Joinings: A Seared Sky; All You Need Know.

It occurred to me yesterday, whilst writing a guest post for another blog, that I hadn’t actually placed a piece on here to describe my latest release. I’ve done lots of posts regarding character and place, lots of mentions running up to the launch in March, but I haven’t actually described the book!

Most remiss of me.

So, to coincide with its availability in the publisher’s new online store, here’s the basic information.

Joinings, the first book of epic fantasy trilogy, A Seared Sky, is published in digital and print formats by Fantastic Books Publishing and was released on 30 March 2014.

This is what the book is about:

In one sentence:

An ill-timed omen sends a malicious leader on a hazardous quest that will alter everyone it touches.

With a little more detail:

When celestial portent, the Skyfire, arrives earlier than expected, the autocratic and corrupt High Priest, Dagla Kaz, must set out for the ancient homeland to harvest a new Godwood and exchange Virgin Gifts. He must lead his reluctant pilgrims hundreds of leagues across pirate-infested seas and over hostile lands, to return triumphant before the seared sky dies back to normality.

In his father’s absence, the Renegade, Aklon, risks torture and death to bring justice to his subjugated people. Mindtalk with a wise woman on the distant mainland has opened his eyes to the evils underlying the society he inhabits. And, whilst seeking truth, he finds a soulmate and lover in the most unexpected circumstances.

Witnessing his beautiful and clever daughter, Tumalind, wrongly chosen as a Virgin Gift, religious fanatic Aglydron follows the mission in order to right the wrong. Okkyntalah, Tumalind’s young and handsome betrothed, helps Aglydron kidnap the rightful Virgin Gift to take her over unknown seas and lands, risking violent death at the end of their epic journey.

Here are some review quotes, to heighten your interest and inform you of other readers’ impressions:

‘It is hard to imagine anyone getting to the end of this and not thirsting for more. The opening scene is gripping. It hooked me in and then I was compelled to read the rest.’ Dr P. Grubb

‘Stuart Aken does a tremendous job of world-building, and the beliefs and mythologies of the world are well integrated into his characters who speak and act with references to their existing mythology.’ Walter Rhein

‘The beautiful prose, delectable style of writing and the sharpness of the story is enough to keep one absorbed to the last page.’ Khamneithang Vaiphei (one of Amazon’s top reviewers)

‘The author has created a well-realised world with differing societies, full of many small details that serve to highlight cultural mores, and of course a host of interesting characters.’ N. Lilley

‘I've rarely read an epic novel of such power and I write as a PhD in creative writing!’  Nigel J. Robinson

And, of course, you need to know where to buy the book. Simply click on the supplier’s name and you’ll be whizzed over the ether to the appropriate place. Enjoy the read.

Amazon.co.uk: 

Amazon.com: 

Any Amazon outlet,wherever in the world you live: 

ForUK readers, direct from Fantastic Books Publishing, post free: 

BookDepository, post free, worldwide:  

And, for those who prefer to order from a local bookshop, use these details so they can get it for you:

Title: Joinings, A Seared Sky. ISBN 13: 978-1-909-163-300 or ISBN 10: 1909163309, published 30 March 2014 by Fantastic Books Publishing.

If you’d like a PDF copy (for review purposes only) please contact me via the ‘Contact me’ link at the head of the page.

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Exploring Character and Place in A Seared Sky #9

Chellyth:

Chellyth, as visualised by Alice Taylor

This is the 9^th in a series of pieces on characters and places featured in Joinings: A Seared Sky. This background information, isn’t covered in the book, but should enhance the reading experience. For some of my people, there’ll be a character drawing, supplied by Alice Taylor, maybe a video interview, and accompanying script. I may do short pieces of fiction, deepening knowledge of certain minor characters as well.

For the places, I may use sections of the map, to indicate location, along with a description of the place, as I see it, and, where appropriate, links with characters. Perhaps I’ll indicate the way of life there with a short anecdote or story. I won’t reveal any of the main story, either as already published or as written in the series, merely enhance readers’ enjoyment of the trilogy by providing more information. I hope this will give pleasure to those who’ve bought the book and, perhaps, persuade others to take that step.

Pronunciation hints:

Chellyth – chell-ith

Por-Kildu – paw-kill-do

Dagla Kaz – pronounced exactly as written.

Aklon-Dji – ak-lon-djy (think of the Dj sound in the name of tennis player, Djokovic

Muhnilahm – murn-ill-arm

Names are pronounced phonetically. But this is my take on them; how I hear them in my head. You may pronounce them as you wish, of course; reading is, after all, active rather than passive.

Chellyth is the female half of a pair who lead the rejects, criminals and so-called deviants imprisoned on The Point. I know some will balk at her lack of apparel, but, like all those who live in her community, she lacks the means to make clothing. She is 30ish, attractive, and a strong woman who exists in a very harsh environment. She has to be tough to survive. Here she talks to our Fantasy editor from Fantastic Books Publishing, where you can purchase the first book in the series: Joinings, A Seared Sky.

FE:         So, Chellyth, how do you fit into this fantastic story?

Chellyth:            Fit in? An interesting idea for the leader of a group of people rejected by the rest of society, don’t you think?

FE:         Rejected? In what way, and why?

Chellyth:            I don’t know your world. But here, on the island of Muhnilahm, everything’s ruled by a tyrant who holds the title of High Priest. Dagla Kaz is a cruel, intolerant, bigoted and basically dishonest man. You get on the wrong side of that bowelcreep and you’ve generally got two choices: an agonising death – he loves to invent ever more painful ways to kill people – or escape to The Point.

FE:         The Point?

Chellyth:            Por-Kildu, who’s my partner, and I, are known as ‘The One’. We rule on The Point and give sanctuary to those who either run away from the main part of the island or are brought here as a punishment by the High Priest’s gang of corrupt officials, the Holy Ones.  This place is effectively cut off from the rest of the island; a long narrow peninsula isolated by a huge scar that runs the width of the landward end of The Point. It’s more or less unscalable, except that Aklon Dji manages to get up and down it. He’s the High Priest’s son and a man we admire more than any other.

FE:         So, you live a segregated existence on this Point?

Chellyth:            Exist, yes. We’ve no choice. There’s no way down the steep cliffs, unless you want to kill yourself on the rocks below. And, as I said, only Aklon Dji seems to know how to ascend the scar onto the main island. We’ve no fabric for clothes here, the only water comes from a spring that dwells under the shadow of the small copse of trees on the low hill. The rest of the land is arid and parched; home to venomous snakes and carrion birds. We grow what little food we can on a small piece of land hard by our village.

FE:         Sounds a hard life, Chellyth.

Chellyth:            Hard? It’s all I’ve ever known. I was born here. Por-Kildu, he’s different. He was tortured by Dagla Kaz and then brought here to die. I restored him to health and we became lovers. But he describes life on the main island, telling tales of luxury and plenty. Yes. It’s a hard life.

FE:         If you’re governing a bunch of criminals, law-breakers and social outcasts, how do you keep control?

Chellyth:            Don’t make judgments about people you’ve never met. My people are fine. They’re victims of an unjust system. They’re not really criminals, except in the sense they’ve broken unreasonable laws.  It’s a harsh land and I have to employ harsh rules. Break the rules of my society and you’d better be prepared for a horrible death.

FE:         Doesn’t that make you as bad as Dagla Kaz?

Chellyth:            Fool! He has a choice, and he chooses to inflict pain and suffering for entertainment. Nothing to do with imposing his will or governing the people: he has the Holy Ones and an army for that. I have to keep control of people who have nothing. You can’t take anything away from them, except their lives. And some of them would welcome that, so I have to make it a difficult ending. It’s the only way to rule here, as you’d know if you’d ever lived in such a place.

FE:         Do you have dreams, hopes?

Chellyth:            Aklon Dji will save us all one day soon. He’ll overthrow his evil father and allow us back onto the main island. Then we can lead normal lives.

FE:         Sounds a bit unlikely.

Chellyth:            You think our hero can’t fulfil his promise to us? What do you know?

FE:         One man against all the High Priest’s forces? There’s a price on his head, isn’t there? Suppose they catch and kill him?

Chellyth:            I’ve nothing more to say to you. You delight in inflicting pain on a repressed people. Leave me be. Go! You’re no friend of mine.

FE:         A remarkable woman, but I get the feeling she’s delusional.  Mind you, if things are that hard, who can blame her for clinging to a dream?

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Exploring Character and Place in A Seared Sky #8

Character interview with Tryonta.

This is the 8^th in a series of pieces on characters and places featured in Joinings: A Seared Sky. This background information, isn’t covered in the book, but should enhance the reading experience. For some of my people, there’ll be a character drawing, supplied by Alice Taylor, maybe a video interview, and accompanying script. I may do short pieces of fiction, deepening knowledge of certain minor characters as well.

For the places, I may use sections of the map, to indicate location, along with a description of the place, as I see it, and, where appropriate, links with characters. Perhaps I’ll indicate the way of life there with a short anecdote or story. I won’t reveal any of the main story, either as already published or as written in the series, merely enhance readers’ enjoyment of the trilogy by providing more information. I hope this will give pleasure to those who’ve bought the book and, perhaps, persuade others to take that step.

Pronunciation hints:

Tryonta – try-on-ta

Dagla Kaz – pronounced exactly as written

Ytraa – eet-rah

Names are pronounced phonetically. But this is my take on them; how I hear them in my head. You may pronounce them as you wish, of course: reading is, after all, active rather than passive.

Tryonta is around 35. He’s a snake. Amoral and utterly self-centred. His voice holds the sinister charm of the man who knows how to manipulate others. Although his responses may appear terse, they’re spoken more with a superior questioning quality than with overt anger. Here he is interviewed by Fantastic Books Publishing’s Fantasy Editor.

FE:         Good morrow, Tryonta. I gather you’re a sort of aid to the High Priest?

Tryonta:            What of it?

FE:         Ah, I merely want to get your view of your position and your feelings about the…

Tryonta:            Feelings are for fools. My position is that of guardian, helper and informer for the most important man in the land.

FE:         What sort of things do you do to…help Dagla Kaz?

Tryonta:            You don’t look like a fool. Does a trusted deputy discuss his duties with all and sundry? No. I don’t wish to appear obstructive, but you must understand the delicacy of my position.

FE:         Let’s try a different tack. What are you feelings…thoughts about your religion?

Tryonta:            What is there to think about? We are Followers. We obey the will and the regulations set out by our High Priest. We do our duty. Those who fail to obey are dealt with according to the law. Such fools deserve the pain and humiliation they suffer for their failure to do as they are required. What more is there to say?

FE:         Do you have personal pleasures you’d like to share with us?

Tryonta:            A good meal, served with good drink. A compliant partner for joining; preferably someone who understands rank and status. A well-made tabard, of silk and decorated with suitable designs.

FE:         You enjoy joining with a willing woman, then?

Tryonta:            What man does not enjoy the pleasure to be had with a compliant partner?

FE:         How do you view the High Priest?

Tryonta:            You choose your words with care; that’s good. The High Priest is my commander, my provider; dare I say, my friend? But I am also his protector and his most trusted aid. We form a team, in which he plays the part of the leader, of course, since he is blessed by Ytraa, and in which I play the role of reliable and unquestioning assistant.

FE:         And, if Dagla Kaz were to ask you to do something, shall we say, not quite within the law?

Tryonta:            A foolish question, if you will forgive my bluntness. Dagla Kaz is the chosen of Ytraa. It is impossible for him to act outside the law, since he is the law. You understand?

FE:         I believe I do. Thank you for your time, Tryonta. Most enlightening.

Tryonta:            Really? And I thought I had been so circumspect in my answers. If you believe yourself enlightened, I can only assume you’re a better questioner than I imagined, or, perhaps, not honest enough with yourself to understand the true nature of our exchange.

FE:         Perhaps. Honesty and truth, however…

More to follow.

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Exploring Character and Place in A Seared Sky #6

Jodisa-Li permits an interview with the Fantasy Editor.

This is the 6^th in a series of pieces on characters and places featured in Joinings: A Seared Sky. This background information, isn’t covered in the book, but should enhance the reading experience. For some of my people, there’ll be a character drawing, supplied by Alice Taylor, maybe a video interview, and accompanying script. I may do short pieces of fiction, deepening knowledge of certain minor characters as well.

For the places, I may use sections of the map, to indicate location, along with a description of the place, as I see it, and, where appropriate, links with characters. Perhaps I’ll indicate the way of life there with a short anecdote or story. I won’t reveal any of the main story, either as already published or as written in the series, merely enhance readers’ enjoyment of the trilogy by providing more information. I hope this will give pleasure to those who’ve bought the book and, perhaps, persuade others to take that step.

Pronunciation hints:

Jodisa-Li – jo-dee-sah-lie

Dagla Kaz - pronounced exactly as written

Tumalind – tum-a-lind

Aklon-Dji – ak-lon-djy (think of the Dj sound in the name of tennis player, Djokovic)

Names are pronounced phonetically. But this is my take on them; how I hear them in my head. You may pronounce them as you wish, of course; reading is, after all, active rather than passive.

Jodisa-Li here countenances an interview with the Fantasy Editor of Fantastic Books Publishing.

Jodisa-Li is 17/18, physically a virtual twin of Tumalind, and heir to the High Priest, Dagla Kaz. She’s confident, aloof, superior and clever.

FE:         Thank you, Jodisa-Li for granting me the privilege of an interview.

Jodisa-Li:           You’ll make it worth my time and effort.

FE:         Jodisa-Li. What’s the ‘Li’ stand for?

Jodisa-Li:           I’m the recognised heir to the High Priest. ‘Li’ informs the people of my status. I’m the most important person in the land, after my father.

FE:         I see. So, if your father fails in his mission, you’ll become the next High Priest?

Jodisa-Li:           Fail? My father? Don’t be impertinent, man.  He does the work of our god; how can he fail?

FE:         Accidents do happen. Especially on long trips over unknown lands and seas.

Jodisa-Li:           If you put it like that, I suppose there’s a possibility he may face a barrier he’s unable to surmount. In that case, yes, I’ll take over the role of leader here.

FE:         And how will you feel about that?

Jodisa-Li:           It’s what I’ve been raised and trained to do. I’ll be fulfilling my destiny. The people will obey my commands and I’ll see that all behave with proper respect and reverence.

FE:         I understand that, as the High Priestess, you’d have no fixed partner. How do you feel about that?

Jodisa-Li:           Feelings don’t come into it. It is my duty to spread my delights as widely as possible. But men will flock to join with me; I see the way they look at me in the city and the towns. I am desired. I’ll have my pick of the best specimens and woe betide any who fail to do my bidding.

FE:         Power, don’t you think, carries responsibilities?

Jodisa-Li:           You can teach me nothing of power. I’ve lived with power all my life. Power is the instrument of the powerful. Used correctly, it serves the user and those who bend to obey it. A good leader is one who ensures that her subjects understand their place and provides a strong example for others to follow.

FE:         Suppose one of your partners were to prove so special that you fell in love with him?

Jodisa-Li:           Who told you about that?  Ah, I see, an imaginary situation. Love is for the common folk. I’m required, by tradition, custom and sacred duty, to spread my delights wide, as I said. Love has no place in my future.

FE:         What’s your opinion of your brother, Aklon-Dji?

Jodisa-Li:           He may be handsome, clever, strong, and cunning, but he’s a fool at heart. I mean, to reject the means to power and wealth so easily. Only a fool would do that.    

FE:         Or a man of principle.

Jodisa-Li:           Same thing. Nature, you know, depends on the power of the fittest. No leader can allow sentiment to cloud judgment, honesty to overcome expedience. Once the people saw such weakness, they’d simply cease to obey such a coward.

FE:         Don’t have a lot of time for your people, do you, Jodisa-Li?

Jodisa-Li:           I have as much respect for them as they warrant. Father says the people get the leader they deserve. If they want their leaders to make their decisions for them, to do their thinking, in fact, they have to accept those decisions and that thinking, don’t they? Laziness and complacency, cowardice and fear are the main qualities displayed by the general people. Could you respect that?

FE:         As to that, we’ll have to agree to disagree, I think. But I thank you for your time and the insight into your personality, Jodisa-Li.

Jodisa-Li:           Insight? I doubt that. You have the information I wish you to have, no more than that. I bid you farewell.

FE:         Farewell, young lady.

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