Author Interview: Ian Gregoire and #TheApprenticeInTheMastersShadow
The Apprentice in the Masters Shadow
Legends of the Order #2
Ian Gregoire
Fantasy
Interview with Ian Gregoire
Where are you from?
I was born in London into an immigrant family of the so-called “Windrush Generation”, who arrived in the UK in the late fifties from the Caribbean.
Do you have a job away from writing?
I gave up a career in web design to write my first novel, The Exercise Of Vital Powers, but I have yet to rejoin to the workforce so technically I am a full-time writer, though I’m not sure how much longer that will remain the case. The income from my writing is not presently enough to live on, which likely means I will have to return to work once the coronavirus pandemic has ended, unless my new book changes my fortunes.
What is your favourite book?
It’s impossible for me to single out just one book as being my favourite; there are several candidates in a number of genres. However, if you were to push me to identify the book that I consider to be the best I’ve ever read, I would say Kushiel’s Chosen by Jacqueline Carey.
Are you inspired by particular authors?
There are four authors in particular whom I look up to as inspirations: Jacqueline Carey, Lois McMaster Bujold, Guy Gavriel Kay, and Philip K. Dick. They are the writers whose writing and story-telling abilities I am most envious of, so they are the bar by which I judge my own writing, hence why I try to emulate the qualities that make their work so memorable to me.
When did you realise you wanted to become an author?
I was eleven years old when I realised I wanted to become an author when I grew up. In school, for an English assignment, I had to write a short-story to be entered into a national literary contest. I can’t remember what my story was about, but it was one of several runners-up, and I was subsequently awarded a certificate that was presented during a morning assembly. From that moment I knew what I wanted to do with my life.
What do you do in your spare time?
I generally like diversions that simultaneously enhance my creativity, so when I need to take a break from writing I usually enjoy reading, listening to music, and when time allows, watching films, bingeing TV series, or playing games. All these things, in their own way, invariably contribute to my creative output.
I also like going for long walks to clear my head, something I haven’t been able to do for several weeks thanks to the current pandemic.
Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
I hate to be boring, but the most commonly given advice that aspiring authors receive is to read a lot and write a lot. This is an essential component of learning the craft of writing, so anyone who is serious about being published should heed this advice.
I would also add that you should write because you love it, and not because you want to become a billionaire like J.K. Rowling. This simply isn’t a realistic aspiration.
What inspired the storyline?
When I eventually decided that The Exercise Of Vital Powers would no longer remain a standalone story, it wasn’t difficult to work out what the story line for the sequel should be. Without going into spoiler territory, there was a minor story thread in book 1 that wasn’t important to the overall plot beyond world building, but provided some background history for the setting as well as one of the main characters. The Apprentice In The Master’s Shadow picks up this unresolved story thread, and turns it into an epic adventure for the protagonist, Kayden Jayta, while also giving readers more insight into the other main character, Fay Annis.
Is there anything you learned during the writing or publishing process that you wish you knew earlier?
I learned a number of valuable lessons while producing this book, the most important being the need to streamline my writing process, to cut down the amount of time it takes me to produce a final draft.
In general terms, I now know that I seriously need to work on my time management during each phase of the writing and publication process, in order to make life easier and a lot less stressful.
What are your writing plans for the future?
My immediate plans are to increase the frequency of my output by writing shorter fiction in between the publication of full length novels. And, obviously, I want to finish my current fantasy series as swiftly as possible so I can work on other projects.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I’ve been fascinated by China since early childhood so it’s definitely at the top of my list of destinations. It’s one of the world’s most enduring civilisations with a long history, and a diversity of cultures that I would love to explore and learn more about.
What is your favourite movie or tv series?
I can’t choose one movie or TV series as my favourite since I have so many. However, I do have to mention the 90s sci-fi show Babylon 5 because it had (and continues to have) such a huge influence on me as a story teller. The visual effects may not have aged well, but in terms of narrative it remains a remarkable piece of television and is the reason why its creator, J. Michael Straczynski, is one of my most important influences.
What is your favourite song?
According to Last.fm, which I use to track my music listening habits, the song that I have listened to most often over the past seven years is Did You Disappoint Your God? by Neva Dinova. So, if I had to choose one song as my favourite it would be this one.
This book will be released on May 4th and can now be preordered!
Reviews are very important for authors. If you pick up this book, or book #1, please consider leaving a review.
Also, check out Ian’s Twitter account for information regarding a Give Away for book #1 The Exercise of Vital Powers. – @lonelyboy1977
Book Release: The Blessing of Equinox
The Blessing of Equinox
The White Witch #1
Kathryn Reynolds
Fantasy
Marsilia leads a happy life in the Fae Woods of the mortal realm, healing those in need and sharing a small hut with her pa and dog. When a dark entity enters her woods, endangering all that she holds dear, she seeks aid from Elder Rohesia.
Fjell is a dwarven warrior outcast from his society for reasons he prefers not to discuss. Honorable and steadfast, he has a fair bit of mistrust for those who wield magic and a debt owed to Elder Rohesia. When roped into helping Marsilia on her quest, he finds himself at odds with his determination to do what is right and the necessity of working alongside a magic user.
Can the white witch and the dwarf find the power needed to defeat the dark witch and save her home?
Amazon
Twitter – @kl_reynolds
About the author
Kathryn Reynolds was born in Houston, Texas to an obsession of dragons, unicorns and magic. As she grew, that obsession spread into history and folklore, and she began her first world building and story crafting with her best friends at the tender age of ten.
Now living in northern Colorado, Kathryn continues her personal studies of historical clothing, courtly graces, and martial combat in medieval reenactment.
When not working on her next story, she enjoys hiking in the mountains with her husband, knitting with her Maine Coon curled up at her side, and drinking unreasonable amounts of tea.
Book Release: #TheApprenticeInTheMastersShadow
The Apprentice In The Master’s Shadow
Legends of the Order #2
Ian Gregoire
Fantasy
Sometimes Respect Has To Be Earned The Hard Way.
The end of an arduous apprenticeship is close at hand, and Kayden Jayta unexpectedly learns that being the favoured apprentice of a living legend is not conducive to gaining the respect she deserves. With little time left to change perceptions, simmering resentment persuades her that drastic action is required to redress the slights of her detractors. Measures that may jeopardise her induction into the Order, and endanger her life.
An overheard conversation presents Kayden with both the means and justification to pursue her objective. The key to attaining the respect she craves lies beyond the borders of the Nine Kingdoms. But the window of opportunity is small; the danger she must face, great; and the price of failure, greater still. Undeterred, she will allow nothing and no one to hinder her from the path she must walk.
The one-woman mission to a foreign land will test Kayden’s abilities like never before. If she is to succeed in her dangerous manhunt, she must overcome enemies new and old before facing an adversary she maybe ill-equipped to defeat. And little does she suspect that her reckless endeavour will have unintended consequences, forcing the legendary Fay Annis to confront her infamous past.
But the trials and tribulations that lie ahead must surely be worth the risk, for only unprecedented action will permit the headstrong apprentice to step out of her master’s shadow.
This is book #2 of the Legends of the Order series. You can ready my review for book #1 The Exercise of Vital Powers here, but it was written before the latest edition.
This is a great fantasy read! And even better, Ian Gregoire is running a give away for book #1 on Twitter. 100 free copies are up for grabs!
Check it out at @lonelyboy1977
Book Promotion: Action
The Digital Eye
The Traced Crime #1
Tobias Wilson
A page-turning debut in the tradition of Jack Reacher and Clive Cussler. The digital Eye is a modern-day revenge story that gives an insight into just how easy it is to find a person in the digital age and use that knowledge gathered to compel them to do almost anything, even kill.
The Digital eye is a fast-paced thriller, with adrenaline-fueled action.
Darby was a dedicated family man until he accepted a job offer which turned out too good to be true and more terrible than he could have imagined. Kept away from his family for the longest eighteen months of his life, Darby is still a prisoner, stuck on a ship involved in the human trafficking business where he is routinely forced to do terrible things that will haunt him for the rest of his life. That is until a stranger boards, a stranger named Alek Ivanov who is far more than he appears and is being hunted by those who would also do him and his family deep harm if he is caught.
Now Darby must team up with this stranger to fight for their freedom as well as the lives of their loved ones against those who have control over the digital eye that watches over our world, unblinking, twenty-four hours every day and holds digital or real-world footprints of anyone who would dare fight back.
But the tools that can be used to blackmail people, threaten their families and destroy lives are just that, tools. If Darby and Alek can work together and get off the death ship they are trapped on, then find out who they are truly fighting against, they might be able use those tools to their own ends. But against some of the most ruthless criminals on the planet its kill or be killed, and the race is on between these two and the powers they are fighting against to see who survives. Will it be Darby and Alek, forced into impossible situations to forge an alliance to the death or the powerful criminals they have to bring down to save themselves and more importantly, their families?
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Twitter – @TobiasTheAuthor
Existence
L. D. Whitney
After a harrowing encounter at the bottom of the world, biologist Adalyn Price wants nothing more than to get away from it all. Hounded by the media and the scientific community alike, her sister Penelope is the only person that stands between Ada and her nightmares. And when a stranger’s proposal sparks Penny’s interest, Ada is forced to rethink her plans.José Narvaez, a researcher studying life in the Amazon, approaches the sisters after stumbling across a creature that had roamed unseen for 12,000 years. For millennia, tribes have passed down stories of monsters living in the jungle.Now, evidence has come to light that threatens to reveal the hidden truths in age old myths. Reluctantly, Ada and Penny agree to join his expedition, aiming to provide the world with proof that monsters do exist, and deserve to be protected. But the Amazon doesn’t give up its secrets without a fight, and there are more than myths and legends in the flesh haunting the uncharted Amazonian wilderness. Some monsters are more human than not.Also includes an exclusive short story that continues Ada and Penny’s adventures!
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Twitter – @thegildedland
Book Promotions: Steampunk
Mr. Darcy: Cogs Maketh the Man
Joan Wendland
Who hasn’t read Pride and Prejudice and said to themselves – that was a great read, but it would be even better with air ships and clockwork servants! So buckle up for this steampunk reimagining of the Jane Austen classic as told from Mr. Darcy’s perspective.
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Twitter – @BandCgames
A Hunt By Moonlight
Werewolves and Gaslight #1
Shawna Reppert
Something more deadly than werewolves is stalking the gaslit streets of London. Inspector Royston Jones, unacknowledged bastard of a high-born family, is determined to track the killer before more young women fall to his knife. But his investigation puts him in the way of a lord who is a clandestine werewolf and the man’s fiancée , a woman alchemist with attitude and a secret of her own. Will they destroy Royston to protect their covert identities, or will they join with him to hunt the hunter?
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Twitter – @ShawnaReppert
Book Promotions: Occult
The Sahjaza Book of Secrets
Goddess Rosemary
Temple House Sahjaza is the longest consecutively running private organization of its type within the modern new age and occult underground, founded in 1976. Most of their teachings are private and remain a mystery to those not initiated into the Temple. We are a group of like-minded artistic, creative and literary individuals interested in science and the arts. The Sahjaza seek a balance of dayside and nightside in all aspects of life. Despite the use of the word ‘Temple'” the Temple House Sahjaza is not a religion but a philosophy of spiritually based living that allows for individual expression of belief while maintaining a common moral and ethical code. Dive deep into the mysteries.
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Goodreads
Twitter – @GoddessTales
Wild, Dark Times
Austin Case
It’s the summer of 2012 and Elizabeth Megalos is a disillusioned art-school grad getting by as a bank teller in St. Louis. One evening, she’s attacked by a possessed coworker and saved by a mysterious, wise-cracking sorcerer named Eddy. He drags Elizabeth and Hugh—a skeptical scholar of the occult—to Europe, where he introduces them to his three magical celebrity friends. Once there, Eddy explains the group’s mission: preventing a Demiurge—a creature out of Gnostic Christian mythology—from fulfilling the visions of doom in the Book of Revelation. The Demiurge has been drawing power from the misguided beliefs in the Mayan apocalypse and is set to start the destruction on Dec. 21st, 2012. Through ritual magic and a series of psychedelic experiences, the group learns that Elizabeth is the key to taking down the Demiurge, though she can’t imagine how she will be the one to stop Armageddon.
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Twitter – @esoteric_austin
Fantasy Friday: The Wind from Faerie
The Wind from Faerie
William Justus
Teen/YA Sword and Sorcery
Kellan can only dream of a life without servitude, a life beyond the woods. And magic? That’s just a legend. But after he discovers a book of magic in his master’s library and begins to summon the power of wind, it becomes his obsession. When the emperor offers to test serfs for magical ability, it’s everything Kellan could ask for: a chance for an education, a chance to see the world, a chance for freedom.
At the Lyceum, he finds not only that, but friends, enemies, and more danger than he bargained for. There, it doesn’t take long for tales to form about Kellan the Fey. Can he become worthy of such renown? First, he must contend with the Wind from Faerie…
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Twitter – @will_justus
Reviews
This book is written in a compelling and engaging story-telling way, reminiscent of Tolkien or Rowling. I thoroughly enjoyed the explanation of magic and its structure throughout the book, both with the struggle of understanding how to use it effectively and the triumphs of using it more creatively. The verbage is varied and creates vivid imagery. – Amazon Customer
It was an enjoyable story that made you want to continue reading. A rich world with vivid descriptions and character development. – Dolores J.
A fun story from a promising new writer! – Stacy
Book Promotion: Memoirs
White Man’s Disease: A Memoir
Paul C. Thornton
Poignant, sad, tragic, funny, and compelling. At 29, Paul Thornton thought he was at the top of his game. Married to his beautiful childhood sweetheart, a rising star at one of the world’s largest companies, and gifted with a tall, commanding presence, Paul Thornton had a future as bright as the morning sun. But then a catastrophe left him without his wife and the mother of his children, his career in jeopardy, and his life measured by the thin blade of a skilled surgeon. White Man’s Disease succeeds because it covers the basics, describing in almost clinical detail the operation that changed Thornton’s life. But the book transcends that basic story to become a tale of hope and redemption, and providing social commentary on the past quarter century of social change. Issues of affirmative action, the home media revolution, medical ethics and responsibility, and higher education with the traditional American virtues of hard work and sacrifice inform White Man’s Disease, making it not only a book about one man’s victory, but a larger story about the power of human resilience and the essential American Dream of realizing one’s full potential.
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Twitter – @joyofcruising
The Vineyard We Knew: A Recollection of Summers on Martha’s Vineyard
Kevin J. Parham
The Vineyard We Knew is a candid, un-sanitized story about spending summers on Martha’s Vineyard under humble circumstances. It’s a coming-of-age memoir that unfolds from the perspective of a child, an adolescent, and a teenager. It then interjects the wisdom one acquires as an adult, and takes a look back at our childhood experiences, making note of the juxtaposition between things that are viewed from the vantage point of maturity as opposed to that which is seen through the eyes of an innocent child.
This book embraces the fact that no matter who we are, where we come from, or what our social or economic circumstances might be, our childhood experiences are a blueprint for the rest of our lives.
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Twitter – @Kevin_Parham14
Fantasy Friday: The Far-Off Kingdom
The Far-Off Kingdom
Joseph Samaniego
Sword and Sorcery Fantasy
A young king is tested by forces wishing to conquer his lands – and from rebels within his own kingdom!
Two hundred years after the Gota settled on the Central Continent the word has moved on – but change is coming! Queen Aiko of the Quarmi Domain wishes to cleanse the world of heretics and the Sile Emperor, Kishtos III, seeks a mythical kingdom of power. Together they help a usurper regain his family’s throne but the puppet knows the truth. The old gods are never far away when such hatred and evil surround mortals.
Join the Kingdom of Lotcala, the Amazonian Queendom and their new dwarven allies as they battle the forces of evil in an attempt to protect their lands, their people and the mortal world!
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Twitter – @JSSamaniego1
Help out an author – this book needs reviews!
Terry 2020 Book Review: The Colour of Magic
The Colour of Magic
Discworld #1
by Terry Pratchett
Rating: 2/5
I really struggled with this one. I am glad it was not the first book I picked up, because I would otherwise be struggling with attempting the rest of the series. I felt as though it was scattered and all over the place. There were four different sections to the story with no clear path between them and I also found the descriptions really hard to visualise.
However, this was the “first” book in the series. Obviously, Terry Pratchett improved his writing skills during the process, since I have really enjoyed other books.
For those of you who don’t know, the series has several different stories that can be followed. As long as you read the related books in the right order, it really doesn’t matter which story you start with. So, if you are thinking of picking up the Discworld series, I would recommend starting somewhere else…
The next book on my list is The Light Fantastic.
The Writing Process 