Kevin Domenic Talks About Key to the Stars
Today I welcome Kevin Dominic, who has taken a video game concept to a whole new level. As a VG aficionado myself, I love the idea and the interview. Enjoy!
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Tell us what the book is about:
Overall, Key to the Stars is just one piece of a far greater story. However, this particular book is about Arus Sheeth, a fourteen-year-old swordsman. He and his best friend Vultrel Lurei are swordsmen under the tutelage of Vultrel's father, Eaisan Lurei. Having survived a war against an invading race of sorcerers years earlier, Eaisan trains the boys in the ways of the blade so that they may one day be able to protect their village just as he once did.
But when Arus is kidnapped by remnants of those sorcerers and forced to fight against his own people, Eaisan and Vultrel set out on a journey to protect their kingdom and, if possible, save him.
That is, of course, if there's any humanity left within him to save.
As a special gift, Kevin is offering a free coupon for a Smashwords copy! Just visit this link, and use coupon code: RN39V http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/24099
What is special about the main character?
Arus is a real hero. He fights for what is honest, dependable, moral, and just, and does the right thing for the simple reason that it is the right thing to do. I've been very outspoken about my dislike for the antihero; I think we need role models that teach us to try to be better people. I don't like protagonists that use underhanded tactics the achieve their goals. It doesn't set a good example, and Arus is the opposite of all that.
What conflicts drive the story?
That's a loaded question. Each character has their own distinct conflict driving them, and each are intertwined with the overall main story. Arus struggles to cope with losing a piece of his humanity after being forcibly enslaved. Vultrel must brave the dangers of the outside world when he goes undercover as a member of the village militia. Kitreena encounters unexpected changes as her unique powers begin to develop. And all of them race to stop Sartan Truce from exploiting his one-of-a-kind weapon for profit. There's never a dull moment.
What would you say the theme of the book is?
My underlying theme throughout the entire series comes from Hebrews 10:24 in the Bible which is, "Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works." Help each other. Love each other. Fight for what's right. I think Ghandi said it best when he said, "Be the change you want to see in the world."
Who would be most interested in this novel?
A couple of readers have called The Fourth Dimension a cross between Lord of the Rings and Star Wars, so I hope fans of both will be able to find something they like. As far as age ranges, I think teens and adults alike can enjoy this book and hopefully take something positive away from it.
What prompted you to write the book?
Final Fantasy III on Super Nintendo! Best RPG ever. The honest story is that I finished playing Final Fantasy III when I was fourteen and was disappointed because the story was over. I wanted more, so I sat down and wrote a short sequel to the game. I enjoyed it so much that I decided to try to create something completely original, and that's when I started the first draft of The Fourth Dimension.
When you write, how does it make you feel?
Free. My imagination never stops, so even when I'm at work or doing household chores or shopping for groceries, the tales of swordplay and monsters and magic and space-faring warlords continue in the back of my mind. When I write, I can actually focus on all of it and piece it together. It's exhilarating to be able to jump into a world where anything can and will happen.
What authors inspire you? Whose books can't you put down?
The first three or four books of The Wheel of Time were definite page-turners for me. I still pick up Timothy Zahn's Star Wars books from time to time; Mara Jade was one of my favorite characters. And just this past Christmas, I became a proud new owner of some of the most imaginative work I've ever come across: The Complete Calvin & Hobbes Collection.
Would you like to share any other stories or books that you have written?
Yes! Along with Key to the Stars, Volumes II andIIIare also available for purchase. Volume II is entitled Alliance of Serpents, and VolumeIIIis called Eye of the Tornado. Aside from those, I've also written a Christian novel called Building Blocks which is free from most ebook retailers, and a humor book called Retail Ramblings which is a collection of crazy (and true!) stories about customers I encountered during my years of servitude to the retail beast.
Please tell us about yourself and your family
I am 31 years old, and I live in St. Louis,Missouri with my fiance. I work a day job as a 
client services representative, but at night I wield swords, conquer villains, and swim with stars in distant galaxies. Laura has her own shop on Esty called Keilantra's Kreations where she sells handmade journals of various styles and fabrics.
When I'm not writing, I enjoy video games, hockey, and sleeping. I also do some amateur video editing on my Youtube page and try to keep readers entertained on my blog.
What projects do you have planned for the future?
I'm working on an as-of-yet unnamed writing project for my blog, but my next book is currently scheduled to be Volume IV of The Fourth Dimension.
