into mysterious and powerful tools that can alter a character’s journey. Whether that’s a cloak granting invisibility, a horn summoning great heroes to battle, or a wardrobe that gives you access to a parallel world, these magical objects help to activate the imagination.
Sometimes they simply add depth and enrich the narrative, but other times they can be primary catalysts for adventure and conflict. The object must be used, retrieved, or destroyed for the greater good, but the character must learn not to become corrupted by it. For example, the Auryn medallion in The Neverending Story by Michael Ende grants its wearer the power to do what they wish, at the cost of losing their memories. This turns the loving Bastian into a much colder and more calculated version of himself, on the brink of forgetting his own name, though he manages to find salvation in the end.
As a whole, artifacts represent our innate desire for the extraordinary and offer a way to explore morality, destiny, and the effects of great power.
5. Complex VillainsSimilarly to the Chosen One, another classic trope in fantasy is the evil villain 一 one that just acts as evil apparently for the sake of it. While this figure can serve a purpose in some stories (like morality tales or fables for children), I prefer more morally complex villains that allow for a better exploration of certain themes and dilemmas.
Instead of a power-obsessed actor that only acts out of selfish interest and fear, it’s nice to read about villains with some room for change and redemption. For example, Jaime Lannister starts on a terrible foot in George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire, but as the story progresses, we see him evolve from a bad actor to one burdened by his choices and seeking redemption. Another famous example is Severus Snape, from the Harry Potter world. While initially portrayed as cruel and insensitive to Harry, we later discover his backstory and understand that he was protecting him all along. And in Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo, it’s hard to judge the Darkling’s theoretical mission to protect the Grisha — except in practice, he goes too far.
Even in a fantasy world where everything is possible, I feel that multifaceted antagonists are generally more interesting, as they better represent the gray (as opposed to the black and white) of the human psyche and experience.
So there you have them, my 5 favorite fantasy tropes 一 what are yours and why? Leave your reply below.
Rose Atkinson-Carter is a writer with Reedsy, a marketplace and blog that helps authors with everything from finding the best writing software to how to make an audiobook and everything in between.
July 5, 2023
The Maddie Swallows Mysteries – Blog Tour #Mystery
If you love small towns, quirky characters, and an intriguing whodunit, you’ll love this cozy mystery series!
Dead Before Dinner
A Maddie Swallows Mystery Book 1
by Kat Bellemore
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Green chile has never been more dangerous.
Psychologist Maddie Swallows’ decision to return to New Mexico seemed like a good idea at the time, considering the divorce and her two teenagers she’d dragged along for the ride.
But that was before the New Year’s Eve party she was guilt-tripped into attending. Before a member of the town council wound up dead and everyone at the party became a suspect. And before she was forced to unravel the secrets of her former hometown in order to clear her name.
Of course, with the help of two precocious teenagers and one meddling mother, the real murderer doesn’t stand a chance.
Dead before Dinner is the first book of the Maddie Swallows series. If you love small towns, quirky characters, and an intriguing whodunit, you’ll love this cozy mystery.
Pick up Dead before Dinner and get swept away in this New Mexican mystery series today!
**Start the series for FREE!**
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Dead Upon Arrival
A Maddie Swallows Mystery Book 2
Flying high in the New Mexican sky has never been more lethal.
The biggest hot air balloon festival would have been a vacation if Maddie didn’t have to balance her apathetic teenagers, a meddling mother, and act as therapist for a desperate patient. Let alone solve a murder case!
When Maddie witnesses someone fall from a hot air balloon, it seems like a tragic accident. But as facts come to light, the police are convinced it’s foul play. And Maddie’s friend is to blame.
With the remainder of the festival canceled and all attendees required to stay for questioning, Maddie has two days to discover the truth behind the murder and free her friend from suspicion.
Dead Upon Arrival is the second book in the Maddie Swallows mystery series. If you like humor, intrigue, and, of course, hot air balloons, you’ll love this cozy mystery.
Grab Dead Upon Arrival and test your whodunit skills today!
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Dead Before I Do
A Maddie Swallows Mystery Book 3
‘Till Death Do You Part’ wasn’t supposed to be taken so literally…
When Maddie Swallows attends an out-of-town wedding with her best friend, Benji, she expects free food, dancing, and some awkward moments as she tries to figure out her feelings for her long-time friend.
What she finds instead is a dead groom and an entire wedding guest list who had reason to kill the guy.
It doesn’t help that Maddie was the last person to see the groom alive and is placed in the local police’s crosshairs as they work to solve the murder.
It will take some unexpected sleuthing, and a few therapy sessions, for this psychiatrist to prove her innocence, and bring justice to the real killer.
Dead Before I Do is the third book of the Maddie Swallows mystery series. If you love quirky characters, romance, and plenty of intrigue, you’ll love this cozy mystery.
Pick up Dead Before I Do and travel to White Sands National Park for Maddie’s latest mystery today!
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**Coming soon on July 31st!**
Dead Among Stars A Maddie Swallows Mystery Book 4
Kat Bellemore is a small-town romance and cozy mystery author. Deciding to have New Mexico as the setting for two of her series was an easy choice, considering its amazing sunsets, blue skies and tasty green chile. That, and she currently lives there with her husband and two cute kids. They hope to one day add a dog to the family, but for now, the native animals of the desert will have to do. Though, Kat wouldn’t mind ridding the world of scorpions and centipedes. They’re just mean.
You can visit Kat at www.kat-bellemore.com.
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June 29, 2023
Return of the Scandalous Lady – Blog Tour #HistoricalRomance #Regency
Might a scandalous lady with a warm heart and a lively mind be just what a respectable gentleman needs?
Return of the Scandalous Lady
Perilous Secrets Book 4
by Barbara Monajem
Genre: Historical Regency Romance
Years ago, Frances Templestone left her husband and ran away to France with a lover. Now she’s back, widowed and more mature, but mostly unrepentant. A social pariah, she stays out of sight while her daughter Julia has her first London season.
Until Julia, who is as impetuous as her mother, sneaks out to a masquerade with an unsuitable man. Frances hastens to the rescue, and when she sees Julia about to get into a coach with a handsome stranger, she accuses him—very publicly—of being a rake who ruins innocent girls.
Soon she learns that Jasper, Lord Canterwell, is a respectable man. He wasn’t at the masquerade seeking an easy conquest. On the contrary—his daughter is missing, and he is searching for her everywhere. Aghast, Frances offers to help him. Rudely, he spurns her.
But Frances is determined and Jasper is desperate. Might a scandalous lady with a warm heart and a lively mind be just what a respectable gentleman needs?
Don’t miss the rest of the series!
The Smuggler’s Escape
Perilous Secrets Book 1
**Start the series for FREE!!**
His Lordship’s Incorrigible Wife
Perilous Secrets Book 2
The Infidelity Curse
Perilous Secrets Book 3
USA Today bestselling author and winner of the Daphne, Maggie, Holt Medallion, and Epic awards, Barbara Monajem is the author of more than thirty novels and novellas. She wrote her first story at eight years old about apple tree gnomes. After publishing a middle-grade fantasy, she settled on historical mysteries and romances with intrepid heroines and long-suffering heroes (or vice versa). Sometimes there’s a bit of fantasy mixed in, because she wants to avoid reality as much as possible.
Barbara used to have two items on her bucket list: to make asparagus pudding and to succeed at knitting socks. She managed the first (don’t ask) but doubts she’ll ever accomplish the second. This is not a bid for immortality but merely the dismal truth. She lives near Atlanta with an ever-shifting population of relatives, friends, and feline strays. Learn more at www.BarbaraMonajem.com.
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June 25, 2023
Swift Six Character Interview – Daniel Jacobus -#mystery
Swift Six Set 3 – Character
Name: My name is Daniel Jacobus, with an accent on the “o.” My two friends – Yumi Shinagawa, my former student turned concert violinist, and Nathaniel Williams, my corpulent African-American Watson – call me Jake. People under the misapprehension that I like them call me Daniel, and occasionally people who try to kiss my ass call me Dr. Jacobus, though I’m no more of a doctor than Doctor Dré.
Which book/world do you live in?
I live in the 8-part mystery series named after me, if you want to call that living. You’d think Elias might have bothered to ask me if I wanted to be in his books, but what else is new? Anyway, here are the titles: Devil’s Trill, Danse Macabre, Death & the Maiden, Death & Transfiguration, Playing With Fire, Spring Break, Cloudy With a Chance of Murder, and Murder at the Royal Albert. A lot of murders. Not my problem.
Tell us about yourself: (Name, race/species, etc.)
I’d rather not, but since you insist. I was born in Germany. When I was a kid, my parents shipped me off to New York to study the violin at Juilliard. That saved my life, as they were incinerated at Auschwitz during the War. I was a violinist in the Boston Symphony for a while, but, well, you’ll find out what happened when you read the answer to the next question. Anyway, I became a violin teacher, for better or worse, mainly worse.
How do you see your world?
I don’t see my world, since I’m blind. That happened many years ago, the day I auditioned for concertmaster of the Boston Symphony. Sudden, you know. Career kaput. It happens. That, and my parents’ death, and one other thing I’m not going to get into here, soured my view of the world. Is that surprising?
A better question would be, “How do you hear your world?” Answer, in all its intricate clarity. What one sees is more often than not reality. What one hears more likely reflects the truth and not an “alternate set of facts.” I listen.
What part do you play in this tale?
Elias made me his protagonist for some reason that eludes me. I’m not particularly likeable, as you’ve no doubt already figured out, though I could care less, and the last thing I want to do is solve someone else’s murder. I’d much rather lie on my frayed sofa in my rundown hovel in the Berkshires hills with my slobbering bulldog, Trotsky, listen to my old LPs, and rail against the injustice in the world. But once they get a bee in their bonnet, Yumi and Nathaniel just won’t leave me alone. They drag me all over the place to help them and the police solve crimes that they don’t have the common sense to solve on their own. And, what do I get for it? “Great job, Jake.” That, and acute heartburn.
Do you consider yourself a good person/creature?
I’m somewhere between Mother Teresa and Jack the Ripper. If you want to know which one I’m closer to, you’ll just have to read the books.
Do you follow any religion?
My family was Jewish, as you might have guessed. Because of what happened to them, I’m almost a total atheist. I would’ve said “total atheist” without the “almost” qualifier, except that I haven’t yet figured out any other way to explain Mozart.
What is your favourite colour/food/music (pick one)?
A pastrami sandwich on rye bread with extra mustard, preferably from the Carnegie Deli, except they’re out of business.
Links to book etc
Website: https://geraldeliasmanofmystery.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gerald.elias
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EliasBooks/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geraldelias504/
Amazon link to books: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=books+by+gerald+elias&i=stripbooks&crid=3F2MFVZM0TP5K&sprefix=books+by+gerald+elias%2Cstripbooks%2C149&ref=nb_sb_noss
June 21, 2023
Fantasy in Our Society – A. L. Butcher
Fantasy – it’s everywhere!
Name: A.L. Butcher
Location: Bristol, Southwestern UK.
How do YOU define fantasy?
Fantasy – a genre where anything and everything is possible; be it magic, mythological beastie, impossible heroes, the folklore and legend that underpins our society and our storytelling.
From the earliest storytellers trying to make sense of a frightening, confusing and dangerous world, to the supreme world-builders such as Tolkien, to the escapism and humour of Terry Pratchett we’ve loved fairytales, magic, lore and legend for thousands of years.
It’s everywhere – from our national legendary heroes such as Robin Hood, King Arthur and St George to the names of our pubs, our libraries, our children’s education, to our language.
Kids read (or are read) fairy-tales, we have Santa Claus, the toothfairy, black dog myths, headless horsemen, the Loch Ness Monster, ghosts aplenty, Green Men, more saints than you can imagine – most of whom did something fantastical – witches, fairies, pixies, dragons, giants, pirates (including Blackbeard who it’s said drank at the Hatchet Inn) and much more. There are two giants that ‘lived’ locally to where I’m based (Goram and Vincent/Ghyston).
I grew up on fairytales, flower fairies, fantasy tales made up by my father, and later Greek and Roman myth, Tolkien and dragons.
Are these genres seen in a more acceptable light than they used to be?
Well fantasy/folklore is hardly new. But I think with the popularity of certain franchises such as Marvel and Harry Potter, fantasy and sci-fi has become more ‘acceptable’ – in that a wider audience has found enjoyment in these. Games, movies, books in the fantasy/sci-fi genre are big business.
What makes a ‘hero’? Would you say this definition is different within literature to real life?
A hero is someone who does what needs to be done to help/save others despite the risk to themselves, or at personal cost, or do something outstanding for the good of others. They don’t need special powers – despite what the books and films might say.
The doctors and nurses who risked their lives in the pandemic to care for others, a man who risked his life getting abandoned animals out of Afghanistan, a humble old man who walked 100 laps of his garden with his walking frame to raise £1000 for the NHS charity and ended up raising £30 million, the explorers who found new lands, and walked on the moon, the scientists who discovered things for the betterment of life – such as penicillin, aspirin, and chemotherapy, the authors, artists and musicians that defied convention to bring new work to us, to those who fought for equality and freedom.
Literary heroes are often (but not always) special – the son/daughter of a god, imbued with magic or superpowers, vastly wealthy, princes (or princesses).
How do you portray heroism in your books?
My heroes are very much anti-heroes – they kill, they steal, they commit crimes in order to help people who can’t help themselves.
Archos and Olek know full well they are not ‘good’ people by the standards of their society, and they do and have done unpleasant things. Yet they stand up for those with no rights and no voice – and try to help where they can and great personal risk.
Dii – I think she’s a hero – despite what has happened to her, and the way she’s been treated she is still kind, selfless and helps those who aren’t really worth her kindness.
How important are ‘facts’ in fantasy – does something need to be plausible to be believable?
It has to be reasonably plausible in the world in which it takes place – although not necessarily deeply explained. If there’s magic then it has to have limits, or at least be hard to use and dangerous. It doesn’t need to be explained WHY there’s magic – but it needs to be consistent and fit the world. If it doesn’t then I think it needs an explanation to the reader.
So, for example in my world of Erana magic exists – I suppose you could say it’s alive or at least has some sentience – people, animals and objects can be magical and exhibit powers or attributes that the mundane don’t possess. However, due to wars and a plague that mostly affected the magical use of magic is outlawed. Magic is dangerous, and tends to do what it wants if given free range. It exacts a price. A mage can’t indefinitely keep using it – the more powerful the more the mage has to pay – with blood, pain, even life. And, of course, if the Order of Witch-Hunters find out then the mage is in big trouble. Magic demands a price. The greater the magic, the greater the price.
I think with fantasy willing suspension of disbelief is needed. Sometimes things happen because they do….
It’s fiction – it doesn’t have to be true or real in our own world.
Science is magic – just magic we understand or accept. Religion is fantasy, just a truth to some people. Truth can be relative.
What science fiction/fantasy has influenced you most?
JRR Tolkien, Homer, Mary Shelley, Janet Morris, Terry Pratchett, ancient myth, the tales my late father used to make up.…
